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GANGTEY / GOGONA TREK
This
trek is to the beautiful Phobjikha valley (3,000m), one of the few glacial
valleys in Bhutan, which lies in the mountains east of Wangduephodrang.
After crossing over the pass you soon come to the great monastery of Gangtey,
established in the 17th century. The village of Phobjikha lies a few
kilometers down from the monastery, on the valley floor. This quiet, remote
valley is the chosen winter home of the rare black necked cranes, who
migrate here annually from the Tibetan plateau. This moderate trek visits
the villages of Gogona and Khotokha, passing through meadows and fields,
then forests of juniper, magnolia and rhododendrons in full bloom in April.
It is one of the finest low level treks in Bhutan.
Season : The best times for this trek are March to May, and September to
November. The best months are April and early May when the rhododendrons are
in full bloom.
Day 01 : Arrive Paro
On arrival at Paro airport, you will be met by our
representative, and transferred to
Thimphu on completion of arrival formalities. Overnight at the hotel in
Thimphu.
Day 02 : Thlmphu - Gangtey
 After
breakfast, morning tour of Thimphu, visiting National Memorial Chorten,
Tashichhodzong, National Ubrary and Institute for Zorig Chusum (generally
known as the Painting School), where students learn the 13 traditional arts
and crafts of Bhutan.
After lunch drive for about 5 hours to Gangtey. En route cross Dochu-la pass
(3,088m) and drive by Wangduephodrang Dzong. Overnight at camp/farm house,
Gangtey.
Day 03 : Gangtey Gompa -
Gogona
15km, 6-7 hours
Trek commences today. The trail winds gradually upwards through meadows and
fields, ascending to Tsele-la pass (3 ,400m) where we stop for lunch. The
trail then descends gradually for
some time through forests of junipers, bamboo, magnolias and rhododendrons.
After a last short climb, we reach Gogona village. The people of Gogona were
originally nomads and they speak a language called Bjopkha (language of
nomads). Overnight camp.
Day 04 : Gogona – Khotokha, 16 km, 6 / 7
hours
 16km,
6-7 hours
The trail winds up gently above Gogona village, climbing into a forest of
firs, oak, spruce, rhododendron, cypress and junipers. A long and gradual
climb takes us up to Shobju-la pass (3,400m). The path leads down to the
wide valley of Khotokha, where the people of Sha (a region of ngduephodrang
district) come in summer to graze their animals. Overnight camp.
Day 05 : Khotokha - Chazam/Wangduephodrang
12km, 5 hours
A short ascent takes us to a pass, from which the path descends steeply
through ever- changing vegetation till finally reaching the bridge at
Wangduephodrang. The trek ends here. Overnight at the hotel in
Wangduephodrang.
Day 06 : Wangduephodrang – Thimphu
After exploring the attractive Wangduephodrang and Punakha valleys, we drive
to Thimphu. Afternoon sightseeing in Thimphu, including visits to the
following as time permits: Folk Heritage and National Textile Museums;
Handicrafts Emporium; papermaking factory; market. Overnight at the hotel in
Thimphu.
Day 07 : Thimphu – Paro
Morning drive to Paro, en route visiting Simtokha Dzong. 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 08 : Paro Depart
After early breakfast drive to Paro airport for flight to onward
destination, enjoying superb mountain views from the aircraft as you fly out
of the valley. Soon you leave Bhutan shrouded in mist and surrounded by her
guardian peaks.
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