At 3,000m, Phobjikha Valley is one of the few glacial valleys in Bhutan. It is the chosen home of the endangered black-necked cranes which migrate from the Tibetan Plateau to the valley every winter. This trip is ideal for anyone who wants a short and easy trek, giving a taste of the beautiful scenery that Bhutan has to offer, as well as plenty of time to experience some of the rich and wonderful cultural highlights of this mystical Himalayan Kingdom.
Gangtey Gogona Trek this trip would suit anyone with a general level of fitness, since despite three days spent trekking and camping, the trails are good and the route is not difficult. While on trek, accommodation is in tents; good standard hotel accommodation is used in the towns.
The operator works within guidelines set by the government on running operations in an environmental-friendly way – especially when it comes to recycling and conserving energy. In addition, the operator strives to encourage tourists to eat at local restaurants and buy souvenirs that help the local economy, and informs them on how to behave so that they do not offend local sensibilities. The operator makes contributions to conservation projects and avoids trekking in sensitive areas, such as staying away from certain trails during the breeding season. A point is made to hire local staff and to implement fair working conditions and pay. Efforts are made to educate trekkers on how to help protect the environment with proper waste management, use of biodegradable products and recycling.
Short Program:
Day 1: Arrival at Paro.
Day 2: Paro sightseeing.
Day 3: Visit Takshang (Tiger’s Nest).
Day 4: Drive to Thimphu.
Day 5: Drive to Gantey.
Day 6: Trek to Gogona (6-7 hours).
Day 7: Trek to Khotokha (6-7 hours).
Day 8: Trek to Wangdue Phodrang (6-7 hours).
Day 9: Drive to Punakha; sightseeing. Drive to Thimphu.
Day 10: Drive to Paro with sightseeing in Thimphu.
Day 11: Departure.
The operator works within guidelines set by the government on running operations in an environmental-friendly way – especially when it comes to recycling and conserving energy. In addition, the operator strives to encourage tourists to eat at local restaurants and buy souvenirs that help the local economy, and informs them on how to behave so that they do not offend local sensibilities. The operator makes contributions to conservation projects and avoids trekking in sensitive areas, such as staying away from certain trails during the breeding season. A point is made to hire local staff and to implement fair working conditions and pay. Efforts are made to educate trekkers on how to help protect the environment with proper waste management, use of biodegradable products and recycling.
Trip highs!
- Tiger’s Nest monastery
- Magnificent Himalayan landscape
- Beautiful Phobjikha valley in central Bhutan
- Black-necked cranes (during winter)
- Monasteries and sightseeing in Thimphu, Punakha and Paro
Trip watch-outs!
- Camping in remote areas
- Chilli – be careful as they are red-hot and used generously in local cooking. Your guide will recommend good food along the way.
Nar Bahadur Rai studied Animal Production in the Netherlands and has 12 years of experience working at the Department of Livestock, at the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests in Bhutan. This work involved animal breeding, conservation and protection of endangered species. He is the CEO, and working with him as his Executive Director is Ms. Bimala Rai, who has a Masters degree in Economics from Anna University in India. She has 10 years of experience in accounting, auditing and filing the taxes of corporate and state-owned organisations in Bhutan. Apart from helping run the office, she also runs the Nice Financial Consultancy company in Bhutan. The team is completed by Srawan Pradhan, who has a degree in Commerce and a Diploma in IT from Delhi University in India. Before joining as the Personal Relations Officer, Pradhan spent 12 years as an IT and marketing manager of one of Bhutan’s leading IT companies.
Ideal For Whom
A good general level of fitness is sufficient for this trek, as you don’t walk far and the trails are good. This trip would suit anyone with an interest in seeing rural life in Bhutan as well as a chance to visit some of the rich cultural highlights of this little Himalayan Kingdom. A few days at the beginning and end of this trip give ample time to explore some of the rich cultural variety that Bhutan has to offer, with the monastery at Takshang, Punakha and sights of Thimphu.
When To Visit
Spring and autumn are the best times to visit, when the weather is warm, dry and fairly settled. There may be the odd showers in spring, while the skies tend to be clearer in autumn.
Winter is cold, but offers crisp, clear days and it gets quite warm during the day.
Summer is not the best time of the year for trekking as this is when monsoon falls – it can rain for a few hours each day.
Things To Bring
Walking/hiking shoes/boots
Comfortable trekking clothes – cotton is best
Waterproofs and umbrella – it rains quite a lot any time of the year
Ear plugs to block the noise of the dogs that bark all night
Sun hat and sun cream – even in the winter months the sun can be quite strong
Torch for when you are camping
By Air: Flights come into Paro Airport, the only international airport in Bhutan. It’s about a two-hour drive to Thimphu, the capital.
For foreigners other than Indian nationals, entry or exit into Bhutan has to be via a Druk Airways flight into Paro Airport. (Your visa will be arranged for you in advance by your operator). This means that a flight is needed at least one way, to enter or leave Bhutan.
By Land: It is possible for foreigners to enter Bhutan from Phuentsholing and to leave via Samdrup Jongar. There are no restrictions for Indian nationals, who in addition to the option of flying, can use either land border points.
Samdrup Jongar is a three-hour road trip to Guwahati in Assam, from where it is possible to fly to Kolkata, Delhi or Bangkok; or take a train to West Bengal, to Siliguri or Kolkata. This area is politically unstable, so it is wise to check in advance.
Phuentsholing, on the western border of Bhutan, is a few hours from Darjeeling, Sikkim and West Bengal. Siliguri is the main transport hub (169km). Buses leave Siliguri twice a day for Phuentsholing.
Panitanki (Ranigan), in north western Bengal, is opposite the eastern Nepal border town of Kakarbhitta. It is possible to arrange transport with the Bhutanese operator from here to Bhadrapur or Biratnagar for flights to Kathmandu. Panitanka is an hour away from Siliguri (35km) and buses run regularly.
Normal Payment Policy: At time of booking a non-refundable deposit of 10% is charged to your credit card in Euro equivalent by Travel To Care on behalf of the tour operator.
Payment needs to be made 2 months in advance (one month is sufficient in low season: May-September).
Normal Cancellation Policy: One month notice required.
Payment Options: The payment should be via electronic transfer in the BNB account at Thimphu in USD. BNB company account details will be provided during time of payment.
Period(s) tour is not operational: N/A
