Bhutan Helicopter Adventure

Day 2

Paro

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Elevation 2,280 m

Today you will walk through pine forests high above COMO Uma Paro to the pretty grounds of the fortress like monastery of Zurig Dzong. Traverse across to Ta Dzong, home to Bhutan’s National Museum and with magnificent views over Paro, and on down to Rinpung Dzong (Fortress on a Heap of Jewels). The trail then leads across Paro Chhu river via the traditional covered bridge Nyamai Zam, and then past the main archery ground, Ugyen Pelri Palace, and into Paro town. Driving a few kilometres north of Paro, you can pay your respects at Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan with its magical orange tree that bears fruit all year round. Time permitting, the group can drive further up the valley to Drukgyel Dzong, built in 1648 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to control the northern route to Tibet.

Duration: 5 to 7 hours (depending on time spent in National Museum and Paro)

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Overnight: COMO Uma Paro

Hotels:

Day 3

Paro to Punakha

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Elevation 1,300 m

We will fly you to our sister lodge in Punakha across the scenic Laya village (3,800m). The Layaps people call their home ‘Beyul’, which is a Buddhist word for a hidden paradise. They believe that they are protected by an ancient gate leading to the main village, used by their guardian deities to keep a Tibetan invasion at bay. At an annual ceremony, the Layaps pay homage to the protective forces, who turned all the stones and trees around the gate into soldiers to repel the invaders. From the west of the village you can view the mountains of Gangchen Tag (6,784m), Tshendag Gang (6,994m) and Khang Bum (6,494m), and also catch a glimpse of Masa Gang (7,194m).

You can also visit a Laya temple and try yak riding before a picnic. Your vehicle will be waiting at Zomlingthang.

Punakha to transfer you by road to our sister lodge, COMO Uma Punakha, which is a 20-minute journey.

Flying duration: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes

Overnight: COMO Uma Punakha

Note: Royal Bhutan Helicopter Services Ltd is subject to availability and reserves the right to cancel or change flight route subject to weather conditions.

Hotels:

Zhingkham Resort

The Four Boutique Hotel

Day 4

Punakha

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Elevation 1,300 m

This is a full day of exploration through the lush Punakha Valley, which at 1,200m is low enough for bananas and oranges to grow. The morning starts with a short walk across farmhouses and rice paddies to reach Chimmi Lhakhang, a 15th-century fertility temple dedicated to Drukpa Kuenley, a Tibetan Buddhist saint, perhaps better known as the ‘Divine Madman’. This site has long been a pilgrimage for couples hoping to start a family. Heading further down the valley, the 300-year-old Punakha Dzong comes into view. Built in the 17th century by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal (who founded the Kingdom of Bhutan) the fortress once housed the country’s government. It is now the winter home of Je Khenpo, the head abbot of Bhutan, along with a retinue of 1,000 monks.

After lunch, the tour takes you on a walk through homesteads and farmland to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a shrine recently built by the royal family.

Duration: 6 to 7 hours

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Overnight: COMO Uma Punakha

Hotels:

Zhingkham Resort

The Four Boutique Hotel

Day 5

Punakha to Paro

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Elevation 2,280 m

In the morning you will be flown from Zomlingthang in Punakha to Paro Valley, offering an aerial view of Punakha Valley and Punakha Dzong. Before turning to Thimphu Valley — now clearly visible from its northern approach — you will see Dochula pass, a road pass snaking up through the breathtaking alpine mountains.

The clear views of the Himalayas stretch before you, including the wonder of Mount Jhomolhari which rises up to 7314m. This magnificent mountain peak marks the western border of Bhutan, with China beyond. Climbing even higher in the rugged Himalayas (around the height of the permanent snow line) an amazing turquoise lake appears amongst these uncharted peaks. Yak herder camps also visible below. As you slowly descend back to the Paro Valley, you are greeted with aerial views of the ancient Drukgyel Dzong and of the iconic Tigers Nest Monastery, which suddenly appears from behind its western ridge.

Your vehicle will be waiting for you at the Paro International Airport to transfer you to COMO Uma Paro, a 10-minute drive. After you return to the hotel, you can spend the rest of the day relaxing in the calm setting — or try your hand at archery, Bhutan’s national sport.

Flying duration: Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes

Overnight: COMO Uma Paro

Note: Royal Bhutan Helicopter Services Ltd is subject to availability and reserves the right to cancel or change flight route subject to weather conditions.

Hotels:

Day 6

Paro

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Elevation 2,280 m

The historical Paro Valley is the focus of today’s activities, culminating in a visit to the Taktsang ‘Tiger’s Nest’ Monastery, one of Bhutan’s most important pieces of architecture. According to legend, this cliffside is where Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhava) landed on the back of a flying tigress, bringing Buddhism to Bhutan from

Tibet. The trip starts early in order to avoid the hot sun during the two-hour climb to the Tiger’s Nest viewpoint, a steep hike passing a waterfall and ending among beautiful murals at the monastery’s main entrance. If time allows, there is the possibility of heading further up to visit remote temples. After lunch – either a prepared picnic or from the charming Taktsang cafeteria – you return to COMO Uma Paro, where you can recharge on your final night, enjoying the steam rooms, gym and swimming pool or indulging in one of our signature COMO Shambhala treatments.

Duration: 6 to 8 hours

Difficulty: Moderate to hard

Overnight: COMO Uma Paro

Hotels: