Nestled in the heart of Bhutan, Gangtey Valley (also known as Phobjikha Valley) is a pristine destination, renowned for its spectacular views, lush landscapes, and the revered Gangtey Monastery. Visitors flock here to experience the serene beauty of the Himalayas and the rich cultural heritage. If you’re planning a trip to this enchanting valley, here’s a guide on how to get there by air, train, and road.
Reaching Gangtey Valley by Air
Gangtey Valley does not have its own airport, so the closest airport is Paro International Airport, situated in Paro Valley. To travel by air, you will need to fly into Paro, the only international airport in Bhutan. However, not all airports in India offer direct flights to Paro. Here are the Indian airports with direct flights to Paro International Airport:
– Bodhgaya Airport (Gaya, Bihar)
– Bagdogra Airport (Siliguri, West Bengal)
– Indira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi)
– Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (Kolkata)
– Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (Guwahati, Assam)
Once you arrive at Paro Airport, you can continue your journey to Gangtey Valley by road.
Reaching Gangtey Valley by Train
Bhutan does not have any railway connections, so direct train travel to Gangtey Valley is not possible. However, you can take a train to one of the closest railway stations in India. From there, you’ll need to drive to Bhutan:
– New Jalpaiguri Railway Station
– New Alipurduar Railway Station
– Hasimara Railway Station (the nearest Indian railway station to Bhutan)
From these stations, you can travel to Bhutan by road via Jaigaon in West Bengal, cross the border into Bhutan through Phuentsholing, and then continue your journey by road to Phobjikha Valley.
Reaching Gangtey Valley by Road
The most common and scenic way to reach Gangtey Valley is by road. The town of Jaigaon, located in the Alipurduar district of West Bengal, is the nearest Indian town to Bhutan. From Jaigaon, you can cross into Bhutan through the Phuentsholing border and continue along the Phuentsholing-Thimphu Highway to reach Gangtey Valley. The total distance is about 266 kilometers, and the drive typically takes around 7 hours.
Alternatively, if you’re starting from Kolkata, there are direct buses operated by the Royal Bhutanese Government that travel to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. The bus ride takes about 18 hours. Upon reaching Thimphu, you can take local buses or hire a car to continue your journey to Phobjikha Valley, passing through Wangdue Phodrang on the way.
With its combination of air, train, and road travel options, reaching Gangtey Valley is a straightforward journey, offering a beautiful experience as you explore Bhutan’s stunning landscapes.