Title:

Gangtey / Gogona / Khotokha Winter Trek

Duration:

08 Nights / 09 Days

Best Season:

January to May and October to December

Altitude:

11155 ft.

Itinery:

Arrive Paro by Druk Air Flight. During this flight, one will experience the breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan Peaks including sacred Chomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake in Bhutan. Arrival check in at Paro International. Then drive to Olathang Hotel through Paro valley, an enchanting experience. After lunch go to visit the Ta-Dzong (previously a fort but now a museum). Overnight at Olathang Hotel.

Paro-Thimphu. In the morning follow the winding road beside the Pa Chu (Chu means river or water) down stream to its confluence with the Wangchu, then up valley to Thimphu, the capital. Afternoon lunch at the Hotel. After lunch visit the Memorial Chorten, here the faithful circumambulate the shrine dedicated to the Late King saying their prayer beads as they walk. Overnight at the Hotel.

Thimphu-Gangtey Gompa. After breakfast leave for Gangtey. The road winds through the forest to Dochula (La means pass), where in good weather 200 miles of Himalayan summits are in view. After driving for 3 more hours you will reach Wangdi. Stop for lunch at Wangdi. After a further 3 hours drive you will reach Gangtey. Overnight in camp.

Gangtey Gompa-Halt. For the eager and active trekker, fishing can be done by hiking down to the river, or one can hike in and around the Gangtey village to stretch your legs for the onward trek.

Gangtey Gompa-Gogona. A moderate trail winds through meadows and field then ascends to the Tselela pass through mixed forest of Juniper, bamboo, Magnolia and Rhododendrons. The people of Gogona speak a language called Bjopkha, the language of the nomads. Their life in this isolated valley has encouraged them to continue using their ancient dialect. Distance is about 15 Kms. about 6/7 hours.

Gogona-Khotokha. A gentle climb leads to Shobjula 11,155ft. The descend leads to a wide valley, reminiscent of the big sky views of mountain. Distance is about 15 Kms about 6/7 hours. Overnight in camp.

Khotokha-Chuzomsa/ Wangdi via Nizergang. A short climb up the hill leads to the Tashila 9,200ft. Be sure to fill your water bottle shortly after crossing the pass, as the descend is dry. Walk down through ever changing vegetation into the drainage of the Dang Chu. Overnight in Wangdi Guest House.

Wangdi-Thimphu. After breakfast drive to Punakha Dzong viewpoint at the north end of the Punakha valley. It was the nations capital until 1966. The Je - Khenpo, the head abbot of the religion in the country, and most of the monks of Thimphu occupy this Dzong through the winter as the lower elevation of this valley has a more comfortable temperature. Return over Dochula pass and stop at the Cafeteria for a hot cup of coffee and some snacks. If the weather is clear you will have an excellent view of the Himalayan snow-capped mountains. Continue to drive to Thimphu, the present capital of Bhutan. Overnight in hotel.

Thimphu - Paro Airport. Drive to international Airport at Paro for onward flight.

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