Gangkhar Puensum Trekking

Gangkar Puensum Treks takes you along, bamboo forest, and the blue pines. Along the way you will see lot of yak herders’ campsite, where we can enjoy the tea and yak curd. It demands energy for the stiff walks up hill, and it is very adventurous with lot of sightings, the likes of rare Himalayan Goose. The beautiful silver fir, Juniper and blue poppy can be seen along the way.

Rated as one of the toughest trek in the world because of its altitude, distance, climate and remoteness. The trek passes through Lunana, Bhutan’s most beautiful region in the world and least visited. Have a great view of 7514m Gangkar Puensum, which is the highest unclimbed peak in the world.

• DAY 1

  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 with guide and drive to hotel. O/N in Paro. (B/L/D)

• DAY 2

  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). O/N in Thimphu. (B/L/D)

• DAY 3

  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. O/N in Punakha. (B/L/D)

• DAY 4

  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. O/N in Bumthang. (B/L/D)

• DAY 5

  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 spending going around the valley. O/N in Bumthang. (B/L/D)

• DAY 6

  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). O/N in Chockmey at Tented Camp. (B/L/D)

• DAY 7

  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, 12300ft, 7-8hours. O/N in Tashisa at Tented Camp. (B/L/D)

• DAY 8

  TASHISA / DOLLYTHANG

  As you gain the altitude, the trek becomes little difficult. Ascend up to Dolly La Pass 15700 ft, and then descend to the camp at Dollythang at 13400ft. Enjoy the great views of the surrounding mountains. (5-6hrs hiking 8miles). O/N in Dollythang at Tented Camp. (B/L/D)

• DAY 9

  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) 5-6hours 8miles. O/N in Tsawa at Tented Camp. (B/L/D)

• 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. (8-9hrs 10miles). O/N in Gangkar Puensum Base Camp at Tented Camp. (B/L/D)

• DAY 11

  BASE CAMP

  A day hike up to a 16700foot ridge for fabulous views of the icy ramparts and ridges of the mighty Mount Gangkar Puensum, the world's highest unclimbed mountain. O/N in Base Camp at Tented Camp. (B/L/D)

• DAY 12

  BASE CAMP / TSAMPA GOMPA

  Today is a short hike to the Tsampa Monastery (11,100ft) it is about 5-6 hours hiked and about 7 miles. O/N in Tsampa Gompa at Tented Camp. (B/L/D)

• 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. O/N in Petsho at Tented Camp. (B/L/D)

• DAY 14

  PETSHO / NGANLHAKHANG

  Continue your hike through dense forest and arrive at Nganlhakhang (Swan Temple) at 8600ft, 6-7 hours about 7 miles. O/N in Nganlhakhang at Tented Camp. (B/L/D)

• 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. O/N in Bumthang. (B/L/D)

• DAY 16

  BUMTHANG / PUNAKHA

  All day drive (about 7 hours) to Punakha and transfer to hotel. . O/N in Punkha. (B/L/D)

• 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. O/N in Paro. (B/L/D)

• DAY 18

  PARO / KATHMANDU

  Early morning drive to Paro for departure. Our representative will bid you fare well at Paro airport. (B)