Gangtey Trek

When you arrive at Paro Airport, a representative from Tour Bhutan will be there to welcome you. They will assist in transferring you to your hotel. After enjoying a delicious lunch, your first stop will be at Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower that now serves as the National Museum. Just below the museum, you’ll find the majestic Paro Rimpung Dzong, the heart of both civil and religious authority in this valley. A short stroll will lead you to the dzong’s base and a charming traditional cantilevered bridge. In the evening, you will proceed to Thimphu. You’ll spend the night in a hotel and enjoy a delightful dinner

The day commences with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten, constructed in 1974 to honor the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, and the Dupthop Lhakhang, one of the few remaining nunneries in Bhutan. Next on our itinerary is a stop at the National Library, home to ancient Buddhist manuscripts, and the Painting School, where the traditional art of Thangka painting (sacred Buddhist religious scrolls) is meticulously preserved and taught.

Following lunch, we’ll journey to the Traditional Medicine Institute, where medicines are crafted using age-old methods. Our exploration continues with visits to Changangkha Lhakhang, the Takin Preserve Center, and a scenic viewpoint. In the evening, we’ll pay a visit to the Tashichho Dzong, which serves as the seat of the national government and the Central Monastic Body. This remarkable structure also houses the summer residence of the Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot of Bhutan.

Our day concludes with a trip to Simtokha Dzong, the oldest dzong in Bhutan, constructed by Shabdrung in 1627. Finally, we’ll explore the Handicrafts Emporium and have the opportunity for souvenir shopping in Thimphu’s charming shops before retiring for the night at our hotel.

After having breakfast, we will embark on a journey to Punakha via the scenic Dochula Pass. Along the way, we will make a brief stop to visit Chimi Lhakhang, also known as ‘the Temple of Fertility,’ where people seeking blessings for fertility come to pray.

Once we arrive in Punakha, our first destination will be Punakha Dzong, a magnificent structure built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. For many years, it served as the seat of the Government, and it was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang, which means ‘Palace of Great Happiness.’ The dzong houses preserved war materials captured during the battle with Tibetans. Punakha continues to be the winter residence of Je-Khenpo, and it was here that King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk convened the new national Assembly in 1952.

After a satisfying lunch, we will drive for approximately 2 hours to reach Gangtey, where we will spend the night in a hotel.

The trail meanders upward, gently climbing through fields before reaching the Tselela Pass, where we’ll stop for lunch. Following the pass, the trail gradually descends through a forest featuring juniper, bamboo, magnolia, and rhododendron. After a brief final ascent, we’ll arrive at Gogona village. The residents of Gogona were originally nomadic people, and they speak a unique language called ‘Jopkha,’ which is the language of the nomads. Distance 15 km, about 6 – 7 hours.

In the morning, you will ascend a gradual slope to reach Shobjula, situated at an elevation of 11,155 feet, where we’ll pause for lunch. Subsequently, the trail descends into the spacious Khotokha valley, which serves as a summer retreat for the people of Sha, a district under Wangduephodrang. Distance 15 – 16 km. Time about 6 – 7 hours.

A short ascend leads to Mulaila pass (9200ft.) then the path descends through ever-changing vegetation till the bridge in Wangdi Phodrang. Your trek ends here at. Overnight at the guesthouse.

Drive to Thimphu. Thimphu is about 2.5 hours drive from Wangdi. Thimphu is the most crowded capital in Bhutan with about 135000 people living in the city. If time permits we visit memorial chorten built in the memory of Third King, Folk Heritage museam and 13th Arts and Crafts School.

After Lunch, Excursion to Cheri Monastery. Dinner and over night in Hotel.

Todays ends the Gangtey Trek. Our team from Tour Bhutan will assist you to Airport and see you off.