A moderate trek to the home of black necked cranes in Bhutan who migrate here for winters. This trek of Phobjikha valley at 3000 meters is one of the few glacial valleys in Bhutan. It is chosen home of the rare Black-necked cranes who migrate here in winter from Tibetan plateau. Also the valley of Gangtey is one of the most beautiful places in Bhutan and the Gangtey Gompa monastery is the only Nyingmapa monastery on the western side of the black mountains.
The moderate trek visits the village of Gogona and Khotokha, passing through meadows and fields, then forests of juniper, magnolia and rhododendrons. It is one of the finest low level treks in Bhutan.
Trip Highlight
The moderate trek visits the village of Gogona and Khotokha, passing through meadows and fields, then forests of juniper, magnolia and rhododendrons. It is one of the finest low level treks in Bhutan.
Itinerary Details
Days 1:
Arrival at Paro: Fly into Himalayas with Druk Air. The green wall of hills known as gateways into Bhutan from the plains climbs continuously higher as the plane flies north towards the Tibet border. Silver rivers thread the valleys, waterfalls plunge down the forested mountainsides and to the north, the great snowcapped peaks of the inner Himalayas rise up into the sky. As the aircraft enters the Paro valley, look down and you will see the Paro Dzong overlooking Paro Chu (river) with Ta Dzong, watch tower, now the national museum, above it. Your escort from Adventure Bhutan Travel, who accompany you throughout the trip, will be waiting for you at the airport. After completion of airport formalities, you will drive through fascinating valley of Paro and overnight in hotel.
Days 2:
In Thimphu: Morning visit the weekend market. Market days are absolutely central to the lives of the Bhutanese. Later take a hike to Cheri Monastery hike about 2 hours. Overnight Thimphu Hotel.
Days 3:
Thimphu to Gangtey (2800m.). The valley of Phobjikha is well known as the winter home of the black necked cranes. Bhutan is home to around six hundred black necked cranes with Phobjikha being one of the popular places that the birds migrate to in the winter months from Tibetan plateau. These elegant and shy birds can be observed from early November to end of March. Overlooking the Phobjikha valley is the Gangtey Goenpa. This is an old monastery that dates back to the 17th century. Morning visit Jungshi Paper Factory established in November 1990 as an undertaking of the Royal Government of Bhutan. Later drive to Gangtey valley (4 hours drive). Overnight Gangtey Hotel.
Days 4:
Gangtey to Gogona(3140m.). The first day of the trail begins from Phobjika Valley, through meadows, and then through a mixed forest of rhododendron, bamboo, juniper, and magnolia. You reach Hele La (pass) (3,438 meters) and after crossing some meadows, you will descend to a valley. There will be a short climb to the camp at Gogona. Nearby is a small village where you can drink some homemade arra (spirit). The women in this village are known for the woven blankets they make. 5 to 6 hours walk and Overnight at Camp.
Days 5:
Gogona to Khothakha (2720m.). The trail goes gently uphill. You will notice the daphne plants, from which the Bhutanese make traditional paper (and which you can purchase in Thimphu). After a long, but gradual climb, you will cross Shobju La (pass) at 3,410 meters. The trail is downhill from here. You will pass an old coal mine and a miner's camp. Eventually you will come to Chorten Karpo, where you will see four 'chortens' in honor of the four chief abbots who came from this area. You will then camp nearby Chorten. 6 hours walk and overnight at Camp.
Days 6:
Khothakha to Tika Zampa (1350m.). A short ascent leads to a pass; then the path descends steeply through a wonderful forest full of birdlife and ever changing vegetation to the bridge in Wangduephodrang. Your car will be waiting there for transfer to the hotel in Punakha. Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955. It is the winter seat of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) and the monk body. It has a temperate climate and its rich fertile valley is fed by Pho (male) Chu and Mo(female) Chu (river).(3 hours drive). Later visit Wangdue Town unique to look around with small huts by the side of the road. Overnight Punakha Hotel.
Days 7:
Punakha to Paro (2280m.). Morning visit Kham Sum Yule Lahkahang, it was built by HRH Azhi (Queen) Tshering Pem Wangchuck for a successful rule during the reign of the present Crown Prince Daso Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck, & Punakha Dzong remarkable for its ability to withstand natural disasters - fires and earthquakes have done nothing to diminish its grandeur the Punakha Dzong is rightly famous throughout Bhutan, as well as being one of the most well protected buildings in the country. Later drive back to Paro. Overnight Paro Hotel.
Days 8:
In Paro: Morning visit Taktshang Monastery (Generally regarded as Bhutan’s most recognizable cultural icon, the Taktshang Monastery, or Tiger’s Nest, is strikingly iconic of the country’s culture and traditions). Later Visit Farm House, Bhutan is justly not famous for its cuisine, which is somewhat predictable. Eating at a local farmhouse at least gives a slightly different variation. Later stroll around the town and see how locals live. Overnight Paro Hotel.
Days 9:
Paro to Kathmandu.
Days 10:
Shightseeing in Kathmandu Valley and we serve farewell dinner in the evening.
Days 11:
Transfer to Airport for fly back your own destination.
Days 15:
Bumthang to Punakha: The drive to Punakha, the ancient capital of Bhutan takes about 8 hours. Catch up on the sights missed on the previous trip to Bumthang. Overnight in Hotel.
Days 16:
Punakha to Paro: After breakfast drive to the Paro valley. Enroute visit the Semtokha Dzong, the oldest Dzong in the country built by the Zhabdrung Rinpoche in 1627 ad. which now serves as a school for language and literature. Overnight in Hotel.
Days 17:
Paro to Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to hotel.
Note: Designed itinerary is a sample itinerary intended to give you a general idea of trip to Bhutan. We can create an itinerary to suit as your needs and interest one you give your interest and travel timeframe.
A moderate trek to the home of black necked cranes in Bhutan who migrate here for winters. This trek of Phobjikha valley at 3000 meters is one of the few glacial valleys in Bhutan. It is chosen home of the rare Black-necked cranes who migrate here in winter from Tibetan plateau. Also the valley of Gangtey is one of the most beautiful places in Bhutan and the Gangtey Gompa monastery is the only Nyingmapa monastery on the western side of the black mountains.
