Grade : Moderate
Brief Description : This trek is to the beautiful Phobjikha valley (3,000m), one of the few glacial valleys in Bhutan, which lies in the mountains east of Wangduephodrang. After crossing over the pass you soon come to the great monastery of Gangtey, established in the 17th century. The village of Phobjikha lies a few kilometers down from the monastery, on the valley floor. This quiet, remote valley is the chosen winter home of the rare black necked cranes, who migrate here annually from the Tibetan plateau. This moderate trek visits the villages of Gogona and Khotokha, passing through meadows and fields, then forests of juniper, magnolia and rhododendrons in full bloom in April. It is a short trek at relatively low elevations, which visits several remote villages.
Best season : This trek is recommended for all months except July & August. The best months are April and early May when the rhododendrons are in full bloom.
Day 01 : Arrive Paro & transfer to Thimphu
Day 02 : Thimphu
Day 03 : Thimphu – Gangtey, 135 km, 4.1/2 hours drive
Day 04 : Gangtey Gompa – Gogona, Altitude : 3100m, 14 km, 5-6 hours walk
Day 05 : Gogona – Khotokha, Altitude : 2790m, 15 km, 5 – 6 hours walk
Day 06: Khotokha – Tikke Zampa & transfer to Punakha, Altitude : 1300m, 12km, 5 hours walk
Day 07 : Punakha – Paro, 125 km, 4 hours drive
Day 08 : Paro
Day 09 : Depart Paro
