Gangtey Horse Riding Adventure

The flight into Bhutan is a spectacular welcome, crossing the Himalayas with views of some of the world’s highest snow-capped peaks. Your guide and driver will meet you at Paro airport for the one-hour drive to Thimphu. After checking in to your hotel, and if time allows, visit the National Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the Third King, and Buddha Dordenma, one of the largest seated Buddha statues in the world. In the evening, you’re welcome to take a stroll through Thimphu town.

Overnight in a hotel

Drive east over Dochula Pass (3,100 m), where on a clear day you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the eastern Himalayas, including Gangkar Puensum, Bhutan’s highest peak. The road continues through Punakha and Wangdue before climbing into the Gangtey Valley. If time allows, head to the ranch on arrival for a short introductory ride, most likely along the well-known Gangtey Nature Trail.
Overnight in a hotel (2900m)

After a hearty breakfast, head to the ranch for a 30-minute riding lesson so everyone feels comfortable in the saddle. From there, ride to the Gangtey Monastery stupa, then on through the charming village of Gayla before a gradual climb through rhododendron forest to Lawala Pass (3,250 m). In spring, the hillsides glow with crimson, violet and soft pink blooms; in winter, the valley lies under fresh snow, with yaks grazing on the frosty slopes.

At Lawala Pass, dismount to stretch your legs, enjoy tea or coffee and take in the views. The trail then follows a ridge to the 360-degree trail, leading to Kumbu Tsamkhang before climbing through tall forest to Gela Pass. Another 20–30 minutes of riding brings you to camp, which offers some of the finest panoramic views of the Himalayas on the route, weather permitting.
Overnight in tents (3,750m)

Wake to mountain views and birdsong drifting up from the forest, then enjoy breakfast in the open air. The day begins with a gentle two-hour descent through tall trees to the settlement of Drangphel (2,950 m). Here, riders who wish can enjoy about an hour of cantering or galloping. The trail then climbs gradually through beautiful forest to Kulamla Pass (3,502 m), with more fine views over the valleys below, before descending to Khamdo Village (3,050 m). As you approach Lawog, the village comes into view on the hillside opposite, a lovely sight to end the day.

Overnight in tents (3,100 m)

After breakfast, begin the return ride. Today is the longest day in the saddle but also the easiest, following farm roads past the villages of Lawog, Taphu, Zezi, Damchena and Tabading. Just below Gangtey Monastery, leave the main trail for the Tongphu Shing route, which leads to Samchubara and back to the ranch. Before saying goodbye, take some time with your horse and reflect on the journey you’ve shared.
Overnight in hotel (2,900m)

Before leaving the valley, pay your respects at Gangtey Monastery, just as the cranes are said to circle it before returning to the Tibetan Plateau each spring. Then drive down to the warm Punakha Valley through ever-changing landscapes. Along the way, take a short walk through rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, the Temple of Fertility, associated with Drukpa Kunley, the “Divine Madman,” whose colorful legends your guide will share. Later, visit Punakha Dzong, the majestic fortress built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1637–38 at the meeting of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers.
Overnight hotel (1,300m)

Drive to Paro with several stops along the way. Visit the Royal Botanical Park at Lamperi, then pause at Dochula Pass for tea and another chance at the mountain views. Continue through Thimphu to Paro. In the afternoon, visit Ta Dzong, home to the National Museum, for an introduction to Bhutanese religion, customs and traditional arts. Afterward, walk down the trail to Rinpung Dzong, the “Fortress on a Heap of Jewels.” Built in the 17th century, it still serves as the district administrative center and home to a monastic community.

Today’s highlight is the hike to Taktsang Monastery, the Tiger’s Nest, perched on a cliff above the Paro Valley. Allow about an hour uphill to the viewpoint and another hour to the monastery itself. Guru Rinpoche is said to have meditated here in the 8th century, and the temple was built by the fourth Desi, Tenzin Rabgye, in the late 17th century. Time permitting, visit the restored Drukgyel Dzong, built to commemorate Bhutan’s 17th-century victory over Tibetan invaders, and Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, founded in the 7th century by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo.

In the late afternoon, relax at a local spa with a traditional hot stone bath. If you have energy left, stroll around Paro town before dinner.

Your guide and driver will take you to Paro airport for your onward flight.

Tashi Delek!