Bhutan Himalayan Exploration with Stay at COMO Uma

Day 01: Arrive at Paro – Acclimatization

Experience the breathtaking Himalayan peaks as you fly into Paro. The verdant valley, meandering River, sight of the Paro Dzong and traditional Bhutanese houses is a fitting description of this magical kingdom. After visa formalities you will be greeted by your private guide and driver before embarking to COMO Uma Paro. After checking in and spending some time settling into your new surroundings, we will take you on the first foray into the Himalayan Kingdom, with sightseeing in Paro town and the mysterious Dumtseg Lhakhang. This afternoon trip allows you to acclimatize to the rarefied air at this altitude.

Overnight: COMO Uma Paro

Day 02: Paro to Punakha (via Thimphu and Dochu La)

On our journey from Paro to Punakha, we can stop at the nation’s capital city sprawled across the hillside of Wang Chhu River. Thimphu is the political and economic center of Bhutan. Immerse in some of the major attractions including the impressive Buddha Dordenma statue, National Memorial Chorten and the Folk heritage Museum followed by an elaborate Bhutanese lunch.

From Thimphu to Punakha, stop at the remarkable Dochu La (Pass) at 3,100 meters above the sea level concentrated with 108 stupas (Buddhist shrines) and bright colored prayer flags.

Duration of drive: 3 to 4 hours (126km)

Overnight at COMO Uma Punakha

Day 03: Explore the Golden Punakha valley- the ancient capital of Bhutan

Today, the whole day is dedicated to explore the lush valley of Punakha located at 1,200 meters which is comparatively warmer and the winter residence of the central monk body.

Start the day by taking a walk through the verdant farmland leading to remarkable Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. The walk is just as refreshing as the rewarding view of the Golden Punakha valley from the Chorten. The silvery Mo Chu meandering through the wide golden field immersed in the beauty of the mountain surrounding is a perfect description of the fertile Golden Punakha valley.

After a lunch by the river side at Zomlinghtang- visit the exquisite Punakha Dzong and feast your eyes to the intricate sculptor and carving of the Dzong.

Later walk across farmhouses and rice paddies to reach Chimi Lhakhang better known as the fertility temple. It is a popular pilgrim site for couples hoping to start a family.

Overnight: COMO Uma Punakha

Day 04: Punakha to Paro

Retrace your steps back over the Dochu La (Pass) for a second chance to view the Himalayan mountain range.

On the way stop at Tachhog Lhakhang, a temple located across the famous iron chain bridge built over the meandering Pa Chhu (Paro River). Devour yourself to the invigorating ambience of the medieval surrounding of the place. The cool-sweeping breeze and bright colored prayer flags is a feast to the eye.

The final part of the drive to COMO Uma Paro is through apple orchards and rice paddies back to your mountain home, where you can spend the rest of the day in this calming setting. One popular option is to try your hand at archery, Bhutan’s national sport.

Duration of drive: 3 to 4 hours (126km)

Overnight: COMO Uma Paro

Day 05: Hike to Paro Taktsang

The best of the last, the historical Taktsang hike is the focus of today’s activities. Get your energy up at breakfast this morning for a hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Venture through the pristine surrounding of the monastery resting on a cliff.

Hike up to Tiger’s Nest - one of Bhutan’s most revered pilgrim sites; be rewarded to the overwhelming sight of the monastery perched on a cliff at 3,120 meters above the sea level and 900 meters above Paro valley. Tiger’s Nest or Taktsang acquires its name from the legend of its foundation, when in the 8th Century Guru Rinpoche, widely revered as the second Buddha, arrived from Tibet flying across the mountains on the back of a tigress and meditated here for three months. He blessed and preached tantric Buddhism in Bhutan.

After the hike we will stop at the ancient Kichu Lhakhang dating back to the 7th century and discover the myths related to the construction to this Lhakhang.

Duration: 6 to 8 hours Difficulty: Moderate to Hard

Overnight: COMO Uma Paro

Day 06: Departure

Your 10-minute transfer to Paro International Airport will be arranged according to your flight schedule. Our team will drop you to the airport and bid you farewell.