Gangtey Cultural Trek (8 Nights 9 Days)

01 / THE EXPERIENCE

Discover the journey

The Phobjikha Valley, situated at an altitude of 3,000 meters, is one of the few glacial valleys in Bhutan. It serves as the seasonal habitat for the rare black-necked cranes, which migrate here during the winter months from the Central Asiatic Plateau. The Valley of Gangtey, where Phobjikha is located, is often considered one of the most beautiful places in Bhutan. Gangtay Gompa, found in this valley, is the only Nyingmapa monastery on the western side of the Black Mountains. A moderate trek in this region offers the opportunity to explore the area, including visits to the villages of Gogona and Khotokha. This trek is highly regarded and is often rated as one of the finest low-level treks in Bhutan, allowing trekkers to experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of this unique Himalayan kingdom.

02 / WHY GO

The memorable moments

DAYS ACTIVITIES ACCOMMODATION MEAL DAY 01 Arrive Paro Hotel [-/L/D] DAY 02 Paro – thimphu (1hr) Hotel [B/L/D] DAY 03 Thimphu – gantey goenpa (6 hrs) Camp [B/L/D] DAY 04 Gangtey Goenpa Camp [B/L/D] DAY 05 Gangtey Goenpa – gogona (6-7 hrs) Camp [B/L/D] DAY 06 Gogona – khotokha (6-7 hrs) Camp [B/L/D] DAY 07 Khotokha – wangdi Guesthouse [B/L/D] DAY 08 Wangdi – thimphu (3 hrs) Hotel [B/L/D] DAY 09 Thimpu to paro Hotel [B/L/-]

03 / YOUR ROUTE

Journey at a glance

Day Day 1:: Arrive at Paro by Druk Air Flight — Upon your arrival at Paro Airport, our representative from Journey DMC who will assist you with the necessary arrival formalities will warmly welcome you. Paro is the gateway to Bhutan and offers a picturesque introduction to the country with its stunning landscapes and serene atmosphere. After completing the arrival formalities, you will be transferred to your hotel in Paro. Take this time to relax and unwind from your journey and be settled into your accommodation. Paro is a charming town located in a beautiful valley and is known for its rich history, culture, and natural beauty. You can explore the town in the evening, maybe take a stroll, and enjoy the local cuisine at one of the restaurants in the area. Overnight at the hotel. [-/L/D] Day Day 2:: 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 visit the Memorial Chorten and a few other landmarks in the capital after lunch. Overnight at the hotel. [B/L/D] Day Day 3:: Thimphu-Gangtey Gompa — After breakfast leave for Gangtey and on the way you’ll pass through Dochula (La meaning pass in the local language). On a good weather day chain of Himalayan summits is visible from this pass. After driving for 3 more hours you will reach Wangdi and take a break for lunch after about 3 hour’s drive will reach you Gangtey. Overnight at the camp. [B/L/D] Day Day 4:: Gangtey Gompa-Halt — Visit around the Gantey village will be a worth staying. For the interested guests fishing trip can be arranged otherwise may hike in and around Gangtey village for leisure before we take on the onward trek. Overnight at the camp. [B/L/D] Day Day 5:: Gangtey Gompa-Gogona — A moderate trail winds through meadows and fields slowly ascending to the Tselela pass through a mixed forest of Juniper, bamboo, Magnolia, and Rhododendrons. The native language of Gogona is called Bjopkha. This valley is very isolated and people here use their ancient dialect. It takes about 6-7 hours to reach Gogona. Overnight at the camp. [B/L/D] Day Day 6:: Gogona-Khotokha — A gentle climb up to Shobjula hill of 11,155ft and then descends to a wide valley of Khotokha and takes about 6-7 hours to reach there. Overnight at the camp. [B/L/D] Day Day 7:: Khotokha-Chuzomsa/Wangdi via Nizergang — There is a short climb up to the hill of Tashila, altitude of 9,200ft, and then descend through the deciduous vegetation to the Dang Chu River. Overnight at the guesthouse. [B/L/D] Day Day 8:: Wangdue-Thimphu — After breakfast drive to the Punakha Dzong viewpoint 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 the lower elevation of this valley and moderate temperature. Drive across the scant villages and thick forests till Dochula passes and stop at the Cafeteria for a tea break. If the weather permits you will have an excellent view of the Himalayan snow-capped mountains. Continue to drive to Thimphu, the current capital city of Bhutan. Overnight at the hotel. [B/L/D] Day Day 9:: Thimphu - Paro Airport — Your Tour guide will see you off at Paro Airport for the onward journey.

YOUR DAY-BY-DAY ROUTE

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1: Arrive at Paro by Druk Air Flight — Upon your arrival at Paro Airport, our representative from Journey DMC who will assist you with the necessary arrival formalities will warmly welcome you. Paro is the gateway to Bhutan and offers a picturesque introduction to the country with its stunning landscapes and serene atmosphere.+