Jewels of Bhutan-COMO Uma

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DAY 01: ARRIVE IN BHUTAN AND BEGIN YOUR LOCAL EXPLORATION

Kuzuzangpola! The Land of the Thunder Dragon welcomes you! Upon your arrival at the airport, the welcoming team from Bhutan Best Inbound will be there to greet you and provide assistance during the short 10-minute transfer to the COMO Uma property.

Once you have checked in and taken some time to familiarize yourself with the new surroundings, we will embark on your initial adventure in the majestic Himalayan Kingdom. This will include exploring the town of Paro and visiting a temple.

The afternoon excursion will not only allow you to adjust to the high altitude and the pristine air but also provide an opportunity to become acquainted with your knowledgeable guide.

Accommodation: COMO Uma Paro.

DAY 02: JOURNEY TO THE GOLDEN PUNAKHA VALLEY VIA THIMPHU AND DOCHU LA

Morning:

If you wish, your guide will make arrangements for a nearby monastery visit to partake in a butter lamp ceremony. This spiritual ritual serves as a symbolic blessing and a warm welcome to the kingdom. Witness the lighting of ghee-filled lamps by monks, symbolizing the dispelling of ignorance, embracing the fluidity of life, and acknowledging the interconnectedness of nature.

On the way from COMO Uma Paro to COMO Uma Punakha, take the opportunity to explore Thimphu, the largest city in the nation. Immerse yourself in a comprehensive tour that encompasses major attractions such as the Buddha Dordenma statue, the National Memorial Chorten, Trashi Chhoe Dzong, and the Folk Heritage Museum (exact itinerary may vary). Perched on the western hillsides of the Wang Chhu River, Thimphu sprawls amidst lush rice fields and towering peaks.

Leaving Thimphu behind, the drive to Punakha is a mesmerizing experience as the road winds its way up the Dochu La mountain pass, reaching an elevation of 3,000 meters. Along the journey, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of 108 chortens (Buddhist shrines), fluttering prayer flags adorning the forests, and, weather permitting, sweeping vistas of the majestic Himalayan range.

Drive duration: 3 to 4 hours (126 km)

Overnight: Rest at COMO Uma Punakha

DAY 03: CULTURAL PURSUITS IN PUNAKHA

Commence your morning with a leisurely stroll through rice paddies and farmhouses, leading you to the revered Chimmi Lhakhang. This sacred fertility temple, dating back to the 15th century, is dedicated to Drukpa Kuenley, the Tibetan Buddhist saint known as the 'Divine Madman.' Couples seeking to start a family often make pilgrimages to this site, adorned with vibrant fertility symbols and striking statues.

Continuing further down the valley, the majestic Punakha Dzong, a 300-year-old fortress, emerges into view. Constructed in the 17th century by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the founder of Bhutan, this fortified structure once served as the seat of the country's government. Today, it serves as the winter residence of Je Khenpo, the chief abbot of Bhutan, along with a retinue of 1,000 monks draped in crimson robes.

Following a delightful lunch, embark on a captivating walk through rural homesteads and lush farmland to reach the hilltop shrine of Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. This enchanting shrine, built by the royal family, offers a serene ambiance. Immerse yourself in a full day of exploration in the verdant Punakha Valley, nestled at an altitude of 1,200 meters, where footpaths are adorned with flourishing banana and orange trees.

Duration: 6 to 7 hours

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Overnight: Rest at COMO Uma Punakha

DAY 04: RETURN TO THE BEAUTIFUL PARO VALLEY

Embark on a retracing journey, crossing the Dochu La pass once again, granting you another opportunity to behold the majestic Himalayan mountain range. Upon returning to Chuzom, the sacred confluence of the Wang Chhu and Paro Chhu rivers, catch a glimpse of three nearby shrines constructed to ward off malevolent spirits. Each shrine showcases a distinct architectural style, representing Nepali, Tibetan, and Bhutanese influences.

If time allows, there will be a visit to Tamchog Lhakhang, a revered temple built by Thangtong Gyalpo, an ingenious engineer credited with introducing the concept of suspension bridges to Bhutan and Tibet. Remarkably, some of these bridges are still in use today, standing as a testament to his pioneering work.

Savor the rest of the day in the tranquility of our mountain abode, relishing a scenic drive through apple orchards and picturesque rice paddies. Engage in Bhutan's beloved national sport, archery, if you desire to try your hand at it.

At your convenience, your guide can also arrange for a butter lamp ceremony at a nearby monastery. This deeply symbolic Buddhist ritual serves as a spiritual blessing and a heartfelt welcome to the kingdom. Witness the lighting of ghee-filled lamps by the monks, replacing the traditional use of yak butter. The ceremony serves as a means to dispel ignorance, honor the ever-changing nature of life, and acknowledge the interconnectedness of all things in the natural world.

Drive duration: 3 to 4 hours (126 km)

Difficulty: Easy

Overnight: Find serenity at COMO Uma Paro.

DAY 05: EXPLORE THE SPIRITUAL AND CULTURAL SITES IN PARO

Get up early and embark on a picturesque walk amidst towering pine forests, ascending above COMO Uma Paro to reach the captivating grounds of Zurig Dzong, a fortress-like monastery. Traverse onwards to Ta Dzong, housing Bhutan's esteemed National Museum, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Paro. Continuing the journey, make your way to Rinpung Dzong, a magnificent fortress resembling a heap of glistening jewels. Cross the Paro Chhu river via the traditional covered bridge called Nyamai Zam, passing by the main archery ground, Ugyen Pelri Palace, and immersing yourself in the vibrant ambiance of Paro town.

Enjoy a hearty meal in the vibrant Paro town before you kick start the second course of breathtaking sites. Venturing a few kilometers north of Paro, pay your respects at Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest and most revered temples, known for its enchanting orange tree that bears fruit throughout the year. If time permits, continue driving further up the valley to reach the historic Drukgyel Dzong, constructed in 1648 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to control the northern route to Tibet.

Duration: 5 to 7 hours (subject to time spent at the National Museum and in Paro)

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Overnight: Rest peacefully at COMO Uma Paro.

DAY 06:  THE ICONIC TAKTSANG MONASTERY

Morning:

Immerse yourself in the rich history of the Paro Valley, culminating in a visit to the revered Taktsang Monastery, often referred to as the 'Tiger's Nest.' This iconic monastery holds immense significance in Bhutanese culture, as legend tells of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) arriving on the back of a flying tigress to introduce Buddhism to Bhutan from Tibet.

Embark on an early start to avoid the intense sun during the two-hour uphill hike. Traverse steep trails, passing by a cascading waterfall, until you reach the monastery's main entrance adorned with stunning murals. If time permits, there may be an opportunity to explore remote temples further up the path.

Following a satisfying lunch, either a prepared picnic or from the charming Taktsang cafeteria, commence your descent back to COMO Uma Paro. Take advantage of your final night by rejuvenating in the steam rooms, gym, and swimming pool, or indulge in one of our COMO Shambhala treatments, ensuring a blissful conclusion to your journey.

Duration: 6 to 8 hours

Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

Overnight: Rest peacefully at COMO Uma Paro.

DAY 07: DEPARTURE FROM BHUTAN

A convenient 10-minute transfer to Paro International Airport will be arranged according to your flight schedule.