ABOUT BHUTAN FESTIVAL
Bhutan is rich in cultural diversity and this richness is further enhanced by the wide variety of elaborate and colorful religious festivals that are celebrated
throughout the country.
Every village is known for their unique festival though the most widely known is the annual... Read more
Gangtey Trek
It is a short and relatively easy three days trek with several beautiful villages and monasteries alongside. The trail leads you through forests of juniper, bamboo, magnolia and rhododendrons and over small streams of cold, clear mountain water. This trek is an excellent choice for those visitors not accustomed to trekking in the mountains as it offers beautiful views of the country with mostly gentle, forested slopes.
The best time for this trek is between September-May.
DAY 1 : ARRIVE PARO AIRPORT BY DRUKAIR
Welcome greetings and transfer to hotel for refreshment. You will acclimatize the day by doing some light sightseeing to Rinpung Dzong (fortress of the heap of jewels)/ Kichu lhakhang (one of the oldest temple of the country)/ Wondering around Paro’s peaceful town and interacting with local. Overnight Paro.
DAY 2 : PARO – PHOBJIKHA
This is a lovely drive across Dochula pass (3150m) with spectacular Himalayan-view/ Walk in 108 stupas & Drukwangyel. Lunch in Nobding village and head on to Pelela pass (3300m) for mountain-view. On arrival, visit Gangtey gomba and check in hotel. In evening, time at your leisure. Roam around Phobjikha village. Phobjikha is also a beautiful roosting ground for the rare Black-necked cranes. Overnight Phobjikha.
DAY 3 : START OF TREK/ GANGTEY – ZASA
Distance 15 km, 6-7 hours, 610 m ascent, 410 m descent, camp altitude 3,130 m.
The Trek starts near the village of Tabiting. The trail winds through meadows and fields and the climb takes you through a mixed forest of juniper, bamboo, magnolia and rhododendron to Tsele La (3430m). From here you descend into the Juge Kangkha Chhu valley. Further on, the path leads to Gogona, well known for its “Gogona Cheese” production. The campsite is a bit further on besides a small stream in a yak pasture called Zasa.
DAY 4 : ZASA – CHORTEN KARPO
Distance 16 km, 5-7 hours, 450 m ascent, 860 m descent, camp altitude 3,330 m.
A gentle climb leads to Shobe La pass (3,480m). The descent from the pass leads to a wide valley, surrounded by beautiful mountain ranges. Below the route one can see Khothokha, a village with about 60 houses. You finally reach the campsite by climbing gently up till you see four chortens in a forest of blue pine.
DAY 5 : CHORTEN KARPO – TIKKE ZAMPA (END OF TREK)
Distance 12km, four to five hours, 120m ascent, 1,340m descent.
From the camp you climb till you reach a forest road. From here it’s an easy walk up to a little ridge at 2,800m. The walk down back into the valley leads you through Bhutan’s best bird watching areas. Bid farewell to your trekking at Tikke zampa and drive to Wangdue and Punakha for overnight stay in a comfortable hotel.
DAY 6 : PUNAKHA, WANGDUE & THIMPHU SIGHTSEEING
In morning visit the Punakha Dzong “Palace of the Great Happiness.” En route hike to Chimi lhakhang, the famous fertility temple. Head on to Thimphu stopping for lunch at Dochula resort. Thimphu sights includes; National library/ Zorig chusum/ Textile museums/ Tashichhoe Dzong/ Memorial stupa/ Weekend market/ Craft bazaar/ Archery match at National stadium. In evening, walk around Thimphu city for souvenir. Overnight Thimphu.
DAY 7 : EXCURSION TO TAKTSANG
After a wholesome breakfast, drive to Paro. Check in resort & prepare for the excursion. Hike to Taktsang monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest, (4-5hrs round-trip) Bhutan’s most famous and scenic icon. It clings to sheer cliffs of 900m above Paro valley. (Ponies & horses optional; fees not included). Lunch at the hillside cafeteria. Bhutanese style farewell dinner at a village home. Hot stone bath, optional. Overnight Paro.
DAY 8 : DEPARTURE
Our representative will bid you farewell at the Airport.