Gangtey – Gogona – Khotokha Trek
A journey shaped by the landscapes, people and experiences of Nepal.
Offered by Journey DMC Bhutan
NEPAL · TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
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Read the full journey overview
The Gangtey-Gogona-Khotokha Trek is a captivating adventure in the pristine landscapes of Bhutan. Starting in Gangtey, renowned for its glacial valley and the Black-Necked Crane Information Center, the trek takes you through alpine meadows and dense forests. The trail leads to the charming village of Gogona, offering insight into traditional Bhutanese rural life. Continuing to Khotokha, known for its hot springs, the trek unfolds panoramic views of the Himalayas. Along the journey, trekkers encounter diverse flora and fauna, adding a natural allure. This trek provides a unique cultural and natural experience, showcasing Bhutan's unspoiled beauty and traditional way of life.
The memorable moments
Days Activities Accommodation Meals Day 01 Arrival in Paro Hotel [-/L/D] Day 02 Drive from Paro to Thimpu Hotel [B/L/D] Day 03 Drive from Thimpu to Punakha Hotel [B/L/D] Day 04 Punakha – Phobjikha Simple Lodge [B/L/D] Day 05 Gangtey Gompa – Gogona Camping [B/L/D] Day 06 Gogona – Khotokha Camping [B/L/D] Day 07 Khatokha – Chunzom – Thimphu Hotel [B/L/D] Day 08 Drive from Thimpu to Paro Hotel [B/L/D] Day 09 Final Departure [B/-/-]
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Paro — Upon your arrival at Paro Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative from Journey DMC who will assist you with the necessary arrival formalities. Paro is the gateway to Bhutan and offers a picturesque introduction to the country with its stunning landscapes and serene atmosphere.
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 2: Drive from Paro to Thimpu — The drive from Paro to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, is a scenic and relatively short journey. The distance between Paro and Thimphu is approximately 55 kilometers, and the drive typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on road conditions.
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 3: Drive from Thimpu to Punakha — The drive from Thimphu to Punakha in Bhutan is approximately 72 kilometers and usually takes around 2 to 3 hours, depending on road conditions. The journey takes you through mountainous terrain, offering scenic views of valleys, rivers, and traditional Bhutanese villages.
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Day 4: Punakha – Phobjikha — Embarking on a picturesque journey after breakfast, the 105 km drive from your starting point to Gangtey via Wangduephodrang is a four-hour expedition. The road gradually ascends to Lawala pass (1100 feet), offering enchanting views along the way. Passing through Nobding village, the landscape transforms with high-altitude dwarf bamboo, blooming rhododendrons, and a variety of trees like magnolia, fir, and pine.
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Day 5: Gangtey Gompa – Gogona — Embarking on a moderate trail, your journey winds through meadows and fields, creating a serene path. The trail gradually ascends through a mixed forest of juniper, bamboo, magnolia, and rhododendron, offering a diverse and scenic backdrop to your trek. As you ascend higher, the natural surroundings transform, providing a rich tapestry of flora.
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Day 6: Gogona – Khotokha — Ascending gently, the trail leads to the Shobjula pass, standing at an altitude of 11,155 feet. As you reach this vantage point, panoramic vistas unfold, showcasing the surrounding mountains and the expansive sky. The descent from Shobjula pass guides you into a wide valley, characterized by its open and spacious landscape. The breathtaking views of mountains that encircle the valley create a sense of awe, offering trekkers a serene and immersive experience in the midst of Bhutan's natural beauty. This part of the trek invites contemplation and appreciation of the vastness and grandeur of the mountainous terrain.
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Day 7: Khatokha – Chunzom – Thimphu — Ascending briefly, the trail takes you to the Tashila pass at an altitude of 9,200 feet. It's advisable to replenish your water supply shortly after crossing the pass, as the descent that follows is devoid of water sources. The trail then guides you through evergreen vegetation as you descend into the drainage of the Dangchu.
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Day 8: Drive from Thimphu to Paro — The drive from Thimphu to Paro in Bhutan is approximately 55 kilometers and usually takes around 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on road conditions. The journey offers stunning views of Bhutan's landscapes and is known for its scenic beauty.
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Day 9: Final Departure — The last day morning will be free and near the time of your flight. You will be at the airport within the time to board your flight for the onward trip.
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
What's included in your experience
Included
- International Airfare (Quoted separately - subject to change if revised)
- International airport taxes
- Entrance fee in Bhutan (Directly payable at location)
- Items of a personal nature such as bar bills, alcoholic beverages, laundry, telephone calls, extra mileage, personal gratuities such as tips to guide, porters, drivers, etc.
- Personal insurance policy - suggested comprehensive travel insurance covering tour and flight cancellations, loss of valuables, thefts, illness, accidents, and hospitalization
- Excess baggage
- Expenses incurred by re-routing, inclement weather, floods, famine, political disruptions, strikes, riots, and other disturbances
- Any items and services not mentioned on cost inclusions.
- Any meals that are not mentioned on cost inclusions.
- Sleeping bag.
Essential trip information
Before you go
Arrival and departure transfer. All necessary surface transfer by private vehicles. 2 Nights hotel accommodation in Paro – in a twin sharing room on a Full board basis 2 Night hotel accommodation in Thimphu – in a twin sharing room on a full board basis 1 Night hotel accommodation in Punakha– in a twin sharing room on a full board basis 1 Night Simple lodge accommodation in Phobjikha – in a twin sharing room on a full board basis 2 Nights’ Camping trek on a full board basis (Sleeping Tent, dining tent, and toilet tent) All the sightseeing tours and transfers as per the itinerary with English speaking guide by private vehicle. Bhutan E-Permit Sustainable Development Fund (SDF) Bhutan Visa Fee Entrance Fee All the trekking Equipment Horses to carry trekking equipment
Fitness & eligibility
2
Meeting point
Paro
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