Gangtey Trek -Bhutan (8 Days / 7 Nights)
This trek is to the beautiful Phobjikha valley (3,000m), one of the few glacial valleys in Bhutan, which lies in the mountains east of Wangduephodrang. After crossing over the pass, you soon come to the great monastery of Gangtey, established in the 17th century. The village of Phobjikha lies in a few kilometers down from the monastery, on the valley floor. This quite, remote valley is the chosen winter home of rare black necked cranes, who migrate here annually from the Tibetan plateau. This moderate trek visits the villages of Gogona and Khotokha, passing through meadows and fields, then forests of juniper, magnolia and rhododendrons in full bloom in April. It is one of the finest low level treks in Bhutan.
Day 1: Paro
Tuesday, May 14, 2024 - Wednesday, May 15, 2024
Druk Airways flight to Bhutan is one of the most spectacular in entire Himalayas. Whether flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu or over the foothills from Kolkatta, each flight is a mesmerizing aeronautical feat and offers an exciting descent into the Kingdom.
Day 2: Thimphu - Gangtok
Wednesday, May 15, 2024 - Thursday, May 16, 2024
After breakfast, morning tour of Thimphu, visiting National Memorial Chhorten, Trashichhodzong, National Library and Institute for Zorig Chusum (generally known as the Painting School), where students learn the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan.
Day 3: Gangtok - Gogona
Thursday, May 16, 2024 - Friday, May 17, 2024
Trek commences today. The trail winds gradually upwards through meadows and fields, ascending to Tsele-la pass (3,400m) where we stop for lunch . The trail then descends gradually for some time through forests of juniper, bamboo, magnolia and rhododendrons. After the last short climb, we reach Gogona village. The people of Gogona were originally nomads and they speak a language called Bjopkha (language of nomads). Overnight camp.
Day 4: Gogona - Khotokha
Friday, May 17, 2024 - Saturday, May 18, 2024
The trail winds up gently above Gogona village, climbing into a forest of fir, oak, spruce, rhododendron, cypress and juniper. A long and gradual climb leads to Shobju-la pass (3,400m). Later the path leads down to a wide valley of Khotokha, where the people of Sha (under Wangduephodrang district) come in summer to graze their animals. Overnight camp.
Day 5: Khotokha - Chazam - Wangduephodrang
Saturday, May 18, 2024 - Sunday, May 19, 2024
A short ascent takes us to a pass, from which the path descends steeply through ever changing vegetation till finally reaching the bridge at Wangduephodrang. The trek ends here. Overnight at the hotel in Punakha - Wangduephodrang.
Day 6: Punakha - Wangduephodrang - Thimphu
Sunday, May 19, 2024 - Monday, May 20, 2024
After exploring the attractive Wangduephodrang and Punakha valleys,we drive to Thimphu. Afternoon sightseeing in Thimphu including visits to the following as time permits : Folk Heritage and National Textile Museums, Handicrafts Emporium, Papermaking Factory and market. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 7: Thimphu - Paro
Monday, May 20, 2024 - Tuesday, May 21, 2024
Morning drive to Paro en route visiting Simtokha Dzong. Today-s sightseeing in Paro includes, visit to ; Ta Dzong (National Museum), Rinpung Dzong, Drukgyel Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 8: Paro
Tuesday, May 21, 2024 - Wednesday, May 22, 2024
After breakfast drive to Paro airport for flight to onward destination, enjoying another superb mountain views from the aircraft as you fly out of the valley. Soon you leave Bhutan shrouded in mist and surrounded by her guardian peaks.
