Tour Description
We explore the glacial valley of Phobjikha – expansive, beautiful, and home of the endangered Black-necked Crane which flies down every winter from the Tibetan plateau. The valley also has the famous Gangtey Monastery, a huge Buddhist centre and place of worship. The trek is exhilarating, to say the least, as it takes us into verdant forests, lush green meadows, a mountain pass and a village which produces the famous Gogona cheese. We scour the land of the local nomads called Bjops who herd yaks, weave clothes from animal furs and live a simple life strictly in communion with nature. At right season, our trail will be carpeted with rhododendrons in full bloom besides an array of beautiful birds
Itinerary
DAY 1 – PHOBJIKHA –ZASA
The Trek starts near the village of Tabiting. The trail winds through meadows and fields and the climb takes you through a mixed forest of juniper, bamboo, magnolia and rhododendron to Tsele La (3430m). From here you descend into the JugeKangkhaChhu valley. Further on, the path leads to Gogona, well known for its “Gogona Cheese” production. The campsite is a bit further on besides a small stream in a yak pasture called Zasa.
DAY 2- ZASA – CHORTEN KARPO
A gentle climb leads to Shobe La pass (3,480m). The descent from the pass leads to a wide valley, surrounded by beautiful mountain ranges. Below the route one can see Khothokha, a village with about 60 houses. You finally reach the campsite by climbing gently up till you see four chortens in a forest of blue pine.
DAY 3- CHORTEN KARPO – TIKKE ZAMPA
From the camp you climb till you reach a forest road. From here it’s an easy walk up to a little ridge at 2,800m. The walk down back into the valley leads you through Bhutan’s best bird watching areas.
