Bhutan in Style
This 8-night itinerary lets you take in one of the world’s most inspiring countries in comfort and style combining the must-see highlights with some of the country’s finest hotels and lodges.
This 8-night itinerary lets you take in one of the world’s most inspiring countries in comfort and style combining the must-see highlights with some of the country’s finest hotels and lodges.
This itinerary takes you through some of the most beautiful and interesting destinations in the world and includes all the key highlights of Nepal and Bhutan, making it a true gem of an itinerary!
Bhutan’s festival calendar is brimming with countless vibrant festivals. Integral to Bhutanese culture, festivals provide an opportunity for locals and visitors alike to come together, dance, socialise and receive blessings. Up and down the country, annual tshechus are held in the courtyards of monasteries, temples and dzongs, a colourful celebration of community spirit, played out to the tune of traditional dance and theatrical performance.
If you are a trekking and mountain lover, it's highly likely that small, mysterious and untouched Bhutan has been on your radar for some time. Asia Specialist Holly is a beach and jungle fan, so this Himalayan beauty had so far escaped her gaze, but the quest for unique travel opportunities and trying something completely different led her here… Read on as she tells us how it turned into one of the best travel decisions she has ever made!
Backed by the mighty Himalayas and the hiking heavyweights of Nepal and India, it is no surprise that Bhutan is fast establishing itself as a world class trekking destination. It is home to one of the world’s most challenging walks but its beautiful scenery appeals to the less intrepid hiker too, with many a route passing through rolling meadows, bamboo forests and rhododendron clad hillsides. The highlight of a trip to Bhutan is often the walk up to the famed Tiger’s Nest Monastery, yet simply taking a wander on the path less travelled will be rewarded with spectacular panoramas, stretching for miles around.
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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.
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.
Punakha, Bhutan
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read moreWith a 14-foot bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara, amongst others, a visit to the Sangchhen Dorji Lhendrup Lhakhang nunnery is a chance to explore the skilled work of local artisans and discover the religious training taken by Buddhist nuns in Bhutan.
Get off the beaten track and explore a part of Bhutan not often seen by other visitors to get an authentic glimpse of the country while enjoying the breathtaking landscapes of the countryside.
Enjoy a raft along the Po Chu (Father River). The Po Chu is fed by glaciers in the Lunana region of the Punakha valley and the 16km long stretch has about 15 rapids of class 2-4 and is the most exhilarating rafting experience that you can have in Punakha.
With panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, the 15th century Chimi Lhakhang is a beautiful monastery famed for its fertility-inducing powers, and a visit here is a chance to see another side to Bhutan’s seemingly straight-laced history.
A visit to the Punakha Dzong is a chance to explore one of Bhutan’s most beautiful and sacred buildings, while enjoying the scenic splendour of the landscape.
Exploring the recently built Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten is an opportunity to discover the teachings of Dudjom Rinpoche while enjoying some spellbinding views of the Punakha Valley below.
Trekking through the rainforests and villages of the Upper Punakha valley is a chance to follow in the footsteps of locals and explore a peaceful region not often visited by outsiders.
Punakha, Bhutan
Best for: Culture & history,Honeymoon,Spa
Punakha, Bhutan
Best for: Honeymoon
Punakha, Bhutan
Best for: Highlights,Honeymoon
Punakha Valley, Bhutan
Best for: Culture & history,Food & Drink,Spectacular scenery,Walking & Trekking