9 DAYS/8 NIGHTS-GANGTEY CULTURAL TREK
The Phobjika Valley, at 3000 metres (9840ft), is one of the few glacial valleys in Bhutan and is the chosen home of the rare black-necked crane which migrates here in winter from the Central Asiatic Plateau. The valley of Gangtay is one of the most beautiful places in Bhutan and Gangtay Gompa is the only Nyingmapa monastery on the western side of the Black Mountains. During this moderate trek, one visits the villages of Gogona and Khotokha, passing through meadows and fields, then forests of juniper, magnolia and rhododendrons. This trek is rated one of the finest low level treks in Bhutan.
This is a combination of moderate and easy treks. It starts from Phobjikha Valley at 3000m, which is one of the few glacial valleys in Bhutan. It is the chosen home of the rare Black-Necked Cranes which migrate there in the winter from the Tibetan plateau in the north. The valley of Gangtay is one of the most beautiful places in Bhutan and houses the century- old Gangtay monastery. The trek visits the villages of Gogona and Khotokha passing through meadows, fields, and forests of juniper, magnolia and rhododendron. This is one of the finest low-altitude treks in Bhutan.
Season: March-June September-November
Day 01: Arrive Paro by Druk Air Flight
On this flight, one will see Mount Everest, Kanchan Junga and other Himalayan Peaks including our sacred Chomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On landing at Paro International Airport you will be welcomed by a representative of Access Bhutan Tours & Treks. Drive to Hotel through the Paro valley, where agriculture is the main occupation of the people, so rice fields are in plenty. After lunch a trip to the museum called Ta-Dzong, this was originally built as a watch-tower over the Rinpung Dzong below. Ta means to look (over or aftere), dzong is fortress. Overnight at Paro.
Day 02: Paro - Thimphu
This morning follow the winding road beside the Pa Chu (Chu means river or water) down stream to its confluence with the Wangchu, then up valley to Thimphu, the capital. Afternoon lunch at the Hotel. After lunch visit the Memorial Chorten, here the faithful circumambulate the shrine dedicated to the Late King saying their prayer beads as they walk. Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 03: Thimphu-Gangtey Gompa
After breakfast leave for Gangtey. The road winds through the forest to Dochula (La means pass), where in good weather 200 miles of Himalayan summits are in view. After driving for 3 more hours you will reach Wangdi. Stop for lunch at Wangdi. After a further 3 hours drive you will reach Gangtey. Overnight in camp.
Day 04: Gangtey Gompa-Halt
For the eager and active trekker good fishing can be done by hiking down to the river, or hike in and around Gangtey village to stretch your legs for the onward trek.
Day 05: Gangtey Gompa-Gogona
A moderate trail winds through meadows and field then ascends to the Tselela pass through mixed forest of Juniper, bamboo, Magnolia and Rhododendrons. The people of Gogona speak a language called Bjopkha, the langauge of the nomads. Their life in this isolated valley has encouraged them to continue using their ancient dialect. Distance is about 15 Kms. about 6/7 hours.
Day 06: Gogona-Khotokha
A gentle climb leads to Shobjula 11,155ft. The descend leads to a wide valley, reminiscent of the big sky views of mountain. Distance is about 15 Kms about 6/7 hours. Overnight in camp.
Day 07: Khotokha-Chuzomsa/Wangdi via Nizergang
A short climb up the hill leads to the Tashila 9,200ft. Be sure to fill your water bottle shortly after crossing the pass, as the descend is dry. Walk down through overhanging vegetation into the drainage of the Dang Chu. Overnight in Wangdi Guest House.
Day 08 :Wangdue-Thimphu
After breakfast drive to Punakha Dzong view point at the north end of the Punakha valley. It was the nations capital until 1966. The Je-Khenpo, the head abbot of the religion in the country, and most of the monks of Thimphu occupy this Dzong through the winter as the lower elevation of this valley has a more comfortable temperature. Return over Dochula pass and stop at the Cafeteria for a hot cup of coffee and some snacks. If the weather is clear you will have an excellent view of the Himalayan snow-capped mountains. Continue to drive to Thimphu, the present capital of Bhutan. Overnight in hotel.
Day 9 :Thimphu - Paro Airport
Your Tour guide will see you off at the international Airport at Paro for onward flight.
Note: This trek is considered to be the easiest. It is normally cultural treks that take you through villages, and involves walking within the tree line for an average of 5-6 hours a day. Not much training is required for this kind of treks. The ascent will not be more than 3000 mts. above the sea level. Moderate fitness is required.
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