Day Walks

Gangtey Nature Trail

 Time: Half day or two hours at a quicker pace

 The most beautiful and shortest of the four trails. The trail can be walked in either direction but we recommend starting the walk at the Gangtey Monastery, so that you first have an opportunity to visit this magnificent place.  From here the walk heads south and ends over the meandering Chhu Nap (“Black river”) near Khewang temple.

 Starting from the Prayer-wall on the northern foot of Gangtey monastery, the trail leads downwards towards a sloping area of green leveled grass, flanked by pine trees on either side.  At this point the Semchubara village should be visible on the opposite side, at roughly the same height.  The path continues to descend until it crosses a river, called the Bara Chhu, where you are close to Semchubara village and can see Kumbu village in the background.  The loud babbling of the Bara Chhu, meets the silent meandering river, the Nake Chhu.

After the Bara Chhu Bridge, the trail passes through the lower parts of the Bara village and by a lonely chorten.  Here you will have a good view of Bara village on your left and Gangtey monastery to your right. 

As you reach the Semchubara village few minutes later, there is a small shed for resting below the trail, beside one of the village houses. If informed in advance, the residents nearby will be happy to arrange traditional tea while you take a break.

Walking further from there, you reach the edge of the wetland where the Cranes are found in the winter. After few minutes walk as you are opposite to the information centre, you should be able to see the roosting place of the Cranes in the middle of the wetland area.

 After a short walk you will be near the Khewang Lhakhang, which makes an interesting visit and provide additional insight into the religious and cultural history of Phobjikha.

Atlas Tour and Travel, Thimphu, BhutanThimphu, Bhutan P.O Box # 820, Street : Norzin Lam (Lane) Tel: +975 2 325581, 325582, 326241 Fax: +975 2 326453 email: langa@atlasbhutan.com, deki@atlasbhutan.com