Phobjikha Valley

Gangtey Nature Trail

Time: 2 hours (5.5 km) from Gangtey Goemba to Tabading Primary School

Difficulty: Easy

This pleasant walk offers a great view of the Phobjikha valley. Starting at the hilltop near Gangtey Goemba, the trail goes downhill through flower meadows to Semchubara village. Then, it continues through beautiful forests to an open valley. The trail ends at a local school, passing a chorten and Khewa Lhakhang along the way. You can also combine this trail with a visit to Gangtey Goemba and the school.

Shasi La Nature Trail

Time: 3-4 hours from Gela village to Phama Hotel

Difficulty: Moderate

The Shasi La hike shortens the drive to Wangdue by about one hour. It follows an old migration route used by the Gangteps to move to lower valleys in the fall. Starting at Gela village, the trail goes through Tokha village, up a Rhododendron forest, and across meadows to Shashi La Chorten. From there, it goes down through ancient Rhododendron forests to Phama Hotel. It’s an hour’s drive from here back to Phobjikha valley.

Tenkhor Yuetshe Sum Trail

Time: 2-3 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

This enjoyable walk takes you through small, beautiful villages where you can see traditional life and charming houses. The trail begins from Gangtey Goemba, going into the forest after Semchubara village. It follows a dirt road uphill, leading to Jangchub Kemba Village, then continues through small villages to Gopho. Finally, you descend through marshland near Khewa Lhakhang, crossing a bridge to the school.

Kilkorthang Trail

Time: 20-minute drive to the starting point, then a 1-hour hike

Difficulty: Easy

This short, peaceful hike crosses the valley to a local lhakhang. Starting from the community school, follow the dirt road down to Kilkorthang Village. From there, walk through the village and descend to the valley. A wooden bridge takes you over a river delta, and the trail continues to the Damchoe Lhakhang. You can combine this trail with the Tenkhor Yuetshe Sum Trail for a full-day hike.

Longtey Hike

Time: 40-minute drive to the starting point, then 4 hours of walking

Difficulty: Moderate

This scenic hike takes you through some of the most beautiful parts of Gangtey. After a drive to Longtey village, the trail goes downhill through bamboo, passing village houses and colorful Rhododendron forests. In winter, you may see yaks grazing. After two hours, you’ll reach a magical forest. The last part of the trail is a steeper climb to a pass with views of Gangtey Goemba and the valley. From here, you can either be picked up or continue to Kumbu village, or back to Gangtey Gompa.

Jigme Singey Wangchuck National Park Hike (Khebaythang)

Time: 1-hour drive to the starting point, then 4-5 hours of hiking

Difficulty: Moderate

A special permit is needed for this hike, and it takes one day to arrange. The hike starts with a bumpy drive to Zizi village, then continues along a river through meadows and rhododendron forests. You’ll pass waterfalls, flowers, and old forests before reaching Khebaythang, a nature study center never fully used. After exploring, retrace your steps back to the starting point.

Hike to Meditation Huts

Time: 20-minute drive to the pass, then a 1-2 hour walk up and 1-2 hour walk down

Difficulty: Moderate

This hike leads to seven meditation huts high in the mountains behind the Shedra. The trail takes you through bamboo and forest to a ridge with stunning views of Gangtey Valley. From there, choose one of the yak trails through the bamboo to reach the huts. Enjoy the magical scenery before descending back through flower meadows and bamboo.

Tiger Trail from Gangtey to Rukubji

Time: 2 hours walk to Drang Lha village, then 4-5 hours to Rukubji, total 6-7 hours

Difficulty: Strenuous

This challenging hike goes through dense forest and tiger territory. Starting from Gangtey, the trail continues up through a valley to the top. You’ll walk through thick vegetation, climb over fallen logs, and possibly get wet due to rain. As you cross the pass, the trail descends to Rukubji village. This area has been identified as home to wild cats, including tigers, so keep an eye out for wildlife!