Journey - Banner - Himalayan Explorer COMO [5464 x 1600 px].jpg

Journey - Banner Mobile - Himalayan Explorer COMO [856 x 800 px].jpg

Welcome to the Land of the Thunder Dragon! Bhutan, the last great Himalayan Kingdom, is renowned for its stunning mountain views, remarkable architecture, and vibrant cultural legacy. This diverse natural wonder showcases an impressive range of terrains, along with a rich variety of flora and fauna. Tucked away in one of the world&rsquo;s most magnificent mountain ranges, Bhutan is celebrated for its majestic peaks and numerous trekking adventures.
&nbsp;
Upon your arrival, our team will warmly welcome you and transport you to your hotel, conveniently located just a ten-minute drive from the airport. Take a moment to acclimate to the high altitude and explore the charming town of Paro, where you can catch your first glimpse of Bhutan.
&nbsp;
You will spend one night at COMO Uma Paro before continuing your adventure. This luxurious accommodation in Bhutan's iconic Paro Valley beautifully combines traditional craftsmanship with modern design. Each room offers a serene retreat, featuring warm wood accents, handwoven textiles, and stunning mountain vistas. Guests can indulge in holistic wellness experiences at the COMO Shambhala Retreat and savor locally sourced cuisine while immersing themselves in Bhutan's rich cultural heritage for an unforgettable experience.

1.jpg

Welcome to Bhutan

You'll be directed to the nearest monastery to take part in the butter lamp ceremony, a heartfelt introduction to Bhutan. During this event, you will witness monks lighting lamps filled with ghee, which has replaced the traditional use of yak butter. The purpose of this ceremony is to dispel ignorance, celebrate the fluidity of life, and acknowledge the interconnectedness of nature.

9.jpg

Butter Lamp Ceremony

COMO Uma Paro

2.png

3.png

4.png

5.png

6.png

7.png

8.png

9.png

COMO Uma Paro sits on a tree-clad hill overlooking the town of Paro and is only a 10-minute drive from Bhutan's international airport. Villas and rooms in COMO Uma Paro combine the colourful accents of traditional Bhutanese craftsmanship with the clean-lined contemporary design for which COMO Hotels and Resorts is known.

Luxury Resorts - Thumbnail [800 x 800 px.png

Begin your adventure by checking out from Paro and embarking on a journey to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Upon arriving in Thimphu, each location reveals a piece of Bhutan's rich cultural heritage and spiritual legacy. The majestic Buddha Dordenma towers high above, symbolizing peace and prosperity, while the National Memorial Chorten vibrates with the energy of locals engaged in their daily prayers. At the Folk Heritage Museum, dive deep into Bhutanese traditions and immerse yourself in the vibrant history and daily lives of its people.

2.jpg

Explore Thimphu

The journey from Thimphu to Punakha is a scenic adventure, especially at Dochu La, where crisp air and beautiful rhododendron forests create a serene atmosphere. This sacred pass offers breathtaking panoramic views, leading to the warmer and fertile Punakha Valley, perfect for exploration.
&nbsp;
In Punakha, stay at COMO Uma Punakha, an exquisite lodge overlooking the Mo Chhu River. It serves as an ideal base for Himalayan adventures, including village treks, temple visits, local festivals, and whitewater rafting. The lodge features 10 villas with stunning valley views and interiors crafted from local materials.

3.jpg

Passing the Dochu La Pass

Begin your day with a relaxing walk past picturesque farmhouses and lush rice paddies, leading you to Chimmi Lhakhang, a 15th-century fertility temple dedicated to Drukpa Kuenley, a renowned Tibetan Buddhist saint known as the &lsquo;Divine Madman.&rsquo; In the 15th century, he cleverly conveyed his teachings through humor, song, and dramatic reenactments. Chimi Lhakhang is famous as the temple of fertility, where locals seek blessings from the lama, praying for the gift of a child. New parents often visit for naming ceremonies with their newborns.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
After your visit, proceed down the valley to explore the magnificent Punakha Dzong, a 300-year-old fortress established in the 17th century by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the founder of Bhutan. This historic site once served as the center of the national government and currently acts as the winter residence for Je Khenpo, Bhutan&rsquo;s chief abbot. It is also the winter residence of the central monastic body and houses a significant relic over which many conflicts were fought with the Tibetans. All of Bhutan's kings are crowned here before ascending to the throne in Thimphu.
&nbsp;
Following a delightful lunch, the tour continues with a stroll through local homesteads and farmland, leading to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a shrine recently constructed by the royal family. You will be driven to the suspension bridge before hiking for about 45 minutes. This three-story lhakhang is a contemporary addition to Bhutan's remarkable architectural landscape. Built by Her Majesty Queen Ashi Tshering Yangdon, it features depictions of tantric Buddhist deities that subdue adversaries and protect against negative influences on the people of Bhutan. Designed for the safety of the nation and the reigning King, Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten also offers stunning views of the surrounding valley.

4.jpg

Explore Punakha

Following breakfast, you will be taken to Chorten Ningpo, a site that dates back to the 17th century. Here, you can admire the stunning statue of Maitreya, the future Buddha, along with images of the esteemed lamas from the Drukpa lineage. Legend has it that this captivating place was once a thick forest inhabited by malevolent spirits. The grand oak tree outside the monastery is said to have grown from a fiery log cast by the &lsquo;Divine Madman.&rsquo; In 2005, the monastery began providing shelter for orphans from the nearby village and established a small Buddhist educational institution where children can study traditional Buddhist scriptures in conjunction with Western subjects.
&nbsp;
After lunch, you can choose one of the following activities:
<ul>
<li>Hike to Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery and Talo Nobgang:
<ul>
<li>Visit the nunnery housing a large bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara.</li>
<li>The complex includes a center for higher learning and meditation for nuns.</li>
<li>Explore Talo Nobgang Monastery, the 17th-century residence of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.</li>
<li>Enjoy stunning views of valleys, mountains, and Punakha Dzong during the hike.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>White Water Rafting on Mo Chhu or Po Chhu River:
<ul>
<li>Experience fast but safe rafting on a river with 9-10 rapids.</li>
<li>Take in views of villages and the surrounding area from a new perspective.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;

5.jpg

Trekking to Chorten Ningpo

COMO Uma Punakha

1.png

COMO's smallest, most jewel-like Uma lodge sits on a small hill at the western end of the Punakha Valley above the Mo Chhu river. It seems to breathe a different air, and is ideally located for Himalayan exploration, for village treks, temples, festivals, and whitewater rafting. Every room commands sweeping views of the Punakha Valley and the Mo Chhu as it winds its way through the rice fields and orchards.

Journey from Punakha to Paro, retracing your route through the Dochu La pass. As you arrive at Chuzom, where the Wang Chhu and Paro Chhu rivers converge, take a moment to appreciate the three nearby shrines, each showcasing a unique architectural style: Nepali, Tibetan, and Bhutanese, all built to protect against evil spirits. If time permits, consider visiting Tamchog Lhakhang, a temple founded by Thangtong Gyalpo, a pioneering engineer who introduced suspension bridge construction in Bhutan and Tibet&mdash;many of which remain in use today.
&nbsp;
The final leg of your trip to COMO Uma Paro will lead you through charming apple orchards and lush rice paddies, guiding you back to our mountain retreat, where you can unwind for the rest of the day. One exciting option to explore is practicing archery, the national sport of Bhutan.
&nbsp;
Archery here transcends mere competition; it is a lively cultural tradition that brings communities together. In villages across the nation, archery contests are vibrant events filled with music, dance, and happiness. Both participants and spectators don traditional attire, fostering a festive spirit that celebrates skill and unity.

6.jpg

Back to Paro and Experience Archery

Winding through the majestic pine forests above COMO Uma Paro, you'll reach the breathtaking fortress-like monastery of Zurig Dzong. From there, proceed to Ta Dzong, which is home to Bhutan&rsquo;s National Museum and offers stunning views over Paro. Continue your exploration down to Rinpung Dzong, renowned as the Fortress on a Heap of Jewels. The trail then crosses the Paro Chhu River via the traditional covered bridge, Nyamai Zam, guiding you past the main archery ground, Ugyen Pelri Palace, and into the heart of Paro town.
&nbsp;
A short drive north of Paro brings us to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest temples, celebrated for its magical orange tree that bears fruit throughout the year. If time permits, we can venture further up the valley to Drukgyel Dzong, built in 1648 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to oversee the northern route to Tibet.

10.jpg

Explore Paro

Today, you will explore one of Bhutan's most renowned landmarks: the Taktsang &lsquo;Tiger&rsquo;s Nest&rsquo; Monastery, an architectural gem of the country. According to legend, this awe-inspiring cliffside site is where Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) arrived riding a flying tigress, bringing Buddhism from Tibet to Bhutan. It is said that he soared from eastern Bhutan on this tigress, imparting Buddhist teachings and meditation at this hallowed place. This destination is celebrated as one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the world.
&nbsp;
Your adventure begins early to bypass the afternoon heat during a two-hour hike to the viewpoint of Tiger&rsquo;s Nest. The challenging trail features a picturesque waterfall and culminates at the monastery's entrance, adorned with breathtaking murals. If time permits, you may also explore additional secluded temples.
&nbsp;
After your hike, enjoy a lunch that could either be a prepared picnic or a meal from the charming Taktsang cafeteria. Alternatively, we can arrange for you to savor a local farmhouse lunch, providing an opportunity to experience authentic Bhutanese hospitality and traditional cuisine. Following lunch, you will head back to COMO Uma Paro, where you can relax on your final night by enjoying the steam rooms, gym, and swimming pool, or treat yourself to one of our revitalising COMO Shambhala treatments.

7.jpg

Tiger's Nest

Enjoy the morning and the charming Paro for the rest of the time before our guide will take you to the airport.

8.jpg

Farewell