Gangtey Valley Tour

Overview

Combine the unique scenery, culture and World Heritage Sites of Bhutan with ample opportunity to see some of the many hundreds of native and migratory bird species, a midst stunning natural beauty and protected conservation areas. With expert local guides, you’ll visit and travel through fertile valleys and woodlands, scenic villages and protected conservation areas to prime bird and animal habitats including a visit to Gangtey Valley, home of the rate Black-Necked Cranes. Experience gentle day treks, scenic drives and sightseeing in Nepal and Bhutan.

Itinerary

• Day 1

  Arrive at Kathmandu (1300m) and Transfer to Hotel

  On arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be greeted by our staff, who will escort you to the hotel, where our Sherpa guide or the office staff will give you a brief orientation about the hotel, Kathmandu itself, trekking, and the do's and don’ts of the area. They will also review any additional information that you might require while in Nepal, including an overview of the next day's sightseeing tour. In the evening, you will enjoy a complimentary welcome dinner at one of the finest traditional Nepalese restaurants in Kathmandu, with the necessary transfer to and from the hotel by taxi, bus. Overnight in Hotel

• Day 2

  Guided sightseeing in Kathmandu valley

  After your breakfast, you will precede to Kathmandu Durbar Square, where you will tour the ancient palace, the temple of the Kumari, the living goddess of Nepal, Hanuman Dhoka, and Kasthamandav Temple with a guide knowledgeable about Nepalese history, architecture, and religion. From there, you will proceed by taxi, bus to the Buddhist site, Swoyambhunath Stupa, also known as the "Monkey Temple" because of its lively troops of resident monkeys. You will then visit Pashupatinath Temple, the holiest shrine for Hindus, situated on the banks of the holy Bagmati River, a popular cremation site. Before returning to the hotel, you will visit Boudhnath Stupa, a Buddhist pilgrimage center and home to many colorful gompas, or monasteries. Once back at the hotel, you will receive a briefing about the trek and have a chance to meet your guides and ask any last minute questions before tomorrow morning's departure. Overnight in Hotel

• Day 3

  Fly to Paro (2240m) and drive to Thimpu

  You will arrive at Paro by Druk Air flight which will offer you great views of Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Chomolhari, Tsrim gang and Jichu Drake. The moment you step out of the plane you will see the difference. Bhutan welcomes you with cool, clean fresh air. Peace and quietness is just another bonus. One of our representatives will pick you from the airport and drive you to Thimp. You will stroll round the city. Overnight stay in Hotel

• Day 4

  Full day sightseeing tour in Thimpu

  Today you will visit the Memorial chorten built in the memory of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, 15 century Changangkha monastery, Motithang mini zoo to see the rare "Takin" national animal of Bhutan and drive further up for a good view of the Thimphu valley. Similarly you will visit the new Drupthob nunnery temple and rest of the time will be free to go round in the market. Overnight stay in Hotel

• Day 5

  Drive to Wangdue Phodrang and sightseeing

  You will drive 3 hours to Wangdue Phodrang via Punakha crossing the Dochula pass 3100m. On fine weather you will see the eastern Himalayan ranges including the highest mountain in Bhutan Mt.Gangar Punsum 7520m. The drive from the pass is all the way downhill dropping to the lower and warmer valleys of lobesa. You will visit the Punakha Dzong which served as an old capital of Bhutan. This remarkable fortress is built between two rivers and has survived many glacial floods and fire. Every year during the month of February a procession known as the Punakha Serda takes place to commemorate the victory over the Tibetans. Proceed 45 minutes to Wangdue Phodrang and view the Dzong from outside and stroll around the market area. Overnight stay in Hotel

• Day 6

  Drive to Gangtey and sightseeing

  You will drive to the Gangtey valley at an altitude of 2800m. The only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan is located here. This beautiful valley is also home to the rare Black Necked Cranes migrating from the Tibetan plateau to escape the harsh winter. Currently there are 200 to 300 cranes residing in this valley and the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) is taking every measure to ensure the safety of the Cranes. While the cranes reside in the winter valley for 4-5 months the village folks are not allowed to make loud noises or fish in the river that runs through the valley. After exploring the fascinating glacier valley and you will return to the hotel for overnight stay. Overnight stay in Hotel

• Day 7

  Drive back to Thimpu

  Today you will drive back to Thimpu through the good scenery of countryside and on arrival relax at hotel.Overnight stay in Hotel

• Day 8

  Drive to Paro and sightseeing

  Today you will drive back to Paro. On arrival you will check into hotel and then spend the day in sightseeing. During the sightseeing, you will visit the ruined fortress of Drugyel dzong which still attracts visitors due to the strategic location of the fort. The fort defended the Paro valley from the Tibetan invasion from the north in the early 17th century. On clear weather Mount Chomolhari 7320m can be seen towering over the dzong. Proceed through the beautiful valley to the watch tower or locally known as Ta-Dzong. It was housed into the National museum in the 1960s by the third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The seven floors museum highlights various aspects of Bhutanese culture and history dating back to the 7th century. A short walk downhill leads to the Rinpung Dzong which serves as the administrative center and school for monks. You will walk further down crossing the traditional bridge into Paro Town. You will have enough time to stroll around the market and visit a souvenir shop where you can get a rare and old collection of Bhutan stamp. Bhutan is famous for stamp.Overnight stay in Hotel

• Day 9

  Hiking to Taksang Monastery

  Today you will hike to Taktsang monastery. Horses can be arranged with an extra cost. The hike which is all the way uphill takes about 03 hours through villages and pine forests. The monastery clings to a huge granite cliff 800m from the Paro valley. It is believed that the great saint Padmasambhava came in the 7th century on a flying tigress and meditated in a cave for 3 months. The demons were subdued who were trying to stop the spread of Buddhism and converted the Paro valley into Buddhism. During the end of the 17 century a monastery was built on the spot where the saint mediated and it is a pilgrimage site for every Bhutanese to visit once in their life time. Stroll back to Hotel. Overnight stay in Hotel

• Day 10

  Fly back to Kathmandu

  Today you will be transferred to the airport in Paro for your flight back to Kathmandu. You will be received upon arrival at Kathmandu airport by our representative and transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day will be at leisure.Overnight stay in Hotel

• Day 11

  Sightseeing to Bhaktapur

  Today after your breakfast, you will drive to Bhaktapur also known as city of devotees for sightseeing tour. You will have lunch in the restaurant in Bhaktapur and later drive back to Kathmandu. Afternoon time will be free for last moment's shopping. Overnight stay in Hotel

• Day 12

  Final departure

  Today keep in mind your international flight time, so make sure to keep your confirmed air ticket and your passport handy. Our staff will take you to the airport for your final departure from our amazing country, Nepal.