Gangtey Trek

ITINERARY:

8Nights/9Days

Day 1: Paro – Thimphu

Arrive at Paro Airport (Altitude: 2320 meters above sea level): The flight into the Himalayas reveals scenic and breathtaking views of Himalayan Mountains of the world. If weather permits you will be able to see Mt Everest (8848 meters) and other Himalayan mountain ranges. Landing in the Paro valley, surrounded by 4000 meters high mountains stretching across the west of Bhutan, enables you to have a visual landing which is indispensable and that makes your day an unforgettable one.

Our Bhutanese representatives welcome on arrival in Bhutan and drive to Ta Dzong (National Museum) and through the beautiful valley of Paro to the capital city Thimphu. (2 hours drive). Visit Zorig Chusum Institute 13 traditional arts and crafts. It was established in 1971 by the Royal Government in order to preserve the invaluable heritage and promote the arts of Bhutan, Sangaygang view point as well as being the location of the transmitter tower of the only national television tower in the country (BBS), the view point is also the perfect place to take in some truly breathtaking views of the entire city of Thimpu.

Dinner and overnight at hotel in Thimphu.

Day 2: Thimphu Sightseeing

After breakfast visit National Memorial Chorten, built in 1974 to honor the third Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, Kuensel Phodrang, where the largest statue of Sitting Buddha is located, Takin Preservation center in Motithang and Changangkha Lhakhang.

After Lunch visit Tashichho Dzong (the administrative headquarters of Bhutan), paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy. Painting School; famous for traditional Thangkha paintings, Textile and Folk Heritage Museum; the fascinating testimony of the Bhutanese material culture and living traditions.

Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel in Thimphu

Day 3: Thimphu to Punakha Gangtey (Altitude: 2800 meters above sea level):

After breakfast drive to Punakha. The valley of Phobjikha is well known as the winter home of the black necked cranes. Bhutan is home to around six hundred black necked cranes with Phobjikha being one of the popular places that the birds migrate to in the winter months from Tibetan plateau. These elegant and shy birds can be observed from early November to end of March. Overlooking the Phobjikha valley is the Gangtey Goenpa. This is an old monastery that dates back to the 17th century. Morning visit Jungshi Paper Factory established in November 1990 as an undertaking of the Royal Government of Bhutan. Later drive to Gangtey valley (4 hours drive).

Dinner and overnight at hotel in Gangtey.

Day 4: Trek Start Gangtey to Gogona:

The first day of the trail begins from Phobjika Valley, through meadows, and then through a mixed forest of rhododendron, bamboo, juniper, and magnolia. You reach Hele La (pass) (3,438 meters) and after crossing some meadows, you will descend to a valley. There will be a short climb to the camp at Gogona. Nearby is a small village where you can drink some homemade arra(spirit). The women in this village are known for the woven blankets they make. Altitude: 3140 meters, 14 kilometers, 5 to 6 hours walk.

Dinner and overnight at Camp

Day 5: Gogona to Khothakha:

The trail goes gently uphill. You will notice the daphne plants, from which the Bhutanese make traditional paper (and which you can purchase in Thimphu). After a long, but gradual climb, you will cross Shobju La (pass) at 3,410 meters. The trail is downhill from here. You will pass an old coal mine and a miner’s camp. Eventually you will come to Chorten Karpo, where you will see four ‘chortens’ in honor of the four chief abbots who came from this area. You will then camp nearby Chorten. Altitude: 2720 meters, 15 kilometers, 5 to 6 hours walk.

Dinner and overnight at Camp.

Day 6: Trek End Khothakha to Tika Zampa

A short ascent leads to a pass; then the path descends steeply through a wonderful forest full of birdlife and ever changing vegetation to the bridge in Wangduephodrang. Your car will be waiting there for transfer to the hotel in Punakha: Altitude: 1350 meters above sea level. Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955. It is the winter seat of the Je Khenpo(Chief Abbot) and the monk body. It has a temperate climate and its rich fertile valley is fed by Pho(male) Chu and Mo(female) Chu (river).(3 hours drive). Later visit Wangdue Town unique to look around with small huts by the side of the road.

Dinner and overnight at hotel in Punakha.

Day 7: Punakha to Paro (2280 meters above sea level):

After lunch visit Punakha Dzong, a massive structure built at the junction of two rivers. Punakha was Bhutan’s capital until 1955, and Punakha Dzong still serves as the winter residence of the central monk body. Bhutan’s first King, Ugyen Wangchuck, was crowned here in 1907. The fortress has withstood several damages from fire, earthquake and flood over the centuries, visit Chimi Lhakhang – dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley also known as “Divine Madman”.

Later drive back to Paro (4 hours 30 minutes drive).

Dinner and overnight at hotel in Paro.

Day 8: Paro Sightseeing

After breakfast drive to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, officially Taktshang Pelphung Monastery is regarded as one of the most venerated and famous of Bhutan’s monasteries. It is located on the face of a sheer 800m cliff above the floor of Paro Valley. Today, we embark on a scenic hike to view this spectacular and unmissable sight. The monastery is only accessible by foot (you can ride a pony part of the way, but this must be arranged in advance by your guide). Once inside the Monastery, there are temples to see and the monks that reside. After exploring the monastery we retrace our steps and return to Paro.

Dinner and overnight at hotel in Paro.

Day 9: Depart from Paro:

Early breakfast at the hotel and then drive to the airport to Departure your Onward destination.

Note: Designed itinerary is a sample itinerary intended to give you a general idea of trip to Bhutan. We can create an itinerary to suit as your needs and interest one you give your interest and travel timeframe