COMO Uma Paro
COMO Uma Paro is an intimate luxury resort hidden away in a delightful and serene forest in the Paro Valley, within easy distance of the ... Read more
Nestled among mountains and dense jungle in the heart of the eastern Himalaya, it abuts Sikkim and West Bengal to the south and Tibet to the north and is the most revered place of pilgrimage in the Himalayas.
It was only in 1974 that it opened its pristine doors to just a few thousand tourists each year. A totally Buddhist kingdom, the people are a proud and happy race and the scenery and architecture overwhelming. In Bhutan A&K works with well respected partners who ensure guests are privy to all that this mysterious country has to offer. Guests will be introduced to this unique way of life which has been protected from the influences of the 21st century, where age-old fortresses guard mountain passes and colourful prayer flags flutter over Buddhist shrines and monasteries. Local communities wear their national costume like a uniform, there are few traffic lights and an innate reverence exists both inside and out of the palatial monk-filled dzongs.
Climb to see magnificent views from the Tiger’s Nest monastery above Paro Valley. Sip yak butter tea. Buy beautiful hand-made woven fabrics and textiles. Admire the unique architecture of the many magnificent dzongs. Watch local archery contests. Trek in the mountains with views of the Himalayas. Indulge in a traditional hot stone bath. Visit communities of monks. Drive to the rarely visited Tang Valley for off the beaten track palaces and monasteries and thriving cottage industries.
Bhutan is a nation of festivals with regular events throughout the year. January: The Winter solstice is celebrated widely in western Bhutan. February: Losar (New Year) is celebrated nationally. March: The Paro Tshechu is a series of dances honouring Guru Rinpoche, the most important of Bhutan’s religious figures. September: The Thimphu Tshechu honours Guru Rinpoche with dance. Weatherwise: Whenever you go, it is likely to rain, but generally the climate is best in autumn (late September to late November) with clear skies and snow-capped peaks and again in spring (March to May) when flowers are in bloom and there is plenty of birdlife. Summer (June to August) is the monsoon season.
Tailor-Made Journeys
Venture high in the eastern Himalayas to one of the last untouched bastions of ancient civilisation, Bhutan.
Small Group Journeys
Discover Bhutan and Nepal, two Himalayan countries little touched by the passage of time, as you ascend to stunning “Tiger’s Nest” Monastery, stroll t...
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Decades of in-country expertise means our Journey Designers can curate exceptional activities and experiences for you that are beyond the reach of the average traveller. Piece these together as a framework for your own bespoke adventure or find them in our featured journeys.
Lace up your boots for one of the world’s most scenic hikes – a trek to the cliffside monastery of Taktsang, considered to be one of the most venerated places of pilgrimage in the Himalaya. Also known as the “Tiger’s Nest,” this mist-shrouded enclave clings to a rocky mountain face over 900 metres above Bhutan’s Paro valley. While the hike is steep in stretches, the pace is relaxed and the trail rich with discovery.
Your departure may be timed to coincide with a Tsechu (Buddhist festival), one of the best ways to experience the ancient living culture of Bhutan. Part religious holiday, part social event, local people gather in a spirit of festivity, celebration and deep faith to honour Guru Rinpoche, the saint who brought Buddhism to Bhutan.
Bhutan’s capital city of Thimphu is a fascinating blend of the old and the new, with chortens, temples and traditional architectural styles giving the city a wonderful structural harmony amidst the modernity of restaurants, shopping centres, nightclubs and cafés.
Visit a monastery where monks perform daily prayers in homage to the Buddha. You will receive blessings from a monk, and participate in a butter lamp lighting ceremony. The light from the flame symbolises the wisdom of the awakened mind, dispelling darkness, making it one of the most powerful offerings.
Punakha’s picturesque green valley is entirely dominated by the 17th century Punakha Dzong, a vast walled monastery set at the confluence of two rivers. Other highlights include Chimi Lhakhang, and the incredible valley views from Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
The Bhutanese hot stone bath dates back to the 17th century — an enduring treatment long touted for its therapeutic benefits. River stones are heated over a fire till they crack, releasing mineral-rich steam. The stones are then added to a wooden chamber that heats your bath and infuses it with minerals, the water massaging your muscles and relaxing your mind.
Bumthang is widely considered the spiritual heartland of Bhutan. It was here that Guru Rinpoche first introduced Buddhism to the country. This richly fertile region, brimming with rice fields and apple groves, is renowned for its natural beauty, and is dotted with over 100 monasteries, temples, and historic palaces, some dating back to the 7th century.
Archery is the national sport of Bhutan and is celebrated all over the kingdom. You can experience it for yourself, the real Bhutanese way, during an exclusive archery session. Attended by a master archer, line up your bow and release the arrow watching it fly towards the target. Exhilarating.
COMO Uma Paro is an intimate luxury resort hidden away in a delightful and serene forest in the Paro Valley, within easy distance of the ... Read more
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