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11 Nights / 12 days Gangtey Nature Trek
This trek takes you to the beautiful Phobjikha valley (3,000m), one of the few glacial valleys in Bhutan, which lies in the mountains east of Wangduephodrang.This quiet, remote valley is the chosen winter home of the endangered black necked cranes, that migrate here annually from the Tibetan plateau. After crossing over the pass you soon come to the great monastery of Gangtey, established in the 17th century. The village of Phobjikha lies a few kilometers down from the monastery, on the wide scenic valley. 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:
Meet & greet upon arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International (TIA) and transfer to your Dhulikhel Hotel.
After check in the Hotel Relaxing
Overnight at Hotel
.
Day 2:
Breakfast at Hotel
Free time till departure
Transfer to the International Airport to connect the flight for Paro
Our representative above will accompany you throughout the trip, you will drive through fascinating valley of Paro and
Overnight in hotel.
Day 3:
Paro Sightseeing - Thimphu.
After breakfast drive through the valley straight north to see the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, a victory fortress of the 17th century. On the way back stop at the Takshang (tiger's nest) view point, visit a farm house. After lunch visit Ta-Dzong (National Museum) which is considered to be the one of the best natural and historical museum and walk down hill for a view of Paro Dzong with its traditional bridge over the Pa-chu (Paro River). Evening drive to Thimphu. Overnight hotel.
Day 4:
Thimphu - Gangtey Gompa.
Todays drive will be 6-7 hours. The first half of the drive is about 3 hours leisurely drive over the Dochula pass at 10,000 ft. to Wangdue. Enroute you will see some of the highest peaks in Bhutan including Gangkhar Puensum (7541m), the highest unclimbed mountain in the world.
The descent through the temperate forest colored with Rhododendrons and Magnolias takes you to the semi-tropical zone of orange, bananas and cactus and to the valley of Wangdue. Visit the town of Wangdue. After lunch drive to Gangtey Gompa, 3 hours. You will be the the the lodged up in a farm house converted into a small guest house or camp if rooms are not available. The camp site and guest house is at Tabiting.
Day 5:
Gangtey Gompa - Gogona.
Trekking: Distance 15 km and walking time 6-7 hours. The trek starts at Tabiting at 2830m and camp at Gogona (3100m). A moderate trek that takes you through meadows and fields then ascends the Tselela pass at 3440m through mixed forest of Juniper, bamboos, Rhododendrons and Magnolias. On this trek you will meet people who speak different dialect called Bjop-kha (language spoken by nomads in Bhutan). Because of their isolation they continue using their own dialect and a life of their own. Gogona is a small village with an outstanding monastery under the care of Gangtey Gompa. Overnight camp.
Day 6:
Gogona - Khotokha.
Trekking: Distance 16 km and about 6-7 hours walking time. Starting at Gogona and camp at Khotokha (2790m). A gradual climb today takes you to Shobjula pass at 3410m. On descending you will reach a wide valley with clear view of the mountains around you. Overnight camp.
Day 7:
Khotokha - Tikke Zampa/ Punakha.
End of Trek: Distance 12 km and walking time 5 hours. A short climb takes you to the Tashila pass at 2800m. As you walk down you will notice the changes in the vegetation and finally reach the motor able road at Tikke Zampa where you will be received by our tour bus. From here it is a 30minute drive to Punakha. Overnight Hotel.
Day 8:
Punakha - Thimphu.
Morning at leisure or take a hike to Chhimi Lhakhang (temple of the divine madman). It will be a 2 hour round trip hike. After lunch drive to Thimphu (3 hours).
Day 9:
Thimphu Sightseeing.
After breakfast visit the National Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the late King. Also visit the Handicraft Emporium/ Chokey handicraft and the National Painting School. After lunch visit the traditional gold smiths and a stroll in Thimphu market. If the day is Saturday or Sunday, then a visit to the weekend market and archery ground is a must.
Day 10:
- Paro. To Paro (2 hours) and sightseeing.
Day 11:
Breakfast at Hotel
We leave early to catch your onward flight from Paro airport at Transfer to the Airport to connect the flight for Nepal
Arrival at Kathmandu check in to the Hotel
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 12:
Breakfast at Hotel
Free till Departure then Transfer to the Airport to connect the flight for onward journey.
Trip Facts