Gangtey Trek: This is a 3-day trek at relatively low elevations, which visits several remote villages.
Phobjikha Valley, at 3000m is in one of the few glacier valleys in Bhutan. It is the chosen home of the rare black-necked cranes which migrate here in winter from the Tibetan Plateau. The valley of Gangtey is one of the most beautiful places in Bhutan and the Gangtey Gompa (monastery) is the only Nyingmapa monastery on the western side of the Black mountains. This moderate trek passes through the villages of Gogona and Khotokha, through meadows and fields, then forest of juniper, magnolia and rhododendrons. This is one of the finest low level treks in Bhutan.

Day 01: Arrive Paro International Airport by Druk Air
Day 02: Paro - Sightseeing and drive to Thimphu
Day 03: Thimphu - Sightseeing
Day 04: Thimphu - Gangtey
Day 05: Gangtey - Gogona
Day 06: Gogona - Khotokha
Day 07: Khotokha - Chuzomsa
Day 08: Chuzomsa - Paro
Day 09: Paro - Trek to Tiger’s Nest
Day 10: Paro - International Airport

Day 01: Arrive Paro International Airport
During the journey to Paro, one will experience breathtaking 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 representatives of our tour operator, who will escort you to the Hotel where arrangements have been made for the night.

Day 02: Paro - Sightseeing
After breakfast, drive in the morning to the ruins of the Drukgyal Dzong 16 km up the valley. Built in 1647 by the great Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, father and unifier of medieval Bhutan, the Dzong was destroyed by accidental fire and left in ruins as an evocative reminder of the great victories it was built to commemorate. Explore the ramparts and on a clear day experience an unforgettable view of the peak of Mt. Jhomolhari (Mountain of the Goddess 7,314 m).
On the way back, visit Kichu Lhakhang (temple) that was built in 659 A.D. by the Tibetan King Srongsen Gampo, as one of the 108 such Monasteries which he built in various places to spread Buddhism. It is considered one of the holiest places in Bhutan as it marks the advent of Buddhism in the country. Kyichu Monastery is located between Drugyal Dzong and Paro town.
After lunch at the Hotel visit the National Museum (Ta Dzong). This was actually the Watch Tower of the Rinchenpung Dzong. It was converted into the National Museum in 1968. Below the museum is the Rinchenpung Dzong. This massive fortress houses the District Administration office and the Monk Body. It was built in 1645 AD. A short walk takes you to the base of the dzong and across a traditional cantilevered, covered bridge.
In the evening after tea at the Hotel drive to Thimphu, the capital city. Thimphu is 60 km from Paro and takes about onetwo hours drive. Overnight halt in Hotel.
Evening: Reception by tour operator and host with Local musicians.

Day 03: Thimphu - Sightseeing
Thimphu is the capital city of Bhutan with a population of over 90,000.
Visit 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.
Visit the Wood Craft and Painting school where traditional art and craft are still kept alive.
Visit Handicrafts Emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other arts are displayed and can be purchased.
After lunch, visit Simtokha Dzong which is located 6 km from Thimphu Town. This is one of the oldest fortresses in Bhutan built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1629 AD. It houses the largest Monastic Schools in the country.
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.
In the evening relax at Thimphu's numerous modern health clubs and beauty parlors where sauna, steam, gym, beauty treatment including hair dressing, skin care (with pure herbal products) and body massage services are available. Our guides will show you where these are if you wish.

Day 04: Thimphu – Gangtey
Drive to Gantey is 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). Enroute Also visit Punakha (6077 kms) 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.
Also on the way one will get a good view of the Wangue Phodrang Dzong built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1639. It houses the civil administration and monastic body for Wangdue district. Legend relates that as the people were searching for the site for the Dzong, four ravens were seen flying away in four directions. This was considered auspicious sign, representing the spread of Buddhism in all directions from this place. The Dzong is situated at the confluence of the Puna-tsang-Chu and Tang-Chu rivers.
Overnight stay at the Guest house: The Guest house in Gangtey is modest 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 Gompa (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 about 140 Gomchens (lay monks) who take care of the Monastery. The Gangtey Gompa is the only Nyingmapa Monastery on the western side of the Black Mountains and is also the biggest Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan.

Day 05: Gangtey – Gogona
The Gantey Winter Trek begins here. 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). After the last short climb you will reach Gogona village. The people of Gogona were originally nomads and they speak a language, “Jopkha” (language of the nomads). Distance 15 km, about 5 - 6 hours. Overnight halt in camp at an altitude of 3000m above sea level.

Day 06: Gogona – Khotokha
In the morning you will climb up a gentle slope leading to Shobjula pass (3390m) for your lunch stop. Then the path leads down to a wide valley of Khotokha, which is surrounded by beautiful mountain ranges. This valley is the summer place of the people of Sha (under Wangdue district) Overnight in camp. Distance about 16 km. Time taken about 6-7 Hours.

Day 07: Khotokha – Chuzomsa
A short ascent will bring you to the Tashila pass (2780m). You walk through an ever changing landscape into the drainage of Dang-chu (‘chu’ means river or stream). Fill your water bottles, as water is scarce. Your trek ends here at. Overnight at the guesthouse.

Day 08: Chuzomsa – Paro
Walk from Chuzomsa to the motor road which takes about 45 minutes. Drive to Paro (120 km). On the way have lunch in Thimphu (a 6 km diversion) and continue to Paro. Overnight in Hotel

Day 09: Paro - Visit Tiger’s Nest
Early morning drive up to Satsam Chorten (15 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 800 metres (over 2600 ft ). and overlooks the Paro Valley. Taktsang is one of the most venerated pilgrimme 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 people of Paro valley to Buddhism.

Day 10: Departure from Paro International Airport
Early morning guests are seen off by the tour operator or your guide.