Gangtey Gonpa Black Necked Crane Trek
Gangtey Gonpa Black-necked Crane trek is a short trek in Bhutan. Gangtey trek starts in Gangtey valley and ends in Khotokha. Gangtey valley is know for black necked crane. Black necked crane is one of the endangered species of crane which roost in Gangtey in winter and fly to Tibetan plateau in the summer. Gangtey trek is an easy trek. The best time for this trek is from March to May and from September to November.
DAY 01: Arrival at Paro
On arrival at the Paro Airport, you will be received by the representative of Adventure Bhutan Travel who will then take you to your hotel. Rest of the evening at leisure. Overnight in Hotel.
DAY 02: Paro – Paro
Full day sightseeing in the Paro Valley. After breakfast drive to the Drugyel Dzong or the Fortress of Victory from where the Bhutanese repelled many Tibetan invasions. The Dzong though in ruins holds great historical importance to the Bhutanese. From there, in fine weather, one can view the majestic Mt. Jhumolhari standing at an altitude of 7329m above the sea. Other places of interest include the National Museum, Paro Rinpong Dzong and the local market. Overnight in Hotel.
DAY 03: Paro – Thimphu. (54 Km, driving time 1.30hrs
Drive to the capital of the country after breakfast. Enroute you will be able to see the Tachogang Monastery. In Thimphu, visit the National memorial Chorten built in the loving memory of the Late King, His Majesty, Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. Also visit the National Library, Painting School ( week days) and the Changangkha Lhakhang. In the evening drive to the Sangay gang viewpoint to see the Thimphu valley in the evening sun. Your guide will be able to take you shopping if you so desire. Overnight in hotel.
DAY 04: Thimphu – Gangtey. (130 Km, driving time 5hrs)
After breakfast drive towards Punakha and the Wangdi valley through the Dochula pass (3050m) from where you can see the majestic Himalayan mountains on a clear weather. Lunch enroute. Overnight in guest house.
DAY 05: Gangtey – Gogona
Start of the Bhutan short trek. Distance : 16km. Trek Time : 5 -6 Hours. Altitude of camp : 3000m. Begin the trek with the pack ponies and the trekking staff. The trail winds through the meadows and fields. The gentle climb takes you through mixed forests of jumiper, bamboo, magnolia and rhododendron. You will be crossing the Tselela Pass.
DAY 06: Gogona – Khotokha
Distance : 16km. Trek time : 6-7hours. Altitude of camp : 3200m
A gentle climb leads to the Shobjula Pass ( 3390m). The descent from the pass leads to a wide valley surrounded by beautiful mountains.
DAY 07: Khotokha – Chuzomsa – Punakha
Distance : 15 km. Trek Time : 4-5 hours.
A short ascent will bring you to the Tashila pass – 2780m. Then the descent is through an ever changing landscape into the drainage of the Dangchhu Stream. Your transportation will be waiting for you at the motorable road in Chhuzomsa. Transfer to Punakha. Overnight in Hotel.
DAY 08: Punakha – Paro. (125 km. 4 hours drive)
After breakfast visit the Punakha dzong. After the Punakha dzong visit the famous Chimmy Lhakhang. Afterwards drive towards Paro through Semtokha. Overnight in Hotel.
DAY 09: Paro
After breakfast hike to Taktsang. This is one of the most famous monasteries in Bhutan. Its built on a sheer rock cliff of almost 100mts drop. It will be a good half day hike. In the afternoon you can take hotstone bath and visit a farmhouse. Rest of the evening at your leisure. Overnight in Paro.
DAY 10: Departure
To airport and away. Tashi Delek!