Places covered : Paro - Thimphu - Gangtey Gompa -
Gogona - Khotokha - Niizergang - Chuzomsa - Wangdue - Paro Highlights
of Gangtey - Khotokha - Soft Trek
Paro : Taktsang
monastery (Tiger's Nest), Drukgyel Dzong ruins, Kyichu Lhakhang, Rinpung
Dzong.
Thimphu : School of Fine Arts, Zandog Pelri ,
Changgangkha temples, King's Memorial Chorten, Tashichhodzong.
Gangtey
: Pele La pass , Gangtey valley , Gangtey valley , Nyingmapa.
This
is a soft trek and is best to do all the year around.
Day 1: ARRIVE PAROArrive in Paro by Druk
Air flight. During this flight, you will experience breathtaking views of
Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan peaks including the
sacred Chomolhari and
Mt. Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro
our representative will meet you outside the arrival hall and escort you to
your hotel. After lunch visit Ta-dzong, the museum. Evening walk around the
town.
Stay overnight in Paro.
Day 2: PARO - THIMPHUThis morning after breakfast follow the
winding road beside the Pa Chu (Chu means river) down stream to its
confluence with the Wang Chu, then up-valley to Thimphu, the capital. Check
into the hotel on arrival. After lunch visit the
King's Memorial Chorten.
Here the faithful circumambulate the shrine dedicated to the Late King,
counting their prayer beads as they walk.
Stay overnight in
Thimphu.
Day 3: THIMPHU - GANGTEY GOMPAAfter an
early breakfast take the scenic drive on the mountain route towards the
former Capital of Bhutan passing through Dochu la Pass (Alt. 10,000 ft). On
a clear day one gets stunning views of Himalayan ranges. Descend to Wangdue
valley and visit the
Wangdue Dzong, the most picturesque in Bhutan.
Rest for a while and have lunch at a good local restaurant. After lunch
continue to Gangtey which will be a drive of another 3 hours. Arrive in
Gangtey and pitch up the tents.
Stay overnight in camp at
Gangtey.
Day 4: GANGTEY GOMPA HALTA
hike down to the river offers some good fishing and those keen can try their
hand. Special permission is required for it and can be arranged. Day hike
can be done in and around
Gangtey valley to stretch the legs for
onward trek.
Stay overnight in camp at Gangtey.
Day 5: GANGTEY GOMPA - GOGONAA moderate trail winds through meadows
and fields, then ascends the
Tsele La pass through a mixed forest of
juniper, bamboo, magnolia and rhododendrons. The people of Gogona speak a
language called Bjopkha, the dialect of nomads. Their life in the isolated
valley has encouraged them to continue using their ancient dialect. The hike
today is approx. 9.5 miles (06 - 07 hours)
Stay
overnight in tents at Gogona.
Day 6:
GOGONA - KHOTOKHA A gentle climb leads to Shobjula, at 11,155 ft.
The descent leads to a wide valley. Today's hike is approx. 10 miles (06 -
07 hours)
Stay overnight in tents.
Day 7: KHOTOKA - CHUZOMSA/WANGDUE VIA NIIZERGANGA
short ascent leads to Tashila at 9200 ft. Be sure to fill your water bottle
shortly after crossing the pass, as the descent is dry. Walk down through
the ever-changing vegetation into the drainage of Dang Chu.
Arrive in Wangdue, check in at the hotel and relax.
Stay
overnight in Wangdue.
Day 8: WANGDUE - PARO After breakfast drive on to
Punakha Dzong
viewpoint at the northern end of the valley. It was the nation's capital
until 1966. The Je-Khenpo, the Head Abbot of the country and most of the
monks in Thimphu occupy this Dzong throughout the winter. Later drive back
to Paro enroute visiting the 108 stupas dedicated to His Majesty the King by
her
Majesty the Queen Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk.
Stay
overnight in Paro.
Day 9: LEAVE PARO
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the airport in time to connect to the
flight for onward destination.
