At a Glance
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- One 60-minute COMO Shambhala body treatment
- Private airport transfers and transport around Bhutan
- All museum and visitor centre entry fees and road permits
- One-hour daily yoga class whilst at COMO Uma Paro (except Sundays)
- The private services of an experienced English-speaking Bhutanese guide
- All Bhutanese government visa and royalty fees, service charge and sales tax
- Complimentary use of the library, swimming pool, steam room and gym at COMO Uma Paro
- Complimentary wireless internet throughout COMO Uma Paro and COMO Uma Punakha
- Four nights accommodation at COMO Uma Paro and three nights at COMO Uma Punakha
- Fully serviced three-night camping trek. Tentage includes one bathroom tent, one toilet tent with toilet paper, one kitchen tent, one dining tent and one sleeping tent for two people with sleeping bags, fleece blanket, hand towels, hot water bags and torches for each guest, camping beds, armchairs and tent carpets
- All meals. Picnic lunches during excursion days. Three course dinners. Alcohol is not included
- Nine-and-a-half days of privately guided excursions, taking in the highlights of the Paro, Thimphu and Punakha valleys
Itinerary
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Upon arrival at the airport you will be greeted by your guide before embarking on the 10-minute transfer to your accommodation. After check-in and relaxation, you will be guided to Paro town for sightseeing and a temple visit. This afternoon trip allows you to acclimatise to the rarefied air at the altitude, as well as the chance to get to know your personal guide. |
COMO Uma Paro
Lunch, Dinner |
Walking distance: 5 - 7 hours walking (Easy to Moderate Grade) 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 down to Rinpung Dzong (also known as 'Fortress on a Heap of Jewel'). The trial then lead across the Paro Chhu river via the traditional covered bridge Nyamai Zam, and then past the main archery ground, Ugyen Pelri Palace, before reaching 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 a magical orange tree that bears fruit all year round. Time permitting, we will drive further up the valley to Drukgyel Dzong, built in 1684 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to control the northern route to Tibet.. |
COMO Uma ParoBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Walking distance:Approx. 9 km return, 4 hours walking (Moderate Grade) Tiger's Nest Hike 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 landmarks. It's built on a sheer cliff face at an altitude of 3,120 metres (10,240 ft). This temple is a prominent Himalayan Buddhist sacred site in the kingdom, and Bhutan's most iconic landmark and religious site. The four-hour return hike offers spectacular views of this sacred monastery perched on the rocks, 900m above the valley floor. 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. You have a steep hike, passing a waterfall and ending among beautiful murals at the monastery's main entrance. If time allows, there is the chance to head 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 enjoy the steam rooms, gym and swimming pool or a COMO Shambhala treatment. |
COMO Uma ParoBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Walking distance: Approx. 16km, 7 - 8 hours walking, altitude gain: 900m / altitude loss: 0m (Hard Grade) Driving: 45 minutes - 1 hour driving Our trek begins near Dhangrim chorten, heading up through apple orchards, smallholdings and ancient pine forests to a whaleback ridge. Today's altitude gain is significant so the pace is slow and steady. We visit Jele Dzong, perched on the ridge, where monks welcome visitors. The dzong was the former residence of Ngawang Chhogyel, cousin of the saint Lama Drukpa Kuenley, known locally as the Divine Madman. The views of Paro town and Mt. Jhomolhari (7,314m) are breathtaking on a clear day. We cross the Jele La pass (3,490m) and descend below the ridgeline to reach a pasture at Jangchu Lakha, with outstanding views of the Himalayan range, where you will camp at 3,780m. *Your luggage can be stored at COMO hotels during your camping |
CampingBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Walking distance: Approx. 11 km, 6 - 7 hours walking, altitude gain: 410m / altitude loss: 310m (Hard Grade) After breakfast, the trek continues through dwarf rhododendron trees to a view of Thimphu and Paro valley. From here, you’ll go uphill towards Jangchu Lakhala (4,190m) before a steep descent to camp at Jimilang Tsho Lake (3,880m). The lake is home to a large number of trout, believed to have been introduced by the British in the 20th century. Near the camp there are good mountain views, as well as a glacier stream joining the main lake. *Your luggage can be stored at COMO hotels during your camping |
CampingBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Walking distance: Approx. 15 km, 6 - 7 hours walk, altitude gain: 410m / altitude loss: 0m (Hard Grade) As today's trail twists, you'll enjoy views across the deep valley, spotting the route from day one and across to Jele Dzong, now a tiny white dot in the distance. Crossing a spur, the Simkotra Tsho (4,110m) can be seen below. The trek continues until you reach a yak pasture where you'll camp overnight, with magnificent views of he eastern Himalayan ranges. *Your luggage can be stored at COMO hotels during your camping |
CampingBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Walking distance: Approx. 12 km, 4 - 5 hours walking, altitude gain: 90m / altitude loss: 1,810m (Moderate to Hard Grade) Driving: 2.5 - 3.5 hours driving. The day begins with an ascent to Labana La pass (4,210m), which is adorned with prayer flags and rock pillars given as offerings to the God of Mountains. This is the highest pass in the trek. From here, you can see Thimphu far below. The trail descends to the pilgrimage site at Phajoding (3,870m), then into pine and juniper forest until the road at Motithang on the outskirts of Thimphu. The drive to Punakha winds snake-like up the 3,000m-high mountain pass of Dochu La, offering views of 108 chortens, forests of cluttering prayer flags and, on a clear day, sweeping views of the Himalayan ranges. |
COMO Uma PunakhaBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Walking distance: Approx. 6 - 7 hours walking (Easy to Moderate Grade) 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 site 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. |
COMO Uma PunakhaBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Walking distance: Approx. 3 - 4 hours walking (Easy to Moderate Grade) After breakfast drive to Chorten Ningpo, which dates back to the 17th century. The chorten is a little-known spot with a magnificent statue of Maitreya (the future Buddha) and images of the great lamas of the Drukpa lineage. This magical spot was once a dense forest inhabited by evil spirits. The great oak tree outside the monastery is said to have grown out of the blazing log that the 'Divine Madman' threw (the tree’s bark is still black from where it was burnt). In 2005 the monastery began to house orphans from the nearby village. A small Buddhist educational institution was founded where children can study both traditional Buddhist scriptures and texts as well as Western subjects. The hike back to COMO Uma Punakha is around 45 minutes, going past Thodrup Lhakhang. After lunch, there is the option to drive to Talo Nobgang village or try white water rafting (participants must be aged over seven). Alternatively, enjoy a COMO Shambhala wellness therapy. Option 1: Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery and Talo Nobgang Village Walk. Option 2: White Water Rafting ‘Mo Chhu - The Temple Stretch' Please Note: Rafting is subject to availability. While our outfitter takes all possible precautions to ensure a safe journey, all white water trips entail an element of risk. It is recommended that all participants are able to swim and are in good health. All safety equipment - including life jackets, splash jackets and trousers, helmets, and dry bags for valuables - is supplied. |
COMO Uma PunakhaBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Walking distance: Approx. 3 - 4 hours walking (Easy to Moderate Grade) Retrace your steps back over the Dochu La pass for another chance to view the Himalayan mountain range. Returning to the Chuzom (the confluence of the rivers Wang Chhu and Paro Chhu), you can glimpse the three nearby shrines, built to ward off evil spirits, each with a different style of architecture: Nepali, Tibetan and Bhutanese. Time-permitting, there will be a visit to Tamchog Lhakhang, a temple built by Thangtong Gyalpo, a pioneering engineer who introduced the construction of suspension bridges into Bhutan and Tibet (several of which are still in use today). The final part of the drive to COMO Uma Paro is through apple orchards and rice paddies. Spend the rest of the day relaxing in the hotel’s calm setting, or try your hand at archery, Bhutan's national sport. |
COMO Uma ParoBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Your 10-minute transfer to Paro International Airport will be arranged according to your flight schedule. |
NoneBreakfast, LunchDates & Prices
Daily departure on request. The published price is a guide. Additional charges may apply for travelling during March to May, and September to November or different room type as well as currency exchange fluctuation. Please contact us for a quote. Please contact us for group bookings.
More Info
- The departure point is Paro
- The finish point is Paro
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Paro. We recommend you fly from Bangkok, Delhi or Singapore into Paro. In Bangkok, Aman has an airport representative who will assist with check-in. Drukair, and Bhutan Airlines are the only airlines that operate in and out of Bhutan.
We offer complimentary services to book all flights on your behalf. Airfare quotes will be provided upon request.
Flight Routes to Paro Bhutan
6 -7 hours moderate to hard walking each day.
Day 1: Arrival
Day 2: Approximately 5 - 7 hours walking, easy to moderate grade
Day 3: Approximately 6 - 8 hours walking, moderate to hard grade
Day 4: Approximately 7 - 8 hours (16 km) walking, hard grade; altitude gain: 900m / altitude loss: 0m
Day 5: Approximately 6 - 7 hours (11 km) walking, hard grade; altitude gain: 410m / altitude loss: 310m
Day 6: Approximately 6 - 7 hours (15 km) walking, hard grade; altitude gain: 410m / altitude loss: 0m
Day 7: Approximately 4 - 5 hours (12 km) walking, moderate to hard grade; altitude gain: 90m / altitude loss: 1,810m
Day 8: Approximately 6 - 7 hours walking, easy to moderate grade
Day 9: Approximately 3 - 4 hours walking, easy to moderate grade. Two optional walks in the afternoon up to 5 hours. Please see the details in the itinerary
Day 10: Approximately 3 to 4 hours walking, easy grade
Day 11: Depart
Bhutan has four distinct seasons. Bhutan can be enjoyed in any season.
Spring & Autumn Seasons (Mar - May, Sep - Nov)
The weather is ideal in spring and autumn. Generally, it's clear and mild weather with excellent scenery, lower rainfall and a range of festivals called Tshechus and Dromchoes. Himalayan views are best in October, while rhododendron blooms peak in March and April. However, they are peak season for tourist visitors and you can expect some congestion at major tourist sights.
Winter Season (Dec - Feb)
The weather is still pleasant, though it can be cold and temperatures fall below zero at night in December and January. During those months, it has snow to the higher regions however the southern regions and main valleys where visitors generally travel are considerably warmer. Paro and Thimphu normally experience only light dusting's of snow. Cool weather and clear skies is a great time for photography and valley hiking plus the opportunity for wonderful Himalayan vistas.
Summer Season (Jun - Aug)
Monsoon rains. High-altitude flowers are at their peak. Early-mid summer period June to July is good time to visit as there are less tourists.
Average Temperature in Bhutan
For more weather & climate information, please visit Tourism Council of Bhutan (http://www.tourism.gov.bt/about-bhutan/climatic).
Please note: Your Bhutan tourist visa application fee is included in this package. We offer services to arrange Bhutan tourist visas on your behalf.
All travellers (excluding Indian, Bangladeshi and Maldivian passport holders) to Bhutan are required to obtain tourist visas prior to arriving in Bhutan. Visa application requires at least 14 working days for handing. India, Bangladeshi and Maldivian passport holders do not require a visa to visit Bhutan.
How We Apply a Bhutan Tourist Visa on Your Behalf
1. You need to complete a Pre-registration form and legal form (We will send to you after your booking.)
2. Return the forms with clear colour copies of your passport. Please note that each passport should have a validity of at least six months from the intended date of departure from Bhutan.
3. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs typically does not issue a visa until approximately 15 to 20 days prior to arrival. Once available, we will forward a copy of your visa for your reference.
For guests flying into and out of Bhutan via India, it is necessary to have e-tourist Indian visas or a regular double- or multiple-entry Indian visa. Please contact your nearest Indian embassy for more information. Please note that it will be all travellers' responsibility to make your own visa arrangements for any destinations prior to your Bhutan trip.
For more Bhutan Tourist Visa information, please visit Tourism Council of Bhutan (http://www.tourism.gov.bt/plan/visa).
Bhutan's infrastructure is continually being improved, which causes regular closures along the national highway. Delays are not uncommon. Some roads can be very degraded. You'll have experienced driver throughout the trip. The following is estimated travel time based on ideal road conditions.
Estimated Travel Time in Bhutan
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 60 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 60 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 60 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 60 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 4 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
