Gangtey Gompa Trek

Gangtey Trek in Bhutan is short and exotic trek that leads you to experience the glacial valley of Bhutan. This relatively easy trail visits Gogna and Khotoka passing through the forest of Juniper, Magnolia, Rhododendron and a small stream of cold mountain water. Abundant flora and fauna are found to be residing in a mountain eco-system of Gangtey which have been preserved by Bhutanese Buddhist from the long period of time. Black Necked Carnes migrates into Gangtey every winter from the Tibetan plateau

Gangtey Valley Trek is one of the low-altitude treks in Bhutan and also the easiest. The trek goes to the wide green lush and glacial valley of Phobjikha at an altitude of 3000 meters. The valley is also winter home of the black necked cranes migrating from Tibetan plateau. Ultimately the trek starts from Phobjikha Valley and ends at Tiki Zampa en-route passing over villages of Gogona and Khotoka. The trekking trail comes across mixed forests of juniper, magnolia and rhododendron and remote hamlets and farmlands. After crossing over the pass is the great Gangtey monastery established in the 17th century. The village of Phobjikha lies in a few kilometers down from the monastery on the valley floor. Besides the program goes to the colorful Paro, the tiny capital – Thimphu and the old capital- Punakha. Visits to many historical and religious sites like Punakha Dzong, Kyichu Lhakhang, Chimi Lhakhang are also on the list plus the most interesting hike to the Taktsang Monastery ‘Tiger’s Nest’ perched in a vertical cliff.

Region
Bhutan
Duration
10 days
Level
moderate
Max Altitude
3675 m
Daily Activity
6-7 hours
Season
March, April, May, September, October,november
Starting From
$ 0
Nepal New Generation Trek
Brief Introduction

Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon, is no ordinary place. This is a country where buying cigarettes is illegal, where the rice is red, and where chilies aren’t just a seasoning but the entire dish. It’s also a deeply Buddhist land, where men wear a tunic to work, where giant protective penises are painted on the walls of most houses, and where Gross National Happiness is deemed more important than Gross National Product. Tourism in Bhutan is also unique. Bhutan offers many opportunities for trekking with its splendid scenic beauty, lofty mountains, and deep valleys untouched by modernization.
Trekking in this Himalayan kingdom is a wonderful experience for anyone who enjoys hiking and camping in rich natural habitats, and meeting indigenous people and their cultures. It is quite different from trekking in Nepal where we may meet other trekkers at every bend. Among various trekking in Bhutan, the trek to Gangtey Gompa is one of the most popular treks. This is a good trek for average hikers. It is one of the finest low-level treks in Bhutan.

Highlights of the Trip

Witness spectacular bird’s eye view of the Himalayas while flying in/out from Paro.
Explore the tiny town of Paro exploding with colors and tradition.
Discover the tiny capital Thimphu.
Trekking into the beautiful Phobjikha Valley
Visit Taktsang Monastery ‘Tiger’s Nest’ – one of the most famous monasteries in Bhutan. Punakha Dzong – the most beautiful monastery in Bhutan.
Hike to Chime Lhakhang- the divine madman’s temple.
Explore alluring Gangtey Valley.
Experience Bhutanese culture, tradition and lifestyles.

Itinerary

Seeking for a real adventure? Our travel itinerary is based on years of trekking expertise, ensuring that you have a fun and safe vacation. However, like with all such risky excursions, there may be instances where we must change the schedule, possibly without much notice. While we make every attempt to stick to the timetable, we humbly ask for your patience and flexibility if unforeseen circumstances like weather or unforeseen natural events come into play. You may be sure that our knowledgeable guides will adjust as needed to make your tour as enjoyable as possible.

Schedule for each day
Days: 1: Arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport Kathmandu  
After arriving in Kathmandu, a representative from Nepal New Generation will pick us up from the airport and take us to our hotel. In the afternoon, we may take a rest or visit Nepal New Generation’s office. In the evening, there will be a welcome dinner hosted by Nepal New Generation. For dinner, you will be served authentic Nepalese cuisine which will introduce you to the country’s food culture. Overnight in Kathmandu. Included meals:Dinne
Days: 2: Obtain Bhutan Visa and Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Tour  
Good morning! Day two is your sightseeing trip to the Kathmandu Valley. Get ready with your breakfast. Our representative will be in a private vehicle outside your Hotel for your day’s visit. The drive from your Hotel is towards Kathmandu Durbar Square. If you stay in Thamel’s Hotel, it will take 10-15 minutes to get to Kathmandu Durbar Square, depending on traffic conditions. Our guide will briefly explain each of the monuments and the historical significance of Kathmandu Durbar Square as you start visiting there. The drive moves towards Swayambhunath from Kathmandu Durbar Square. It is a 10-15 minute drive from Kathmandu Durbar Square to reach Sawambhunath. At Sawambhunath, travelers can appreciate the 360-degree view of Kathmandu Valley and feel the spiritual ambiance of the temple. The drive moves Boudhanath from Swayambhunath temple. It takes 25-30 minutes to get to Boudhanath stupa from Sawambhunath temple. You will find the same atmosphere and practices at Boudhanath as you saw at Sawambhunath, as both are prominent Buddhist religious sites. Visitors can participate in stupa Circumambulation by spinning prayer wheels at Boudhanath and can appreciate the view of the Stupa while having a delicious meal at the rooftop restaurant.
Days: 3: Arrival at Paro Airport (2,280m)  
Bhutan Dragon Tour starts with scenic flights from respective countries and cities to reach Paro Bhutan international airport. From airport whatever you fly where you can enjoy views of the world's highest mountain range Mount Everest, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga, on reaching at Paro Airport in Bhutan, received by our Bhutanese guide for short exciting drive through lovely countryside dotted with farm villages of typical Buddhist cultured villages. On reaching Thimphu transfer to your respective hotels, a modern city of Bhutan the one and only city in this world without traffic lights, all the traffic controlled by traffic police with a whistle. Afternoon take an exploratory walk around Paro main street visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred temples in the Kingdom, dating back to 7th Century, overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Days: 4 : Drive to GANGTEY  
We drive to Gangtey which is 90 kilometer from Thimpu. On the way, halt at Dochula pass for tea and snacks. On a clear day, the most spectacular view of the eastern Himalayan mountain ranges can be seen. We can visit Punakha (60 kms) the former capital of Bhutan . The Punakha Dzong lies between two rivers known as Phochu and Mochu which means male and female River. Gangtey is a beautiful place of rolling hills and green meadows surrounded by snowcapped mountains. It is situated at an altitude of 3000 meters. From Gangtey, we can closely view the picturesque Black Mountain ranges as well as the beautiful Phobjikha valley. Gangtey Gompa (Gangtey Monastery) is perched atop a small hill that rises from the valley floor. The Monastery is surrounded by a large village inhabited mainly by the families of the 140 Gomehens (Lay Monks). The Gangtey Gompa is the only Nyingmapa Monastery on the western side of the Black Mountains and is also the biggest of its kind. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days: 5: Trek to GOGONA  
We begin the Gangtey Trek. Riding ponies can be provided if required. The trail from Gangtey to Gogona winds through meadows and fields and the climb takes us through a mixed forest of juniper, bamboo, magnolia and rhododendron to Tselela pass (3320 mtrs) The approximate distance is 16 km, and time taken is 5-6 hrs. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days: 6 : Trek to KHOTOKHA  
The trail winds up gently above Gogona village, climbing into a forest of fir, oak, spruce, rhododendron, cypress and juniper. A long and gradual climb leads to Shobju-la pass (3,400m/11,155ft). Later the path leads down to a wide valley of Khotokha, where the people of Sha (under Wangduephodrang district) come in summer to graze their animals. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days: 7 : Trek to CHAZAM and Drive to PUNAKHA  
A short ascent takes us to a pass, from where the path descends steeply through ever-changing vegetation till finally reaching the bridge at Wangduephodrang. From here it is a 30minute drive to Punakha. The trek ends here Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days: 8 : Drive to THIMPU  
After exploring the attractive Wangduephodrang and Punakha valleys, we head to Thimpu. The different places to visit in Thimpu include Folk Heritage and National Textile Museums, Handicrafts Emporium, Papermaking Factory, and the market. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days: 9 : Fly to Kathmandu. Transfer to Dwarika's hotel.  
You will be taken to the airport where you will say goodbye to your guide and driver. The flight to Kathmandu is normally an early morning flight which takes you out and over the Bhutanese mountains and past Kangchenjunga, Makalu and Everest, finally dropping down into Kathmandu valley. You will be met and transferred to Dwarika's Hotel, after which there will be plenty of time to relax or for shopping and sightseeing.
Days: 10 Departure transfer to Kathmandu airport  
guide and driver. The flight to Kathmandu is normally an early morning flight which takes you out and over the Bhutanese mountains and past Kangchenjunga, Makalu and Everest, finally dropping down into Kathmandu valley. You will be met and transferred to Dwarika's Hotel, after which there will be plenty of time to relax or for shopping and sightseeing. Days: 12: Departure transfer to Kathmandu airport The airport representative from Nepal New Generation Family will transport you to Kathmandu International Airport around 3 hours before your scheduled flight from where you will depart. Meals: Breakfast included.
Reservation & Date
Friday
17 Jan 2025
Wednesday
31 Dec 2025
$0 Off
$0
$0
4 Seats
Available
Services Included

All airport Pick up drop by private vehicle in Nepal and Bhutan.
03 night twin/double shearing deluxe accommodation on BB in Kathmandu.
Guided sightseeing tours in Kathmandu.
Kathmandu to Paro to Kathmandu flight.
A highly experienced, helpful, knowledgeable, friendly, English speaking well trained, Government license holder guide with all his salary, food, drinks, accommodation, Transport and insurance.
All the sightseeing tours and trekking in Bhutan with guide, necessary entrance fees and private vehicle.
03 star category deluxe accommodation in the tours and tent camp in trekking during your stay in Bhutan.
Safe drinking water.
Welcome dinner in an authentic restaurant.
First add kid box.
Nepal New Generation Trek, T-shirt, cap, duffel bags, city and trekking route maps – if necessary.
Arrangement of emergency evacuation service (should have insurance for emergency evacuation and will be paid by your travel insurance company).
All applicable government and local taxes per the itinerary.

Services Excluded

Your Nepal Visa fees (should bring small accurate fees in USD
All the International air fare from and to Kathmandu but Bhutan air fare is already included (no need to pay departure tax for international flight).
Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu.
Personal travel and health Insurance, Insurance for helicopter evacuation.
In case of extra more nights’ accommodation, lunch and dinner in city due to early arrival and late departure as well as early back/return from mountain/trekking (due to any reason) than the given time period of itinerary.
Your Personal expenses such as (laundry, baggage charge, phone calls, battery recharge, bar and beverage bill, boiled or bottled water, hot and cold shower, extra porter.. etc).
The Tips to the trekking crews and drive.
Extra expenses due to flight delays, strikes, weather conditions or any events beyond our control.

Frequently Asked Questions

The answers to your questions regarding the Nepal New Generation Trek, what this trip entails, and what is needed can be found in the following frequently asked questions. If your question isn't addressed there, don't hesitate to contact us.

This trek is suitable for all months except July and August. April and early May are the best seasons for Gangtey trek in Bhutan when the sky is clear and rhododendron blooms.

Travel insurance is a must-have while embarking on the Gangtey Gompa Trek or any other trekking or adventure activity. It is essential to have appropriate insurance to cover any unforeseen incidents, such as illness, injury, or theft that may occur during your trek. Coverage: Look for insurance that includes medical bills, evacuation, trip cancellation or interruption, and personal responsibility. Make that your coverage covers you for the entire duration of your journey, including any pre-or post-trek travel. Check sure the policy covers the activities you want to participate in, such as trekking, hiking, and camping. Exclusions: Carefully read the policy to understand any exclusions, including as those for pre-existing medical problems, as well as any deductibles or restrictions. Carrier reputation: Select a reputed travel insurance carrier with a track record of swiftly managing claims. It is also a good idea to have a copy of your travel insurance policy as well as emergency contact information with you on your journey. In an emergency, this information can help speed up the process of seeking aid.

Washing Facilities: You will not have access to good showers or running water for washing throughout the journey. You can, however, wash yourself with wet wipes or by pouring water from a bucket over yourself. It is advised that you carry enough wet wipes to last the whole journey. You should also carry a little towel to dry off after washing. Toilet Facilities: Toilet facilities vary throughout the Gangtey Gompa Trek. Some campsites offer pit toilets, while others may not have any at all. You should carry toilet paper and hand sanitizer with you. It's also a good idea to have a little shovel on hand in case you need to dig a hole. While digging the hole, you are always suggested to follow the principles of Leave No Trace. Accommodations: During the trek, you will sleep in tents at specified campsites.Nepal New Generation Trek will arrange for campsites and will often offer tents, sleeping bags, and beds. It is possible that you will need to carry your sleeping bag liner. We will supply meals, which will be prepared by a designated chef. Overall, the Gangtey Gompa Trek is a lovely and enjoyable walk, but expect modest facilities and services along the route. It is critical to travel light, bring all required equipment, and be weather-prepared.