Gangtey Trek

On the very first day of the Gangtey Valley trek. Your journey starts with the scenic flight from Kathmandu to Paro International Airport. The flight offers you a splendid view of the Himalayas along with the green lush valleys. Our Airport representative will pick you up from the Airport and transfer you to the designated hotel in our private jeep. After arriving at the hotel, we will hold a pre-trek meeting where we will introduce you to your guides. Similarly, We will be giving you a short briefing about the trek preparation. Paro is a wonderful place that offers you the typical life of Bhutanese people along with the uniqueness in culture.  After lunch, we will visit Rinpung Dzong- a Buddhist monastery and fortress. Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the temporal ruler of Bhutan built it in 1646 

Tshechu, an annual festival is held in Rinpung Dzong from the eleventh to fifteenth days of the second month of the Bhutanese  Lunar Calendar. In the evening you can either rest in the hotel or go for the market walk. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

Today we will be exploring the capital of Bhutan, Thimphu. Thimphu has a lot to offer to the visitors as the city is known for its Buddhist sites. Indeed, Thimphu is home to approximately 100000 inhabitants including the Royal family. Early morning after breakfast we will drive to Thimphu following Parchu downstream. The drive offers the beautiful scenario of the river stream along with the lush green valleys. Thimphu is around 55 km away from Paro which takes about an hour of continuous drive. The Parchu river confluence with Chuzom passing several villages such as Bondey, Shaba, Isuna. From Chuzom, the trail follows the Wangchu river through villages and suburbs to the capital, Thimphu.

The capital city is rich in Buddhist tradition. The very first thing you can do in Thimphu visits Buddha point for the stunning view of the city. However, you can even spare some time for Takin- home of Bhutan’s national animals. Similarly,  you can visit Tashi Choe Dzong-the castle of the illustrious religion. It was originally constructed in 1641 and later rebuilt by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk in the 1960s. In addition, you can explore Centenary farmer’s markets, craft bazaars, and institute traditional medicine in Thimphu. There is that 300-year-old traditional house which is now converted into a museum. Therefore, Thimphu is the main center of commerce, religion, and government. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Early morning after breakfast we will drive to Gangtey valley. The drive will be longer than any of the days as it will be a 7-8 hour drive. Basically our drive today will be divided into two parts. We will drive over Dochula Pass to Wangdue (3150m ) during the first half of our drive which takes about 3 hours. On the way, you will be rewarded with the wonderful panorama of the highest peak in Bhutan Gangkhar Puensum (7541m). At the same time, descend through the forest of Rhododendron emerging into the semi-tropical zone of orange, bananas, cactus to the highly cultivated valley of Wangdue. Wangdue Phodrang is one of the largest Dzongkha in the country ranging from 800-5800m in altitude. With its diverse climate and rich natural resources, it is home to many rare animals such as Red pandas, Tigers, and leopards.

After lunch, the second phase of our driving starts for another 3 hours towards Gangtey Gompa. The gompa is located on the hillock amidst the Gangtey village and was established by Gyalse Rigdzin Pema Thinley. The monastery is surrounded by a small village with traditional houses. Every year several festivals take place in this monastery. You will spend your night at the farmhouse at Tabiting(2830m). Overnight at Lodge/camp

The trek in Gogana is particularly for nature lovers as it offers the stunning scenario of blooming Rhododendron and Magnolia. It is a moderate trek with the highest elevation of 3440m. Starting the trek from Tabiting at 2830m, the trail passes through meadows and fields towards Gogana. The trail winds up through fields and ascends the Tselela at 3440m pass where you will stop for lunch. You can get a great view of nature from Tselela Pass. Then the trials descend through a mixed forest of Juniper, bamboos, Rhododendron, and Magnolias and reach Gangak(3020m). Gangak is a beautiful hilltop valley. After a short climb from Gangak we reached Gogana. Gogana is a small village where people are nomads and have their own dialect called Bjop-Kha. The village has an outstanding monastery under the care of Gangtey Gompa.

In Gogana villagers will welcome you warmly. You will not only explore nature but learn the cultural values and identity of Bhutan. Similarly, Gogana let you explore the typical village life in Bhutan. Overnight at Gogana

In the morning after breakfast, we will make our way to another village in Bhutan, Khotokha. The trail ascends up a gentle slope from Gogona Village to Shobjula. On your way to Shobju La, you will pass through the forest of fir and Rhododendron, Oak, Spruce, Cypress, and Juniper. Then after a gradual climb, we will reach Shobju La Pass which is at an altitude of 3410m. This pass offers a splendid view of the wide-open valley. After lunch at Shobju La pass, we will descend down from the pass-through rocky and muddy road, entering the forest and crossing a small stream. However, the trail meets a rough trail used by the tractors to collect woods from the forest. We will then reach a woodcutter camp at Dolonaga (2830m) following the same path.

Likewise, The trail again descends down to the broad Khothangkha Valley and in the end, reaches Chorten Karpo. Chorten Karpo is a temple of four Chortens and was dedicated to four Je Khepns who belong to this area. Therefore, you will spend your night in the beautiful village of Khothangkha. You can either set a camp beside a forest of large blue pines or even have a homestay.

Today we will trek for about five hours to Tikke Zampha. Early morning after breakfast, we will climb along a well-known path that takes us to Tashi La(2800m). Tashi La is the upper station of a cable car that transfers wood to Chhuzomsa 1300m. The trail descends through a beautiful forest of magnolia and dwarf bamboo. In Particular, this trail is one of the finest bird watching places in Bhutan where species of birds like Shrike, Laughing Thrush, magpie, and woodpecker can be spotted.  Then the trail fell down steep terraced wheat fields to a cluster of houses at Whachay meeting road near Tikke Zampa at 1500m. Eventually, you will head back to Punakha which is 30 minutes drive from Tikke Zampha. In the evening you can explore around Punakha market. Overnight at Hotel in Punakha.

After breakfast, you can start your day by visiting Punakha Dzong. It is located at the convergence of Pho-Chu(male river) and Mo-chu(female river) like an anchored ship. Similarly, take a short hike through the beautiful rice field to Chimi Lhakhang. It is a temple dedicated to Kuenley, who is affectionately known as” the Divine Madman”. Moreover, this temple is located on the hillside and has become a pilgrimage site mostly for the childless people. After lunch, you can drive to the capital of Bhutan-Thimphu. On your way to Thimphu, you can climb up to the Mt. road at Dochula La from where you will be rewarded with the wonderful panorama of the eastern Himalayas as well as the lush green valley. Overnight at Thimphu

Haa Valley is one of the must-see places in Bhutan. If you are a nature lover then this is a perfect spot for you. Early in the morning, drive over the Chelela pass(3899m). From Chelela pass, you can see the wonderful view of Mt. Chomolhari and Jichu Drakey. Afterward, continue to drive towards Haa. Haa is surrounded by the Himalayas and one would be touched by the simplicity of the local people in this small city. You can enjoy excellent local food here. Haa valley was opened to the outside world only after 2002. On the other hand, you can visit Wangchuck Dzong and Lhakhang Nakpo-built-in the 7th century by King Songsten Gampo. After an excursion to Haa valley, we will drive back to Paro. Overnight at Hotel in Paro.

Today you will explore one of the finest monasteries in Bhutan -Taktsang monastery, also known as Tiger’s nest monastery(3120m). It is one of the ancient monasteries in Bhutan which is a sacred site of Buddhists. The temple is located on the cliffside of the upper Paro valley in Bhutan. It was first built in 1692 carrying its own significance. However, it is believed that Guru Padmasambhava meditated in this cave in the 8th century. After Taktsang Monastery you can hike back to the road and drive to Kyichu Lhakhang-most sacred shrine in Bhutan. Overnight at Hotel in Paro

Today you will be bidding farewell to your Gangtey Valley Trek in Bhutan. Our representative will drop you off at the Paro International Airport and wish you your safe journey.