Day Rides in Gangtey Valley
Half / full day · Gangtey Ranch · from US$100 per person
Explore Gangtey’s Phobjikha Valley on horseback from our Wind Horse ranch. Choose a gentle two-hour ride across the valley floor or a half-day climb over a mountain pass. Both rides start with a safety briefing and a short arena session, so you can meet your horse before heading out with your trail guide.
Option 1: Nature Trail Ride
About 2 hours · Beginner to intermediate
An easy ride along Phobjikha’s well-known Nature Trail. The route leaves Jangchey village, passes traditional farmhouses and enters quiet pine forest. Then it opens onto the wide meadows of the valley floor. These meadows are the sacred winter roosting ground of the black-necked cranes, which arrive from Tibet each year from late October to February. From here you look out over Phobjikha village and the surrounding hills.
Terrain: mostly flat, with a few short sections of mountain trail
Pace: walk and trot, with a canter for experienced riders where the trail allows
Option 2: Mountain Trail Ride over Lawala Pass
About 4 hours · Intermediate to experienced
A longer ride for confident riders, climbing out of the valley through forest and along mountain ridges. The trail heads toward the historic Gangtey Monastery, passing Decheling village and its wide potato fields. It then winds through rhododendron forest, which is at its best in April and May, before crossing Lawala Pass (3,000m). After the pass you descend to Kumbu village and loop back to the ranch.
Terrain: gradual slopes with some steady climbs
Pace: walk and trot
Both rides
Tack: English saddle
Helmet: provided
Horses: 12–15 hands
Maximum rider weight: 85kg (187lb)