New Year and Trongsa Tshechu Festival in Bhutan
Neither Christmas nor New Year is celebrated in Bhutan in the religious context. Nevertheless, the Bhutanese also like to take the opportunity to celebrate. Winter is a good time to visit the small kingdom in the Himalayas. The weather is very pleasant, there is little rain, the sky is clear and offers best views of the snow-capped peaks. You will visit the beautiful Phobjikha Valley - the winter habitat of the rare Black-necked Cranes. Paro and the Tigernest - one of the holiest places in Bhutan - are also on your route. You experience the hospitality of the population, explore breathtaking landscapes and immerse yourself in the legendary culture of the country.
By the way, winter is the least expensive season for a trip to Bhutan.
By the way, winter is the least expensive season for a trip to Bhutan.
12 days / 11 nights
Paro - Punakha - Trongsa - Bumthang - Gangtey - Thimphu - Paro
Data: by appointment
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 - Punakha - Trongsa - Bumthang - Gangtey - Thimphu - Paro
Data: by appointment
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-Punakha
The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular flights through a mountain landscape - with a magnificent panorama and views of some of the highest mountains in the world. Our guide welcomes you at the airport. After a short break drive to Punakha. It goes 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. On the way you will observe the everyday life of Bhutanese country life. In the region of the Dochu-La grow large rhododendron forests, the plants reach the size of trees and bloom in April / May in the most beautiful colors.
Punakha is the ancient capital of Bhutan. First, visit the Punakha Dzong, the 'Palace of Great Happiness'. It was built in 1637 by Shabdrung ("Unifier of Bhutan"). Punakha Dzong is located at the confluence of Mo Chu and Pho Chu (Mother and Father Rivers). Dzong's three-story main temple is a stunning example of traditional Bhutanese architecture. In 1907, the first king of Bhutan was crowned here.
Overnight in Punakha.
(Altitude Punakha: 1,300 m)
The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular flights through a mountain landscape - with a magnificent panorama and views of some of the highest mountains in the world. Our guide welcomes you at the airport. After a short break drive to Punakha. It goes 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. On the way you will observe the everyday life of Bhutanese country life. In the region of the Dochu-La grow large rhododendron forests, the plants reach the size of trees and bloom in April / May in the most beautiful colors.
Punakha is the ancient capital of Bhutan. First, visit the Punakha Dzong, the 'Palace of Great Happiness'. It was built in 1637 by Shabdrung ("Unifier of Bhutan"). Punakha Dzong is located at the confluence of Mo Chu and Pho Chu (Mother and Father Rivers). Dzong's three-story main temple is a stunning example of traditional Bhutanese architecture. In 1907, the first king of Bhutan was crowned here.
Overnight in Punakha.
(Altitude Punakha: 1,300 m)
Day 2
Punakha Trongsa
Today you will walk to the temple Chimi Lhakhang - Temple of Drukpa Kuenly, also known as Divine Madman. The title he wore since the uprising against Orthodox Buddhism. He taught that Buddhism is an inner feeling and is not bound to a life as a monk. He is also seen as a symbol of fertility, childless couples come here to bless. Again, it goes over the pass Pele-La, which is traditionally seen as the border between East and West Bhutan. They stop at Chendebji Chorten, built by a Tibetan lama against evil spirits in the 18th century.
Overnight in Trongsa.
(Altitude Trongsa: 2,100 m)
Today you will walk to the temple Chimi Lhakhang - Temple of Drukpa Kuenly, also known as Divine Madman. The title he wore since the uprising against Orthodox Buddhism. He taught that Buddhism is an inner feeling and is not bound to a life as a monk. He is also seen as a symbol of fertility, childless couples come here to bless. Again, it goes over the pass Pele-La, which is traditionally seen as the border between East and West Bhutan. They stop at Chendebji Chorten, built by a Tibetan lama against evil spirits in the 18th century.
Overnight in Trongsa.
(Altitude Trongsa: 2,100 m)
Day 3
Trongsa-Bumthang
The Trongsa Festival - from the early morning you are there! The Dzong is 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. In the evening drive to Bumthang.
Overnight in Jakar.
(Altitude Jakar: 2,600 m)
The Trongsa Festival - from the early morning you are there! The Dzong is 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. In the evening drive to Bumthang.
Overnight in Jakar.
(Altitude Jakar: 2,600 m)
Day 4
Bumthang
Bumthang is the official name of a group of four valleys: Chumey, Choekhor, Tang and Ura. The heights vary between 2,600 and 4,000 m. Visit with Kurjey Lhakhang one of the holiest places in Bhutan, Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) meditated here. 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). Later visit Tamshing Lhakhang, founded in 1501 by Pema Lingpa. There are u.a. to admire ancient Buddhist murals.
Overnight in Bumthang.
(Altitude Bumthang: 2,700 m)
Bumthang is the official name of a group of four valleys: Chumey, Choekhor, Tang and Ura. The heights vary between 2,600 and 4,000 m. Visit with Kurjey Lhakhang one of the holiest places in Bhutan, Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) meditated here. 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). Later visit Tamshing Lhakhang, founded in 1501 by Pema Lingpa. There are u.a. to admire ancient Buddhist murals.
Overnight in Bumthang.
(Altitude Bumthang: 2,700 m)
Day 5
Ura Valley
Early in the morning 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 temples and farmhouses. 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. It is worth it! Return to Bumthang.
Overnight in Bumthang.
Early in the morning 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 temples and farmhouses. 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. It is worth it! Return to Bumthang.
Overnight in Bumthang.
Day 6
Bumthang-Gangtey
In the morning you visit Jakar Dzong, "castle of the white bird". Afterwards drive to Gangtey - into the valley Phobjikha. 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. You will also visit 15th-century Gangtey Gompa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan.
Overnight in Gangtey in a Farm House.
(Altitude Gangtey: 3,000 m)
In the morning you visit Jakar Dzong, "castle of the white bird". Afterwards drive to Gangtey - into the valley Phobjikha. 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. You will also visit 15th-century Gangtey Gompa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan.
Overnight in Gangtey in a Farm House.
(Altitude Gangtey: 3,000 m)
Day 7
Gangthey-Thimphu
Walk 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 be very close to nature, then drive to Thimphu and visit the Kings' Memorial in the evening Stupa and have an opportunity to observe the population in the exercise of their religiousness.
Overnight in Thimpu.
(Altitude Thimphu: 2,600 m)
Walk 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 be very close to nature, then drive to Thimphu and visit the Kings' Memorial in the evening Stupa and have an opportunity to observe the population in the exercise of their religiousness.
Overnight in Thimpu.
(Altitude Thimphu: 2,600 m)
Day 8
Thimphu
You will make an excursion to the Kunsel Phodrang (Buddha point) for a breathtaking view of the valley of Thimpu. You will visit the "School of Arts and Crafts", where children learn the traditional craftsmanship of the country, and also the zoo, where you will see the national animal of Bhutan with the Takin.
Next station is Tashicho Dzong, summer residence of the monastic order and the headquarters of the government. The majestic architecture with balanced proportions is complemented by rich ornaments and paintings. After the visit you have the opportunity to stop at a craft shop,
Overnight in Thimphu.
You will make an excursion to the Kunsel Phodrang (Buddha point) for a breathtaking view of the valley of Thimpu. You will visit the "School of Arts and Crafts", where children learn the traditional craftsmanship of the country, and also the zoo, where you will see the national animal of Bhutan with the Takin.
Next station is Tashicho Dzong, summer residence of the monastic order and the headquarters of the government. The majestic architecture with balanced proportions is complemented by rich ornaments and paintings. After the visit you have the opportunity to stop at a craft shop,
Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 9
Hike to Chagri Monastery
Today you will hike to Chagri Monastery and the hike begins with the crossing of a cantilevered bridge. The gently rising path is used by pilgrims and leads through mixed forest. During the ascent, you pass a chruch (stupa), which invites you to take a rest. If you follow the path you will probably encounter mountain goats near the monastery. You will have lunch as a picnic near the river.
On the way back, you will have the opportunity to visit Pangri-Zampa Monastery, where monks study astrology. There is a huge cypress right next to the monastery - this is said to be the oldest tree in Bhutan.
Overnight in Thimphu.
(Altitude Thimphu: 2,600 m)
Today you will hike to Chagri Monastery and the hike begins with the crossing of a cantilevered bridge. The gently rising path is used by pilgrims and leads through mixed forest. During the ascent, you pass a chruch (stupa), which invites you to take a rest. If you follow the path you will probably encounter mountain goats near the monastery. You will have lunch as a picnic near the river.
On the way back, you will have the opportunity to visit Pangri-Zampa Monastery, where monks study astrology. There is a huge cypress right next to the monastery - this is said to be the oldest tree in Bhutan.
Overnight in Thimphu.
(Altitude Thimphu: 2,600 m)
Day 10
Thimphu-Paro
Drive to Semtokha and visit to Semtokha Dzong - the first Dzong founded by Zhanbdrung Ngawang Namgyal in the 17th century. Later, drive to Paro and visit the Paro National Museum, which will illuminate some aspects of the trip, as well as the Paro Monastery fortress, built in 1646. It houses the District Government and a religious institute. You will also cross the Paro River via the traditional Nymezampa wooden bridge. In the afternoon, drive to the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, which dates back to the 17th century. The historic monument was built by Shabdrung to commemorate the victory over invading Tibetans in 1644. In good weather, the view of Mount Jomolhari (7,314 m) offers a breathtaking backdrop.
Overnight in Paro.
(Altitude Paro: 2,300 m)
Drive to Semtokha and visit to Semtokha Dzong - the first Dzong founded by Zhanbdrung Ngawang Namgyal in the 17th century. Later, drive to Paro and visit the Paro National Museum, which will illuminate some aspects of the trip, as well as the Paro Monastery fortress, built in 1646. It houses the District Government and a religious institute. You will also cross the Paro River via the traditional Nymezampa wooden bridge. In the afternoon, drive to the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, which dates back to the 17th century. The historic monument was built by Shabdrung to commemorate the victory over invading Tibetans in 1644. In good weather, the view of Mount Jomolhari (7,314 m) offers a breathtaking backdrop.
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 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.
(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.
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.
