Immerse yourself in Bhutan’s cultural heritage and extraordinary landscape with our three-night ‘Himalayan Discovery’ package, which focuses on Paro Valley. Based at COMO Uma Paro which is close to the international airport, you will see the country’s main cultural highlights, including the remarkable Taktsang ‘Tiger’s Nest’ Monastery. There is guided hiking and a chance to get into the wilds while moving at a pace that allows for acclimatization. This itinerary allows ample time to relax at theluxury lodge, where you can also enjoy an hour-long holistic therapy at COMO Shambhala Retreat. test123
Accommodation on a full-board basis for three nights at COMO Uma Paro including picnic lunches during excursion days (excluding beverages)
*Itinerary is only a guideline. It can be tailored to your needs and interests.
| DAY 1 |
ARRIVAL AND CHECK-IN Upon your arrival at Paro International Airport, you will see your tour guide waiting for you at the arrival hall. You will then be transferred to COMO Uma Paro to check in to the property. You will be given some time to settle into your new environment. You will be taken to the Paro town for some sightseeings. The evening walk will allow you to acclimatize to the altitude and weather conditions. The city will also provide you a glimpse into the local cultures and you will quickly notice Bhutanese in their traditional costumes, Kira for the ladies and Gho for the men. You will also realise that unlike other cities in the world, you will not see any traffic light on the roads! |
| DAY 2 |
SIGHTSEEING Wind 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, with magnificent views over Paro, and on down to Rinpung Dzong (also known as ‘Fortress on a Heap of Jewels’). The trail then leads across the 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, we pay our respects at Kyichu Lhakhang. This is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan with its magical orange tree that bears fruit all year round. Time permitting; we will drive further up the valley to Drukgyel Dzong, built in 1648 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to control the northern route to Tibet. |
| DAY 3 |
HIKING TO TAKTSANG (AKA TIGER’S NEST) The historical Paro Valley is the focus of today’s activities, culminating in a visit to the Taktsang ‘Tiger’s Nest’ Monastery, which is one of Bhutan’s most important pieces of architecture. According to legend, this cliffside is where Guru Rinpoche (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. We have a steep hike passing a waterfall and end 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 the COMO Shambhala treatments. |
| DAY 4 |
DEPART FROM PARO The day that you will say goodbye to this amazing Himalayan Kingdom and vow to be back again to explore more of it someday! You will be departing Bhutan from Paro International Airport. Hopefully you would have made some great memories, rejuvenated your mind, body and soul and made new friends that will last you a lifetime. We certainly hope that you will come back to discover more charm of Bhutan in some other parts of the country! |