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Bhutan, Gangtey Trek
This trek of Phobjikha valley at 3,000m is in one of the few glacial
valleys in Bhutan. It is the chosen home of the rare Black-necked
cranes who migrate here in winter from the Tibetan plateau. Also
the valley of Gangtey is one of the most beautiful places in Bhutan
and the Gangtey Gompa monastery is the only Nyingmapa monastery
on the western side of the black mountains. This moderate trek visits
the villages of Gogona and Khotokha, passing through meadows and
fields, then forests of juniper, magnolia and rhododendrons. It
is one of the finest low level treks in Bhutan.
Season: A good time for this trek is March to May and September
to November. The best month being April, when the rhododendrons
are in full bloom.
Day 1: Arrive Paro
Druk Airways flight to Bhutan is one of the most spectacular in
the 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.
On arrival at Paro airport, following immigration and custom formalities,
you will be received by our representative and then transfer to
Thimphu. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 2: Thimphu – Gangtey (150 km, 5 hours)
Morning tour of Thimphu city, visiting Memorial Chhorten, Trashichhodzong,
National Library, Painting School, Textile and Folk Heritage Museum.
After lunch, drive for about 5 hours to Gangtey crossing 3,050m
Dochula pass and Wangduephodrang Dzong. Overnight at Camp/Farm House,
Gangtey.
Day 3: Gangtey Gompa – Gogona (15 km, 6 /7 hours)
Trek commences today. The trail winds up on a slow climb through
meadows and fields and then ascends the Tselela pass (3,400m) which
is also your lunch stop. Then it descends gradually for some time
through forests of juniper, bamboo, magnolia and rhododendrons.
After the last short climb, you 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 (16 km, 6/7 hours)
The trail winds gently up above Gogona village, climbing into a
forest of fir, oak, spruce, rhododendron, cypress and juniper. A
long and gradual climb leads to Shobjula pass (3,400m). Later the
path leads down to a wide valley of Khotokha, a summer place of
people of Sha (under Wangduephodrang district). Overnight camp.
Day 5: Khotokha – Chazam/Wangduephodrang (12 km, 5 hours)
A short ascent leads to the Mulaila pass then the path descends
through ever changing vegetation untill you reach the bridge in
Wangduephodrang. Your trek ends here. Overnight at the hotel in
Punakha/Wangduephodrang.
Day 6: Wangduephodrang – Thimphu
After exploring the fascinating Wangduephodrang and Punakha valleys,
drive to Thimphu. In the afternoon visit Thimphu, Traditional Medicine
Institute, Handicrafts Emporium and market. Overnight at the hotel
in Thimphu.
Day 7: Thimphu – Paro
Morning drive to Paro visiting Simtokha Dzong en route. Today's
sightseeing in Paro includes visits to: Ta Dzong (National Museum);
Rinpung Dzong; Drukgyel Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang. Overnight at
the hotel in Paro.
Day 8: Depart Paro
After breakfast in the hotel, drive to Paro airport for onward flight,
enjoying another mountaineous view from the aircraft. Soon you leave
Bhutan shrouded among her guardian peaks.
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Bhutan is similar to many other
Himalayan countries and experiences its monsoon from June
to September. The best times to visit are spring and autumn,
although winter can be good at lower levels.
– All accommodation
– All transport
– All food
– All camping eqipment
– Guide, cook, porters
– Park fees
– Rescue fees
– Insurance
– Visas
– Flights
– Personal expenses
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