The Gangkar Puensum trek in the central Bhutan leads to the basecamp of the world's highest unclimbed mountain, offering strenuous, high-altitude wilderness exploration through stunning alpine landscapes, forests, and yak herder settlements, known for its challenging but rewarding journey with breathtaking views, though climbing the peak itself is forbidden due to spiritual beliefs. Treks typically last 9 to 25 days, varying in route, with highlights including pristine valleys, rare flora, sacred lakes, and glimpses of Bhutanese nomadic life, culminating near the sacred 7,570m peak.
Note: This trek is strenuous,high-altitudeand requires good physical fitness and acclimatization. This trek route is unique as it leads you to the base of the world’s highest unclimbed mountain. The government of Bhutan banned to climbing above 6000m since 1994 due to local beliefs.
On your flight to Paro, if the weather permits, you will be able to spot snowcapped Himalayas including mount Jomolhari and Jichu Drake in Bhutan. Our representative will be there waiting to receive you. You can drive to the hotel to check in and later in the day you can visit Ta Dzong, originally a watch tower now converted into a museum since 1968 under the command of our third king Jigme Dorji Wangchuk since it is of no use as watch tower. Then visit 17th century old fortress called Paro Rinpung Dzong literal meaning- “fortress on the heap of jewels”. Next you can visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most divine temples in Bhutan. Overnight hotel in Paro.
After breakfast, drive for half an hour and start the hike, which is about 5 hours (round trip) the trail is along an ancient path marked by river powered prayer wheels.
As you reach Taktsang you will be struck by the architectural wonder of this most popular Buddhist shrine in Bhutan perched on a cliff overlooking the valley, it would justifiably qualify as one of Bhutan’s wonders. Tragically wrecked in a fire in early 1998 and It has been rebuilt to its original glory. It is said that the legendary Indian saint, Guru Padma Sambhava flew on the back of a tigress to tame five demons, who were opposing the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan in 746 A.D. Hence the name, Taktsang, or the Tiger’s Lair.
Your drive to Thimphu takes about an hour. On the way, stop at one of our oldest iron bridges built in the 15th century by DrupthobThangthongGyalpo and again stop at Chuzom (the confluence of Paro and Thimphu River). After reaching Thimphu, visit the National memorial stupa (built in the memory of the third king of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972), Centenary farmers market, visit the giant Buddha statue overlooking Thimphu valley with 169 feet/51.5 meters and its tallest of its kind, Takin reservation center and stroll freely in Thimphu city and experience the lifestyle of the people. Overnight in the hotel.
After breakfast drive to Punakha district, our ancient capital city before Thimphu and stop at one of the most beautiful passes in the country called Dochula Pass(3100m) adorned with 108 Druk Wangyel chortens and colourful prayer flags surrounded by spectacular views of Himalayan ranges on clear weather. Continue driving to Punakha valley. On the way you can stop at Lobesa to hike up to Chimi Lhakhang through rice paddy fields and through Metsina village with colourful painted Phallus on the walls to bless the household with fertility and to ward off evil spirits. The temple is dedicated to the accomplished master in the 15th century known as Drukpa Kuenley or the “Divine Madman,” who is believed to bless women who seek fertility. After this visit Punakha Dzong, one of the most beautiful dzongs in the country with intricate metal and wood carvings situated between male and female rivers like an anchored ship built in 1637 by Zhabdrung and then a short walk to see one of the longest suspension bridges.
Start your journey to Bumthang via Trongsa crossing Pelela pass which stands at 3300m and a short stop at Chendebji stupa. Visit Trongsa dzong which is one of the largest dzongs in the country. Trongsa means”New village” in Dzongkha and it is located in central Bhutan. The rulers of Trongsa, the Penlops (governors) of Wangchuck dynasty, who resided at Trongsa dzong were very powerful as they control over east-west trade for centuries until the first king of Bhutan was elected unanimously in 1907 and the only way to eastern and western Bhutan was through the courtyard of the dzong. Trongsa dzong was initially founded as a small meditation temple by lama Ngagi Wangchuk (The great grandfather of Zhabdrung) in 1543 on the spur overlooking the gorge of Mangde river. Lama Ngagiwangchuk came to trongsa in 1541 and when he was meditating nearby in the village called Yuling, he witnessed a light on the spur where the present dzong stands. He found a small spring on the spot believed to be used by the protective deity Mahakali (Palden Lhamo). Another version of the story says he found the hoof prints of a horse that belonged to the protective deity Palden Lhamo. He believed this to be an auspicious sign and founded a small meditation temple on the spur. And visit five storey Ta Dzong(“watchtower”) built by ChoejeMinjur Tenpa, the first governor of Trongsa in 1652. From 2005 to 2008 it underwent extensive structural and interior designing work in order to become a museum as there is no exterior threat since then. Continue driving another 2 hours to Bumthang crossing Yotongla pass at 3400m and numerous villages. If time permits visit Jambay Lhakhang which is believed to be one of the 108 temples built by the Tibetan king SongtsenGampo in the 7th century. You will also visit the Kurjey Lhakhang monastery complex, where Guru Padmasambhava, the great tantric master blessed and meditated. One can still see his body imprint on a rock created by his long retreat. Overnight in the hotel.
Distance: 16 km|Time: 5-6 hours|Camp Altitude: 3270m
After breakfast drive to Chokhortey valley and then to Khagthang military base. The trek begins from Khagthang military base (2898m) after verifying trekking clearance. Trek through the dense of pine, brown oak, hemlock and rhododendron. You will pass by the side streams and flood-dam protections to reach Gophu.
Overnight: Tented campsite
Distance: 15 km|Time: 5-6 hours|Camp Altitude: 3675m
The trail ascends gradually through bamboo to alpine forest of spruce and juniper with a view of Tsambar Braksam. Camp near remote Tshampa army base.Overnight inthe tent.
Distance: 11 km| Time: 4-5 hours| Ascent: 490m|Camp Altitude: 4165m
From our camp at the confluence of two branches of the Chamkhar Chu we now headnorthwest up the left or main fork. Gaining altitude more quickly now, we pass through the first of numerous seasonal yak-herding camps with ancient boulders carved and inscribed with the mantras of Chenrezig, the bodhisattva of compassion and Guru Rimpoche, the demon-taming saint who is credited with bringing Buddhism to the Himalayas. We stop near tree line at the yak camp of Shingo, literally ‘top trees’ in Dzongkha, to savior one last forest meadow and also for acclimatization. Overnight in the tent
Distance:12 km| Time: 4-5 hours| Ascent: 265m|Camp Altitude:4430m
An easy morning’s walk to the yak settlement of Bamurpa, from which the day-hiking possibilities are seemingly endless and the views of the peaks are spectacular.
Overnight in the tent
Enjoy a relaxing day with an optional hike:
Distance: 23 km|Time: 8 hours| Descent: 755m
Retrace the route back to Tshampa. There’s an alternative camp at Tsawuu if needed.
Overnight in the tent
Distance: 15 km| Time: 5-6 hours| Descent: 405m
A long descent through alpine and mixed forests back to Gorsum.
Overnight: Tented campsite
Distance: 16 km| Time: 6-7 hours| Descent: 380m
The final stretch of the trek is filled with some slippery logs several stream crossing and a little mud. At the end your hard is rewarded with some beers and cookies. After little celebration with a team, we will head to the hotel to get cleaned up and enjoy our dinner. Overnight in the hotel.
After breakfast drive to Paro which is expected to take about 9 hours. Stop on the way for the lunch and for the views of the Himalaya. Alternatively, there’s a domestic flight from Bumthang to Paro (make sure to book the tickets in advance) and the flight cost not included.
Our team will drive you to the airport for departure
Day 1: Bumthang to Chochokmey via Dur Village
Distance: 13 km| Ascent: 185m| Time: 4-5 hours| Camp Altitude: 3230m
After breakfast, drive to Dur village and meet with your trekking team. After handling your luggage start hiking through bamboo thickets along the Dur Riverand then a fairly steep 185 m ascend to a beautiful meadow surrounded by blue pines and spruce. Continue your climb gradually through a forest of rhododendron, mix conifers, bamboo and red birch. Camp at Chochokmey
Day 2: Chochokmey toTashisa viaLoongsoom
Distance: 16 km| Time: 7-8 hours | Ascent:915m| Camp Altitude: 4145m
Start the day by descending on a rocky trail to the river. The trail continues to go up and down with gradual gain of altitude through the forests of cypress, pine, rhododendron and birch. After several crossings of the river, we arrive at Loongsoom (3560), a small meadow surrounded by Junipers. This area is used by the yak herders.
We again ascend gradually through forests of rhododendron, fir, spruce and juniper. After crossing the wooden bridge, we come to a junction of two trails. The left trail leads to Dur hot Spring; we continue to hike to the right trail along the stream. After sometime we reach the tree line and are surrounded by rocky cliffs. Arrive at Tashisa (meaning “where the horse died”).
Day 3: Tashisa to Tholeythang via Tholeyla
Distance: 12 km| Time: 5-6 hours| Ascent: 640m| Descent: 700m| Camp Altitude: 4085m
As we gain the altitude, the trek becomes more difficult. If the weather permits, we may have views of distant glaciers and snow-capped peaks. We ascend up to Tholey La Pass (4785m), then descend to the camp at Tholeythang. We enjoy the great views of the surrounding mountains.
Day 4: Tholeythang to Tshampa
Distance:12 km| Time: 5-6 hours| Descent: 670m | Camp Altitude: 3415m
The trail ascends and descends through dwarf rhododendron forests before crossing Chamkhar Chu and heading north along the riverside trail. Overnight at the camp.
Follow day 8 above
