Dr. Koch Reisen

Termine

Bei DR. KOCH im Reisepreis inbegriffene Leistungen

• Hin- und Rückflug über Delhi nach Paro
• Flughafen-, Sicherheitsgebühren, Kerosinzuschläge
• Transfers und sonstige Transporte
• alle im Reiseverlauf vorgesehenen Fahrten
• 1 Übernachtung im DZ/EZ in Delhi
• 13 Übernachtungen im DZ/EZ in Bhutan
• Vollpension
• einheimischer, englischsprachiger Reiseleiter
• Bhutan-Visum
• Transit-Visum für Indien
• Eintrittsgelder und Gebühren

Teilnehmerzahl

Reiseleitung

Anreise

Hinweise

Unser Rail&Fly Angebot:
In Kooperation mit der Deutschen Bahn AG bieten wir Ihnen für nur 70,00 € pro Person
ein Bahn-Ticket (Hin- und Rückfahrt, 2. Klasse, ICE-Zuschlag inklusive) zu Ihrem Abflughafen.

Änderungen

Day 1

Departure

Flight to Delhi. (1 overnight stay in a hotel in Delhi.)

Day 2

Flight to Paro and drive to Thimphu

During the flight one will experience breathtaking views of some of the highest mountain peaks in the world, including Mt. Everest, Kan Cheng Junga, Mt. Jumolhari and Jitchu Drake.
After some refreshments in a local restaurant we will make our way to the sacred 7th century Kichu Monastery, one of the oldest temples in the Kingdom. We will then drive up the Paro Valley to visit the Rinpung Dzong (Heap of Jewels Fortress).
A ten minute walk over some walled flat stone pavements brings us to a beautiful ancient wooden bridge with shingle roofing protected by a guardhouse at each end. This site was used by Bertolucci to film “Little Buddha”.
We will have lunch in a local restaurant and afterwards drive to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan. After check in at our hotel we will visit to the famous weekend market in Thimphu. This is the meeting place for many farmers, some who come on foot, with their horses or yaks and others travel by bus and truck in order to sell their wares at the biggest open market place in Bhutan. There is an array of local products ranging from fresh, organic fruit, rice, chilies and other vegetables, Yak butter, meat, and a wonderful display of village textiles, handicrafts, art, and jewellery. The market is a showcase for the Bhutanese way of life culture.
After an evening meal at the hotel there is “freetime” to stroll around the narrow streets of Thimphu town.
(2 overnight stays in a hotel in Thimphu.)

Day 3

Thimphu

After breakfast we will go sightseeing in Thimphu. We will visit the National Institute of Traditional Medicine. In Bhutan, equal emphasis is given to both allopathic and traditional medicines. The rich herbal medicines made up from medicinal plants abundant in the kingdom are prepared and dispensed here. Traditional healing methods are very popular amongst all Bhutanese people and run parallel to modern medicine. Here we will have the exclusive privilege of talking to a renowned traditional healer. After lunch we take a short drive up to the north of Thimphu to visit a small nature reserve to see some Takin (goat-antelopes) – the national animal of Bhutan. This wild animal is an internationally endangered species and is protected in Bhutan. The hike around this enclosure takes about 40 minutes. A drive higher up brings us to a viewpoint commonly known by young couples as ‘Lover’s Point’. Evening at leisure.

Day 4

Thimphu – Punakha

After breakfast sightseeing in Thimphu. We visit the Folk Heritage and National Textile Museums. These museums, both of which opened in 2001, provide a fascinating insight into Bhutanese material trade culture and way of life. The Handicrafts Emporium, a government-run enterprise, displays a wide range of beautifully hand-woven textiles and craft products. It also carries a small collection of books on Bhutan, Buddhism and Himalayan culture.
After lunch drive to Punakha which served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955 and still is the winter seat of the Je khenpo (chief Abbot). We will cross the Dochu-la pass (3088 m). On a clear day we can enjoy breathtaking views of the high Himalayan peaks. Drive further down to the subtropical region Lobesa and check in at the hotel.
(1 overnight stay in a hotel in Punakha.)

Day 5

Punakha – Gangtey

After breakfast, drive to the Punakha Dzong, which was built in the 17th century at the junction of Pho (male) Chu and Mo (female) Chu rivers. It was damaged by fires, floods and earthquakes over the centuries. Recently it has been fully restored to its former glory.
Afterwards we will visit a village house in Metsina and then hike up to the 15th century temple where you can seek the blessing from the lord of fertility. Listen to the constant rotation of prayer wheels chiming the bells in the temple.
On our scenic drive through dense forests of oak trees and rhododendrons to Gangtey stopping at the shanty town of Wangduephodrang along the way. After a short tea/coffee break we proceed further to Phobjekha Valley (3000 m), a wide, almost flat, beautiful alpine valley. It is home to the potato farmers, who are now wealthy due to the recent growth in potato trade with India.
The famous Gangtey monastery is located on the western slopes of the Black Mountain National Park on a ridge overlooking the Phobjekha Valley. It is one of the oldest and largest Nyingma Buddhist centers in Bhutan. Gangtey Tulku Rinpoche is a widely revered Buddhist teacher in the west (ninth reincarnation to bear the name).
After check in at our hotel we visit the crane visitor interpretation center. The Royal Society for the Protection of Nature and the Phobjekha Community are now working together to protect the habitat of the endangered Black-necked Cranes. To injure one of these magnificent birds is to be imprisoned for life. The caretaker at the center is available to answer some of our questions. If there is time we will stroll around the village. 2 overnight stays in a hotel in Gangtey.

Day 6

Valley Excursion / Black-necked Crane

We go hiking around the Phobjekha Valley. The hike of approximately 3 hours will take us along a farm road with side-roads leading off to other villages. In November and December we will see the magnificent cranes in their winter nesting areas. These endangered birds fly south from Siberia and Tibet. The call of the Black-necked Crane, known locally as Thrung Thrung Karm, has inspired folklore for generations.

Day 7

Gangtey – Trongsa – Bumthang

We leave the valley early in the morning for a 3 ½ hours drive to Bumthang via Trongsa.
Our route crosses the Pele La Pass (3400 m), which is marked by a Chorten and an array of prayer flags. If the weather is clear we should see Mt. Jhomolhari (7218 m) from the pass which marks the boundary between western and central Bhutan.
Next stop on the route is the village of Rukubji Valley, with its big school and Gompa. The houses here are clustered amidst extensive fields of mustard, potatoes, barley, and wheat.
As we drive down through the winding roads with rhododendrons and stunted bamboo shrubs we will pass another Chorten; landmark on this highway built to tame the demons which were troubling the regions.
After lunch at a local restaurant in Chendebji we visit Tangsibji, the last village before reaching Trongsa.
A 1 ½ hour drive later we will have a splendid view of the Trongsa Dzong with its distinctive yellow roof. This is the largest Dzong in Bhutan and was built in 1648. True to tradition, it is also the administrative seat of the Trongsa district and seat of the head abbot of Trongsa Dratsang or state monastic school. Built on split-levels on a narrow spur, the Dzong is an architectural wonder. The view from here extends for many miles and in the olden days it was a lookout post for both the eastern and western routes.
After a short walk along the narrow Trongsa street we leave the town to make our way crossing the Yotongla Pass (3370 m) to Jakar, in the Bumthang district.
The drive between Trongsa and Bumthang is the most scenic and exciting stage of the journey. We will rise into the clouds, cross rivers and streams and pass a Chorten with water-driven prayer wheels and colourful rock carvings. In the middle of a valley we will make the first sighting of the golden-roofed Jakar Dzong, the Castle of the White Bird, with the rushing Chamkarchu River flowing through the valley. Frequent stops will be made for photography. You might come across yaks and yak shepherds as well as many alpine trees, bushes and flowers. Picturesque villages dotted at the foot of the impressive mountains add to the charm of this beautiful valley.
(3 overnight stays in the family run lodge in Bumthang.)

Day 8

Bumthang, Thangbimani Ngag Lakhang hike

It is a short walk from Kurjey along the Chamkhar chu river. The trail passes through the forested area and the crossing roads pass through the wide fertile plateau overlooking the river. The Thangbi Lhakhang temple is located in the middle of the valley. It was built by the 4th Shamar Rinpoche of the Karmapa religious school in 1470. It houses the terrifying deities, old clay statues dating back to the 15th century and the remarkable paintings of Guru Rinpoche's dwelling.
At the end of the road, near the temple, we will start our hike on an unpaved road heading towards Ngag Lakhang village (about 4-5 hours). We will visit a few village homes and farms and may see farmers at work. Packed lunch will be served during the hike. Return to our lodge.

Day 9

Bumthang sightseeing

Activities we can include during the excursion: a visit to the Jakar Dzong, Tamshing Monastery, Kurjey and Jambay Lkakhang Monastery. We can stop for refreshment at the Cheese and Beer Factory and visit the village handicraft shops. At the weaver factory weavers weave their ‘magic’ on ancient to and fro strap looms. Textiles and fabric can be purchased at a reasonable price and make wonderful gifts. A visit to a Bhutanese schoolhouse is a favourite for guests and is enjoyed be the teachers and children.
In the evening we will have the opportunity to visit a local farmhouse and experience Bhutanese hospitality. After a sumptuous dinner followed by Arak, a local drink, we return to our lodge.

Day 10

Bumthang – Trongsa

Drive back on the same road to Trongsa.
(1 overnight stay in a resort in Trongsa.)

Day 11

Trongsa – Wangdue

After breakfast we depart for Wangdue-Phodrang, returning on the same route. We can stop at Chendebji for a snack or lunch en route. On our travels we may come across some yak shepherds, mostly women, on the pass with their yaks. Stop at a few other places which we might have missed on the outward journey. We may hike up to a small mountain village.
(1 overnight stay in a hotel in Wangdue.)

Day 12

Wangdue – Thimphu

Today, if time permits, we will visit the courtyard of Wangdue Dzong and walk through the congested and narrow streets of the town. This small town supplies most of the provisions for the military school located in the vicinity. Today after lunch we will drive for an hour to Thimphu. In the afternoon we will visit the National Library, which houses a vast collection of Buddhist texts and manuscripts, some dating back several hundred years, as well as modern academic books mainly on Himalayan culture and religion. Evening at leisure.
(1 overnight stay in a hotel in Thimphu.)

Day 13

Thimphu sightseeing and drive to Paro

In the morning we will visit the Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School) where students undertake a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. Afterwards we will visit the Memorial Chorten built in memory of the 3rd King of Bhutan in 1974 or watch an archery competition if possible.
After lunch drive to Paro. On arrival we visit the National Museum (Ta-Dzong); once the earlier watch tower for the Rinpung Paro Dzong. It was converted into the National Museum in 1968. The Museum stands on a strategic site high on the top of a hill overlooking the Paro Valley. This unique museum explains how Bhutan’s art and culture evolved over the centuries.
Dinner at a local restaurant.
(2 overnight stays at a lodge in Paro.)

Day 14

Taktsang Excursion

After breakfast a short drive to start our excursion to Taktsang Monastery, an 8th century wonder. Taktsang means “Tiger’s Nest” and this spectacular building is perched on a rocky ledge at 944 meters. It’s foundation was laid in the 8th century, when the 2nd Buddha, Guru Padma Sambhava, meditated here after he flew from Kurtoe valley on the back of a tigress. Opportunity for rare Bhutanese treats in a beautiful cafeteria located just across from the Taktsang monastery. Relax for about an hour at the cafeteria or alternatively hike further up for a closer view of the Monastery. After lunch hike down gradually on the same path.
In the evening we will walk through the narrow streets of Paro town, mostly built during late 70’s. Tonight we will enjoy our farewell dinner at a cozy restaurant in Paro.

Day 15

Departure

Drive to the airport and check in at least 2 hours before departure. Flight back to Germany via Delhi.

The origin of Dzongs in Bhutan dates back to the 12th century when the system was introduced from Tibet. Today, Dzongs serve as administrative headquarters and as a focus for secular and religious activities in the country’s districts. It was from the Rinpung Dzong that the Bhutanese repelled many Tibetan and Mongolian invasions. The dzongs are among the most striking examples of Bhutanese architecture.They are strategically placed at the entrance to valleys, at the summit of a hill or at the confluence of two rivers. They are works of art - built on a grand scale without the help of any construction plans and held together without a single nail! The dzongs represent some of the best examples of Bhutanese architecture; they symbolize the history and long independence of Bhutan.

DR. KOCH Reisen | Bahnhofplatz 4 | 76137 Karlsruhe
Tel: (+49) 0721 - 151 151 | Fax: (+49) 0721 - 151 152
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