Gangte Trek
Duration: 3 Days (Trek Days)

Max Elevation: 3,480m
Highest Camp: 3,330m
Standard: Easy
Season: March to May & September to November
Start: Phobjikha
Finish: Tikke Zampa

Although the trek is possible throughout the whole winter, the best seasons for the Gangte Trek are March to May and September to November. It is a short and relatively easy trek with beautiful villages and monasteries en route.

Day 1

Start: Phobjikha
End: Zasa
Walking Distance: 15 km
Walk Time: 6-7 hours
Ascent: 610m
Descent: 410m
Camp Altitude: 3,130m

The Trek starts near the village of Tabiting. The trail winds through meadows and fields and the climb takes you through a mixed forest of juniper, bamboo, magnolia and rhododendron to Tsele La (3,430m). From here you descend into the Juge Kangkha Chhu valley. Further on, the path leads to Gogona, well know for its “Gogogna Cheese” production. The campsite is a bit further on besides a small stream in a yak pasture called Zasa.

Day 2

Start: Zasa
End: Chorten Karpo
Walking Distance: 16 km
Walk Time: 5-7 hours
Ascent: 450m
Descent: 860m
Camp Altitude: 3,330m

A gentle climb leads to Shobe La pass (3,480m). The descent from the pass leads to a wide valley, surrounded by beautiful mountain ranges. Below the route one can see Kokotkha, a village with about 60 houses. You finally reach the campsite by climbing gently up till you see four chortens in a forest of blue pine.

Day 3

Start: Chorten Karpo
End: Tikke Zampa
Walking Distance: 12 km
Walk Time: 4-5 hours
Ascent: 120m
Descent: 1,340m

From the camp you climb till you reach a forest road. From here it’s an easy walk up to a little ridge at 2,800m. The walk down back into the valley leads you through Bhutan’s best bird watching areas.

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