GANGTEY GONPA WINTER TREK (10 DAYS)
Trek Code : BHUTAN/PTT /TK 02

Day 1 Arrive Paro
Day 2 Paro sightseeing - Thimphu
Day 3 Thimphu sightseeing
Day 4 Thimphu - Gangtey
Day 5 Gangtey - Gogona
Day 6 Gogona - Khotokha
Day 7 Khotokha - Chuzomsa
Day 8 Chuzomsa - Paro
Day 9 Paro - Taktshang trek
Day 10 Depart Paro

Day 1 Arrive at Paro International Airport .

You will be warmly received by our representative and escorted to your hotel.

Day 2 Paro - Sightseeing

Morning : Drive to Drugyel Dzong (a ruined fortress - 16 kms. away from Paro Town ) 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. 7,329 mtrs/ 24,029 ft.) 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. Evening : Reception with local musicians

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 Wood 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 Simtokba Dzong, located 6 kim from Thimphu Town , Built in 1629 AD this is the oldest fortresses in Bhutan .

Visit Tashichho Dzong, the scat of the Royal Government and the winter residence of the Head Abbot and the monastic school.

Day 4 Thimphu - Gangtey

Drive to Gantey - 90 kms from Thimpbu. On the way, halt at Dochula pass ( 26 klms, Alt. 3100 mtrs ) for tea and snacks and on a clear day, the most spectacular view of the eastern Himalayan mountain ranges. Also visit Punakha ( 60 kms ) the former capital of Bhutan . The Punakha Dzong lies between two rivers known 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 State Monastic Body and its Chief Abbot.

Overnight in the Guest house. The Guest house in Gangtey is not luxurious but very clean and comfortable. The food is excellent.

Gangtey 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 Gonpa (Gangtey Monastery) is perched atop a small hill that rises from the valley floor.Tlie Monastery is surrounded by a large village inhabited mainly by the families of the 140 Gomehens (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

Begin the Gangtey 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 ( 3320 mtrs ) Overnight at camp - alt. 3000 mtrs. Distance 16 kms, and time 5-6 Hr

Day 6 Gogona - Khotokha

A 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 - Thimphu - Paro

Walk from Chuzomsa to the motor road which takes about 45 minutes. Drive to Thimphu and after lunch drive on to Paro. Distance from Chuzomsa to Paro 75 kmsOvernight in hote

Day 9 Paro - Visit Tiger's Nest

Day 6 Transfer to Paro International Airport