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There is a place on earth that even the most seasoned travelers consider a privilege to visit .Although Bhutan is voted one of the world's top travel destinations, very few make it. This is Druk Yul, Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon. Bhutan is possibly one of the best examples of sustainable eco-tourism and one country that is committed to this concept, inspired by the Buddhist view of the interdependence between man and nature. The following itinerary takes you into the isolated valleys of Gangtey Gompa/Phobjikha, Gogona and Khotokha. Although this trek can be done any time from October to May, it is best done in April when the rhododendrons are in full bloom.
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Day 1: Arrive Paro (by Druk Air) - Thimphu.
The flight into Paro on our national carrier, Druk Air, is a befitting introduction to the spectacular beauty of our country. In clear weather, magnificent views of the world's highest peaks give way to the lush green Paro valley as you land. First gift from Bhutan will be the cool, clean fresh air as you step out of the plane. After clearing customs and visa control you will be brief by our guide and transferred to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. The drive will take around 1 hour. Thimphu has a population of about 100,000. The town is made up of just three lines of shops and is the only capital in the world without traffic lights. In the evening, we will visit the Handicrafts Emporium, where all types of Bhutanese handicrafts are made and sold, overnight at Hotel.
Day 2: Thimphu -Gangtey.
In the morning visit t he National Memorial Chorten, built in honor of our late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk; and also visit National Institute of Traditional Medicine; the Art & Craft School, where children still learn the ancient art of Buddhist painting. Also visit the Folk Heritage Museum, which is dedicated to connecting people to the Bhutanese rural past through exhibition of items and artifacts used in rural households, Textile Museum, where the art of traditional weaving is still kept alive and preserved through exhibition and has a good collection of old textiles which are rich in its color and design. Lunch served at a restaurant in Thimphu. After lunch depart for Punakha, where the road climbs steeply though a forest of pine and cedar, festooned with hanging lichen high up near Dochola pass (3050m). This pass often offers panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges. After stopping for a tea and view, we descend along a series of hairpin bends to the fertile valley of Wangdue. One of the major towns and district headquarters of Western Bhutan where we make a short stop to view the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong dramatically located on the spur of a hill at the confluence of the Tsang Chu and Dang Chu rivers. From here a gradual climb takes you into the valley of Gangtey (Phobjikha). Gangtey lies towards the East of Punakha and Wangdue on the flanks of the Black Mountains. These is and old monastery of Gangtey Gompa dating back to the 17 th century. A few kilometers past the Gompa on the valley floor are the fascinating valley of Phobjikha. The gentle sloping hillsides of Phojikha are described as "the most beautiful valley in the Himalayas". This is the winter home of black0necked cranes that migrate from arid plains in the north to pass winter in milder and lower climate. Dinner and Overnight at hotel.
Day 3: Gangtey - Gogono (Start Trek).
Start trek. Altitude 3,000m; Distance 14 km; Time 5-6 hrs.
Today we begin our Bhutan trek with a moderate hike through from Gangtey Valley to the Gogona Valley. Our trail winds through meadows and fields then climbs through mixed forest of juniper, bamboo, magnolia and rhododendron to the Tsele La (3,320m/ 10,956ft). Gogona Valley is very popular with Bhutanese laymen (who are religious but at the same time lead a family life independent of the Gompas). Overnight camp Gogona Valley.
Day 4: Gogona - Khotokha.
Trek Day 2. Gogona - Khotokha. Distance 16 km; Time 6 - 7 hrs
A gentle climb leads to Shobju La (3,390m/11,187ft). The descent leads down into the sweeping Khotokha Valley. Today's trek offers 'big sky' views of the mountains. Overnight camp.
Day 5: Khotokha - Wangdue.
Distance km; Time hrs (end of trek).
A short ascent brings us to the Tashi La (2,788m/9,200ft). Be sure to fill your water bottle shortly after crossing the pass, as the descent is dry. We walk down through an ever-changing landscape into the drainage region of the Dhang Chu River. Overnight at hotel.
Day 6: Wangdue - Thimphu - Paro.
After breakfast, we drive to visit Punakha Dzong, winter seat of the Je Khenpo and ancient capital of Bhutan, remarkably located between the rivers of the Mo (Female) Chu and Pho (Male) Chu. The Dzong is open to visitors only in summer when the Je Khenpo and the Monk Body are in Thimphu. After visiting Punakha Dzong drive to Thimphu over the Dochola Pass and visit Mothithang mini zoo and see Bhutan's National animal Takin. Visit Zilukha Nunnery and then depart to Paro, overnight at Hotel.
Day 7: Depart from Paro (by Druk Air).
In the morning our representatives from Country Travels will escort you to Paro International Airport and bid Good-bye and pleasant flight back home.
Note:
This itinerary is a sample itinerary intended to give you a general idea of the likely trip schedule. We have designed this itinerary including the best cultural and natural aspects of this country. We can further customize the itinerary to suit your specific interest and needs to our valued customers.
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