Gangkar Puensum Trekking

When you arrive at Paro Airport, a Simrik Real Nepal Treks & Expeditions representative will greet you and take you to your Hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel.

After breakfast, go to the remains of Drukgyel dzong, which was built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to mark his triumph over Tibetan invaders in 1644; the dzong's name means indeed.The Dzong served as an administrative hub until 1951, when a fire caused by a butter lamp destroyed it. Then, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest and most sacred monasteries, which dates back to the advent of Buddhism in the eighth century, and Rimpung Dzong (Paro Dzong), which was built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The Dzong currently houses administrative offices. After lunch, visit the Ta Dzong, an old watchtower that has served as Bhutan's national museum since 1967.

On a clear day, you will have a 360-degree panorama of the snow-capped mountains. The roads are in good condition, and your trip to Punakha is worthwhile. The trip takes you to Dochula Pass, which offers a breathtaking 360-degree vista of the Himalayas. You can spend some time at the pass. The temperature rises as you drive down the Punakha valley, which is known for its abundant paddy crop. While in Punakha, visit Chimi Lhakhang, the fertility temple. People believe that if you are infertile and pray at this monastery, you will receive the blessing of a child.

The route from Punakha leads north through picturesque terrain, past agricultural fields and subtropical woodland, to the little settlement of Damji.The hike begins with a gradual rise beyond the village before following the valley side with views of Gasa Dzong and snowcapped hills in the background at various spots. The trail then descends to a big creek below Gasa, which leads to the Gasa Hot Springs. Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Park staff manages Gasa Hot Springs and its lodgings. The hot springs are located on the streambank below the Guest House. There are five pools with water temperatures that range from mild to extremely hot. People from all across Bhutan come here to relax in the restorative pools and cure themselves for several days, and we can do the same after a long hike.

The trail goes up and down the river valley of Mo Chhu, avoiding natural impediments while providing breathtaking views of the raging river, feeder streams, and waterfalls. Lots of ups and downs will take you to Kohi Lapcha at 3.300 m. The walk eventually descends to the big stream of Koina Chhu.

Explore the village. You can visit any of the nearby houses. By tradition, one can visit any residence without an invitation. A cup of tea or Chang (a native beverage) is always available. The people of this town are particularly interesting, with their distinct clothing, language, and jewelry.

Walk 14.5 kilometers from Laya Trek to Rodophu. From Laya, descend to the army camp and follow the river until you reach the Rhodophu turnoff. After lunch, continue climbing through rhododendron bushes to the campsite.

This is the longest day of the trip, so start early. We begin at 5 a.m. by rising to Tsimola (4700m). After crossing the first pass, the small summit offers a spectacular view of Lunana, Jumolhari, and Jichu Drake. This trail remains flat for another four hours till the climb to Gangla Karchula pass (5,080m). The views from the pass are stunning. The entire range of mountains, including Masagang, Tsendegang, and Teri Gang, can be seen from the pass, and there is a long descend to Tarina valley.

From Tarina Trek to Woche, walk about 17 kilometers. The day is much simpler because the path follows the river down the valley. Lunch at the lowest point (3500 metres). After lunch, ascend around 300 meters to the town of Woche.

Walk 17 kilometers from Woche Trek to Lhedi. The trek begins in juniper and fir woodlands and then continues through rhododendron plants. We walk up to Keche la pass (4,480m), where we can enjoy a spectacular panorama of the mountains. After the pass, travel through the village with breathtaking views of Table Mountain and other landmarks to reach the river. Follow the river, which is one of Phochu's main sources, until you reach Lhedi Village.

Walk 17 kilometers from Lhedi to Thanza. The excursion continues along the river before ascending to Choejong village. After lunch, visit Choejong Dzong before continuing to the vast valley. Cross the bridge to get to Thanza.

Walk 17 km from Thanza to Tsorim. The walk begins with a hike up to the ridge, which offers a spectacular view of Table Mountain and Thanza Valley below. The ridge's altitude is 4,500 meters and progressively rises to 4,650 meters near the foot bridge. After lunch, walk up to the left side of the bridge and enjoy the views of the snow-capped mountains. Climb ridge after ridge until you reach the camp at Tsorim at an elevation of 5,150m. Then it's down to camp.

This is the highest point on the tour, and we begin the day with a short hike to the Tshorim lakes. Walk along the lakeside and take in the spectacular views of the Gophula hills. The final climb to Gophula Pass (5,230m) is quite short. After the pass, go down the hill to the base camp. Enjoy the stunning view from Gangkar Puensum. Those with a lot of energy might head to the left side and climb the Pyramid Peak for a greater view. Others can head down to the base camp near Sha Chu.

Gangkar Puensum Base Camp to Gese Woma hike 18 kilometers. It's time to leave the picturesque mountains, but the journey is far from over. The trail follows Sha Chu and gradually descends to Geshe woma.

The path continues to follow Shachu for two and a half hours till the steep ascent to Sakala starts. The Sakala route has low visibility, therefore one must rely on the top of the mountain for navigation. Lunch close to a yak herder's camp. After lunch, climb to Sakala Pass at an elevation of 4,800 meters.Descend to the lakes, then make another short ascent to Wartangle Pass (4,590m). The scenery, once again, is breathtaking, with little lakes and mountain peaks.

From Warathang to Dur Tshachu, trek 14 kilometers. A brief half-hour ascent to Juelela (4,400m). After the pass, descend to the river through lush rhododendron, juniper, and conifer woodland. After the bridge, a short hike to Dur Tsachu hot spring, where Guru Padmasambava is said to have bathed in the eighth hot spring.

Today we cross the final pass of the tour (Juelela pass). From the stream, it's a gradual climb with beautiful views of Lunana's mountains. To get to the Thochechen camp, one passes through blue lakes and yak herders' camps.

Today is the last day of the Gangkar Puensum trek. We switch from yaks to pack ponies for transporting trekking gear. The trail follows the Chamkhar Chu, gradually descending with few ascents. The hike concludes when you arrive in Dhur village.

The 25-minute flight to Paro from Jakar Bumthang domestic airport is one of the country's most spectacular mountain flights.

The Gangkar Puensum Trek comes to a close today. The Simrik Real Nepal Treks & Expedition Pvt.Ltd. team from Tour Bhutan will accompany you to the airport and see you off.