11 Day Uma Paro Himalayan Explorer

Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you are warmly welcomed by your friendly private guide before the short ten-minute transfer to COMO Uma Paro. After settling into the lodge, your first gentle introduction to Bhutan begins with a relaxed visit to Paro town and a local temple. The afternoon is intentionally unhurried, allowing time to acclimatise to the altitude while getting to know your guide, who will tailor additional sightseeing options to suit your interests and energy levels.

Overnight: COMO Uma Paro

Travel to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital, set along the wooded slopes of the Wang Chhu River. Depending on time and interest, visits may include the National Memorial Chorten, Tashichho Dzong, the Folk Heritage Museum, the weekend market, or the Buddha Dordenma viewpoint overlooking the valley. 

The drive then ascends to the 3,140-metre Dochula Pass, adorned with prayer flags and memorial chortens, offering sweeping Himalayan views on clear days. Descending through terraced hills and river valleys, arrive in Punakha, where COMO Uma Punakha sits peacefully above the Mo Chhu River.

Overnight: COMO Uma Punakha

Spend the day exploring the lush Punakha Valley, where the lower altitude allows bananas and oranges to thrive. Begin with a walk through homesteads and farmland to Khamsum Yuley Namgyal Chorten, an ornate hilltop shrine built by the royal family, offering panoramic valley views. Continue to the impressive Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 at the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu rivers and now the winter residence of the Je Khenpo and the central monastic body. In the afternoon, walk across rice paddies to Chimi Lhakhang, the fertility temple dedicated to the Divine Madman, Drukpa Kuenley.

Overnight: COMO Uma Punakha

This morning’s walk crosses a suspension bridge downstream from the lodge, winding through fertile farmland and village homesteads to Bale Lhakhang, a small local temple with sweeping views back across the valley. In the afternoon, visit Talo Village, ancestral home of Bhutan’s queens, known for its neat farmhouses and important monastic complex. When accessible, stroll through the temple grounds and learn about the site’s deep religious lineage. The remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy the lodge’s farmhouse setting or spa.

Overnight: COMO Uma Punakha

Enjoy a slower pace today. Relax at the lodge, take a riverside bird-watching walk, or indulge in a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath. For the more adventurous, optional white-water rafting on the Mo Chhu offers a gentle introduction to rafting, with calm stretches and grade II rapids flowing past Punakha Dzong and forested riverbanks.

Overnight: COMO Uma Punakha

Retrace your journey over Dochula Pass for a second perspective of the Himalayan range. Near the Chuzum river confluence, view the trio of shrines built in Nepali, Tibetan and Bhutanese styles to ward off evil spirits. Time permitting, visit Tamchhu Lhakhang, built by the legendary bridge-builder Thangtong Gyalpo and reached via an iron-chain suspension bridge. Continue along the Paro Chhu through apple orchards and rice paddies to COMO Uma Paro, nestled high above the valley.

Overnight: COMO Uma Paro

Walk through pine forests above the lodge to Zuri Dzong, then continue to Ta Dzong, Bhutan’s National Museum, with expansive views over Paro. Descend to Rinpung Dzong and cross the traditional covered bridge, Nyamai Zam, passing the archery ground and Ugyen Pelri Palace before reaching Paro town. Later, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, famed for its orange tree that bears fruit year-round. If time allows, continue up the valley to the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong.

Overnight: COMO Uma Paro

Depart early for Chele La Pass, Bhutan’s highest motorable road at 3,988 metres, winding through blue pine and rhododendron forests. On clear days, enjoy views of Mount Jomolhari and down into the remote Haa Valley. From the pass, hike along an edelweiss-covered ridge and descend through forest to Kila Goemba, an ancient nunnery set dramatically on a mountainside. For those preferring a gentler day, drive into the Haa Valley for cultural visits and village exploration. Alternative arrangements are made if winter conditions restrict access.

Overnight: COMO Uma Paro

After a short drive, begin an easy acclimatisation walk to Drakhapo Monastery, perched on a rocky cliff face and surrounded by sacred caves associated with Guru Rinpoche and Vajrayogini. In the afternoon, try Bhutan’s national sport of archery on the lodge’s own range, or watch a game of khuru, a traditional village sport, offering insight into Bhutanese social life and festive traditions.

Overnight: COMO Uma Paro

Today’s highlight is the pilgrimage to Taktsang Goemba, the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery clinging to a sheer cliff 900 metres above the valley floor. An early start avoids the heat as you climb through pine forests to the viewpoint before descending and ascending again to the monastery itself, passing waterfalls and mural-lined gateways. After returning to the lodge, enjoy a well-earned afternoon of rest, perhaps at the steam rooms, swimming pool or with a traditional hot stone bath.

Overnight: COMO Uma Paro

After an early breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward journey. As you depart Bhutan, you leave with a collection of memories shaped by mountains, monasteries and moments of quiet connection. Tashi Delek, and we look forward to welcoming you back to Bhutan again.