SEASON
Duration – 7 nights / 8 days
Good time for this trek is from March to May and from September to November. However the best time for this trek is in April when the rhododendrons are in full bloom.
The trek through Phobjikha valley at 3000m is one of the few glacial valleys in Bhutan. It’s a home to the rare black-necked cranes which migrate in winter from Tibetan plateau. Gangtey Goemba monastery is the only Nyingmapa monastery on the western side of the black mountains, dividing the east and western Bhutan.
Day 1: Arrive Paro
On arrival at Paro Airport, you will be received by the representative of Dragon Trekkers & Tours. Then drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. Over night at hotel Thimphu.
Day 2: Thimphu – Gangtey
After breakfast, tour Thimphu city, visit Memorial Chorten, Tashichho Dzong, National library and the Institute of Zorig Chusum (thirteen traditional arts and crafts). After lunch drive to Gangtey which will take about five hours. Enroute cross Dochula pass at an altitude of 3100m and will pass by Wangduephodrang town. Over night at camp or in a farm house in Gangtey.
Day 3: Gangtey Goemba – Gogona (15 km 6/7 hours)
The trail starts with a slow climb through meadows and then ascend the Tselela pass (3400m) where you will have your lunch. Then descend gradually for some time through forest of junipers, bamboos, magnolias and rhododendrons. After a last short climb, you will reach Gogona village. The people of Gogona were originally nomads and speak a language called bjopkha (language of nomads). Overnight in camp.
Day 4: Gogona – Khotokha (16 km 6/7 hours)
The trail winds gently through Gogona valley into forests of firs, oak, spruce, rhododendrons, cypress and juniper. A long and gradual climb leads to the wide valley of Khotokha, where the people of Sha (Wangduephodrang) migrate during the summers. Overnight in camp at Khotokha.
Day 5: Khotokha – Chazam/Wangduephodrang (12 km 5 hours)
A short ascend will lead you to Mulaila pass and then the path descends through an ever changing vegetation till the bridge in Wangduephodrang. Your trek ends here. Over night at hotel in Wangduephodrang.
Day 6: Wangduephodrang – Thimphu
After exploring fascinating Wangduephodrang and Punakha valley, drive to Thimphu. In the afternoon visit the Institute of Traditional Medicine, Handicrafts Emporium and market. Over night at hotel in Thimphu.
Day 7: Thimphu – Paro
In the morning drive to Paro and enroute visit Simtokha Dzong. Today’s sight-seeing in Paro includes, visit to Ta Dzong (National Museum), Rinpung Dzong, Drukgyel Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang. Over night in Paro.
Day 8: Paro Departure
After early breakfast drive to Paro Airport for flight to another destination. The guide will see you off safely.
