Gangtey Trek – 9 Days

Day 01: Arrival at Paro(2250 m) from Kathmandu and transfer to Thimphu.
Your flight lands in Paro You will meet our representative at the airport and will be driven to Thimphu,Check in hotel.After check in,around go out to visit Tashicheo dzong. Tashicheo dzong, the “fortress of the glorious religion” was initially erected in 1702 and restored by the Third King in 1950s. Tashichhodzong houses some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body. You can visit this Dzong after office hours on weekdays and on weekends from 9am to 17:30pm.

Day 02: Thimphu(2350m) and after lunch drive to Phunakha.
Today you will do Thimphu sight seeing till lunch. Memorial Chorten where the older people continuously circumambulated, murmuring mantras and spinning their prayer wheels. Construction of this landmark was the idea of Bhutan’s 3rd king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (“the father of modern Bhutan”) who has wished to erect monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it serves both as a memorial to the Late King and as a monument to peace.
Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School) where students undergo a 6-year training course in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts. Later visit Folk Heritage Museum, a fascinating testimony of the Bhutanese material culture and living traditions.
Phelchey Toenkhyim (Folk Heritage Museum), is dedicated to connecting people to Bhutanese rural    past through exhibits, demonstrate, educational programmed and documentation of rural life. The principal exhibit in the museum is a restored three-storey traditional building, rammed with mud and timber, which dates back to mid 19th century. In order to present a typical Bhutanese rural setting flavor, paddy, wheat and millet fields, a traditional watermill (with mill stones that dates back more than 150 years), traditional style kitchen gardens with vegetables that were grown and consumed over 100 years,and the famous hot stone bath complement the meseum building and exhibition within.

Takin,the national animal of Bhutan is said to be created by Lam Drukpa Kinley,who’s monestary you will visit tomorrow.

Buddha point(Kuensel Phodrang). It is again a short drive from the town. You can pay your obeisance and offer prayers to the Buddha, the largest statue in the country and then walk around and take a glimpse of the valley.

After lunch drive to Punakha(driving hour 2.30hrs), the old capital of Bhutan.Drive over a pass (Dochu-la 3150mtrs) La in Bhutanese means pass. There are 108 chorten called “Druk Wangyel Chorten” with colorful prayer flags surrounding the area, which makes you fresh and feel peace.Visit the Druk Wangyel monastery.
If the sky is clear this provides the best place to see and take photos of Himalayan snow capped mountains ranges which borders Tibet(China),the following are the names of the peaks which can be seen from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendagang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m), Jejegangphugang (7,158 m ), Kangphugang (7,170 m ), Zongphugang (7, 060 m ), a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana - finally Gangkar puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m. After that we drive down the hill till we feel the warm air of Punakha valley. Over night in Punakha.

Day 03: Punakha to Gangtey(3000 m) 
After break fast drive to Gangtey(Phobjikha). one of the few glacial valleys in Bhutan, which lies in the mountains,east of Wangduephodrang. After crossing over the pass, you soon come to the great monastery of Gangtey, established in the 17th century. The village of Phobjikha lies in a few kilometers down from the monastery, on the valley floor. This quite, remote valley is the chosen winter home of rare black necked cranes, who migrate here annually from the Tibetan plateau.If you want to you can do a small hike of 1hr.Many visitors refer to this place as heaven on Earth.After visiting the valley drive back to Punakha.

Day 04: Gangtey Gompa – Gogona 14 km (3100m) approx 5-6 hrs 
The trek leaves the valley at 2830km and leads south, then west through meadows and fields. It then climbs via a mixed forest of juniper, bamboo, rhododendrons and magnolia. The trail is rough and rocky and weaves through trees where pack animals have created deep muddy furrows. After crossing Tsele La (3440m) the trail crosses several meadows, and then descends through forests to Gangak (3020m). It is then a short climb to the camp at Gogona (3100m), a beautiful hilltop site overlooking a long valley. Nearby is Gogona Lhakhang and dozens of poles with white prayer flags fluttering.
A 30-minute walk beyond Gogona is a hamlet where you may find homemade ara (local alcoholic drink) to buy. The women here weave blankets. The village folks speak here a different dialect called Bjop-kha (language of the nomads). 
Overnight camp. (Altitude 3100m)

Day 05 : Gogona – Khotokha (2790m) 15 km, approx 5 - 6 hours trek
The trail winds gently up above Gogona village, past flocks of sheep and ploughed fields. Climb into a forest of firs, oak, spruce, dwarf rhododendron, miniature azaleas, cypress and juniper. Much of the undergrowth is daphne, the plant that is used for hand-made paper and may be identified by its yellow flowers. Then a long but gradual climbs leads to Shobju La pass (3410m). The trail down from the pass is rocky and muddy, weaving through the forest and criss- crossing a small stream. Eventually, at about 3000m, the trail meets a rough trek used by tractors to collect wood from the forest. Follow the road, with a few short cuts through the woods, to a saw mill and woodcutters camp at Dolonaga (2830m). Still heading down, the trail overlooks the broad Khothangkha valley and eventually reaches Chorten Karpo, where there are four Chortens dedicated to the four Je Khenpos who came from this area. Three of the Chortens are square, in Bhutanese style, and the fourth is Nepali style.  The best camp is in this clearing at 2790m, beside a forest of a large blue pines overlooking the valley and the village of Khothangkha, comprising about 60 rustic houses. Overnight camp. (Altitude 2790m)

Day 06 : Khotokha - Tikke Zampa & transfer to Punakha & Wangduephodrang (1500m) 12 km, approx. 4 hrs trek
A short, steep climb along a well-known path takes you to Tashi La (2800m). This is the upper terminus of the cable car that transports wood down to Chhuzomsa, 1300m below. The walk down is through a beautiful forest, with the undergrowth changing from rhododendrons and magnolia to ferns and dwarf bamboo. This stretch of trail is one of the finest bird-watching areas in Bhutan. Among the species found here are laughing thrush, shrike, magpie and woodpecker. The trail then plunges down past steep terraced wheat fields to a cluster of houses at Whachay. The trail eventually meets the road near Tikke Zampa at 1500m. 
End of trek & transfer to the hotel.
Rest of the day at leisure and to explore Wangduephodrang town. Adjoining to Punakha, Wangduephodrang known as Sha or ‘east’ to the Bhutanese is an important gateway to the far-flung corners of Bhutan and played a crucial role in unifying the western, central and southern districts. Overnight at the hotel in Punakha & Wangduephodrang. (Altitude 1300m)

Day 07: Punakha (1350 mtrs) and after lunch drive to Paro
After breakfast visit: 
Punakha Dzong: The Dzong was built in 1637 by the unifier Zhabdrung Ngwang Namgyal and it was named as Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). The Dzong is beautifully located in between the two rivers called Pho (male) and Mo (female) chhu (river). The Dzong is surrounded by stories and myths, and you just have to ask your guide or local people they will have some great stories of the past. It was the capital of Bhutan till 1955. The establishment of the Wangchuck dynasty on 17th December, 1907 took place here and the first National Assembly was also held in the Dzong in 1953. Punakha dzong continues to be the winter residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) and the central monk body. The war materials captured during the Tibetan invasion can be found in the dzong.
Chimi Lhakhang, is a small 15th century temple famous for its fertility endowments/rites due to the blessings of Lam Drukpa Kuenley in west known as Devine Mad Man. The temple sits on a hillock shaped, as only Drukpa Kuenley could describe it “like a woman’s breast”. The word ‘Chimi’translates as “No Dog” and is traced to the story of how Drukpa kuenley subdued the demoness of Dochula. Apparently, Lam Drukpa Kuenley had followed the demoness of Dochula down to the velley of Punakha and Wangdue. It is believed that the demons had disguised herself into a form of dog. He then subdued the dog and buried it under a mound of earth, marking the place with a stupa and making a prophecy that a temple would be built on the spot in future.
The temple houses the Lam’s iron bow and arrow, a small altar chorten made by the Lam himself and some of his personal effects scriptures. A wooden effigy of Drukpa Kuenley’s male organ is used to bless pilgrims, particularly childless couples or those who have suffered miscarriages or early deaths of their children. Children born under such circumstances under the patronage of Drukpa Kuenley are often named Kuenley or Chimi in honor of the saint and the place. After visiting Chimi lhakhang you will have lunch in a restaurant facing the lhakhang. After lunch we drive back to Paro. Driving hour is 3.5hrs. Over night in Hotel.

Day 08: Sightseeing in Paro
Taktshang: After an early breakfast visit the Tiger’s nest(Taktshang)Hike up to the famous cliff-hermitage called Taktsang, the “Tiger’s Nest.” This monastic retreat is built into a sheer cliff face,high above the Paro valley.The Buddhist saint Padmasambhava flew across the Himalayas on the back of a tiger and landed here, bringing Buddhism to Bhutan. The trail to the monastery climbs through beautiful pine forest and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags.
Kyichu Lhakhang: This Lhakhang(monastery),built in the 7th century, is one of the two oldest and most sacred shrines in Bhutan (the other being Jambey Lhakhang in Bumthang). Kyichu Lhakhang is composed of twin temples. The first temple was built by the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century. In 1968, H.M. Ashi Kesang, the Queen Mother of Bhutan, arranged for a second temple to be built alongside the first one, in same style.
Rinpung Dzong: Built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the “fortress of the heap of jewels“stands on a hill above Paro Township. The approach to the Dzong is through a traditional covered bridge (called the Nemi Zam) and then up a paved stone path running alongside the imposing outer walls. The valley’s annual springtime religious festival, the Paro Tsechu, takes place in the courtyard of the Dzong and on the dance ground on the hillside above.

Day 09: Departure for Kathmandu
After breakfast,drive to airport for your onward destination.Our representative will help you with exit formalities and bid you farewell.

Visa Information

Indian, Bangladeshis and Maldivian nationals can obtain a visa at the port of entry on producing a valid passport with a minimum of 6 month validity (Indian nationals may also use their Voters Identity Card (VIC). For other tourists, you will to need to acquire visa clearance in advance. Visas are processed through an online system by your licensed Bhutanese tour operator, directly or through a foreign travel agent. Tourists are also required to book their holiday through a Bhutanese tour operator or one of their international partners. The tour operator will take care of Visa arrangements for visitors.

You are required to send the photo-page of your passport (passport scanned copy) to your tour operator who will then apply for your visa. The visa will be processed by the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) once the full payment of your holiday (including a USD $40 visa fee) has been wire transferred and received in the TCB bank account. Once received the visa clearance will be processed within 72 working hours. At your point of entry you will be required to show your visa clearance letter, and the visa will then be stamped into your passport.

Weather Information

There is no appropriate season as which is go say that Bhutan’s warm and temperate climate, never-ending festivals and rich and abundant heritage sites provide visitors with a wide array of experiences throughout the year across the country. Bhutan has all four seasons and the climate varies widely depending on the altitude.

Spring (March, April & May)

This time is considered the most beautiful time of the year, resplendent and ablaze with a spectacular array of bright colors. This is the time when the valleys are green with fresh vegetation and fruit trees are blossoming – the time when locals are naturally mirthful and cheery; when visitors are most welcome. Also, you can witness the famous Paro tsechu festival.

Autumn (September, October & November)

Autumn is lovely with clear and crisp blue skies, providing a grand view of some of the tallest unclimbed mountains in the world. It is the best time for trekking and traveling. The climate is cool and temperate and you can get lovely photography opportunities of willows shedding their golden brown leaves, the solitude of parks and somber views of  dzongs and monasteries.

Monsoon (June, July & August)

During these months, Bhutan receives more rainfall than any other region in the Himalayas. Glorious sapphire skies and warm weather is a pleasant time to spend visiting places of cultural and historical interest though this season is not the best time for trekking. Enjoy a cup of warm, aromatic tea while watching the rainfall from your hotel window. Or if you possess an adventurous spirit, grab an umbrella/raincoat while it is raining and take a day tour through the town.

Winter (December, January & February)

Winter in Bhutan is sunny, cool and agreeable to say the least. Much of the east-west highway remains snowbound during winter. It is the best time to tour the western districts of Paro, Wangdue, Punakha, Thimphu and Haa. One of the chief attractions in winter is the beautiful Gangtey (Phobjikha) valley where you can expect to see a wide expanse of rolling plain with bamboo shrubs.

Safety Guidelines

• Credit cards are not a convenient source of payment in Bhutan as only a handful of hotels in a few places provide this facility. Also, only MasterCard and Visa. US dollars are the most convenient currency and are cashed by most banks.

• You should avoid drinking tap water altogether, but it is okay to use it for brushing your teeth. Bottled water is widely available and is best for drinking. It is also wise to carry water purification tablets when trekking in remote locations of Bhutan.

• The local currency is the Ngultrum, which is pegged to the Indian Rupee. Note: The Indian Rupee in denominations of 500 and 1000 are no longer accepted in Bhutan.

• Bhutan is the only country in the world that has banned the consumption and sale of tobacco, resulting in smoking being largely disallowed in public places. Having said that, consumption is not completely prohibited in Bhutan so if you want to smoke, bring your own cigarettes and ask your guide where you can light up. (seal opened pack only)

• Tuesdays are considered the national 'dry day,' with the sale of alcohol prohibited.

• When taking photos/filming inside Dzongs, monasteries, temples, or any religious institutions, check with your guide whether it is permitted as some areas do not allow it.

1. Where is Bhutan?

Bhutan is a land-locked country nestled between the world’s giants, India and the Tibetan region of China. Bhutan – Land of the Thunder Dragon is one of the most exotic destinations in the world today. This kingdom, often referred to as the last Shangri-la, is a land of outstanding people, remarkable scenery and natural wonders, and a proud and vibrant culture. Moreover, it is now gradually opening to the world with a sensitive approach to tourism.

2. What is the time difference in Bhutan?

Bhutan Standard Time ( IST ) is 0600 hours (6 hours) ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+6).

3. How can I enter Bhutan?

There are a number of airports where you can fly into Bhutan from.  At present two carriers operate to Bhutan, Drukair and Bhutan Airlines.

By Air the Entry Points are:

Bangkok to Paro.

Dhaka to Paro.

Katmandu to Paro.

Kolkata to Paro.

Delhi to Paro.

Singapore to Paro.

By Land, the Entry Points are:

Also, there are three land border crossings which you can travel into the kingdom overland.  All crossings are along the Indian border only - Phuentsholing, Gelephu and Samdrup Jongkhar.

Bagdora to Phuntsholing.

Bagdora to Gelephu.

Guwahati to Samdrup Jongkhar.

Note: Exit can also be done through the same Entry Points.

4. How can I process Visa?

All International tourists wishing to enter Bhutan require a visa which must be pre-arranged through a license Bhutanese Tour Operator or one of their international partners.  Visa clearance must be obtained through your tour operator prior to travel.  For Indian passport (or VIC) holders, Bangladeshi nationals and persons from the Maldives may obtain a visa on entry. Visas are approved by the Immigration Department in Thimphu, with which you allowed to enter Bhutan or board the Druk Air flight and Bhutan Airlines.

The actual visa is stamped on the passport upon arrival in the country, either at Paro airport or (if entering by road) at Phuentsholing. You just need to provide us a passport scanned copy by email which should be more than six months validity. There is no need to send the pictures or sign the visa application at this time.

5. What is Visa cost?

International tourist visas a cost of USD $40 applies with TDF (Tourism Development Fund).  This can be paid in advance to you tour operator or travel agent.  For Indian passport (or VIC) holders, Bangladeshi nationals and persons from the Maldives there is no cost incurred.

6. What is the best time to travel to Bhutan?

Bhutan is a year round Tourist Destination and every season or month is the best time. However, depending on climate and festivals, the season is defined either as High or Low seasons. Hence, the best time could be season time and good time can be low season time. However, if you are looking for low cost and good time, we consider the months of January, June and July as the Best time. During this time, you will see fewer foreigners in Bhutan and you have the luxury of enjoying your privacy. When it comes to Hotels also, you have more choices and you will also receive special attention both from the Hoteliers and your Agent since there won’t be many guests and it can be well taken care.

March – May and September – November is the best time to travel in Bhutan. The climate is good then and there are many festivals around this time.

7. Do I require a travel insurance?

Yes, Book Bhutan Tour is committed to a careful preparation of the tour, but cannot foresee all risks and contingencies. In view of these risks, participation is at your own risk. For your own safety of the traveler is to take out a luggage, accident, travel liability and travel insurance that covers the costs of repatriation in case of accident or illness, as a cancellation insurance is strongly recommended. These are not included in the tour price. In addition, Swiss nationals are recommended REGA patronage.

8. What currency shall I carry?

Bhutanese currency is known as the Ngultrum. Most currencies are exchanged by banks here. The most commonly accepted currencies are Ngultrum, US dollars and Indian rupees. However Indian notes in 500 and 1000 denominations are not acceptable. Most handicraft shops accept US dollar. You can even exchange the currencies in some local shops. They give you better exchange rate than the banks.

9. Is it safe to drink tap water in Bhutan?

Tap water is not considered safe for drinking and also ice cubes should be avoided. Mineral water is easily available throughout the country (but make sure that seal is not broken). At the same time it is better to go with the trusted brand rather than picking the local brands.

10. Do I have to worry about altitude sickness in Bhutan?

The altitude in Bhutan is higher than many people are habituated to. Although many people might not have any problem in adjusting, altitude sickness may be a problem for a few ones. If visitors do some simple preparations before leaving for Bhutan, most of the symptoms of altitude sickness can be avoided. Being healthy and in good shape before you arrive in Bhutan will help greatly. It is also recommended that you talk to your local doctor about AMS and medicines in case of emergency.

11. Are there ATM s counter in Bhutan?

Bank of Bhutan (BoB), Bhutan National Bank and Druk PNB Bank ATMs usually accept foreign credit cards; however, it would be prudent to get your cash in Thimphu or Paro before heading out into the countryside, particularly the far east. Transactions are limited to Nu 10,000 or Nu15,000.

12. Is the country safe to travel?

Absolutely, Bhutan is safe for traveler. There is little crime in Bhutan and it is safe for women, family with children and for solo travelers as well. However, women are advised to follow the same universal precautions when they are in crowded entertainment places at night, mainly when in discos or bars.

13. What is the electricity supply in Bhutan and what plugs are used?

240 volts AC – Flat round 2-pin plugs are most common and a universal adapter is an important travel item. Power cuts are quite frequent in central and eastern Bhutan while western Bhutan has stable power supply.

14. What is the electricity supply in Bhutan and what plugs are used?

240 volts AC – Flat round 2-pin plugs are most common and a universal adapter is an important travel item. Power cuts are quite frequent in central and eastern Bhutan while western Bhutan has stable power supply.