Gantey Rubisa Trek

Phobjikha Valley, at 3000meters 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 village of Gogona and Khotokha, through meadows and fields, then forest of juniper, magnolia and rhododendrons. One of the finest low level treks in Bhutan.

ITINERARY                                                                          

Day 01. Arrive Paro: Upon arrival at Paro airport, you will be received by a Representative of Yak Adventure Travel, transfer to the hotel.
Day 02. Paro: Excursion to Taktsang.

Day 03. Thimphu Sightseeing:

Day 04. Thimphu – Punakha: (76 Kms, 3 hours drive).
Day 05. Punakha – Gangtey Gompa: After breakfast, drive for 2 hours to Gangtey. On the way, visit Wangduephodrang Dzong.

Day 06. Start of Trek: Phobjikha – Suibikha

* Starting Point – Tshikopang (2900m)

* Lunch spot – Yaklam

* Camp – Suibikha (3860m)

* Time taken – 5-6 hrs.

* Difficulty – moderate, gradual ascend

* Attractions – beautiful landscape, flora and fauna sightings (rhododendrons, pheasants, etc.)

Day 07. Suibikha – Gogona

* Starting point – Suibikha pass (3860m)

* Lunch spot – Pangeymo

* Camp – Gogona (2950m)

* Time taken – 4-5 hrs.

* Difficulty – moderate, gradual descend

* Attractions – beautiful landscape, flora and fauna sightings, visit to Gogona cheese factory, possibility for traditional; hot stone bath since the village has a source for Menchu (mineral water)

Day 08. Gogona – Khotokha

* Starting point – Gogona Village

* Lunch spot –

* Camp – Khotokha (2600m)

* Time taken – 5 hrs.

* Difficulty – moderate/ easy

* Attractions – Scenic beauty (view of Jumolhari can be sighted from Shoblaa pass, for example), Khotokha Valley, Black necked cranes during season, potential day hike destinations (valley surrounded by many monasteries and temples)

Day 09. Khotokha – Rubisa (Wangdue)

* Starting point – Khotokha

* Lunch spot –

* Camp – Rubisa/ Wangdue Phodrang

* Time taken – 5-6 hrs.

* Difficulty – moderate

* Attractions – beautiful valley of Wangdue and parts of Punakha can be sighted from almost all parts of the trail, with magnificent view of Jumolhari, Gangkar Puensum and other snow capped mountain ranges

Day 10. Wangduephodrang – Thimphu: After breakfast, drive to Thimphu. After lunch, hike to Cheri Monastery. In the evening, free for shopping.

Day 11. Departure: After breakfast, drive to the airport and farewell.