This trek begins a Phobjikha valley at 3000m, one of the few glacial valleys in Bhutan, and a chosen home of the rare Black-necked cranes who migrate here in the winters from Tibetan Plateau. The trial climbs till 3400m, through thick forests of mixed trees, especially, rhododendrons, enters the isolated valley of Gogona, then to Khotokha, a valley also known for Black-necked cranes. This trek is good for average walkers and can be done anytime from March till May and September to December, best period being April when the rhododendron is flowering.

Itinerary at a glance :-

Day 01 Delhi/Bangkok - Paro. Drive to Thimphu (1.5 hrs). Alt. 2300m.

Day 02 Thimphu - Sightseeing Including visit to Tashichhodzong and other places.

Day 03 Thimphu - Gantey Gomba weekend market, PM drive to Gantey Gomba.125kms/5 hrs. Alt. 2850m.

Day 04 Gantey - Halt. Visit Gantey Gomba monastery and near by village houses.

Day 05 Gantey - Gogona (15 kms/6-7 kms). Trek passes through thick forests, across Tsele La (3450m), past several meadows to Gogona. Alt. 3100metrs at the camp.

Day 06 Gogona - Khotangkha (16kms/6-7 hrs). It is a long but gradual climb through thick forests of firs, oak, spurce, azaleas, rhododendron and juniper to the highest point on this trek at Shobju La (3450m), the trail then, descends to Khotangkha. Alt. 2600m.

Day 07 Khotangkha - Halt. Hike to nearby old but beautiful monastery of DoleyGomba overlooking the valley below and the Rinchenling Monastery where we may find sacred ceremony taking place. Traditional hot stone bath can be arranged.

Day 08 Khotangkha - Tikke ZampaWangduephordang. This is the old route that most trekkers use. Distance-12 kms/ 5 hrs. This stretch is also very good place to see birds. However, there is another trail that climbs till Moley La (2900m ), continue along the ridge south east towards Namgye La (3100m) from where you can have spectacular views of west Himalayas, then, descend to Wangduephordang passing through the village of Rubisa. 17kms/ 6-7 hrs. In the evening, visit Wangdue Dzong. Alt. 1350m.

Day 09 Wangdue - Punakha/Paro. AM drive to Punakha, hike to Khamsum Yueley Namgyal Chorten, visit Punakha dzong, then, drive to Paro. 159kms/6 hrs drive. Alt. Of Paro – 2200m.

Day 10 Paro - Paro In and around Paro including visit to Tiger’s nest monastery

Day 11 Paro - Delhi/Bangkok exit

The above are in brief. For more detailed information, please feel free to write us or visit our office at the following address:-

Thoesam Tours and Trekking
Trashi Khangsar House, Near Forest Institute, Taba
P.O.Box – 629, Thimphu
Tel : +975-2-365101/ 365127 (365073 fax)
Email : thoesam@druknet.bt