Gangtey Winter Trek 10 days / Trek 3 days

 

It is a 3 days trek at relatively low elevations, which visits several remote villages. This is not a very popular Trek.

 

DAY 01
ARRIVE PARO		 During the journey, the traveler will experience from the left side of the plane a spectacular view of Mt. Everest, and other famous Himalayan Mountains including the sacred Mt. Jhomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport you will be received by your Bhutanese friend from Bigfoot Adventure Trekkers. Lunch at the Hotel. Discuss the Tour Programme with the Tour Guide. Afternoon free.
Overnight: Hotel in Paro
DAY 02
PARO - SIGHTSEEING 		Morning visit Drugyal Dzong (a ruined fortress), 16 kilometers away from Paro town. Although it has been in ruin but this Dzong has its great historical importance for the people of Bhutan. It was a place where the Bhutanese finally defeated the Tibetan invasion and drove them back. On a clear day one can view the sacred Mt. Jhomolhari (Mountain of Goddess). Its altitude is 7,329m.Visit Kyichu Lhakhang (Lhakhang means temple). Which was built in 659 AD by the King Songtsen Gompo of Tibet as one of the 108 such monasteries he built in various places to spread Buddhism. It is located between Paro Town and Drugyal Dzong. It is one of the holiest place in the country, as it marks the advent of Buddhism in the country.

After Lunch visit National Museum which used to be a watch tower for Paro Rimpong Dzong (Fortress). It was converted into Museum in 1968. Visit Paro Rimpong Dzong, the Dzong was built in 1646 AD, and walk down to town one the way you can see the traditional wood bridge of ancient style.

Visit a typical Bhutanese farmhouse and sightseeing trip to the Paro town.
Overnight: Hotel in Paro.
Day 3
PARO – A DAY EXCURSION TO TAKTSANG		 Drive up to Satsam Chorten (10 km from Paro town) and from there walk up to Taktsang Monastery. The name Taktsang means “Tiger’s Nest ". The Monastery clings to a vertical granite cliff drop of nearly 4000 ft. and overlooks the Paro valley and the river. It is said that in the second half of the 8th century, Guru Padma Sambhava known as the second Buddha in Bhutan meditated on this spot where the Monastery is situated having alighted there on the back of a flying tigress.

Picnic lunch at the Taktsang cafeteria. The round hike takes about 4 Hr. In the evening drive to Thimphu, the capital city of the country.
Over night: Hotel in Thimphu.
DAY 04
THIMPHU – SIGHTSEEING		 After breakfast, visit the Memorial Chorten (a great stupa) built in memory of the Third King of Bhutan who reigned the Kingdom from 1952-1972. Visit the mini Zoo where the national animals were kept and drive to Sangeygang where you can have a spectacular view of Thimphu valley. Visit nunnery in Zulikha. Visit the Wood Craft and Painting school where traditional arts and crafts are still kept alive through the instructions of painting and curving. Visit the Handicrafts Emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other arts and crafts are displayed and can be purchased. Visit the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved. Textile and Folk Heritage Museum: Opened in 2001, they are living testimonies of the Bhutanese traditions. Lunch in hotel in Thimphu.

Visit Simtokha Dzong on the way. This is one of the oldest fortresses in Bhutan. It was built in 1629 AD. It houses the largest monastic schools in the country. Visit Tashichho Dzong, the main secretariat building. This massive structure houses part of the government Ministries, the office of the King and the Throne Room. It also houses the State Monastic Body and the living quarters of the Chief Abbot and the senior monks.

Overnight in Hotel in Thimphu
DAY 05
THIMPHU - GANGTEY 		Drive to Phubjikha through Dochula Pass (3150m). On the way stop for a photo stop at Dochula Pass which is 26km away from Thimphu valley, and for Tea and snacks and to enjoy the most spectacular view of eastern Himalayan snow capped Mountains and also the great view of Gasa Dzong at a distance. Drive for Sightseeing in Wangdue Phodrang, visit small town and Wangdue Phodrang Dzong. Lunch in Hotel in Wangdue Phodrang.

Afternoon: Drive to Phubjikha (Gangtey) valley. Where you can see the endangered bird black naked crane in winter. The valley of Gangtey is one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan.

Over night: Hotel in Phubjikha
DAY 06
GANGTEY - GOGONA (15km, 6-7 hours)		 The trek begins and the trail winds gradually upwards through meadows and fields and then ascends over the Tselela Pass (3400m) Lunch will be served. The trail then descends gradually through mixed forests of junipers, bamboo, magnolia and rhododendrons. Gogona village will be reached after a short climb. The people who live in Gogona are nomads and they speak a language called Hoenkha (Which is different than any other languages).

Overnight: Camping (3090m)
DAY 07
GOGONA – KHOTOKHA		 The trail climbs gently above the Gogona village through the forest of firs, rhododendrons, oak, spruce, junipers, and cypress, the long and gradual climb leads unto Shobji la Pass (Alt. 11,155 ft / 3,400 m). The path descends down to wide valley of Khotokha where the people of Sha (Under Wangdue Phodrang Altitude 2670m

Overnight: Camping.
DAY 08
KHOTOKHA - CHUNZOM – WANGDUE PHODRANG		 A short ascent leads to Tashila Pass (Alt. 9,200 ft / 2804 m). The path descent steeply through the changing vegetation till finally reaching the bridge at c, where the transportation will be waiting for you in the motor road. 12km, 5 hours. Drive on to Wangdue Phodrang

Over night: Hotel in Wangdue Phodrang
DAY 09 WANGDUE PHODRANG – PARO Drive to Paro.

Over night: Hotel in Paro
DAY 10
PARO – PARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT >		 Early morning drive to Paro International Airport and your Bhutanese friends from Bigfoot Adventure Trekkers will accompany you to bid farewell as you embark on your onward journey to back home.

Reminder:

Season: Feb to December.

Climate:

Days are normally warm. Nights can at times be (general) very cool and in winter even below the freezing point. Monsoon showers in summer (heaviest in July, August) and sometimes even in spring and autumn.

Trek Grade: Easy Trek

Group size: Minimum 4 pax.

 

WHAT TO BRING:

Practical and comfortable clothes are appropriate (according to season). Preferably cotton for summer. Woolen clothing for the evenings and winter.

 

For Trekking:

Warm sleeping bag (down, -0-5 degree Celsius), strong comfortable trekking boots – water resistant for the rainy season (June – August), several pairs of socks and vests, warm clothing (especially a down jacket for higher altitudes) for the evenings, rain coat or umbrella, torch (flashlight), water flask, a hat or head scarf, sunglasses, sunscreen lotion, disinfectant tablets for water, insect repellent, antibiotic ointment and antihistamine cream for insect bites (summer), Aspirin – incase of altitude sickness, pillow case, wet packed tissue paper.

 

NOTE: For trekking a load of 25 kilos is allowed.