COMO Uma Punakha

Uma Punakha is the second sumptuous COMO hotel in Bhutan, located a five-hour drive from its sister property in Paro, set amid the alpine stillness of the Punakha Valley. Designed to blend into the surrounding landscape and perched on the hillside, the lodge provides stunning views of the Mo Chhu River and valley below. It is well located for exploring the Punakha area and is just a 20-minute drive to Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most impressive fortresses.

This luxury lodge has an intimate feel, with just 11 spacious rooms, which include a cosy wood-burning stove, hand-painted murals, Italian linens, flat-screen TV, Wi-Fi and fantastic valley views. The two separate villas, with a choice of one or two-bedrooms offer living and dining areas, butler service and the ultimate in privacy. The food at Bukhari restaurant provides some of the best cuisine in Bhutan, serving both local and international dishes. During the warmer months, guests can opt to dine al fresco on the charming terrace.

After a long day exploring the countryside, guests can unwind with a treatment at the COMO Shambhala Retreat, which offers a range of luxurious and holistic treatments, including traditional outdoor hot stone bathing. Uma Punakha is well-placed for exploring nearby cultural delights, such as Punakha Dzong and Chimi Lhakhang, otherwise known as Divine Madman Temple, or for the more adventurous white-water rafting down the Pho Chhu River can be arranged, along with day treks to the surrounding villages and monasteries. We would recommend the luxurious Uma Punakha by COMO to anyone wanting to explore this little-visited area of Bhutan in style.

When to go

In the western, central and eastern Bhutan you will mostly experience cold European-like weather. Winter lasts here from November to March. The Monsoon occurs between June and August when the temperature is normally between 8° and 21°C. October and November are arguably the best months, when the monsoon has passed and the skies are clear. The spring months of March, April and May are best for the flora, but it can be stormy as the monsoon builds up for July-September.