Bhutan in Style

Day 2

Dochu Laa and to Punakha

This morning you will really get a sense of being in the mountains as you ascend to the colourful Dochu Laa pass where you will hopefully see clear views of the snow-capped mountains to the north. Generally the views from the pass are clearer first thing in the morning, so it is best to start as early as possible.

Take time to visit the ornate Druk Wangyal Lhakhang (temple) and perhaps enjoy a tea break before descending into Punakha valley. As you descend into the subtropical valley of Punakha, you will notice the forest changing in character from pine and evergreen to huge leaved tropical trees. After lunch walk through as small hamlet and paddy fields to a small temple on a hill dedicated to the ‘Divine Madman’. Round off the day with a riverside walk with views of the Dzong.

STAY

Uma Punakha by COMO

Day 3

Punakha Dzong and chorten walk

This morning you drive up to the other side of Punakha Valley to visit the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal chorten. It's a 45 minute hike up to the chorten over a suspension bridge. From here are the most magnificent views.

Afterwards, head back down into the valley for a picnic lunch and to visit the spectacular Punakha Dzong - arguably the most beautiful Dzong in Bhutan, where you will take time to explore some of the magnificent temples.

Time this afternoon to relax or to visit one of the surrounding villages.

STAY

Uma Punakha by COMO

Day 4

Rafting along the Mo Chhu

Driving back down towards Punakha Dzong, start this walk from behind the dzong and strike out on a picturesque woodland walking trail along the Mo Chhu (river) to the tiny village of Samdingkha (look out for wildlife such as otters and fishing eagles along the way). The trail loops back through lush rice paddies dotted with homesteads before crossing the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan.

From here raft down the river. The first couple of rapids are the most difficult (easy Class II+) and the remainder is a fairly easy float through a beautiful canyon.

STAY

Uma Punakha by COMO

Day 5

To Paro via Thimphu

Today you head back over the Dochu Laa pass to Paro. If it is clear spend some time at the pass taking in the fantastic views before heading down in to Thimphu for lunch. If there are any sights that you missed on Sunday (because of weekend closures) you could visit these now.

This afternoon back in Paro, visit Paro town, the National Museum and walk down to Paro's Dzong. If there is time, visit the lovely Kyichu Lhakhang or perhaps try your hand at archery on a local range.

STAY

Uma Paro by COMO

Day 6

Chele Laa hike

Head up into the mountains today to the Chele Laa pass, with its wealth of flora and fauna. Make sure you have warm clothes up here as it can get cold. Spend some time at the pass and then walk above the tree-line along the ridge that divides Paro and Haa Valleys. The walk is not long but it can be hard work at this altitude. The short steep descent from the top takes you to the nunnery of Kila Gompa.

It is a short walk through woodland along a path lined with small white chortens back to the road where the vehicles will be waiting. If you do not want to do the hike from the ridge, you can visit the nunnery from the road instead. From the pass, there will be the option to hire mountain bikes to freewheel all the way back down to the Paro valley. You may like (or need!) to try a hot stone bath, which your guide can book for you.

STAY

Uma Paro by COMO

Day 7

Bumdra Monastery trek

Today you start the day climbing through forests. With plenty of breaks, and fortified with water, a snack and blessings from spinning prayer wheels, it should take 2 to 3 hours to reach camp at a good pace, but make sure you take the time to appreciate your suroundings.

The first two hours are upwards through deep ancient forest all the way to the little temple Chhoe Chhoe Tse Lhakhang, where your efforts are rewarded with spectacular views towards the main Himalayan range and back southwards where the runway at the airport is a tiny strip in the valley far below. There is a final steep pull before the trail traverses then pops out onto high, wide meadows dotted with sacred chortens and prayer flags.

If you arrive in good time, you will have time to visit the monastery up a ladder and through a trapdoor and also climb a sky burial peak (about 4000m) for even better views, returning in time for a slap up dinner as the sun sets over the mountains.

STAY

Camping above the clouds on the Bumdra mountain plateau

Day 8

Taktsang Monastery and Paro Valley

Awakened with 'bed tea' you can peak out at the morning mountain vista from your bed before joining your guide for a hearty and leisurely open air breakfast.

Bid farewell to any monks in residence before following the path downwards towards Sangtopelri (Heaven on Earth), and eventually Taktsang Goemba (the Tiger’s Nest Monastery), which you and the monks should have to yourselves at this early hour. From here head down to where your vehicle will be waiting. Visit Drukgyel Dzong before returning to your hotel for a hotstone bath or traditional treatment (book in advance).

STAY

Uma Paro by COMO