Although the trek is possible throughout winter, the best seasons for Gangtey Trek are from March to May and September to November. It is a short and relatively easy trek with beautiful villages and monasteries en route. There are few other short hikes attached before the actual trek.
Your local tour executive will receive you at Paro international airport and take you to the hotel. After freshening up, you will be taken for an orientation tour of Paro. You will visit Rinpung dzong, Ta-dzong (National Museum) and later in the day, the ruins of Drukgyel dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang.
The following morning, you will hike to the legendary Taktshang or the Tiger’s Nest. This gentle hike will accustom you to the vagaries of mountain climate and altitude. From Taktshang, perched on a precarious cliff, you will have a great view of the valley. You will also get the opportunity to visit the inner sanctum of one of the most sacred sites in the kingdom.
The journey from Paro to Thimphu is little more than an hour. It is a pleasant drive along the river, villages, and farms. Once in Thimphu, you will be taken for a detour of the capital. You will visit the Changangkha monastery, the Memorial Chorten, Tashichhodzong and Kuenselphodrang. You will also be taken to the Takin Zoo in upper Motithang where you will get to see the national animal Takin. In the evening, it’s a nice time to come out in the streets, just for a stroll.
After breakfast, you will be driven to north Thimphu. From the road point, it is a gentle hike uphill to Tango monastery. The trail runs through a beautiful forest. Tango monastery is the leading Buddhist University in the country.
In the morning, you will leave for Gangtey that overlooks the picturesque valley of Phobjikha, the winter roosting ground of the endangered Black Necked Cranes. At Dochula (mountain pass), there will be a short stop over. If the weather is favorable, the majestic mountains ranges can be seen. After a three-hour drive downhill, you will reach Wangduephodrang where lunch will be served. You will resume the drive, uphill, for another three hours till Gangtey. You will halt the night at the camp.
The trek is an easy one. The trail runs through meadows and fields before climbing uphill to Tselela. The route passes through a mixed forest of juniper, bamboo, magnolia and rhododendrons. Along the way, you can meet indigenous Bhutanese inhabitants who speak their ancient dialect. You will also be able to enjoy the beauty of nature. You will camp at Gogona.
The trail is a gentle climb to Shobjula after which you will descend to a broad valley, with mountains in the periphery. The breathtaking landscape adds to the experience. You will spend the night here.
You will climb uphill for a short while to Tashila. From there it is a steep descend. The trail cuts through ever-changing vegetation until you reach the Drangchu. You will spend the night at the hotel by the riverside.
After visiting the Wangduephodrang dzong, and taking a hike to the famous village of Matalungchu, you will head back to Thimphu. Tea will be served at Dochula cafeteria. You will spend the night in Thimphu.
Your tour executive will see you off at the Paro airport.
