Gangtey Trek is one of the shortest yet very popular treks in the country as it passes through forests of Juniper, bamboo, magnolia and Rhododendrons offering beautiful views of the country with mostly gentle slopes. You will be on the move most of the time, so we recommend you to pack as lightly as possible. Some of your heavy belongings that cannot be carried on the trek will be stored at the hotel and then driver will deliver it to you at the end of the trek.
During the course of trekking, we provide full-service camping at campsites designated by the government. You will be provided porters, pack animals, cooks and certified trekking guide. All camping equipment (with the exception of your sleeping bag and pillow) is supplied.
Things provided
- Sleeping tent
- Mattress
- Carpet inside the sleeping tent
- Hot water bag
- Room light
- Liner for sleeping bag (sleeping bag not provided)
- Toilet tent with toilet pot
- Shower tent with shower bag
- All meals and light snacks between meals. We recommend you bring Protein Bars, energy sweets etc.
- Dinning tent, chairs & table
Things not provided (some of the items in the list are optional)
- Sleeping bag (It can be hired locally for US$10 per day for the duration of the trek)
- A comfortable medium-sized backpack/daypack to carry your jackets, camera, etc. (things you will need during the day).
- Small travel towel
- Hiking boots/sturdy walking shoes (break them in because new boots are often uncomfortable and may cause blisters)
- Lightweight trekking pants
- Trekking shorts
- Underwear
- Windproof rain jacket
- Raincoat & Rain pants
- Shirts/t-shirts
- Fleece top/sweater
- Sandals/flip-flops (camp shoes which is very necessary after a long hike)
- Wool socks
- Hiking poles (recommended)
- Reusable water bottle
- Gators
- Sunglasses
- Headgear for sunny days
- Flashlight/torch/headlamp
- Camera with extra memory cards and batteries
- Powerpack to charge phone and camera battery
- First aid kit containing lip balm, sunscreen, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Throat Lozenges, bandaids, plasters, blister patches/moleskins, tape, antibacterial/hand sanitizer gel or wipes, antiseptic cream, rehydration powder, water purification tablets, etc.
- Insect repellent
- Emergency whistle (some backpacks comes with whistle)
- Small foldable umbrella
- Pack liners for waterproofing bags
- Energy bars/trail mix
Clothes
Please ensure that you bring comfortable and appropriate clothes. A number of thin layers are better than a few thick ones. Thermal underclothes which are small and light can be very useful. You may wear shorts only while hiking and not during cultural tours as it will restrict you from entering any sites of religious significance and other public places. The weather is cold from the end of October to late February. From March to early June, the weather is quite favourable but it can still get cold in high mountains and the weather is subject to change in high altitudes. It is expected to rain sporadically from mid-June through mid-August and light shower in early September.
Health
Although Gantey Trek is easy, we highly recommend you to train and get physically fit as it passes through altitudes ranging between 3100m – 3400m above sea level and the trails often lead through rough terrains. You get the most out of your trip if you are physically fit!
We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers gel/wipes, antibacterial as well as any personal medical requirements. If you are under medication, please bring enough supply to last the whole duration as the same drugs may not be available at the local pharmacies.
Most people can travel to 9,000 feet with little effect but anyone can react to altitude differently and altitude sickness can affect some people irrespective of physical fitness and age. Please consult your physician on how to best prepare and what to do in the event you are affected on this trip which is very unlikely.
