Gangkhar Phuentsum Trek / Jambay - Paker Festivals
October 11 to October 30, 2007
Day 1: Bangkok to Paro
Depart Bangkok airport to arrive at Paro international airport. On
arrival at Paro international airport, you will be received and escorted
to your hotel by your tour representative. After an early lunch visit
the national museum (Ta-dzong). Once the watchtower for the Rinpung
dzong, it was converted into the National Museum in 1968. The museum
stands on a promontory overlooking the Paro valley.
Also visit the
Paro Rinpung dzong. A flagstone path rises gradually from a beautiful
wooden bridge with shingle roofing and abutted by two guardhouses,
to the dzong. Today, the dzong is the seat of the district administration
as well as the home for the monastic school. The central tower (utse)
of the dzong, with its superb woodwork, is one of the most beautiful
in the country. The dzong was built in 1645 A.D. Evening: visit a
farm house and experience Bhutanese hospitality. Overnight: Hotel
Olathang
Day 2: Paro to Thimphu
Depart Paro and drive to the trailhead to hike Taktsang monastery.
The name Taktsang Means "tiger's nest'. The monastery is perched
on a Rocky ledge with a sheer drop of nearly 3,000 ft. It is said
that in the second half of the 8th century, Guru Padmasambbava alighted
here upon the back of a tigress.
Lunch at Taktsang cafeteria. En-route visits the Drugyel dzong -
ruined fortress. The dzong, although in ruins, holds great historical
significance. It was from this fortress that the Bhutanese repelled
many Tibetan invasions. On a clear day this spot offers a magnificent
vista of Mount Jumolhari "mountain of Goddess" (24,039
ft). Continue onwards towards Thimphu, Capitol of Bhutan. Check into
Hotel Druk.
Day 3: Thimphu
Enjoy breakfast and depart to exchange currency at the Bank of Bhutan and an
opportunity to purchase exquisite collector Bhutanese stamps. We then attend
the famous weekend Thimphu marketplace. Here you will stroll and shop with
local Bhutanese and be immersed into Bhutanese culture. This marketplace thrives
with fresh and colorful produce and enchanting Bhutanese locals. Enjoy your
shopping spree. After lunch we will visit and tour the following sites in Thimphu:
the National memorial chorten which was built in 1974 in Memory of the third
king; the Textile Museum, Folk Heritage museum, arts and crafts Zilukha nunnery
and visit Bhutanese national animal at the Takin zoo; perhaps an archery match
along the way - Bhutan Holds the gold! Evening stroll in town and dinner with
your Bhutanese host; Sonam. Overnight: Hotel Druk
Day 4: Thimphu to Punakha
(3 hours drive) over the Dochula Pass alt. 11,400 ft; snow-capped eastern
Himalayan ranges can be seen on a clear day. Prayer flags will flutter
you over the pass deeper into the essence of Bhutan. Check into your
hotel; enjoy glorious views of quaint Wangdue village and the impressive
Wangdue dzong strategically located. After lunch visit the Punakha
dzong, the winter residence of the Je khempo (chief abbot). Punakha
dzong is said to be the most beautiful of dzongs in Bhutan; it is
an outstanding structure with intense artwork. Evening: hike to Chimed
lhakhang, the fertility temple of Saint Drukpa Kuenley known popularly
as 'the divine madman'. Overnight: Dragons Nest Resort
Day 5: Punakha to Bumthang
Punakha to Jakar in Bumthang valley (7-8 hour drive). After breakfast we depart
towards Bumthang passing over Pele la (11,000 ft) And Yotungla pass. Here we
get our first glimpse of the Black mountains. High Himalayan Mountains such
as Jumolhari are in view amidst hundreds of prayers flags; blessings abound.
As we continue onwards on our high Himalayan highway, we begin to get our first
glimpse of the incredible massive dzong - Trongsa dzong; an architectural wonder.
On a hilltop overlooking the Trongsa dzong is the medieval watchtower and below
the great Mangde chu (river), enhancing the Trongsa dzong exceptional beauty
and grandeur. We now stop to visit Trongsa dzong; ancestral home of the royal
family. Built in 1648 ad it is presently the administrative seat of the district
and the home of the monastic school. Built at split-levels on a narrow spur,
the dzong offers magical wonder. Continue onwards to Jakar. Overnight: River
lodge
Day 6: Bumthang:
Today we sightsee and tour in Bumthang. Visit Jakar Dzong, Jambay Khakhang,
Kurjey Lhakhang, and Flaming Lake, (Membar Tsho). Shopping is a delight
in Bumthang. Textile weaving prevails in this area and we visit weavers
utilizing the back and toe strap looms. Here you will find the best
price for textile purchase. After lunch we will visit a Bhutanese
schoolhouse and be entertained and delighted by wonderful Bhutanese
children; this is a favorite experience for many guests in Bhutan.
Tonight go over your trek itinerary with your guide and prepare for
your Gangkhar Trek! Overnight at River Lodge
Day 7: Bumthang to Chochokmey
Our morning begins with an hour drive to the trailhead At Menchugang;
here we meet up with our horses, cooks and staff for our trek. Load
up the pack horse and our excitement mounts! We cross several cable
foot bridges over the Dhurr chu as we climb our way through a small
village; continuing on through dwarf bamboo and fields of potatoes.
After 3 hours of trek we enjoy lunch at Gorsum and are now approximately
2 hours from base camp at Chokchokmey (11,000 ft) in elevation. Here
at camp we spend our first night surrounded by magnificent forest in
a beautiful meadow with running brook. (6 hour trek)
Day 8: Chochokmey to Tashisa
Today we rise early for a long day of strenuous trekking; approximately (8 hours)
ending up above the tree line; a very steep climb awaits and here you will
begin to comprehend the beauty that awaits you. Picnic lunch at Kurbathang.
Camp tonight at Tashisa (13,300 ft) Amongst yak herders stone huts (8-9 hour
trek)
Day 9: Tashisa to Tsoshab
Today we trek through open meadows, cross streams on our way from Tashisa
to Tsoshab. A steep climb brings us to Tholeas pass at (15,000 ft);
here we may encounter snow as well as incredible views of Mt. Monla
Karchung and other high Himalayan peaks. high alpine flowers including
the blue poppy can be seen here; tonight we camp on the shores of
lake Tsoshab – relax, arak anyone? (4-5
hour trek)
Day 10: Tsoshab to Jiuthang
Today we trek from Tsoshab to Jiuthang (13,000 ft). We will follow
a mountain ridge for a few hours and then down a very steep mountain
trail towards Tsampa; reaching a yak herder village surrounded by
forest of fir, cedar and rhododendron we rest and camp by a stream.
(5 hour trek)
Day 11: Jiuthang to Bamarpo
Today we reach the end of the tree line at Shing gu; tonight we camp
at Bamarpo (14,700 ft) Gangkhar Phuentsum base camp. The trek today
takes us through a beautiful long alpine valley; intensely beautiful.
We continue northwest following the Chamkhar chu as the valley opens
up before us and we see the icy walls of Gangkhar before us! We will
halt here for 2 nights to explore this beautiful valley. (7-8 hour
trek)
Day 12: Bamarpo
Rest and explore Mt. Gangkhar Phuentsum close up; the Caldera, the lake and glacier;
your expert Bhutanese Guide will assist you. The hike to the mountain will
bring you to altitude of 16,000 ft. Here you will experience that special insight
known only by the few that experience such a wonder of spirit as a remote high
Himalayan sacred mountain can give; humbled you are in presence. In spring
time here the Chinese worm is being harvested by locals. Overnight base camp.
Tibet is a 5 hour hike from here.
Day 13:, Bamarpo To Tsampa
Today we begin our trek journey back towards Tsampa. We camp tonight
at Tsampa Goma (7 hour trek)
Day 14: Tsampa To Peytso
Departing Tsampa onward to Peytso along the trail that follows the
fast moving churning Chamkhar chu; Rapid after rapid (we choose not
to white water raft!) Our path is stone and mud; glad we have gators!
Camp tonight at Peytso (8 hours trek)
Day 15: Peytso To Bumthang
Today is our final day and a long day of trekking through forest and
river trails. We will stop and visit with locals near the village of
Damphey. Our day and trek ends at Tokto zam where our van will be awaiting
our return. Return to Jakar and overnight at River Lodge and enjoy
Bhutanese hospitality at its FINEST! (9 HOUR TREK)
Day 16: JAMBEY Festival
This morning is yours to rest and relax. After lunch we depart for
an afternoon delight and attend Jambay Lhakhang Drup Festival, located
in the heart of Chokor Valley, The festival symbolizes the fight between
good and evil and thankful offerings are made for good harvest. Return
to River Lodge for overnight.
Day 17: PAKER Festival
Today we attend a full day at the Paker Festival, held in another beautiful
valley in Bumthang, Chumey Valley. This festival is held each year
to honor Lama Thukase Dawa, son of e the Treasurer Discover Pema
Lingpa, who lived in Bumthang in the 15th century. Overnight at River
Lodge.
Day 18: Jakar to Wangdue
Depart Bumthang towards the west; 8 hour drive today to Wangdue; rest
in your vehicle and photo stops and Lunch along the way. Today is a
rest day in the van. Arrive Wangdue. Overnight Dragons Nest Resort.
Day
19: Wangdue To Paro Via Thimphu
Depart today to Thimphu for Bhutanese handicraft purchase and lunch.
Continue onward to Paro for farewell dinner and overnight at Hotel
Olathang
Day 20: Paro To Abroad - depart Paro airport for your next destination.
Tashi Delek!
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