Spirituelle Reise
Pilgerreise durch Bhutan
On this spiritual journey, not only will you be able to visit spiritual sites, but also to forge deeper links with these sacred sites, as they will receive detailed teachings and instructions from local Buddhist teachers. The journey focuses on holy monasteries and places in Bhutan. In particular, you will have the opportunity through a two-day meditation retreat to gain deeper experience in meditating.
This retreat of meditation takes place in a Buddhist retreat retreat in Sumthrang (Bumthang), where numerous yogis have been meditating in retreat since the 12th century to the present day. The meditation retreat practice is called "Nyungney" (Tibetan) or "Lingering in Silence" and includes the voluntary renunciation of eating, drinking and speaking for 24 hours. It is designed to help your mind stay as calm as possible. Have you ever been able to experience and perform such an ascetic practice yourself? In any case, in Bhutan, this is one of the practices as a Buddhist!
The purpose of our journey is to build a deeper spiritual connection to the sacred places. Therefore, there will be a daily meditation session on the journey, where you will receive general teachings on Buddhism, but also clarify open questions and share experiences. When visiting any holy site or monastery, we will meditate for half an hour to establish the spiritual connection. This tour is only suitable for you if you are interested in Buddhism and want to gain meditation experience. All meditation explanations will be led by a qualified "Khempo" (Tibetan), a Buddhist scholar who will accompany you as an additional guide on our tour.
This retreat of meditation takes place in a Buddhist retreat retreat in Sumthrang (Bumthang), where numerous yogis have been meditating in retreat since the 12th century to the present day. The meditation retreat practice is called "Nyungney" (Tibetan) or "Lingering in Silence" and includes the voluntary renunciation of eating, drinking and speaking for 24 hours. It is designed to help your mind stay as calm as possible. Have you ever been able to experience and perform such an ascetic practice yourself? In any case, in Bhutan, this is one of the practices as a Buddhist!
The purpose of our journey is to build a deeper spiritual connection to the sacred places. Therefore, there will be a daily meditation session on the journey, where you will receive general teachings on Buddhism, but also clarify open questions and share experiences. When visiting any holy site or monastery, we will meditate for half an hour to establish the spiritual connection. This tour is only suitable for you if you are interested in Buddhism and want to gain meditation experience. All meditation explanations will be led by a qualified "Khempo" (Tibetan), a Buddhist scholar who will accompany you as an additional guide on our tour.
15 days / 14 nights
Paro - Thimphu - Punakha - Trongsa - Bumthang - Gangtey - Paro
Data: by appointment
Price per person for groups of 4-10 persons: 3.030, - €
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 - Trongsa - Bumthang - Gangtey - Paro
Data: by appointment
Price per person for groups of 4-10 persons: 3.030, - €
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
In the morning we drive half an hour from Thimphu to the starting point, a crossroads, from where our hike will take us to the Chagri Gompa, which was founded in the 17th century. It is a popular place for Buddhists to Meditationsklause, idyllic on a mountain top, surrounded by forest. The first monastic administration of the country was established here in the 17th century by the founder of Bhutan, the Zhabdrung. The main characters in the temple are the historical Buddha and the "kudung" (Tibetan) of the father of Zhabdrung, Yap Tempa Nima, which runs through mixed forest and serpentines and has been used by the pilgrims for many years, and it may be that you are wild mountain goats The return journey will take about three hours and lunch will be held close to a beautiful glacier river bed.
In the evening drive to Tashichho Dzong, the seat of government and summer residence of the monks of the central monastic administration. The majestic architecture with the balanced architecture, the wonderful decoration and the paintings impresses every visitor. Later we will visit a craft shop and drive back to the hotel.
Overnight in Thimphu.
In the morning we drive half an hour from Thimphu to the starting point, a crossroads, from where our hike will take us to the Chagri Gompa, which was founded in the 17th century. It is a popular place for Buddhists to Meditationsklause, idyllic on a mountain top, surrounded by forest. The first monastic administration of the country was established here in the 17th century by the founder of Bhutan, the Zhabdrung. The main characters in the temple are the historical Buddha and the "kudung" (Tibetan) of the father of Zhabdrung, Yap Tempa Nima, which runs through mixed forest and serpentines and has been used by the pilgrims for many years, and it may be that you are wild mountain goats The return journey will take about three hours and lunch will be held close to a beautiful glacier river bed.
In the evening drive to Tashichho Dzong, the seat of government and summer residence of the monks of the central monastic administration. The majestic architecture with the balanced architecture, the wonderful decoration and the paintings impresses every visitor. Later we will visit a craft shop and drive back to the hotel.
Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 3
Thimphu-Punakha
Today you drive over the Dochu-la Pass (3,100 meters) - on a clear day you have a spectacular view of the mountains of the Himalayas - and drive back down into the valley of Punakha. Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan. Visit the Punakha Dzong, the Palace of Great Bliss, built by Zhabdrung in 1637. The Dzong lies at the confluence of Mo Chu and Pho Chu (mother and father rivers) and is the winter quarters of Je Khenpo, the supreme abbot of the country. and hundreds of monks representing the central monastic administration of Bhutan. The main temple of Punakha Dzong is a stunning example of traditional architecture. In 1907, the first king of Bhutan was crowned here.
Later you will walk to the temple Chimi Lhakhang. He is also seen as a symbol of fertility, childless couples come here to bless. The hike takes less than an hour.
Overnight in Punakha.
(Height Punakha: 1,300 m)
Today you drive over the Dochu-la Pass (3,100 meters) - on a clear day you have a spectacular view of the mountains of the Himalayas - and drive back down into the valley of Punakha. Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan. Visit the Punakha Dzong, the Palace of Great Bliss, built by Zhabdrung in 1637. The Dzong lies at the confluence of Mo Chu and Pho Chu (mother and father rivers) and is the winter quarters of Je Khenpo, the supreme abbot of the country. and hundreds of monks representing the central monastic administration of Bhutan. The main temple of Punakha Dzong is a stunning example of traditional architecture. In 1907, the first king of Bhutan was crowned here.
Later you will walk to the temple Chimi Lhakhang. He is also seen as a symbol of fertility, childless couples come here to bless. The hike takes less than an hour.
Overnight in Punakha.
(Height Punakha: 1,300 m)
Day 4
Punakha - Gangtey
Drive to Wangdue Phodrang and visit the monastery fortress, which sits on a ridge above a river and offers wonderful views of the valley and 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 Phob-ji-kha. The valley is one of the most beautiful high valleys of Bhutan and offers a resting place in winter for the exceptional and rare Black-necked Cranes. The bird is under protection, actually lives in the Tibetan mountain country and overwinters in Bhutan. Explore the beautiful valley and visit 15th-century Gangtey Gompa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan.
Overnight in Gangtey in a farmhouse.
(Altitude Gangtey: 3,000 m)
Drive to Wangdue Phodrang and visit the monastery fortress, which sits on a ridge above a river and offers wonderful views of the valley and 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 Phob-ji-kha. The valley is one of the most beautiful high valleys of Bhutan and offers a resting place in winter for the exceptional and rare Black-necked Cranes. The bird is under protection, actually lives in the Tibetan mountain country and overwinters in Bhutan. Explore the beautiful valley and visit 15th-century Gangtey Gompa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan.
Overnight in Gangtey in a farmhouse.
(Altitude Gangtey: 3,000 m)
Day 5
Gangtey - Bumthang
Today the trip leads via Trongsa to Bumthang. We cross the Pele-la Pass (3300 m), which is generally considered the border between West and Central Bhutan. Further along the road we will stop to visit Chendebji Chorten, built in the 18th century by a Tibetan lama; according to legend, to cover the remains of a wicked spirit who had been defeated in this place. The reliquary is built in Nepalese architecture, with painted Buddha eyes, overlooking all four directions.
Overnight in Bumthang.
(Height Bumthang: 2,700 m)
Today the trip leads via Trongsa to Bumthang. We cross the Pele-la Pass (3300 m), which is generally considered the border between West and Central Bhutan. Further along the road we will stop to visit Chendebji Chorten, built in the 18th century by a Tibetan lama; according to legend, to cover the remains of a wicked spirit who had been defeated in this place. The reliquary is built in Nepalese architecture, with painted Buddha eyes, overlooking all four directions.
Overnight in Bumthang.
(Height Bumthang: 2,700 m)
Day 6
Tang Valley, Kurje Lhakhang
A day trip takes you to the Tang Valley, located about 3,000 meters above sea level. On the way you will visit the important site of Mebar Tsho (the "Burning Lake") as well as a nunnery founded in the 90s by the reincarnation of Pema Lingpa. You will also see some villages and schools on your way.
Then head to the Orgyen Chholing Museum, founded by Ashi Kunzang Choden, the descendant of Deb Tshoki Dorji. The trek to the museum begins with the crossing of the Tang River. After the wooden bridge and the Chorten it goes uphill for less than an hour. On the way you pass an old 18th century watermill that is still in use today. Arrived at the museum you can overlook the beautiful valley. Lunch will be taken as a picnic by the river, then the return trip to Bumthang will follow.
Kurje Lhakhang is one of the holiest places in the Kingdom of Bhutan, where, according to tradition, Bhutan's most important saint, Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) meditated. From Kurje Monastery, a paved road leads south on the right bank of the river to Jambey Lhakhang, a temple built by the Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo, as early as the 7th century, and one of Bhutan's oldest temples (the other being Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro).
Overnight in Bumthang.
A day trip takes you to the Tang Valley, located about 3,000 meters above sea level. On the way you will visit the important site of Mebar Tsho (the "Burning Lake") as well as a nunnery founded in the 90s by the reincarnation of Pema Lingpa. You will also see some villages and schools on your way.
Then head to the Orgyen Chholing Museum, founded by Ashi Kunzang Choden, the descendant of Deb Tshoki Dorji. The trek to the museum begins with the crossing of the Tang River. After the wooden bridge and the Chorten it goes uphill for less than an hour. On the way you pass an old 18th century watermill that is still in use today. Arrived at the museum you can overlook the beautiful valley. Lunch will be taken as a picnic by the river, then the return trip to Bumthang will follow.
Kurje Lhakhang is one of the holiest places in the Kingdom of Bhutan, where, according to tradition, Bhutan's most important saint, Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) meditated. From Kurje Monastery, a paved road leads south on the right bank of the river to Jambey Lhakhang, a temple built by the Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo, as early as the 7th century, and one of Bhutan's oldest temples (the other being Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro).
Overnight in Bumthang.
Day 7
Ura valley
Drive to the Ura Valley. On the way, cross the Shartang-la pass (3,200 m). On a cloud-free day, you can spot the Gangkar-phunsum (7,415 m) to the north.
If you wish, you can take a hike to the village of Ura. The path always leads downhill, on the way you see prayer wheels. The hike is quite wonderful and well suited for travelers of all ages.
In the afternoon, a short drive to Shinkhar village, which you can explore on a walk past the temple and farm houses. This area has recently been connected by a new road link, and travelers enjoy a tour of the opportunity to take photos and enjoy the beautiful nature.
Overnight in Ura.
(Altitude Ura: 3,100 m)
In the evening we will start the meditation retreat.
Drive to the Ura Valley. On the way, cross the Shartang-la pass (3,200 m). On a cloud-free day, you can spot the Gangkar-phunsum (7,415 m) to the north.
If you wish, you can take a hike to the village of Ura. The path always leads downhill, on the way you see prayer wheels. The hike is quite wonderful and well suited for travelers of all ages.
In the afternoon, a short drive to Shinkhar village, which you can explore on a walk past the temple and farm houses. This area has recently been connected by a new road link, and travelers enjoy a tour of the opportunity to take photos and enjoy the beautiful nature.
Overnight in Ura.
(Altitude Ura: 3,100 m)
In the evening we will start the meditation retreat.
Tag 8-9
Meditation withdrawal
Day 10
Bumthang-Trongsa, visit the Tharpaling
We will finish our meditation retreat and continue our spiritual journey after breakfast.
Tharpaling Monastery is located at 3,600m altitude, almost 10km from the village of Gyetsa. Legend has it that this place was blessed by Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) in person in the early eighth century and by the Tibetan master of the Drukpa Kargyu School, Lorepa (1187-1250), who also founded the Chodrak Monastery
Longchenpa (1308-1363) established here during his self-imposed exile from Tibet to Bhutan in the early 14th century, the current monastery, known as Tharpaling The meditation cave of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) and Longchenpa are considered one of the holiest places in Bhutan. Longchen Rabjam was a great master in the tradition of Tibetan Buddhism in general, but especially in the Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism. He has authored many scriptures on all major Buddhist topics and compiled many of his most famous works during his stay in Bhutan.
After lunch, we set off for Trongsa, crossing the Pele-la Pass (3,300 m) again.
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. Upon arrival, visit the Dzong, a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture! The great-grandfather of Shabdrung, the founder of Bhutan, founded the first temple of Trongsa in 1543. Later, visit Ta Dzong above the village, built as a watchtower and converted into a museum in 2008.
Overnight in Trongsa.
(Height Trongsa: 2,100 m)
We will finish our meditation retreat and continue our spiritual journey after breakfast.
Tharpaling Monastery is located at 3,600m altitude, almost 10km from the village of Gyetsa. Legend has it that this place was blessed by Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) in person in the early eighth century and by the Tibetan master of the Drukpa Kargyu School, Lorepa (1187-1250), who also founded the Chodrak Monastery
Longchenpa (1308-1363) established here during his self-imposed exile from Tibet to Bhutan in the early 14th century, the current monastery, known as Tharpaling The meditation cave of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) and Longchenpa are considered one of the holiest places in Bhutan. Longchen Rabjam was a great master in the tradition of Tibetan Buddhism in general, but especially in the Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism. He has authored many scriptures on all major Buddhist topics and compiled many of his most famous works during his stay in Bhutan.
After lunch, we set off for Trongsa, crossing the Pele-la Pass (3,300 m) again.
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. Upon arrival, visit the Dzong, a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture! The great-grandfather of Shabdrung, the founder of Bhutan, founded the first temple of Trongsa in 1543. Later, visit Ta Dzong above the village, built as a watchtower and converted into a museum in 2008.
Overnight in Trongsa.
(Height Trongsa: 2,100 m)
Day 11
Trongsa - Wangdue
A half day drive from Trongsa we will come back to Wangdue. There are many interesting sights along the way, and we can make some stops on the way as needed and desired, so you can stretch your legs and explore the area.
Overnight in Wangdue
(Height: Wangdue 1,300 m)
A half day drive from Trongsa we will come back to Wangdue. There are many interesting sights along the way, and we can make some stops on the way as needed and desired, so you can stretch your legs and explore the area.
Overnight in Wangdue
(Height: Wangdue 1,300 m)
Day 12
Wangdue - Tselung Ney-Paro
We will drive to Paro today and visit Tselung Ney in the Jiminang Valley, where Guru Rinpoche / Padmasambhava conducted a special long-life meditation for four months. Tradition has it that Guru Rinpoche hid many treasures / so-called "termas" (Tibetan) that would be discovered by future treasure hunters, ie, specially skilled Buddhist masters, the "Tertons" (Tibetan). The "Terton" Drukdra Dorji discovered in the 18th century the skull of Princess Lhacham Pemasel, a daughter of the Tibetan King Khri song de tsan, which is said to have died in the womb of Guru Rinpoche, a picture of the relics being exhibited here, The relics themselves are kept in Tashichoedzong, and you can also see the imprint of the Mala of Padmasambhava on a stone by the river, which is called Tse = Life and Lung = Prophecy In the Maratika Cave in Nepal, one of the pills fell to this place in Bhutan, symbolized by the stone, so today this holy place is known as Tselung Ney, the sacred site of the prophecy of long life.
Overnight in Paro.
(Height Paro: 2,300 m)
We will drive to Paro today and visit Tselung Ney in the Jiminang Valley, where Guru Rinpoche / Padmasambhava conducted a special long-life meditation for four months. Tradition has it that Guru Rinpoche hid many treasures / so-called "termas" (Tibetan) that would be discovered by future treasure hunters, ie, specially skilled Buddhist masters, the "Tertons" (Tibetan). The "Terton" Drukdra Dorji discovered in the 18th century the skull of Princess Lhacham Pemasel, a daughter of the Tibetan King Khri song de tsan, which is said to have died in the womb of Guru Rinpoche, a picture of the relics being exhibited here, The relics themselves are kept in Tashichoedzong, and you can also see the imprint of the Mala of Padmasambhava on a stone by the river, which is called Tse = Life and Lung = Prophecy In the Maratika Cave in Nepal, one of the pills fell to this place in Bhutan, symbolized by the stone, so today this holy place is known as Tselung Ney, the sacred site of the prophecy of long life.
Overnight in Paro.
(Height Paro: 2,300 m)
Day 13
Paro
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 the Bhutanese. You will also cross the Paro River via the traditional Nymezampa wooden bridge.
Overnight in Paro.
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 the Bhutanese. You will also cross the Paro River via the traditional Nymezampa wooden bridge.
Overnight in Paro.
Day 14
Hike to the Taktsang Monastery (Tigernest)
In the morning you walk to the monastery Taktsang - to the famous "Tigernest". The monastery is built at a height of about 3,000 meters 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.
In the morning you walk to the monastery Taktsang - to the famous "Tigernest". The monastery is built at a height of about 3,000 meters 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.
Day 15
Departure
Depending on the departure time you still have time to explore Paro. Then drive to the airport and say goodbye.
Depending on the departure time you still have time to explore Paro. Then drive to the airport and say goodbye.
