Bhutan Helicopter Adventure

Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you are warmly welcomed by your friendly Bhutanese guide and transferred to the lodge, just ten minutes away. After checking in and settling into your surroundings, head out for a relaxed afternoon introduction to Bhutan with sightseeing in Paro town and a visit to a local temple.

This gentle start allows time to acclimatise to the altitude while getting acquainted with your private guide and the rhythm of life in Bhutan.

Overnight: COMO Uma Paro

Today features a scenic walk through pine forests high above COMO Uma Paro, leading to the fortress-like Zuri Dzong. Continue on to Ta Dzong, home of Bhutan’s National Museum, offering sweeping views across the Paro Valley, before descending to the impressive Rinpung Dzong, the “Fortress on a Heap of Jewels”.

Cross the Paro Chhu River via the traditional covered bridge Nyamai Zam, pass the main archery ground and Ugyen Pelri Palace, and stroll into Paro town. Later, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, famed for its orange tree that bears fruit year-round. If time permits, continue up the valley to the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, built in 1648 to defend Bhutan’s northern frontier.

Duration: 5–7 hours
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Overnight: COMO Uma Paro

Enjoy an extraordinary helicopter flight across Bhutan’s highlands to Punakha, passing over the remote Laya Valley at 3,800 metres. Known to its people as Beyul, or “hidden paradise”, Laya is steeped in legend and believed to be protected by guardian deities who once turned stones and trees into warriors to repel invaders.

From the air and on the ground, take in magnificent views of towering Himalayan peaks including Gangchen Tag, Tshendag Gang, Khang Bum and the majestic Masa Gang. Visit a local temple, experience yak riding, and enjoy a picnic in this remote setting before continuing by road from Zomlingthang to COMO Uma Punakha, just a 20-minute drive.

Flying duration: Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes
Overnight: COMO Uma Punakha

Note: Helicopter flights are subject to weather conditions and availability, and routes may be adjusted by Royal Bhutan Helicopter Services Ltd.

Spend the day exploring the lush Punakha Valley, where the lower altitude of 1,200 metres allows bananas, oranges and rice paddies to flourish. Begin with a walk through villages and farmland to Chimi Lhakhang, a 15th-century fertility temple dedicated to Drukpa Kuenley, the beloved “Divine Madman”.

Continue to the majestic Punakha Dzong, built in the 17th century by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and once the seat of Bhutan’s government. Today, it serves as the winter residence of the Je Khenpo, Bhutan’s Chief Abbot, and a thousand monks.

After lunch, enjoy a scenic walk through homesteads and farmland to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a striking hilltop shrine commissioned by the royal family.

Duration: 6–7 hours
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Overnight: COMO Uma Punakha

This morning, take a breathtaking helicopter flight back to Paro Valley, offering aerial views of Punakha Dzong, the winding Dochula Pass, and, on clear days, sweeping Himalayan panoramas including Mount Jomolhari, rising to 7,314 metres along Bhutan’s western frontier.

Climb higher into the rugged Himalayas near the snow line, where a striking turquoise lake appears among uncharted peaks and yak herder camps dot the landscape below. As you descend, enjoy dramatic aerial views of Drukgyel Dzong and the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, suddenly revealed from behind its western ridge.

Upon landing, your vehicle transfers you back to COMO Uma Paro. The remainder of the day is at leisure, perhaps trying traditional archery or simply unwinding in the peaceful lodge setting.

Flying duration: Approx. 1 hour 20 minutes
Overnight: COMO Uma Paro

Note: Helicopter flights are subject to weather conditions and availability.

Today focuses on the cultural heart of the Paro Valley with a visit to Taktsang, the legendary Tiger’s Nest Monastery. An early start allows for a more comfortable ascent along forested trails, passing waterfalls and viewpoints before reaching the monastery dramatically perched on a cliff face.

According to legend, Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a flying tigress, introducing Buddhism to Bhutan. After lunch, either as a picnic or at the Taktsang cafeteria, return to COMO Uma Paro to relax on your final evening, enjoying the steam rooms, swimming pool, gym, or indulging in a signature COMO Shambhala wellness treatment.

Duration: 6–8 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Overnight: COMO Uma Paro

After an early breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for your departure flight. As you leave Bhutan, you carry with you not just photographs, but a deeper sense of calm, connection and unforgettable memories from this remarkable Himalayan kingdom.

Tashi Delek, and we look forward to welcoming you back to Bhutan again.