GANGTEY TREK

8 Nights - 9 Days Tour & Trek

It is a 3 days trek at relatively low elevations, which visits several remote villages. This is not a very poplar trek.

 

 

Day - 01 ARRIVAL AT PARO

You will be on board the Druk Air, Bhutan’s only national Airlines, and land at Paro Airport (the only Airport of the kingdom). On the air-journey to Paro, you can lavish the magnificent and breathtaking view of the towering Mount Everest and other famous Himalayan snow-capped peaks. And on your arrival at the aforementioned airport, (after customs and visa formalities), you will be accorded a very warm reception by a Representative of Bhutan Orchid Adventures . Drive to hotel, which takes about 10 miniutes. Night at Hotel Olathang.

Day –02 Paro Sightseeing

After breakfast we will visit the National Museum and Rinpung Dzong (built in 1645 A.D). Visit Drukgyel Dzong, a victory fortress of the 17th century. Although in ruins, this Dzong is of great historical importance. It was here that the Bhutanese finally defeated the invading Tibetans and drove them back. Other sights of today are the visit to Kyichu temple which dates back from the 8 th century. Kyichu temple is one of the last three surviving temples. In the 8 th century 108 such temples were built by a Tibetan King. Till date only three had survived, two in Bhutan and one in Tibet province of China known as the Jokhang in Lhasa. After an evening tea, go to Thimphu along a winding road for about 2 hrs. Ovenight at HOTEL Riverview

Morning visit the memorial temple that depicts the Buddhist teachings in form of paintings and statues. Originally the Third King who is known as the “Father of Modern Bhutan” initiated this temple. He knew that lots of negative elements would come with modernity so as a protection against such elements this temple was planned. His son the present King and the Queen Mother completed the temple after the demise of the Third King. So it is commonly known as the memorial temple. The Folk heritage museum, which contains the medieval life style of the Bhutanese. Then to the national library which contains the collections of literature and scriptures. There is a book that is 1400 years old written in liquid gold on Bhutanese hand made paper. We then proceed to the textile museum to see old collections of textile. The temple of the nuns, Changgangkha temple of the 12 th century and then take a drive to the viewpoint of Thimphu. On the way we take a look at the national animal-Takin research center. If you have time take a visit to the Tashicho Dzong, which is the center of both spiritual and temporal powers. Then independent tour of the town visiting handicraft stores on foot will be relishing. Overnight Riverview Hotel.

Day – 04 Thimphu - Gangtey

(Fig1: Bulbophyllum reptans, seen in : Thimphu, Gasa, Punakha, Wangdue, Tsirang, Trongsa, Zhemgang, Lhuntse, Trashiyangtse, Trashigang and Samdrup Jongkhar , Altitude : 1500 - 2300 m, Season : Oct-Dec or May)

After breakfast, leave for Gantey Goanpa. The drive goes over Dochula pass (Alt. 3100m) On the clear day one can enjoy the most spectacular view of the eastern Himalayan mountain ranges(the view is possible only on a clear day). Also visit Punakha (60 km) the former capital of Bhutan. The Punakha Dzong built in 1637, lies between two rivers known as Phochu and Mochu, Symbolizing the masculine and the feminine co-existence their currents are of different colours and they unite at this spot. Overnight in the Guesthouse. The Guesthouse in Gangtey is not luxurious but very clean and comfortable. The food is excellent. Gangtey is a beautiful place surrounded by snowcapped mountains in the distance with a landscape of rolling hills and green meadows. It is situated at an altitude of 3000m. From Gangtey, one can closely viewthe picturesque Black Mountain ranges as well as thebeautiful Phobjikha valley, which is one of the winter homes of the endangered Black Necked Cranes. GangteyGonpa (Gantey monastery)is perched at top of a small hill that rises from the valley floor. The Gangtey Gonpa is the only Nyingmapa Monastery on the western side of the Black Mountains and is also the biggest Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan.

Day -05 Gangtey - Gogona

Begin the Gantey Trek. Riding ponies can be provided if required. The trail winds through meadows and fields and the climb takes you through a mixed forest of juniper,bamboo,magnolia and rhododendron to Tselela pass ( 3320m ) Overnight in camp at alt. 3000m. Distance 16 km, and time 5-6 Hr.

Day – 06 Gogona - Khotokha

A gentle climb leads to Shobjula pass (3390m), and then descend from the pass leads to a wide valley, surrounded by beautiful mountain ranges Overnight in camp. Distance 16 km. Time 6-7 hrs.

Day – 07 Khotokha - Chuzomsa & drive to Paro

A short ascent will bring you to the Tashila pass (2780m). You walk through an ever-changing landscape into the drainage of Dangchu (Chu means River), motor roadside and drive to Paro (140 kms.). Overnight in hotel.

Day- 08 EXCURSION TO TAKTSHANG

You will have an early breakfast and drive 13kms to reach you at the foot of the Taktshang cliff from where you will have to climb uphill about 2 hours to appear you before Taktshang monastery perched giddily on a rocky ledge with a sheer drop of 800m alongside a waterfall cascading as if from the blue. Taktshang means ‘Tiger’s Nest’. Guru Padmasambhava, known as the Second Buddha, alighted from the flying tigress and meditated at the shrine in the second half of the 8 th century. As a result, it is the dream destination for Buddhist pilgrims from the world over. You will have a ‘picnic lunch’ in the Taktshang Cafeteria on your return from the monastery. Theround trip takes about 4 hrs. If desired, pony ridings can be arranged.

Day 09 – Departure

Representative of Bhutan Orchid Adventures will bid you farewell. TASHI DELEK.

SEASON: Jan –June & Sept-Dec.

CLIMATE: Days are normally warm. Nights can at times be very cold and in winter sometimes comes below freezing points.

WHAT TO BRING: Personal clothing, strong normal clothing (accordingly). Preferably cotton for summer. Woolen clothes for evening and winter.

For TREKKING: Strong trekking boots, sunglasses, headgear, raincoat, sleeping bag, torchlight etc

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