The Phobjika Valley, at 3000 metres
(9840ft), is one of the few glacial valleys in Bhutan and is the chosen
home of the rare black-necked crane which migrates here in winter from
the Central Asiatic Plateau. The valley of Gangtay is one of the most
beautiful places in Bhutan and Gangtay Gompa is the only Nyingmapa monastery
on the western side of the Black Mountains. During this moderate trek,
one visits the villages of Gogona and Khotokha, passing through meadows
and fields, then forests of juniper, magnolia and rhododendrons. This
trek is rated one of the finest low level treks in Bhutan.
This is a combination
of moderate and easy treks. It starts from Phobjikha Valley at 3000m,
which is one of the few glacial valleys in Bhutan. It is the chosen
home of the rare Black-Necked Cranes which migrate there in the winter
from the Tibetan plateau in the north. The valley of Gangtay is one
of the most beautiful places in Bhutan and houses the century- old Gangtay
monastery. The trek visits the villages of Gogona and Khotokha passing
through meadows, fields, and forests of juniper, magnolia and rhododendron.
This is one of the finest low-altitude treks in Bhutan.
Season: March-June
September-November
Day 01:
Arrive Paro by Druk Air Flight
On this flight,
one will see Mount Everest, Kanchan Junga and other Himalayan Peaks
including our sacred Chomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On landing
at Paro International Airport you will be welcomed by a representative
of Bhutan All Seasons Tours & Treks. Drive to Hotel through the
Paro valley, where agriculture is the main occupation of the people,
so rice fields are in plenty. After lunch a trip to the museum called
Ta-Dzong, this was originally built as a watch-tower over the Rinpung
Dzong below. Ta means to look (over or aftere), dzong is fortress. Overnight
at Paro.
Day 02:
Paro - Thimphu
This morning follow
the winding road beside the Pa Chu (Chu means river or water) down stream
to its confluence with the Wangchu, then up valley to Thimphu, the capital.
Afternoon lunch at the Hotel. After lunch visit the Memorial Chorten,
here the faithful circumambulate the shrine dedicated to the Late King
saying their prayer beads as they walk. Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 03:
Thimphu-Gangtey Gompa
After breakfast
leave for Gangtey. The road winds through the forest to Dochula (La
means pass), where in good weather 200 miles of Himalayan summits are
in view. After driving for 3 more hours you will reach Wangdi. Stop
for lunch at Wangdi. After a further 3 hours drive you will reach Gangtey.
Overnight in camp.
Day 04:
Gangtey Gompa-Halt
For the eager and
active trekker good fishing can be done by hiking down to the river,
or hike in and around Gangtey village to stretch your legs for the onward
trek.
Day 05:
Gangtey Gompa-Gogona
A moderate trail
winds through meadows and field then ascends 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.
Their life in this isolated valley has encouraged them to continue using
their ancient dialect. Distance is about 15 Kms. about 6/7 hours.
Day 06:
Gogona-Khotokha
A gentle climb
leads to Shobjula 11,155ft. The descend leads to a wide valley, reminiscent
of the big sky views of mountain. Distance is about 15 Kms about 6/7
hours. Overnight in camp.
Day 07:
Khotokha-Chuzomsa/Wangdi via Nizergang
A short climb up
the hill leads to the Tashila 9,200ft. Be sure to fill your water bottle
shortly after crossing the pass, as the descend is dry. Walk down through
overhanging vegetation into the drainage of the Dang Chu. Overnight
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 nations capital until 1966. The Je-Khenpo, the head abbot
of the religion in the country, and most of the monks of Thimphu occupy
this Dzong through the winter as the lower elevation of this valley
has a more comfortable temperature. Return over Dochula pass and stop
at the Cafeteria for a hot cup of coffee and some snacks. If the weather
is clear you will have an excellent view of the Himalayan snow-capped
mountains. Continue to drive to Thimphu, the present capital of Bhutan.
Overnight in hotel.
Day 9 :Thimphu
- Paro Airport
Drive to international
Airport at Paro for onward flight.
Note: This trek
is considered to be the easiest. It is normally cultural treks that
take you through villages, and involves 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 3000 mts. above
the sea level. Moderate fitness is required.
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