Trip Facts:
Tour Code: BATE BHU 006
Tour name: 8 days Gangtey/Gogona/Khotokha trek
Entry / Exit: Fly in / Fly out
Grade: Moderate
Max Elevation: 3600m/11808ft
Accommodation: Hotel/Camp
Meal: Full Board in Bhutan
Transport: Flight & Private vehicle
Tour Days: 08
This is a beautiful trek and one of the few that offers you the experience of the glacial valleys in Bhutan. It is also the chosen home of rare Black Necked Cranes which migrate here in winter from the Tibetan plateau. Gangtey is one of the most beautiful places in Bhutan and Gangtey Gompa is the only Nyingmapa monastery on the western side of the black mountains. For the naturalist flora and fauna are to be found in abundance in a mountain eco-system whose balance has remained undisturbed by the Bhutanese people's Buddhist way of life. This trek visits the villages of Gogona and Khotokha, passing through meadows, fields, forests of Juniper, magnolia and rhododendrons. This is Bhutan's finest low-level trek, passing majestic snow-capped mountains, protected valleys, and fields of rhododendron, juniper, and bamboo.
Tour begins with warm traditional welcome and quick safety briefing. Next day comprehensive trip briefing will be given and entertain last minutes questions followed by sensational of trans-Himalayan flighty by Druk Air enjoying views of world highest mountains
What is included in the tour
- All airport transfers as per the itinerary
- Accommodation in twin sharing basis as per the itinerary on AP basis
- Necessary transportation during tour in Bhutan
- Good English speaking guide during tour in Bhutan
- Tourism Development Fund tax
- All necessary entrance fee
- Visa fee
- Complimentary kit bag
What is NOT included in the tour
- Insurance (must cover all risk undertaken)
- Gratuities to staffs
- Alcoholic beverages & all expenses of personal nature
- All airport taxes
- Porters and other vehicles in between in case of landslides other natural calamities beyond our control
- Services not mention herein
Highlights:
- All major world heritage sites in Kathmandu valley.
- Drugyel Dzong, memorial of late Kings.
- Punakha Dzong.
- Gogona Khotokha Trek.
Outline Itinerary:
|
01: |
Fly Kathmandu – Paro. Transfer to Hotel |
Hotel (AP) |
|
02: |
Drive to Thimpu then Sightseeing |
Hotel (AP) |
|
03: |
Paro Sightseeing. Then drive to Wangduephodrang. Visit Wangduephodrang Dzong |
Hotel (AP) |
|
04: |
Drive to Gangtey Valley and sightseeing. Then hike to Gogona |
Camp (AP) |
|
05: |
Trek Gogona to Khotokha |
Camp (AP) |
|
06: |
Trek Khotokha to Chuzomsa via Nizergang |
Hotel (AP) |
|
07: |
Drive to Paro via Punakha Dzong |
Hotel (AP) |
|
08: |
Transfer to airport, fly to Kathmandu. Transfer to Hotel. |
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Day 01: Fly Kathmandu – Paro: 2380m/7382ft: Lunch at Paro (Full Board)
Arrive Paro by Druk Air flight which will offer you great views of Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Chomolhari, Tsrim gang and Jichu Drake. The moment you step out of the plane you will see the difference. Bhutan welcomes you with cool, clean fresh air. Peace and quietness is just another bonus. Basanta Adventure`s representatives will escort you to Kichu resort. If time prevails visit the National museum & Rinpung Dzong. O/N at Kichu Resort OR similar in Paro (AP)
Day 02: Drive to Thimpu and Sightseeing: 2317m/7600ft, 65km – 2 hours drive: Lunch at Thimpu (Full Board)
Drive to Thimpu is 2 hours and will be a pleasant one mainly due to the luxurious Japanese transportation and well maintained road through out Bhutan. Upon arrival check into Hotel Druk or River view. PM sightseeing - Visit the Memorial chorten built in the memory of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, 15 century Changangkha monastery, Motithang mini zoo to see the rare "Takin" national animal of Bhutan and drive further down with good view of the Thimpu valley. Visit the new Drupthob nunnery temple and free time in the market. O/N at Hotel Riverview OR similar in Thimpu (AP)
Day 03: Paro Sightseeing. Then drive to Wangduephodrang and sightseeing: 3100m/10168ft, 70 km – 3 hours drive: Lunch at Wangduephodrang (Full Board)
AM visiting the Painting school, National library, Royal goldsmith workshop and Handicraft centers. PM drives 3 hours to Wangduephodrang crossing the Dochula pass 3100meters. On fine weather you will see the eastern Himalayan ranges including the highest mountain in Bhutan Mt. Gangar Punsum 7520 meters. The drive from the pass is all the way downhill dropping to the lower and warmer valleys of lobesa. Visit the Wangduephodrang Dzong from outside and the market area. O/N at Wangdi Kichu Resort OR similar in Wangduephodrang (AP)
Day 04: Visit to Gangtey Valley. Hike to Gogona: 3200m/10496ft: Lunch at Gangtey Valley (Full Board)
AM early drive to the Gangtey Gompa valley at an altitude of 2800 meters. The only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan is located here. This beautiful valley is also home to the rare Black Necked Cranes migrating from the Tibetan plateau to escape the harsh winter. Currently there are 200 to 300 cranes residing in this valley and the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) is taking every measure to ensure the safety of the Cranes. While the cranes reside in the winter valley for 4/5 months the village folks are not allowed to make load noises or fish in the river that runs through the valley. The trekking staff will be waiting for your arrival and start hike to Gogona. A moderate trail winds through meadows and fields then ascends to the Tselela pass. You will be walking through forest of juniper, bamboo, magnolia and rhododendron. The people of Gogona are nomads and have their own dialect. O/N Camping in Gogona (AP)
Day 05: Gogona to Khotokha: 3100m/10168ft, 5 hours walk: Lunch at Khotokha (Full Board)
Gogona to Khotokha. A gentle climb leads to Shobjula pass at 3700 meters with views of the wide open valley. Then descend gradually to camp at 3100 meters. O/N Camping in Khotokha (AP)
Day 06: Khotokha to Chuzomsa via Nizergang: 1400m/4592ft, 7 hours walk: Lunch en-route (Full Board)
A short ascends leads to Tashi la at 3300. Be sure to fill your water bottles shortly after crossing the pass as the descend is very dry. Walk down through ever changing vegetation into the drainage of the Dangchu River at 1400 meters. O/N Camping in Chuzomsa (AP)
Day 07: Drive to Punakha sightseeing. Then drive to Paro: 2380m/7382ft: Lunch at Punakha (Full Board)
AM drive 45 minutes to Punakha and visit the Punakha Dzong which served as an old capital of Bhutan. This remarkable fortress is built between two rivers and has survived many glacial floods and fire. Every year during the month of February a procession known as the Punakha Serda takes place to commemorate the victory over the Tibetans. Proceed to Thimpu. Evening: drive back to Paro. O/N at Kichu Resort OR similar in Paro (AP)
Day 08: Transfer to airport
You will be driven to the airport in time to catch your flight back
