Padselling & Ngalakhang Horse Ride
6 days · Tang Valley Ranch · from US$1,000 per person
Six days on horseback through Bumthang’s Tang Valley, starting and ending at our own Wind Horse ranch (2,950m). You ride village roads and forest trails between 2,700m and 3,500m and camp beside the hilltop temples of Kunzangdra and Padtselling. On the last day you cross Phephe La (3,360m) and pass through farming villages that few visitors ever reach. Daily lessons and trail exercises suit beginners, and confident riders can trot on the easier stretches. Our trail leader, cook and crew handle the camps and pack horses, so you can simply enjoy the ride.
Day by day
1Arrival at our Ranch and first ride in Tang valley
After breakfast, drive two hours from Jakar to Tang Valley, home of our ranch. Your homestay hosts welcome you, and after lunch you meet your horse and trail guide. A short lesson in the arena covers the basics. Then you take an easy ride through the valley, visiting nearby villages and getting to know your horse.
Overnight at around 2950m
2Tang to Kunzangdra
Warm up with a short lesson in the arena, then head out. The trail climbs 300m up village roads and the mountainside toward Kunzangdra temple, with wide views back over the valley, and you stop for a picnic lunch in the forest before reaching camp. On some steep descents you may need to dismount and lead your horse. Please follow the trail leader’s instructions closely for a safe and enjoyable ride.
3Kunzangdra to Padtselling monastery
Warm up with a short lesson in the arena, then head out. The trail climbs 300m up village roads and the mountainside toward Kunzangdra temple, with wide views back over the valley, and you stop for a picnic lunch in the forest before reaching camp. On some steep descents you may need to dismount and lead your horse. Please follow the trail leader’s instructions closely for a safe and enjoyable ride.
4Padtselling -Jakar - Dorjibee
An easier day as you descend 800m through forest and hillside, mostly on village roads and gentle trails. Confident riders can trot with the trail leader, and beginners practise exercises such as frogs and up-downs.
Arrive in Jakar town and you can stay in a hotel here or ride to the village of Dorjibee and spend the night in a village home.
5Ride to Ngalhakhang village
A relaxed ride into the Nga Lhakhang Choekhor valley, through farming villages where life has changed little in generations. Ride past farmers ploughing behind oxen and women working the potato fields, then stop at the village temple and a traditional farmhouse. Confident riders can trot, and beginners keep practising.
About 5hrs riding.
6Nga Lhakhang to Tang valley
Climb mountain trails out of the Nga Lhakhang Choekhor valley to cross Phephe La at 3,360m, then descend into Tang Valley and back to the stables. Experienced riders can trot, and beginners do exercises with the trail leader. At the ranch you untack and groom your horse before saying goodbye. Then return to your homestay or hotel in Tang Valley, or drive back to Jakar.
Today’s ride is longer at about 6-7hrs. You should plan on staying in Tang valley or drive to Jakar late in the evening