GANGTEY/GOGONA TREK
8 days
9 nights
GRADE Easy
None
GANGTEY/GOGONA TREK
The trek begins from the charming valley of Phobjikha valley (3,000m), one of the few glacial valleys in Bhutan, which is situated in the east of Wangduephodrang. The great Monastery of Gangtey was established in the 17th century and represents the Nyingmapa Monastery. This quiet, remote valley is winter home of the rare black necked cranes, which migrate here annually from the Tibetan plateau. The trek is short at moderately low elevations which visit several villages like Gogona and Khotokha through meadows and fields, then forests of juniper, magnolia and rhododendrons in full bloom in April.
Seasons: The trek is recommended from March to May and September to November. It is especially beautiful in April, when rhododendrons are bloom.
Day 1: Arrive at Paro. 2250M.
The flight to Paro will offer a life time experience trip-you can see a spectacular sight of Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu and other peaks in Bhutan such as the Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tsrim Gang. Upon arrival, our guide will receive and escort you to the hotel for check – in & Lunch.
Visit Rinpung Dzong built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in order to defend Paro Valley from the Tibetan invaders. It is now the head quarters of Paro District and Paro’s monastic community. Visit National Museum of Bhutan built in 1651 as watchtower for Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong). In 1968, it was converted to National Museum. The museum boasts of quite a collection of ancient Bhutanese arts, artefacts, weapons, coins, stamps and a small natural history collection. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 2: Paro - Thimphu. 65 KM. 2Hours. Altitude: 2350M.
Head to Thimphu the capital city of Bhutan. The drive is less than 2 hours. En route, pause briefly to admire the oldest fortress in Bhutan, the Simtokha Dzong (built in 1629 A.D). Check in at the hotel. After lunch, visit the National Memorial stupa of the Late King (1952-1972), built in 1974, visit the Indigenous Hospital, where traditional medicine (see outside only) is still practiced, visit the Institute of Zorig Chusum (the Painting School), where students learn the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan, visit National Library which preserves ancient Buddhist literature and many ancient Buddhist texts in block-printed format and finally if time permits, visit TachichhoDzong which houses some ministries. Evening at leisure. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 3: Thimphu – Gangtey. 90KM. 5Hours. Altitude: 3,000M
Drive to Gangtey after early breakfast. En route cross Dochula pass (3088M), on a clear day one can view the spectacular scene of the eastern Himalayan ranges. Drive to Punakha (60KM) the former capital of Bhutan where one can see the majestic Punakha Dzong rise between two rivers known as ‘Phochu and Mochu’ meaning Male and Female river. The Punakha Dzong, function as District Administration and also as winter residence of the State Monastic Body and its Chief Abbot. Drive to Gangtey, located in the midst of Pine Hills and green meadows and enclosed by snow-capped mountains. At the background, the Black Mountain is clearly visible from the beautiful Phobjikha valley; the valley is inhabited largely by the families of the 140 Gomchens (Lay Monks). The Gangtey Gonpa represents the Nyingmapa Monastery. Overnight at camp/farm house, Gangtey.
Day 4: Gangtey – Gogona (trek starts) 16km, 6-7 hours
The Gangtey Trek starts today. If required, riding ponies can be made available. The trial winds up gradually upwards to the beautiful meadows and fields, till you reach the Tselela pass (3300M), and then descend downhill which takes you through the mixed forest of juniper, bamboo, magnolia and rhododendrons. After a last short climb, reach Gogona village. The inhabitants of Gogona originally belong to nomads and they speak Bjopkha (language of nomads). Overnight camp.
Day 5: Gogona –Khotokha 16km, 6-7 hours
The gentle climb upward leads you through the forests of firs, oak, spruce, rhododendron, cypress and junipers until you arrive at Shobjula pass – 3400M. The descent from the pass takes you to a wide valley of Khotokha, where the people of Sha (a region of Wangduephodrang district) graze their animals during summer. Overnight camp.
Day 6: Khotokha – Chuzomsa 12km, 5 hours
A short climb uphill brings you to Tashila pass-2780M and takes you through ever- changing landscape until finally you reach the Dangchu River. Overnight at camp.
Day 7: Chuzomsa – Paro
Walk from Chuzomsa, till you reach the motor road-the walk takes you approximately about 45 minutes. Lunch at Thimphu and drive to Paro (75KM). Overnight in hotel.
Day 8: Paro – Visit Tiger’s Nest
Full day sight seeing in Paro: hike up to Taktsang Monastery which means ‘Tiger’s Nest’ perched on a rocky roof at 400M overlooking the Paro Valley. The monastery is founded by Guru Padmasambhava in the 8th century, riding atop the back of a tigress. Ovenight stay at hotel in Paro.
Day 9: Paro – International Airport
Our guide will bid you farewell.
