From experiencing the vibrant culture of Bhutan by visiting must-see locations like Paro Valley, Thimphu and Punakha Dzong, enjoying local cuisine with a local family, immersing the stunning natural beauty of Bhutan through activities such as trekking and hiking, to finally witnessing Bhutanese traditions and customs all the while staying in luxurious lodge and resort of COMO Uma Punakha and COMO Uma Paro. The number of people visiting Bhutan is increasing every year, reflective of growing interest in the country as a tourism destination.
A Journey to The Land of Thunder Dragon with COMO Hotels and TravelPlus Indonesia
Beautifully-tailored itinerary has been prepared by COMO Uma Punakha, COMO Uma Paro, and TravelPlus Indonesia that takes guests to the heart of the ethereal Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan. The itinerary combines spectacular drives, unique nature walks and fascinating monastery visits while spending two nights at COMO Uma Punakha and two nights at COMO Uma Paro.
Five hours from Paro International Airport by car, the drive to Punakha is spectacular. Winding snake-like up the 3,000m-High Mountain pass of Dochu La, offering views to 108 chortens (Buddhist shrines) and sweeping views of the Himalayan range. The 5-star hotel COMO Uma Punakha is a paradise for tourists. Stands high above a serpentine bend in the Mo Chhu River and surrounded by beautiful mountains, this cozy lodge by COMO is the embodiment of relaxtion, peace, and solitude.
Exploration starts with Sopsokha village, a tiny village located in the midst of paddy field. 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. The tour continues on a walk through homesteads and farmland to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a shrine recently built by the royal family. After a full day of excursions through Bhutan’s heartlands, staying in one of just 10 rooms at the lodge each with sweeping views of the lush wilderness and an iconic, locally-inspired design is indeed a blessing.
After COMO Uma Punakha, the journey takes you back to the Chuzom (the confluence of the rivers Wang Chhu and Paro Chhu), take a glimpse of the three nearby shrines, built to ward off evil spirits – each with a different style of architecture: Nepali, Tibetan and Bhutanese. The final part of the drive to COMO Uma Paro is through apple orchards and rice paddies back to our mountain home, where relaxation in a calming setting awaits. Another 5-star hotel by COMO in Bhutan is a paradise for tourists. Nestled amidst snowy mountain peaks and legendary Himalayan pine forests, this beautiful resort has private rooms that combine traditional Bhutanese colour and craftsmanship with modern amenities.
The historical Paro Valley is the focus, 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. A steep hike passing a waterfall and end among beautiful murals at the monastery’s main entrance. Then descend and visit farmhouse, to have lunch with local family and experience the Bhutanese authentic food. Ending the journey back to COMO Uma Paro, where steam rooms, gym and swimming pool or COMO Shambhala treatments are waiting to be experienced.
Unlike most other countries, visiting Bhutan requires a Travel Agent. TravelPlus Indonesia in collaboration with COMO Hotels in Bhutan can help organise this captivating trip to Bhutan. From taking care of the required documents before departure to fulfilling the needs while in Bhutan is all a part of the wonderful service from TravelPlus Indonesia. This Travel Agent is proven to be trustworthy because not many Travel Agents have ever been to Bhutan, while the the directors of TravelPlus Indonesia, namely Patrick Wahjudi and Hanny Sutra Yunita, just visited Bhutan recently making them able to tend to travellers’ need thoroughly and not anywhere near stingy in providing helpful tips about Bhutan.
Bhutan is a country that felt very different to other countries in the world. The influence of a Western culture is minimum. The Buddhist country measures its prosperity by Gross National Happiness, rather than Gross National Product, and is often referred to as the "Last Shangri-La". Bhutanese people are warm, laidback and genuinely seem content. Definitely a must visit at least once in a lifetime.
COMO Uma Punakha
Botokha Kabesa Punakha, Punakha, Bhutan
Phone: +975 2 584688
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.comohotels.com/bhutan/como-uma-punakha
COMO Uma Paro
Paro Valley, PO Box 222 Paro, Bhutan
Phone: +975 8 272816
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.comohotels.com/bhutan/como-uma-paro
Written by Ken Sugijanto