Gangtey Gonpa Winter Trek (10 Days)

Trekking in Bhutan

Day – 1 Arrive at Paro International Airport. You will be warmly received by our company representative and escorted to your hotel.

Day – 2 Paro –  Sightseeing
Morning : Drive to Drugyel Dzong ( a ruined fortress – 16 Klms away from Paro Twon ) or the fortress of the victorious Drukpas. From here, the peak of Chomolhari “Mountain of the Goddess” can be seen on a clear day (Alt.7329 mtrs/24,029ft) On the way back, visit a typical Bhutanese farmhouse. Visit the Rinpung Dzong. Built in 1645 A.D this fortress is presently the seat of the district administration and the residence of the monk body. Lunch at the hotel.
Afternoon : Visit the National Museum (Ta Dzong). Once watch tower for the Rinpung Dzong, it was converted into the National Museum in 1968.
Tea at the Hotel and drive for about two hours to Thimphu (Capital). Overnight in hotel..

Day – 3 Thimphu – Sightseeing
Morning : Visit the Memorial Chorten, a huge Stupa built in memory of the
Third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972.
Visit the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved Visit the Woof craft and Painting school where traditional art and craft are still kept alive. Visit Handicrafts Emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other arts are displayed and can be purchased. After lunch, visit Simtokha Dzong, located 6 kms from Thimphu town. Built in 1629 A.D this is the oldest fortresses in Bhutan. Visit Tashichho Dzong, the seat of the Royal Government and the winter residence of the Head Abbot and the monastic school. Evening at leisure.             

Day – 4 Thimphu – Gantey
Drive to Gantey – 90 Kms from Thimphu. On the way, halt Dochula pass (26kms, Alt 3100 mtrs) for tea and snacks and on a clear day, the most spectacular view of the eastern Himalayan ranges. Also visit Punakha (60 kms) the former capital of Bhutan. The Punakha Dzong lies between two rivers know as Phochu and Mochu which means male and Female River. The Dzong, built in 1637 A.D now houses the District Administration and is also the winter residence of the Sate Monastic Body and its Chief Abbot. Overnight in the Guest house. Gantey is a beautiful place of rolling hills and green meadows surrounded by snowcapped mountains. It is situated at an altitude of 3000 mtrs. From Gangtey, one can closely view the picturesque Black Mountain ranges as well as the beautiful Phobjikha valley, Gangtey Conpa (Gantey Monastery) is perched atop a small hill that rises from the valley floor. The Monastery is surrounded by a large village inhabited mainly by the families of the 140 Gomchens (Lay Monks). The Gangtey Gonpa is the only Nyingmapa Monastery on the western side of the Black Mountains and is also the biggest of its kind.

Day – 5 Gangtey – Gogona(trek starts)
Begin the Gantey Trek. Riding ponies can be provided if required. The trail winds through meadows and fields and the climb takes you through a mixed forest of juniper, bamboo, magnolia and rhododendron to Tselela pass (3300 mtrs). Overnight at camp – alt.3000 mtrs. Distance 16 kms time 5-6 hours.

Day – 6 Gogona –Khotokha
Gentle climb leads to Shobjula pass – 3390 mtrs. The descent from the pass leads to a wide valley, surrounded by beautiful mountain ranges. Overnight at camp. Distance 16 kms. Time 6-7 hrs.

Day – 7 Khotokha – Chuzomsa
A short ascent will bring you to the Tashila pass – 2780 mtrs. You walk through an ever changing landscape into the drainage of Dangchu River. Overnight at camp.

Day – 8 Chuzomsa – Paro
Walk from Chuzomsa to the motor road which takes about 45 minutes. Drive to Paro (75 lms). Lunch at Thimphu and drive on to Paro. Overnight in hotel.

Day – 9 Paro – Visit Tiger’s Nest
Drive up to Satsam Chorten (10 kms from Paro Town) and walk to Taktsang Monastery. The name Taktsang means “Tiger’s Nest.’ The Monastery is perched on a rocky ledge with a sheer drop of nearly 400 mtrs and overlooks the Paro Valley. According to legend, Taktsang Monastery was founded by Guru Padmasambhava in the eighth century. It is believed that the Guru alighted here upon the back of a tigress.

Day – 10 Paro – International Airport
Our representative will bid you Bon Voyage.