Exotic Bhutan Tours and Treks

Gantey Gompa Winter Trek

Tiger's Nest Monastery

Day - 1: Arrive Paro International Airport. During the journey to Paro, one will experience breath taking view of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Chomolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by your tour representative of who will escort you to the Hotel where arrangements have been made for the night. The Olathang hotel in Paro is a cluster of Bhutanese style cottages that are sure to please. Wonderful décor and food.

Day - 2: After breakfast we enjoy sightseeing in quaint Paro village. The village has many unique handicraft shops to browse. We drive to Drugyel Dzong, Although today this fortress lay in ruins, this Dzong is of great historical importance. It was here that the Bhutanese finally defeated the invading Tibetans and drove them back. From here, the peak of Chomolhari "Mountain of the Goddess" can be seen on a clear day; altitude of 24,029 ft On the way back, you visit a typical Bhutanese farmhouse, and enjoy Bhutanese hospitality; Yak tea, or perhaps a local brew. We will stop to visit Rinchen Pong Dzong. This massive fortress is located in the Paro valley and houses the District Administration office and the Monastic Body. It was built in 1645 AD. Return to the hotel for lunch. In the after noon we visit the National Museum ( Ta - Dzong ). This was actually the Watchtower of the Rinchen Pong Dzong. It was converted into the National Museum in 1968. It has an unusual conch shape and many floors of unique historical artifacts of Bhutan. A very intense museum, indeed. Back to the hotel for tea and depart for Thimphu, Capitol of Bhutan. Two hours drive to Thimphu and check into our Hotel Druk. Meet your local Bhutanes host tonight, Soenam, for a dinner reception at her home.

Day - 3: Thimphu Sightseeing: After breakfast we first go to the Royal Bhutan Bank to exchange money, as well as visit the post office. Here you will find elaborate and beautiful common and rare Bhutanese stamps. A must for the collector, wonderful just for the purchase. We then drive to the Memorial Chorten, a huge Stupa built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned the Kingdom from 1952 - 1972. Visit the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved as well as the Wood Craft and Painting school where traditional art and craft are still kept alive. Handicrafts Emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other arts are displayed and can be purchased. After lunch, visit Simtokha Dzong.This is is one of the oldest fortresses in Bhutan built in 1629 AD. It houses the largest Monastic Schools in the country. We also visit Tashichho Dzong. This massive structure houses part of the Government Ministries, the office of the King and the Throne Room. It also houses the State Monastic Body and the living quarters of the senior monks and the Chief Abbot. It is the main Secretariat building. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day - 4 Thimphu - Gangtey

Drive to Gantey 90 km from Thimphu. On the way, halt at Dochula pass ( 26 km, Alt. 3100m ) for tea and snacks and to enjoy the most spectacular view of the eastern Himalayan mountain ranges( the view is possible only on a clear day). Also visit Punakha ( 60 km ) the former capital of Bhutan. The Punakha Dzong lies between two rivers known as Phochu and Mochu which means " Male River and Female River ". The Dzong now houses the District Administration office and the winter residence of the State Monastic Body and its Chief Abbot. It was built in 1637 AD.

Overnight in the Guest house. The Guest house in Gangtey is not luxurious but very clean and comfortable. The food is excellent. Gangtey is a beautiful place surrounded by snowcapped mountains in the distance with a landscape of rolling hills and green meadows. It is situated at an altitude of 3000m. From Gangtey, one can closely view the picturesque Black Mountain ranges as well as the beautiful Phobjikha valley. Gangtey Gonpa (Gantey Monastery)is perched atop a small hill that rises from the valley floor.The Monastery is surrounded by a large village inhabited mainly by the families of the 140 Gomchens ( Lay Monks ) who take care of the Monastery. The Gangtey Gonpa is the only Nyingmapa Monastery on the western sideof the Black Mountains and is also the biggest Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan.

Day - 5 Gangtey - Gogona

Begin the Gantey Trek. Riding ponies can be provided if required. The trail winds through meadows and fields and the climb takes you through a mixed forest of juniper,bamboo, magnolia and rhododendron to Tselela pass ( 3320m ) Overnight in camp at alt.3000m. distance 16 km, and time 5-6 Hr.

Day - 6 Gogona-Khotokha

A gentle climb leads to Shobjula pass ( 3390m ). The descend from the pass leads to a wide valley, surrounded by beautiful mountain ranges Overnight in camp. Distance 16 km. Time 6-7 Hr.

Day - 7 Khotokha - Chuzomsa -Wangdu.

A short ascent will bring you to the Tashila pass ( 2780m ). You walk through an ever changing landscape into the drainage of Dangchu. ( Chu means River ). Walk to the motor road which takes about 45 minutes. Here you will meet your driver and depart for your overnight at Dragons Nest Hotel in Wangdu. Relax and enjoy your dinner and a leisure evening in the hotel.

Day - 8 Wangdue - Paro

Drive to Paro ( 75 km ). Lunch on the way in Thimphu and drive on to Paro. Stroll Paro village and enjoy dinner at a cozy village restaurant. Overnight Hotel at Paro.

Day - 9 Paro-Visit Tiger's Nest

Drive up to Satsam Chorten ( 10 km from Paro Town ) and from there walk to Taktsang Monastery.The name Taktsang means " Tiger's Nest ". The Monastery is perched on a rocky ledge with a sheer drop of nearly 4000 ft. and overlooks the Paro Valley. Taktsang is one of the most venerated pilgrim sites in the Himalayan world and it has 13 holy places. However, most people can only visit the main site called Taktsang Pelphug. According to the legend, Taktsang Monastery was founded by Guru Padamasanbhava in the eighth century. It is believed that the Guru came to this place on the back of a tigress from Khengpajong in the Kurtoe region and meditated for three months in a cave at Taktsang and converted the Paro valley to Buddhism.

Day - 10 Paro - International Airport

 

Tashi Delek!
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