Phobjikha Trek

GANGTEY PHOBJIKHA TREK – 8 DAYS

This trek is to the beautiful Phobjikha valley (3,000m), 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 a few km. down from the monastery, on the valley floor. This quiet, remote valley is the chosen winter home of the rare black necked cranes, which migrate here annually from the Tibetan plateau. This moderate trek visits the villages of Gogona and Khotokha, passing through meadows and fields, then forests of juniper, magnolia and rhododendrons in full bloom in April. It is one of the finest low level treks in Bhutan.

Seasons: The best times for this trek are March to May, and September to November. The best months are April and early May when the rhododendrons are in full bloom.

DAY 01: ARRIVAL AT PARO

On arrival at Paro airport, you will be met by our representative, and transferred to Thimphu on completion of arrival formalities. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

DAY 02: THIMPHU – GANGTEY

After breakfast, morning tour of Thimphu, visiting National Memorial Chorten, Tashichhodzong, National Library and Institute for Zorig Chusum (generally known as the Painting School), where students learn the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan.

After lunch drive for about 5 hours to Gangtey. En route cross Dochu-la pass (3,088m) and drive by Wangduephodrang Dzong. Overnight at camp/farm house, Gangtey.

DAY 03: GANGTEY  – GOGONA 15km, 6-7 hours

Trek commences today. The trail winds gradually upwards through meadows and fields, ascending to Tsele-la pass (3,400m) where we stop for lunch. The trail then descends gradually for some time through forests of junipers, bamboo, magnolias and rhododendrons. After a last short climb, we reach Gogona village. The people of Gogona were originally nomads and they speak a language called Bjopkha (language of nomads). Overnight camp.

DAY 04: GOGONA – KHOTOKHA 16km, 6-7 hours

The trail winds up gently above Gogona village, climbing into a forest of firs, oak, spruce, rhododendron, cypress and junipers. A long and gradual climb takes us up to Shobju-la pass (3,400m). The path leads down to the wide valley of Khotokha, where the people of Sha (a region of Wangduephodrang district) come in summer to graze their animals. Overnight camp.

DAY 05: KHOTOKHA – CHAZAM/WANGDUEPHODRANG 12km, 5 hours

A short ascent takes us to a pass, from which the path descends steeply through ever- changing vegetation till finally reaching the bridge at Wangduephodrang. The trek ends here. Overnight at the hotel in Wangduephodrang.

Day 06: WANGDUEPHODRANG – THIMPHU

After exploring the attractive Wangduephodrang and Punakha valleys, we drive to Thimphu. Afternoon sightseeing in Thimphu, including visits to the following as time permits: Folk Heritage and National Textile Museums; Handicrafts Emporium; papermaking factory; market. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

DAY 07: THIMPHU – PARO

Morning drive to Paro, en route visiting Semtokha Dzong. Today’s sightseeing in Paro includes visits to: Ta Dzong (National Museum), Rinpung Dzong, Drukgyel Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

DAY 08: DEPART FROM PARO

After early breakfast drive to Paro airport for flight to onward destination, enjoying superb mountain views from the aircraft as you fly out of the valley. Soon you leave Bhutan shrouded in mist and surrounded by her guardian peaks.