8 Days Uma Paro Bhutan Through Lens

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

Depart on a scenic one-hour drive to Thimphu, following the gentle curves of two winding rivers and passing a series of beautifully preserved traditional Bhutanese farmhouses along the way. The capital unfolds across the wooded western slopes of the Wang Chhu River and serves as the country’s centre of government, religion and commerce. 

After lunch, the journey becomes particularly dramatic as the road climbs in sweeping zigzags to Dochula Pass at 3,140 metres, where forests of fluttering prayer flags and a maze of memorial chortens frame expansive views of the Himalayan range on clear days. 

Continuing onward to Punakha, enjoy a gentle walk across rice paddies to Chimmi Lhakhang, the revered fertility temple dedicated to Drukpa Kuenley, the beloved “Divine Madman”, whose unconventional teachings left a lasting mark on Bhutanese spiritual life. Perched atop a small hill and surrounded by fields, the temple is especially atmospheric in the soft light of late afternoon.

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

Retrace your journey back over Dochula Pass, offering a second chance to savour the sweeping Himalayan views, often at their clearest in the early morning light. The three- to four-hour drive brings you into Thimphu while the weekend market is in full swing, creating a lively contrast to the quiet mountain roads. Passing through Chuzum, the sacred river confluence, catch sight of the three shrines built in Nepali, Tibetan and Bhutanese styles, believed to ward off evil spirits near the checkpoint.

The journey pauses at Tamchog Lhakhang, built by the 14th-century saint Thangtong Gyalpo, revered as the “Iron Bridge Builder” for introducing iron-chain suspension bridges to Bhutan. Reaching the temple requires crossing one of these striking bridges, making the visit as memorable as the site itself. The final leg follows the Paro Chhu River, winding through apple orchards, rice paddies and traditional homesteads before arriving at COMO Uma Paro, your mountain retreat above the valley.

After check-in and a brief orientation, the remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the lodge’s facilities, relax with valley views, or try activities such as Bhutan’s national sport of archery. In the early evening, visit a nearby farmhouse to share a traditional Bhutanese dinner with a local farmer, offering a warm glimpse into rural life, especially atmospheric during rice planting season in June or harvest time in November

Overnight: COMO Uma Paro

Start early for the scenic drive to Chele La Pass, Bhutan’s highest motorable road at 3,988 metres, winding upward through blue pine and rhododendron forests over 35 kilometres. On clear days, the panorama opens dramatically to the snow-dome of Mount Jomolhari (7,314 metres), Bhutan’s second-highest peak. Draped in prayer flags, this sacred mountain pass has featured in Bhutanese films and numerous fashion shoots, drawn by its sweeping views and ethereal atmosphere.

After time to soak in the scenery and capture photographs, descend on foot through dense rhododendron forest to Kila Goemba, an ancient nunnery quietly tucked into the mountainside. Continue further down the pass to the Dzongdrakha Goemba complex, time permitting, a striking cluster of cliffside temples rarely visited by travellers. After paying respects and making offerings at these sacred sites, enjoy the opportunity for unhurried photography in a truly tranquil setting.

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

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.