The Phobjikha valley lies at an altitude of 3000M and is one of the few glacial valleys in Bhutan. It is the chosen home of the rare black-necked cranes which migrate here in winter from the Central Asiatic Plateau. The valley of Gangtey is one of the most beautiful places in Bhutan and Gangtay Gompa is the only Nyingmapa monastery in the western side of the Black Mountains. During this moderate trek we’ll visit the villages of Gogona and Khotokha passing through meadows, fields, juniper forest, magnolia and rhododendrons trees and bushes. This trek is rated as one of the finest low level treks in Bhutan.
Day 01: Arrive Paro by Druk Air Flight
Flying into Bhutan will provide an opportunity to see panoramic view of Himalayan ranges including Mount Everest, Kanchanjunga and many other lesser mountain peaks. Mountain peaks of Bhutan like Jhomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake are also seen. On arrival at Paro airport you will be welcomed by the representative of TLB Travels & Tours and driven to Hotel in Paro. After lunch a short trip to the National Museum of Bhutan will be arranged and stay overnight in the hotel for the night.
Day 02: Paro – Thimphu
This morning follow the winding road beside the Pa Chu (Chu means river or water) downstream to its confluence with the Wangchu, then up the valley to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. Lunch at the Hotel and after lunch visit the Memorial Chorten and few other landmarks in the capital. Overnight stay in the Hotel.
Day 03: Thimphu-Gangtey Gompa
After breakfast leave for Gangtey and on the way you’ll pass through Dochula (La meaning pass in local language). On a good weather day chain of Himalayan summits are visible from this pass. After driving for 3 more hours you will reach Wangdi and take the break for lunch. After about 3 hours’ drive will reach you at Gangtey. Overnight in camp.
Day 04: Gangtey Gompa-Halt
It is worth staying to visit around the Gantey village. For the interested guests fishing trip can be arranged otherwise may hike in and around Gangtey village for leisure before we take on the onwards trek.
Day 05: Gangtey Gompa-Gogona
A moderate trail winds through meadows and field slowly ascending to the Tselela pass through mixed forest of Juniper, bamboo, Magnolia and Rhododendrons. The people of Gogona speak a language called Bjopkha, the langauge of the nomads. This valley is very isolated and people here use their own ancient dialect. It takes about 6-7 hours to reach Gogona.
Day 06: Gogona-Khotokha
A gentle climb upto Shobjula hill of 11,155ft and then descends to a wide valley of Khotokha and takes about 6-7 hours to reach there. Overnight stay in the camp.
Day 07: Khotokha-Chuzomsa/Wangdi via Nizergang
There is a short climb upto the hill of Tashila, altitude of 9,200ft and then descend through the deciduous vegetation till the Dang Chu river. Overnight stay in Wangdi Guest House.
Day 08: Wangdue-Thimphu
After breakfast drive to Punakha Dzong view point at the north end of the Punakha valley. It was the nation’s capital until 1966. The Je-Khenpo, the head abbot of the Buddhist religion in the country, and most of the monk body remain in this Dzong throughout the winter due to lower elevation of this valley and moderate temperature. Drive across the scant villages and thick forests till Dochula pass and stop at the Cafeteria for tea break. If the weather permits you will have an excellent view of the Himalayan snow-capped mountains. Continue to drive till Thimphu, the current capital city of Bhutan. Overnight in hotel at Thimphu.
Day 9: Thimphu – Paro Airport
Your Tour guide will see you off at Paro airport for onward journey.
Note: This trek is considered to be the easiest and also can be called as cultural trek since it involves going through the villages and walking within the tree line for an average of 5-6 hours a day. Not much training is required for this kind of treks. The ascent will not be more than 3000M above sea level. Moderate fitness is sufficient for this trek.
