GANGKAR
PUENSUM TREKKING - 18
DAYS
02 Nights in Paro
01 Night in Thimphu
02 Nights in Punakha
03 Nights in Bumthang
10 Days Gangkar Puensum Trekking |
|
| |
 |
ITINERARY:
DAY 01: KATHMANDU - PARO
The flight from Kathmandu to Paro on Druk Air is a befitting
introduction to Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan. From a window seat
on clear days you can experience a spectacular view of Bhutan's
snow capped peaks as you approach Paro. On arrival you will
be met by your guide, and drive to hotel. Overnight at Hotel
Druk.
DAY 02: PARO - THIMPHU
After breakfast you will visit the ruins of the Drukgyal Dzong,
Kyichu Temple. Afternoon visit the National Museum (Ta Dzong).
Take a leisurely hike down to Rimpung Dzong. You will walk through
a traditional covered bridge across the river to your waiting
car at the valley floor. Begin your journey to Thimphu the capital
city (8200feet). Overnight at hotel.
DAY 03: THIMPHU - PUNAKHA
The day begins with late breakfast and visit to the National
Memorial Chorten, Drupthob Lhakhang ( Monastery for the nuns).
We then visit the National Library, painting school, and National
Library. After lunch visit the traditional Medicine institute,
Royal traditional silver smiths and Bhutanese traditional paper
factory at work. In the evening you will drive to Punakha. Overnight
at Hotel.
DAY 04: PUNAKHA - BUMTHANG
The drive to Bumthang takes approximately 8 hours. We start
early for the fabulous drive to the central valleys of Bhutan
through the breathtaking beauties and serenity of Bhutan's rich
flora and fauna with many stops for pictures. Overnight at the
lodge.
DAY 05: BUMTHANG
Considered the most beautiful, sacred, religious and domain
of the Bhutanese Royal family. It is here in the 8th century,
an Indian saint known as Guru Padmasambhava introduced the Buddhism
and the area continues to thrive as a spiritual center. Pilgrimages
all over the country visit here. The day will be spend going
around the valley. Overnight at Lodge.
DAY 06: BEGIN TREKKING
Drive to the trailhead at Dur Zam, where our packhorses will
be waiting. After the gears are loaded on the horse, we'll begin
hiking, following a trail along the Dur Chu (Chu means river)
and climbing gradually through forests of pine, oak, and dwarf
bamboo. Camp at Chockmey (9600 ft.) (5-6 hours hiking 8 miles).
DAY 07: CHOKMEY - TASHISA
Continue to hike gradually through the rhododendron forests,
if you are lucky you will get glimpse of pheasants and musk
deer. Camp at Tashisa, 12300 ft, 7-8 hours.
DAY 08: TASHISA - DOLLYTHANG
As you gain the altitude, the trek becomes little difficult.
Ascend up to Dolly La Pass 15700 ft, then descend to the camp
at Dollythang at 13400ft. Enjoy the great views of the surrounding
mountains. (5-6 hrs hiking 8 miles).
DAY 09: DOLLYTHANG - TSAWA
The trail ascends and descends through dwarf rhododendron forests
before crossing Chamkhar Chu and head north along the riverside
trail. Overnight at Camp (11,200ft) 5-6 hours 8 miles.
DAY 10: TSAWA - GANGKAR PUENSUM BASE
CAMP
Hike through the rhododendron forest and bamboo forests. As
the forest begins to thin out, the snowcapped mountains will
surround you and will pass through many yak herder camps. Overnight
at Camp. 13400ft. (8-9 hrs 10 miles).
DAY 11: BASE CAMP
A day hike up to a 16700 foot ridge for fabulous views of the
icy ramparts and ridges of the mighty Mount Gangkar Puensum,
the world's highest unclimbed mountain. Overnight at Camp.
DAY 12: BASE CAMP - TSAMPA GOMPA
Today is a short hike to the Tsampa Monastery (11,100ft) it
is about 5-6 hours hike and about 7 miles.
DAY 13: TSAMPA GOMPA - PETSHO
The hike will be along the Chamkhar River, if you have fishing
equipment than it is good place for fishing trout. Bring a collapsible
rod and enjoy the fun. Overnight at camp in Petsho (9300ft),
5-6 hours about 7 miles.
DAY 14: PETSHO - NGANLHAKHANG
Continue your hike through dense forest and arrive at Nganlhakhang
(Swan Temple) at 8600ft, 6-7 hours about 7 miles.
DAY 15: NGANLHAKHANG - JAKAR VALLEY
- BUMTHANG
Hike through the small farm houses, visit one of the house and
observed the rural life of Bhutan, also you might be able to
purchase some weavings. Overnight at Lodge.
DAY 16: BUMTHANG - PUNAKHA
All day drive (about 7 hours). Overnight at Hotel
DAY 17: PUNAKHA - PARO
After Breakfast drive to Wangdue Phodrang sightseeing around
and continue your journey back to Paro. Lunch at Thimphu. Visit
Tamchogang Lhakhang situated high in the austere surroundings
on the right bank of the river, few kilometers beyond the Chuzom
checkpoint. Rest of the day is free. You can walk up to the
nearest village to the hotel or climb the small hilltop above
the hotel for a panoramic photograph.
DAY 18: PARO – KATHMANDU
Early morning drive to Paro for departure. Our representative
will bid you fare well at Paro airport.
|
