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The Gantey Trek takes you to the enchanting Phobjikha valley, one of Bhutan’s rare glacial valleys located east of Wangduephodrang. Upon crossing the pass, you’ll arrive at the majestic Gangtey Monastery, established in the 17th century. The valley floor is home to the serene village of Phobjikha, chosen as the winter sanctuary for the rare black-necked cranes migrating annually from the Tibetan plateau. This moderate trek explores the villages of Gogona and Khotokha, meandering through meadows, fields, and forests adorned with juniper, magnolia, and rhododendrons, which bloom in April. It’s among the most scenic low-level treks in Bhutan, best experienced from March to May and September to November, with April and early May being the prime months when rhododendrons are in full bloom.
Upon arrival at Paro airport, our representative will transfer you to Thimphu. Overnight stay at the hotel in Thimphu.
After breakfast, embark on a morning tour of Thimphu, visiting prominent sites like the National Memorial Chorten, Tashichhodzong, National Library, and the Institute for Zorig Chusum. Later, drive for about 5 hours to Gangtey, crossing the Dochu-la pass and passing by Wangduephodrang Dzong. Overnight at a camp or farmhouse in Gangtey.
Today marks the start of the trek. The trail ascends gradually through meadows and fields to Tsele-la pass (3,400m) for lunch. Descend through forests of junipers, bamboo, magnolias, and rhododendrons, reaching Gogona village, inhabited by people originally nomadic and speaking the Bjopkha language. Overnight camp in Gogona.
Ascend gently above Gogona village through a forest of firs, oak, spruce, rhododendron, cypress, and junipers. A long climb leads to Shobju-la pass (3,400m), descending to the wide valley of Khotokha, a summer grazing ground for people from the Sha region. Overnight camp in Khotokha.
Ascend to a pass, then descend steeply through varied vegetation to reach the bridge at Wangduephodrang, concluding the trek. Overnight at a hotel in Wangduephodrang.
Explore Wangduephodrang and Punakha valleys before driving to Thimphu. Afternoon sightseeing in Thimphu includes visits to the Folk Heritage and National Textile Museums, Handicrafts Emporium, papermaking factory, and market. Overnight in Thimphu.
Drive to Paro, visiting Simtokha Dzong en route. Sightseeing in Paro includes visits to Ta Dzong (National Museum), Rinpung Dzong, Drukgyel Dzong, and Kyichu Lhakhang. Overnight stay in Paro.
After an early breakfast, transfer to Paro airport for your onward flight, enjoying breathtaking mountain views as you bid farewell to Bhutan.
