Kurjey Tshechu
In the middle of Bhutan's beautiful spiritual heart-land, the Kurjey festival stands as a meaningful occasion for all Bhutanese where traditional centuries-old mask dances are said to be granted tremendous blessing. The history of Kurjey's temples starts with Sindhu Raja and Guru Rinpoche. The latter was invited to Bhutan by Sindhu Raja in order to subdue evil spirits. Guru Rinpoche visited Bumthang and meditated in a cave resembling a pile of Dorje or Vajra (Buddhist ritual object). After suppressing local demons, imprints of Guru Rinpoche's body appeared on the rock. Hence the name "Kurjey" meaning is "Impression of the body". The Lhakhang is a site of great historical significance and empowering blessing for all visitors.
12 days / 11 nights
Paro - Thimphu - Punakha - Gangtey - Bumthang - Wangdue - Paro
Data: July 2019
Price per person for groups of 4-10 persons: 2.390, - €
Travel price includes:
- Accommodation in a 3 * hotel in a double room
- Full board
- private vehicle
- all entrance fees
- English speaking tour guide
- Taxes, visa fees
Supplements:
Individual travel 1 person: 75, - € per night
Individual travel 2-3 persons: 32, - € per night per person
Single room: 43, - € per night
Depending on the time and interest, all tours and services can be adapted and expanded according to your wishes.
Possible flight variants:
Hamburg - Bangkok (including 1 night) - Paro: from 1.470, - €
Hamburg - Delhi (including 1 night) - Paro: from 1.245, - €
Hamburg - Kathmandu (including 1 night) - Paro: from 1.110, - €
Paro - Thimphu - Punakha - Gangtey - Bumthang - Wangdue - Paro
Data: July 2019
Price per person for groups of 4-10 persons: 2.390, - €
Travel price includes:
- Accommodation in a 3 * hotel in a double room
- Full board
- private vehicle
- all entrance fees
- English speaking tour guide
- Taxes, visa fees
Supplements:
Individual travel 1 person: 75, - € per night
Individual travel 2-3 persons: 32, - € per night per person
Single room: 43, - € per night
Depending on the time and interest, all tours and services can be adapted and expanded according to your wishes.
Possible flight variants:
Hamburg - Bangkok (including 1 night) - Paro: from 1.470, - €
Hamburg - Delhi (including 1 night) - Paro: from 1.245, - €
Hamburg - Kathmandu (including 1 night) - Paro: from 1.110, - €
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1
Paro - Thimphu
The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular flights through a snow-capped mountain world - with stunning views of some of the highest mountains in the world, including Mount Everest. Our guide will welcome you at the airport and take you to Thimphu. The trip takes about two hours and on the way you visit the Tamchok Lhakhang (monastery), which can only be reached via a suspension bridge with prayer flags. The Bhutanese believe that when we cross this bridge we purify ourselves from bad deeds of our past.
Upon arrival in Thimphu, you can refresh yourself in the hotel. In the evening you visit the Kings' Memorial Stupa and have the opportunity to observe the people exercising their religiousity.
Overnight in Thimphu.
(Altitude Thimphu: 2,300 m)
The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular flights through a snow-capped mountain world - with stunning views of some of the highest mountains in the world, including Mount Everest. Our guide will welcome you at the airport and take you to Thimphu. The trip takes about two hours and on the way you visit the Tamchok Lhakhang (monastery), which can only be reached via a suspension bridge with prayer flags. The Bhutanese believe that when we cross this bridge we purify ourselves from bad deeds of our past.
Upon arrival in Thimphu, you can refresh yourself in the hotel. In the evening you visit the Kings' Memorial Stupa and have the opportunity to observe the people exercising their religiousity.
Overnight in Thimphu.
(Altitude Thimphu: 2,300 m)
Day 2
Thimphu
Your day begins with a visit to the main Post Office in Bhutan. The special feature here are the Bhutanese colorful and lovingly designed stamps, which are sought after by collectors all over the world. And you have the opportunity to send a postcard to your loved ones.
Afterwards you visit the open air museum "Simply Bhutan", where you get closer to the everyday life and the culture of Bhutan. A very lively experience in which you can participate immediately. Lunch is served in the museum's traditional restaurant.
Afterwards, take a walk through the Takin Conservation Area, where you will also see the national animal of Bhutan, the same Takin. From here head to the Kunsel Phodrang, a 50-meter high seated Buddha statue, where you can enjoy views of the entire Thimphu Valley.
In the evening there is the Tashichho Dzong on the program, seat of the Bhutanese government and summer residence of the monks. The majestic architecture with the balanced proportions, the traditional decoration and the paintings impress every visitor.
Later you will have time for a stroll in the city and, for example, a visit to a craft shop.
Overnight in Thimphu.
Your day begins with a visit to the main Post Office in Bhutan. The special feature here are the Bhutanese colorful and lovingly designed stamps, which are sought after by collectors all over the world. And you have the opportunity to send a postcard to your loved ones.
Afterwards you visit the open air museum "Simply Bhutan", where you get closer to the everyday life and the culture of Bhutan. A very lively experience in which you can participate immediately. Lunch is served in the museum's traditional restaurant.
Afterwards, take a walk through the Takin Conservation Area, where you will also see the national animal of Bhutan, the same Takin. From here head to the Kunsel Phodrang, a 50-meter high seated Buddha statue, where you can enjoy views of the entire Thimphu Valley.
In the evening there is the Tashichho Dzong on the program, seat of the Bhutanese government and summer residence of the monks. The majestic architecture with the balanced proportions, the traditional decoration and the paintings impress every visitor.
Later you will have time for a stroll in the city and, for example, a visit to a craft shop.
Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 3
Thimphu - Punakha
Today you cross the Dochu-La (pass / 3,100 meters) - on a clear day you have a spectacular view of the mountains of the Himalayas - and then drive back down into the valley of Punakha. Punakha is the ancient capital of Bhutan. First, visit the Punakha Dzong, the Palace of Great Happiness, built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, the unifier of Bhutan. The palace is located at the confluence of Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu (Mother and Father River). Dzong's three-story main temple is a stunning example of traditional Bhutanese architecture. In 1907, the first king of Bhutan was crowned here.
Later you will walk to the temple Chimi Lhakhang. This temple is also seen as a symbol of fertility, childless couples come here for blessing. The hike takes about an hour.
Overnight in Punakha.
(Altitude Punakha: 1,300 m)
Today you cross the Dochu-La (pass / 3,100 meters) - on a clear day you have a spectacular view of the mountains of the Himalayas - and then drive back down into the valley of Punakha. Punakha is the ancient capital of Bhutan. First, visit the Punakha Dzong, the Palace of Great Happiness, built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, the unifier of Bhutan. The palace is located at the confluence of Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu (Mother and Father River). Dzong's three-story main temple is a stunning example of traditional Bhutanese architecture. In 1907, the first king of Bhutan was crowned here.
Later you will walk to the temple Chimi Lhakhang. This temple is also seen as a symbol of fertility, childless couples come here for blessing. The hike takes about an hour.
Overnight in Punakha.
(Altitude Punakha: 1,300 m)
Day 4
Punakha - Gangtey
Today you drive through Wangdue Phodrang and visit the local monastery fortress, perched on a ridge above a river and offering a wonderful view of the valley and the mountains. Then, your path will lead you on serpentines up into the mountains - through oak and rhododendron forests and over a high pass - and then into the valley Phobjikha. The valley is one of the most beautiful high valleys of Bhutan and offers a resting place to the rare black-necked cranes in winter. The bird is under protection, lives in the mountains of Tibet in the warm season and overwinters in Bhutan.
Overnight in Gangtey.
(Altitude Gangtey: 3,000 m)
Today you drive through Wangdue Phodrang and visit the local monastery fortress, perched on a ridge above a river and offering a wonderful view of the valley and the mountains. Then, your path will lead you on serpentines up into the mountains - through oak and rhododendron forests and over a high pass - and then into the valley Phobjikha. The valley is one of the most beautiful high valleys of Bhutan and offers a resting place to the rare black-necked cranes in winter. The bird is under protection, lives in the mountains of Tibet in the warm season and overwinters in Bhutan.
Overnight in Gangtey.
(Altitude Gangtey: 3,000 m)
Day 5
Gangtey
In the morning you explore again the picturesque landscape of the valley, experiencing the everyday life of the local people and going for a hike on the "Gangtey Nature Trail." The approximately 2-hour hike will take you through pine forests, across rivers and through the open valley. You will come very close to nature and may even spot one or two pheasants. In the afternoon you visit the 15th century Gangtey Gompa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan.
Overnight in Gangtey.
In the morning you explore again the picturesque landscape of the valley, experiencing the everyday life of the local people and going for a hike on the "Gangtey Nature Trail." The approximately 2-hour hike will take you through pine forests, across rivers and through the open valley. You will come very close to nature and may even spot one or two pheasants. In the afternoon you visit the 15th century Gangtey Gompa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan.
Overnight in Gangtey.
Day 6
Gangtey - Trongsa - Bumthang
In the morning you drive through the Pele-La (pass / 3,300 m) towards Trongsa. The pass forms the border between western and central Bhutan. You stop at Chendebji Chorten, built by a Tibetan lama against evil spirits in the 18th century. The Chorten was built in the Nepalese style, with the famous eyes on all four sides.
The landscape around Trongsa is spectacular and you can already see the impressive monastery fortress of Trongsa, long before you reach it over the landscape winding through the countryside.
After lunch, you continue the drive to Bumthang - one of the most breathtaking valleys in Bhutan and also the centerpiece of local Buddhism. It goes first over the Yongtong-La (pass / 3,400 m) and then through coniferous forests down into the valley Chumey. From here it is about an hour's drive to Bumthang.
Overnight in Bumthang.
(Altitude Bumthang: 2,600 m)
In the morning you drive through the Pele-La (pass / 3,300 m) towards Trongsa. The pass forms the border between western and central Bhutan. You stop at Chendebji Chorten, built by a Tibetan lama against evil spirits in the 18th century. The Chorten was built in the Nepalese style, with the famous eyes on all four sides.
The landscape around Trongsa is spectacular and you can already see the impressive monastery fortress of Trongsa, long before you reach it over the landscape winding through the countryside.
After lunch, you continue the drive to Bumthang - one of the most breathtaking valleys in Bhutan and also the centerpiece of local Buddhism. It goes first over the Yongtong-La (pass / 3,400 m) and then through coniferous forests down into the valley Chumey. From here it is about an hour's drive to Bumthang.
Overnight in Bumthang.
(Altitude Bumthang: 2,600 m)
Day 7
Bumthang-Ura
During the drive to the Ura Valley you cross the Shartang-La (Pass / 3,200 m). On a clear day, you can spot Gangkar-Phunsum (7,415 m) heading north.
If you wish, you can take a hike to the village of Ura. The path always leads downhill, on the way you see many prayer wheels. The hike is quite wonderful and well suited for travelers of all ages.
In the afternoon a short drive will take you to the village of Shinkhar, which you can explore on a walk passing the temple and farm houses. This area has recently been connected by a new road link, and travelers enjoy a tour with the opportunity to take photos and enjoy the beautiful nature.
Overnight in Bumthang.
During the drive to the Ura Valley you cross the Shartang-La (Pass / 3,200 m). On a clear day, you can spot Gangkar-Phunsum (7,415 m) heading north.
If you wish, you can take a hike to the village of Ura. The path always leads downhill, on the way you see many prayer wheels. The hike is quite wonderful and well suited for travelers of all ages.
In the afternoon a short drive will take you to the village of Shinkhar, which you can explore on a walk passing the temple and farm houses. This area has recently been connected by a new road link, and travelers enjoy a tour with the opportunity to take photos and enjoy the beautiful nature.
Overnight in Bumthang.
Day 8
Kurjey Festival
Today you participate in the Kurjey Festival! You see the religious dances on the main square of the temple - unique compared to many other festivals. Some dances show the story of evil demons banished by Indian saints. A blessing and cleansing of all sins!
From Kurjey Monastery take a road south along the river to Jambey Lhakhang. The temple was built by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century, making it one of the oldest in Bhutan (another is Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro).
Overnight in Bumthang.
Today you participate in the Kurjey Festival! You see the religious dances on the main square of the temple - unique compared to many other festivals. Some dances show the story of evil demons banished by Indian saints. A blessing and cleansing of all sins!
From Kurjey Monastery take a road south along the river to Jambey Lhakhang. The temple was built by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century, making it one of the oldest in Bhutan (another is Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro).
Overnight in Bumthang.
Day 9
Bumthang-Wangdue
From Bumthang we need a full day to drive back to Wangdue. The trail leads over Trongsa and the Pele-La (pass / 3,300 m). There are many interesting stops along the way and you have the opportunity to explore them and stretch your legs.
Overnight in Wangdue.
(Altitude Wangdue: 1,300 m)
From Bumthang we need a full day to drive back to Wangdue. The trail leads over Trongsa and the Pele-La (pass / 3,300 m). There are many interesting stops along the way and you have the opportunity to explore them and stretch your legs.
Overnight in Wangdue.
(Altitude Wangdue: 1,300 m)
Day 10
Wangdue-Paro
From Wangdue you drive down to the mild Punakha Valley, then again up via the Dochu-La (pass / 3,100 meters). White chortens and colorful prayer flags send greetings to the sky of the Himalayas - a wonderful picture and a very special atmosphere! The snow-capped peaks line the horizon.
Upon arrival enjoy a detailed tour of Paro including the National Museum, Ta Dzong. It houses many religious relics, arts and crafts, all of which give an intense insight into the cultural wealth and past of the country. Then you will see Rimpong Dzong with paintings of the great saint Milarepa, "master of meditation" for the Bhutanese.
You will also cross the Paro River via the traditional Nymezampa wooden bridge.
Overnight in Paro.
(Altitude Paro: 2,300 m)
From Wangdue you drive down to the mild Punakha Valley, then again up via the Dochu-La (pass / 3,100 meters). White chortens and colorful prayer flags send greetings to the sky of the Himalayas - a wonderful picture and a very special atmosphere! The snow-capped peaks line the horizon.
Upon arrival enjoy a detailed tour of Paro including the National Museum, Ta Dzong. It houses many religious relics, arts and crafts, all of which give an intense insight into the cultural wealth and past of the country. Then you will see Rimpong Dzong with paintings of the great saint Milarepa, "master of meditation" for the Bhutanese.
You will also cross the Paro River via the traditional Nymezampa wooden bridge.
Overnight in Paro.
(Altitude Paro: 2,300 m)
Day 11
Hike to the Taktsang Monastery
(Tigernest)
In the morning you walk to the monastery Taktsang - to the famous "Tigernest". The monastery is built at about 3,000 meters altitude on a ledge and offers a magnificent view of the Paro valley. It is said that in the second half of the eighth century Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) flew to this spot on the back of a tigress and spread the teachings of Buddhism in Bhutan. The hike takes about 1.5 to 2 hours uphill - more than 500 steps up and through a valley. The view and the experiences make up for it. It goes through pine forests and past prayer flags, again and again you have the view of the valley of Paro. Those who like to ride horses can lend one and cover part of the way.
On the way back to Paro you visit the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang Temple - one of the 108 temples built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo.
Overnight in Paro.
(Tigernest)
In the morning you walk to the monastery Taktsang - to the famous "Tigernest". The monastery is built at about 3,000 meters altitude on a ledge and offers a magnificent view of the Paro valley. It is said that in the second half of the eighth century Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) flew to this spot on the back of a tigress and spread the teachings of Buddhism in Bhutan. The hike takes about 1.5 to 2 hours uphill - more than 500 steps up and through a valley. The view and the experiences make up for it. It goes through pine forests and past prayer flags, again and again you have the view of the valley of Paro. Those who like to ride horses can lend one and cover part of the way.
On the way back to Paro you visit the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang Temple - one of the 108 temples built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo.
Overnight in Paro.
Day 12
Departure
Depending on the departure time you may still have time to explore Paro. Then drive to the airport and say goodbye.
Depending on the departure time you may still have time to explore Paro. Then drive to the airport and say goodbye.
