Gangtey Trek – 8 Days / 7 Nights
Season: March – May | September to November | April – Early May (Rhododendrons in full bloom)
Difficulty: Moderate
Day 1|Arrival in Paro
On arrival in Paro our guide will receive you and after completion of your formalities will head to Thimphu and check you into your hotel. Evening will be free to stroll around Thimphu town.
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu|Altitude:2400m
Day 2 | Thimphu – Gangtey
After breakfast, morning tour of Thimphu, visiting National Memorial Chorten, Tashichhodzong, National Library and Institute for Zorig Chusum. 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|Altitude:2600m
Day 3 | Gangtey Gompa – Gogona, 15km, 6-7 hours
Trek commences today. A winding trail 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 4 | Gogona – Khotokha, 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 Wangduephodrang district) come in summer to graze their animals.
Overnight camp.
Day 5 | 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 hotel in Wangduephodrang|Altitude:1400m
Day 6 | 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, weekend market.
Overnight at hotel in Thimphu|Altitude:2400m
Day 7 | Thimphu – Paro
Taktsang or the tiger’s nest temple is the most revered temple to the Buddhist. A hike to this temple will take up most of our morning. In the afternoon, we will visit the Kyichu Lhakhang Temple.
Overnight in Paro, altitude: 2200m
Day 8 | Paro
Our representative will drive you to Paro International Airport for your onward journey home.