Gangtey Trek is highly recommended 3 day trek for nature lovers, specifically flower lovers. The best season to visit would be March to May when the rhododendrons and magnolias are in bloom. You pass interesting villages and can see breathtaking views of the winter roosting place of the black necked cranes.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 (Paro):You are expected to arrive at Paro through the only flight to Bhutan, Druk Air. We assure you a unique travelling experience across the Himalayas, including the sacred Jhumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks of Bhutan. On arrival you will be greeted by a tour executive from Bhutan Vajra Adventures and check you into your hotel. After lunch, your first event of the trip will start with a visit to the national Musuem of Bhutan and walk down to Paro Rinpung Dzong which is strategically located on a small hill top overlooking the paro valley. You can expect to see a great architectural view of the gigantic dzong built in the 17th century by Zhabdrung Ngwang Namgyel. Later in the evening, if time permits drive up to Kyichu to see one of the oldest monasetery of Bhutan built in the 8th century by a Tibetan king.
Day 2 (Wangdue/Punakha):After breakfast start for Wangdiphodrang with a stop over at Dochu La (3,100 meters) for lunch. On a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Himalayas. After lunch we will drive to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan, and visit the gigantic Punakha Dzong, where the First king of Bhutan was crowned in 1907 and the Royal Wedding of the 5th King of Bhutan celebrated in 2011. On the way back from Punakha, we will stop at Metshina Village and take a 20-minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, which is popularly known as fertility temple.
Day 3(Phobjikha – Zasa): Distance 15km, six to seven hours, 610m ascent, 410m descent, camp altitude 3,130m)
Start early for Phobjikha valley. The Trek starts near the village of Tabiting. The trail winds through meadows and fields and the climb takes you through a mixed forest of juniper, bamboo, magnolia and rhododendron to Tsele La (3430m). From here you descend into the JugeKangkha Chhu valley. Further on, the path leads to Gogona, well known for its “Gogona Cheese” production. The campsite is a bit further on beside a small stream in a yak pasture called Zasa.
Day 4(Zasa – ChortenKarpo):Distance 16km,five to seven hours, 450m ascent, 860m descent, camp altitude 3,330m)
A gentle climb leads to Shobe La pass (3,480m). The descent from the pass leads to a wide valley, surrounded by beautiful mountain ranges. Below the route one can see Khothokha, a village with about 60 houses. You finally reach the campsite by climbing gently up till you see four chortens in a forest of blue pine.
Day 5 (ChortenKarpo – TikkeZampa): Distance 12km, four to five hours, 120m ascent, 1,340m descent
From the camp you climb till you reach a forest road. From here it’s an easy walk up to a little ridge at 2,800m. The walk down back into the valley leads you through Bhutan’s best bird watching areas.
Day 6 (Thimphu): While in Thimphuwe will visit the King’s Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972), Changgangkha Monastery, textile museum, Buddha point (for a great bird’s eye view of Thimphu Valley and the giant Buddha statue), and the mini-zoo, where you can see Takin, the national animal of Bhutan. From there we will visit the Zilukha nunnery temple, a traditional paper factory, the Tashicho dzong (Fortress of Thimphu). In the evening,you may walk around Thimphu town, if you wish to shop for souvenirs to take back home.
Day 7: Depart for onward destination from Paro International Airport