Gangtey –
Gogona Trek In Bhutan
Phobjikha Valley, at 3000meters is in one of the few glacier
valleys in Bhutan. It is the chosen home of the rare black–necked
cranes which migrate here in winter from the Tibetan Plateau.
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 passes through the village of Gogona and Khotokha,
through meadows and fields, then forest of juniper, magnolia
and rhododendrons. One of the finest low level treks in Bhutan.
The best time to trek is from Jan-may and Sept-Dec.
Itinerary
| Day |
Program |
01 |
Arrive Paro: Upon arrival at Paro airport,
received by representative of Our travel, transfer
to the hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in
Paro
|
02 |
Paro: Excursion to Taktsang. Over
night in Hotel.
|
03 |
Paro Sightseeing: After breakfast, drive
in the morning to the ruins of the Drukgyal Dzong
16 km up the valley. Built in 1647 by the great Shabdrung
Ngawang Namgyal, father and unifier of medieval Bhutan,
the dzong was destroyed by accidental fire and left
in ruins as an evocative reminder of the great victories
it was built to commemorate. Explore the ramparts
and on a clear day experience an unforgettable view
of Mt. Jhomolhari (7,314 m). On the way back, visit
Kichu Lhakhang that was built in 659 by the Tibetan
King Srongsen Gampo. Visit is Ta Dzong, an ancient
watchtower, which now houses the National Museum.
Below the museum is the Paro Rimpung Dzong, the center
of civil and religious authority in this valley. A
short walk takes you to the base of the dzong and
across a traditional cantilevered, covered bridge.
In the evening, dive to Thimphu.
|
04
|
Thimphu Sightseeing
|
05 |
Drive to Gangtey: Thimphu is the
capital of Bhutan, with a population of about 33 000.00.
The town is made up of just three lines of shops and
is the only capital in the world without traffic lights.
In the morning visit the Memorial Chhorten, The National
Library, School of Arts and paper factory. After lunch
drive for 5 hours Gangtey. Cross over Dochula Pass
(3050m.) and drive Wangduephodrang Dzong (fortress).
Overnight at farmhouse
|
06 |
Gangtey Gompa – Gogona: The trail winds
up on a slow climb through field and then ascends
the Tselela Pass for your lunch stop. Then the trail
descends gradually for some time trough forest of
juniper, bamboo, magnolia and rhododendron. After
the last short climb you will reach Gogona village.
The people of Gogona were originally nomads and they
speak a language, “Jopkha” (language of
the nomads). Distance 15 km, about 6 - 7 hours.
|
07 |
Gogona – Khotokha: In the morning
you will climb up a gentle slope to Shobjula (11,155
ft.) for your lunch stop. Then the path leads down
to a wide valley of Khotokha, a summer place of the
people of Sha (under district of Wangduephodrang)
Distance 15 - 16 km. Time about 6 - 7 hours.
|
08 |
Khotokha – Chazam – Wangdue: A
short ascend leads to Mulaila pass (9200ft.) then
the path descends through ever-changing vegetation
till the bridge in Wangdi Phodrang. Fill your water
bottles, as water is scarce. Your trek ends here at.
Overnight at the guesthouse
|
09 |
Chazam – Thimphu: Farewell
to your trek and start driving towardsThimphu. Driving
via Dochula, stop for coffee or tea at the cafeteria
and have another breathtaking panoramic view of the
Himalayan peaks. Before lunch visit the weekly market
where the farmers display their cottage industry goods.
After lunch visit some of the left over sights and
handicraft stores. In the evening visit Tashichhodzong.
The seat of the spiritual and temporal administration,
(built 1641 A.D). Over night in Hotel
|
10 |
Thimphu - Paro: After breakfast, sightseeing
in Thimphu. After Lunch, drive to Paro. Over night
in Hotel.
|
11 |
Departure: Early morning, drive to
the airport and farewell.
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