Gangtey Trek 8 Days

This eight-day tour program offers a glimpse of Bhutan’s rich cultural and traditional heritage and spectacular mountainous landscape. You can experience a short three-day trek through marshy grounds, dwarf bamboo and pristine alpine forests. The Gangtey trek also gives you an opportunity to see the roosting ground of the endangered Black Necked Cranes.
In the capital city of Thimphu, you will have the opportunity to see one of the tallest statues of Buddha and to visit the Memorial Chorten. You will also learn more about Bhutanese life, arts and crafts from the visit to the folk museum, the institute of arts and crafts and the institute of traditional medicines. One highlight is the visit to the Trashichho Dzong, the seat of the administrative and religious power in Bhutan and which houses the throne room.
In Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan, you can see the Punakha Dzong nestled between two rivers and also make a visit to the sacred Chimi Lhakhang.
In Phobjikha, you will have the opportunity to walk through the undisturbed natural and tranquil environment which is winter roosting ground of the endangered black-necked cranes.
In Paro, for a memory of a lifetime, you can visit the memorable Tiger’s Nest temple which is perched high up in the cliffs, and also visit Drugyel Dzong, a fortress of historical significance.

Overview
• Glimpses of Bhutan’s cultural and historical heritage sites such as fortresses, monasteries and temples
• Hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) monastery – one of Bhutan’s most sacred temples
• Trek through the valley of the cranes in Gangtey and experience the pristine natural beauty of the Bhutanese forest
• Visit the Dzongs in Thimphu and Paro and see the beautiful architecture of the fortresses
• See how people live and learn about the traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan
• Experience the local culture and taste Bhutanese cuisine

Itinerary
Day 1: ARRIVE PARO
Arrive at Paro Airport. You will be received by our tour representative and driven to the hotel. If time permits visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan built in the 7th century AD, or visit Paro town.

Day 2: PARO – THIMPHU
Morning visit Drugyel Dzong, 18 kilometers away from Paro town. On a clear day, one can get a clear view of Mount Chhomolhari, Mountain of Goddess (Alt 24,000 ft). Visit the Ta Dzong, which houses the National Museum and see also a typical Bhutanese wooden cantilever bridge. After lunch drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan.

Day 3: THIMPHU – PHOBJIKHA
After breakfast, leave for Phobjikha. The drive goes over Dochula Pass (10,000ft / 3080m). On a clear day, one can get a panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain ranges from the Pass. One can also see the majestic Druk Wangyel Chortens (108 stupas) on the Pass. Enroute, visit Chimi Lhakhang, a temple of fertility, which was built in the 15th century AD. Drive past Wangdue Phodrang town and on to Gangtey Gompa. Gangtey Gompa is in Phobjikha valley (9,840ft) and is one of the winter homes of the endangered Black Necked Cranes who fly down from Central Asia every winter. The valley of Gangtey is one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan.

Day 4: GANGYEY – GOGONA
The trek begins and the trail passes through meadows and fields and then ascends over the Tselela Pass and then through mixed forests of juniper, bamboo, magnolia and rhododendrons. The people who live in this are known as the Bjopkha (normadic people) and they speak a different dialect from Dzongkha – the official language. Overnight in camp.

Day 5: GOGONA – KHOTOKHA
A gentle climb leads to Shobjula (Alt. 11,155 ft / 3,400 m) and then descends to a wide valley, which is another home for the Black Necked Cranes.

Day 6: KHOTOKHA – CHUNZOM – THIMHPU
A short climb to Tashila Pass (Alt. 9,200 ft / 2804 m). After crossing the pass the path is very steep downhill and the vegetation is dry. You will reach Chunzom where the transport will be waiting for you on the motor road. Drive on to Thimphu.

Day 7: THIMPHU
Morning visit the weekend vegetable market where people come from various places to buy & sell their goods. Visit the Folk Heritage Museum and the Institute of Zorig Chusum (13 traditional crafts). Afternoon visit the town and Crafts bazaar where different types of handicrafts are sold. Evening visit Zelukha Nunnery & Tashichho Dzong which houses the King’s Throne Room, monastic body & Government offices.

Day 8: THIMPHU – PARO – DEPARTURE
Early morning drive to Paro Airport for departure. Your tour representative will see you off at the airport.

• Sightseeing as per the program
• Three-star hotel on twin sharing basis
• Camping and porter horse
• All meals during the tour
• All land transfers & transportation within Bhutan
• Good English speaking certified guide
• Entrance fees to cultural sites
• Government Royalty of USD 100 per day
• Mineral water during sightseeing
• Visa Fee of USD 40 per person

• Air-tickets – International
• All beverages including water consumed in hotels / restaurants
• Laundry, phone calls and personal expenses
• Travel and health insurance
• Language guide other than English speaking