Gangtey, Glacial Valley
From 3.039 €

Gangtey, Glacial Valley

holiday package
Created: Friday, August 1, 2025
Ref ID: 31671447
prezzo del pacchetto per persona From
3.039 €
Based on 2 adults
Itinerary
Tours
More pictures (6)

Day 1: Thimphu

ITALY / PARO / THIMPHU (-/–/D)
Situated in the heart of Bhutan, the expansive glacial valley of Gangtey, also known as Phobjikha Valley, is one of the most enchanting destinations in western Bhutan. This picturesque area is renowned for its natural beauty and rich biodiversity, including rare and exotic animal species. Among them, the globally endangered black-necked cranes are the most celebrated—they arrive each year from the Tibetan Plateau. Their sacred presence is considered auspicious, bringing good fortune and a bountiful potato harvest to the valley.
For those with limited time, this 3½‑day horseback adventure combines the enchanting beauty of nature with cultural exploration in Thimphu, Punakha, and Paro. Whether you love adventure or culture, this journey offers an unforgettable experience in the heart of Bhutan.

Arrival at Paro International Airport (PBH, 2 300 m), meet your local team and enjoy a scenic transfer to Thimphu (approx. 1 hr), the capital. After hotel check‑in and some rest, if time permits, begin your exploration with two iconic sites: the National Memorial Chorten, built in honor of Bhutan’s Third King and a symbol of world peace, and the Buddha Dordenma Statue, one of the world’s largest seated Buddha statues, dominating the valley with spectacular views. Dinner and overnight in Thimphu.


Day 2: Gangtey

THIMPHU → GANGTEY (B/L/D)
Depart for Gangtey, approx. 120 km, crossing the 3 100 m Dochula Pass with stunning views of the eastern Himalayan range, including Bhutan’s highest peak. Continue for about 3 hrs via Punakha and Wangdue to Gangtey Valley. Upon arrival, visit the stables for a short introductory horseback ride—likely along the famous Gangtey Nature Trail—weather permitting. Overnight in Gangtey.


Day 3:

GANGTEY → THOWALA (B/L/D)
After breakfast, transfer to the stables, get your horses, and set off toward the Gangtey Monastery stupa. Ride through the charming village of Gayla, followed by a gradual ascent to Lawala Pass (3 250 m), passing lush rhododendron forests. In spring, the valley blooms crimson, violet, and pink; in winter, it transforms into a snowy wonderland with grazing yaks on frozen slopes. At Lawala Pass, dismount for breathtaking views—enjoy tea or coffee and photos. Continue along a ridge leading to the 360° panoramic trail connecting to Kumbu Tsamkhang, then climb toward Gela Pass through towering trees. After Gela Pass, ride another 20–30 min to camp site at 3 750 m, offering some of the best Himalayan views (weather permitting). Overnight in tented camp.


Day 4:

THOWALA → LAWOG (B/L/D)
Wake to dramatic Himalayan mountain views and the soothing sounds of forest birds. Enjoy breakfast outdoors before riding a gentle descent through towering trees for about 2 hrs, reaching Drangphel settlement (2 950 m). Riders may trot or canter on flatter terrain. Continue the trail uphill through beautiful forest to Kulamla Pass (3 502 m) with spectacular valley views. From Kulamla, descend to Khamdo Village (3 050 m) then onwards to Lawog, which occupies the opposite hill slope with stunning views. Overnight in tented camp (3 100 m).


Day 5: Gangtey

LAWOG → GANGTEY (B/L/D)
After a hearty breakfast, set out on the return ride to the stables. Today’s ride is longer but easier, following scenic rural roads through several charming villages: Lawog, Taphu, Zezi, Damchena, and Tabading. Just below Gangtey Monastery, leave the main trail to follow the Tongphu Shing hiking path leading to Samchubara and back to the stables. Overnight in hotel at Gangtey.


Day 6: Punakha

GANGTEY → PUNAKHA (B/L/D)
After breakfast, before heading to Punakha, visit Gangtey Monastery—as the crane bows before returning to its Tibetan summer grounds. Continue your journey to Punakha Valley, passing through ever-changing landscapes and vegetation. En route, make a stop at the “Divine Madman Temple” (Fertility Temple) to learn its fascinating story. Later, explore Punakha Dzong, the majestic fortress built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1638, at the confluence of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. Overnight in hotel in Punakha.


Day 7: Paro

PUNAKHA → PARO (B/L/D)
Begin with a scenic drive to Paro, with multiple stops. First stop at Lampelri Botanical Garden, then continue to Dochula Pass. At Dochula, enjoy a relaxing tea break and breathtaking views. Then travel through Thimphu toward Paro. Upon arrival, visit Ta Dzong (National Museum) to immerse yourself in Bhutanese religion, customs, and traditional arts and crafts. Afterward, take a leisurely walk to Rinpung Dzong (“Fortress of the Heap of Jewels”), built in the 17th century to house district government offices and monastic residences. Overnight in hotel in Paro.


Day 8: Paro

PARO (B/L/D)
Today’s highlight is the excursion to Taktsang Monastery. The ascent to the viewpoint takes about 1 hr, followed by another 1 hr to reach the main complex. This sacred site was first consecrated by Guru Rinpoche, who meditated here in the 8th century, and a temple built in the 17th century by Desi Tenzin Rabgye. Weather permitting, visit the new Drukgyel Dzong, site of a historic 17th-century battle between Tibet and Bhutan, and Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest 7th-century temples. Later, enjoy a traditional hot stone bath at a local farmhouse. If interested, take a stroll through Paro town before dinner. Overnight in hotel in Paro.


Day 9:

PARO → ITALY (B/-/-)
After breakfast, transfer in time for your international flight to Italy.

Note:
This itinerary is indicative and subject to change due to weather or circumstances beyond our control.


(B/L/D): B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner
Difficulty level: °°° (Intermediate/Advanced)

DURATION: 9 DAYS / 8 NIGHTS
DIFFICULTY: °°° (INTERMEDIATE / ADVANCED)
ACCOMMODATION: tented camp + hotel
EQUIPMENT: Mongolian-style saddle
HORSES: Yueta, a small and sturdy locally bred horse
PACE: 5 to 7 hours per day in the saddle for 3.5 days. Riding is mostly at a walking pace due to mountainous terrain. Helmet use is mandatory.
WHAT TO BRING: layered riding clothing, protective riding helmet, sunscreen, insect repellent, local currency (euros often not accepted), sleeping bag (available locally for USD 30), headlamp, solar charger, water bottle, waist pouch or small backpack.
MINIMUM AGE: 10 years
MAXIMUM WEIGHT: 90 kg
TYPE: itinerant horseback trekking with overnight stays in tented camp + hotel

ACCOMMODATION
Night 1: Peaceful Residency Hotel, Thimphu (or similar)
Night 2: Hotel in Gangtey
Nights 3 & 4: Tented camp (shower tent + toilet tent, no electricity)
Night 5: Hotel in Gangtey
Night 6: Hotel in Punakha
Nights 7 & 8: Tashi Namgay Resort, Paro (or similar)

DEPARTURES & GROUP SIZE
Departures on request year-round with a minimum of 2 participants.
Group size: min 2 – max 10

prezzo del pacchetto per persona From
3.039 €
Based on 2 adults
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This idea includes
Destinations 3
Tours 1
Tour summary
Guide languages
English
Included
• All meals as per the program
• Transfer to/from Paro airport
• 8 overnight stays
• 3 and a half days horseback riding (5 to 7 hours per day)
• Horses and equipment provided
• Experienced local English-speaking guide
• Domestic round-trip flight
• Entrance fees to sites of interest
• Government taxes
• Visas
• Basic insurance including medical assistance, medical repatriation, and baggage damage
Excluded
• Intercontinental flights to/from Paro
• Meals not mentioned in the program
• Meals not included, airport taxes, drinks outside of meals, tips, personal expenses
• Alcoholic beverages
• Sleeping bag (available locally for USD 30)
• Anything not specified under "the price includes"
• Supplemental or cancellation insurance