Jambay Lhakhang Drup

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)

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.

Thimphu – Punakha

Heute überqueren Sie den Dochu-La (Pass/3.100 Meter) – an einem klaren Tag haben Sie dabei einen spektakulären Ausblick auf die Berge des Himalaya – und fahren dann wieder hinab in das Tal von Punakha. Punakha ist die alte Hauptstadt Bhutans. Zunächst besuchen Sie den Punakha Dzong, den 'Palace of Great Happiness', erbaut 1637 von Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, dem Einiger Bhutans. Der Palast liegt am Zusammenfluss von Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu (Mutter- und Vater-Fluss). Der dreistöckige Haupttempel des Dzong ist ein atemberaubendes Beispiel für traditionelle bhutanische Architektur. 1907 wurde hier der erste König Bhutans gekrönt.
Später werden Sie zum Tempel Chimi Lhakhang wandern. Dieser Tempel wird auch als Symbol der Fruchtbarkeit gesehen, kinderlose Paare kommen zur Segnung hierher. Die Wanderung dauert in etwa eine Stunde.

Übernachtung in Punakha.

(Höhe Punakha: 1.300 m)

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 Tibetan mountain country in the warm season and overwinters in Bhutan.

Overnight in Gangtey.

(Altitude Gangtey: 3,000 m)

Gangtey

In the morning, 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 They will come very close to nature and may even spot one or two pheasants In the afternoon visit the 15th century Gangtey Gompa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan.

Overnight in Gangtey.

Gangtey - Trongsa - Bumthang

About the Pele-La (pass / 3,300 m) drive in the morning towards Trongsa. The pass forms the border between western and central Bhutan. They 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, continue your 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.

(Height Bumthang: 2,600 m)

Jambay Lhakhang Drup

This day is dedicated to the festival Jambay Lhakhang Drup. They experience the most diverse dances, each of which has its own meaning. Your guide will tell you the stories about the dances, so that you can follow the events not only visually but also mentally.
In addition to the impressive ceremony of Mewang and the dance of the Tercham, there are also other traditional dances, such as the "Dola Pangtoy Shazam" (dance of the fool) or the "Raksha Mangcham", in which the life after death is symbolically represented.

Usually our guests are captivated to the end by the energetic performances. But if the desire for a little exercise arise, you can take a walk to the monastery Tamshing.

This monastery was founded in 1501 by the famous master Pema Lingpa and contains centuries-old murals.

Overnight in Bumthang.

Bumthang-Ura

Drive to the Ura Valley. On the way cross the Shartang-La (Pass / 3,200 m). On a clear day you can spot Gangkhar-Puensum (7,415m) heading north.

If you wish, you can take a hike to the village of Ura. The path always leads downhill and on the way you will see many prayer wheels. The hike is very pleasant 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 past the temple and farm houses. This area has recently been developed with a new road link and travelers enjoy a tour with the opportunity to take photos and enjoy the beautiful nature.

Overnight in Bumthang.

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.

(Height Wangdue: 1,300 m)

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 painting the great saint Milarepa, "master of meditation" of Bhutanese. You will also cross the Paro River via the traditional Nymezampa wooden bridge.

Overnight in Paro.

(Height Paro: 2,300 m)

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 rocky outcrop 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 visit the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang Temple - one of the 108 temples built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo.

Overnight in Paro.

Departure

Depending on the departure time you still have time to explore Paro. Then drive to the airport and say goodbye.