Ura Yakchoe
Ura, a beautiful valley in Bumthang, Central Bhutan, is off the beaten track and tourist streams. But it is known nationwide for a special festival, the Ura Yakchoe. According to tradition, one day a lama came to the village and asked an old woman for some water. The woman went to fetch the water, but when she returned, the lama had disappeared. Only one sack was where he had been before. The old woman opened the bag and discovered in it a beautiful statue. This particular statue has been passed down for generations from generation to generation in the family of the woman. At the time of Ura Yakchoes she is shown and blesses the people of the village and their guests.
12 days / 11 nights
Paro - Thimphu - Punakha - Gangtey - Bumthang - Ura - Wangdue - Paro
Data: April 2019
Price per person for groups of 4-10 persons: 2.975, - €
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 - Ura - Wangdue - Paro
Data: April 2019
Price per person for groups of 4-10 persons: 2.975, - €
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:
Tag 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 Tashi Chho 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 etc.
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 Tashi Chho 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 etc.
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 Phob Ji Kha. 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. Explore the beautiful valley and visit 15th-century Gangtey Gompa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in western 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 Phob Ji Kha. 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. Explore the beautiful valley and visit 15th-century Gangtey Gompa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan.
Overnight in Gangtey.
(Altitude Gangtey: 3,000 m)
Day 5
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. You 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.
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. You 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.
Day 6
Gangtey – Bumthang
About the Pele-La (pass / 3,300 m) drive in the morning in the direction of 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 winding road through the countryside.
Upon arrival, visit the Dzong, a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture! The great-grandfather of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel founded the first temple of Trongsa in 1543. Later you will visit the
Ta Dzong above the village, built as a watch-tower and converted into a museum in 2008.
Overnight in Bumthang.
(Altitude Bumthang: 2,700 m)
About the Pele-La (pass / 3,300 m) drive in the morning in the direction of 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 winding road through the countryside.
Upon arrival, visit the Dzong, a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture! The great-grandfather of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel founded the first temple of Trongsa in 1543. Later you will visit the
Ta Dzong above the village, built as a watch-tower and converted into a museum in 2008.
Overnight in Bumthang.
(Altitude Bumthang: 2,700 m)
Day 7
Bumthang-Ura
On the way to the Ura Valley you cross the Shertang-La (Pass / 3,500 m). On cloudless days you have a magnificent view of the Gangkhar Puensum (7,415 m).
If you like hiking, you can reach the village of Ura from here on foot. The path is lined with fir trees and often you will see small prayer wheels that are turned by the mountain streams. It is a beautiful hiking trail and can be mastered at any age.
In Ura you will experience the traditional dances, the music and the sacred ceremonies of the Ura Yakcheo and up close the everyday life of the village.
Overnight in a farmhouse.
(Altitude Ura: 3,100 m)
On the way to the Ura Valley you cross the Shertang-La (Pass / 3,500 m). On cloudless days you have a magnificent view of the Gangkhar Puensum (7,415 m).
If you like hiking, you can reach the village of Ura from here on foot. The path is lined with fir trees and often you will see small prayer wheels that are turned by the mountain streams. It is a beautiful hiking trail and can be mastered at any age.
In Ura you will experience the traditional dances, the music and the sacred ceremonies of the Ura Yakcheo and up close the everyday life of the village.
Overnight in a farmhouse.
(Altitude Ura: 3,100 m)
Day 8
Ura Festival
Until the afternoon you'll stay in this idyllic village and celebrate the Ura Yak Choe with the inhabitants. Then it's a short drive to the village of Shinkhar and you can go for a hike around the village. On the way you visit ancient temples and typical Bhutanese houses of this recently opened area for tourists. After the excursion you will return to Ura.
Overnight in a farmhouse.
Until the afternoon you'll stay in this idyllic village and celebrate the Ura Yak Choe with the inhabitants. Then it's a short drive to the village of Shinkhar and you can go for a hike around the village. On the way you visit ancient temples and typical Bhutanese houses of this recently opened area for tourists. After the excursion you will return to Ura.
Overnight in a farmhouse.
Day 9
Ura - Wangdue
From Ura it is a day trip to Wangdue. The trail passes through 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 Ura it is a day trip to Wangdue. The trail passes through 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
It takes another day to get from Wangdue to Paro. Again, there is a lot to see on the way and you will stop for breaks, to move your feet with breathtaking views.
Overnight in Paro.
(Altitude Paro: 2,300 m)
It takes another day to get from Wangdue to Paro. Again, there is a lot to see on the way and you will stop for breaks, to move your feet with breathtaking views.
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 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.
(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.
Day 12
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.
