overview
Unspoiled and untouched, Bhutan, the 'Land of the Thunder Dragon' opened its doors to travellers in the 1970’s. Visitors are still few and the Bhutanese way of life, with its small colourful towns and villages, has remained relatively unchanged for centuries. Bhutan's landscape of mountains and green valleys and its strong Buddhist religion shape the kingdom's identity with monasteries and chapels scattered throughout the land. Traditional life is maintained, with the Bhutanese obliged to wear national dress in public, and festivals are colourful and noisy events, gathering together people from all over the country in a blur of music and dance. Bhutan is an extraordinary place, unlike anywhere else and you will never forget a visit to this ancient kingdom.
This seven-night holiday to Bhutan, is the ultimate in comfortable adventure travel, allowing guests, both first-time and repeat, to experience this Himalayan kingdom’s inimitable Buddhist culture at a deep and comprehensive level.
The exploration comprises two days of guided walks through the Paro Valley, visiting the Taktsang ‘Tiger’s Nest’ Monastery, the National Museum, Drukgyel Dzong and the ancient temple of Kyichu Lhakhang. At each site, guests will be exposed to the subtle intricacies of this ancient Buddhist land, learning about its people, culture and deep-set religious traditions. You will have the opportunity to experience this aspect of Bhutanese society up close, with time for witnessing a puja, or worship, in a local monastery, meeting with monks, listening to their age-old chants, providing a chance to see yet more of their exquisite arts tradition. To further experience Bhutan’s staggering Himalayan landscape, guests can choose to spend a day in the capital, Thimphu, or go sightseeing by mountain bike with an experienced guide through the wild and wooded hinterland. In addition, take a day trip to the remote Haa valley where the Bhutanese continue their rural existence amid the emerald fields and forests where time has stood still for decades.
You will return to your comfortable home in the Himalaya, Uma Paro, after each day’s adventures. Uma Paro is uniquely located on a pine-covered hillside in the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan, close to Paro, the country’s cultural heart. Built by traditionally trained Bhutanese artisans, the hotel is infused with a modern, clean-lined aesthetic. The effect is fresh while respecting Uma Paro’s cultural context. The hotel is surrounded by orchards, valleys and terraced mountains. Monasteries cling to cliff-sides and rivers snake between them.
The food at Uma Paro is all organic, with ingredients being sourced locally and delivered from field to table with minimum delay. Menus reflect influences ranging widely from South Indian to Italian, while indigenous food traditions and local produce are also used to create delicious original recipes that speak of Bhutan. Dine wherever you like, whenever you please, enjoying nourishing, deeply satisfying, organic food inspired by the regions’ great cuisines.
The hotel also comprises the COMO Shambhala Retreat offering Asian-inspired therapies devoted not just to the body but to the mind’s wellbeing. Facilities include a yoga studio, a hot stone bath house, hydropool, gym, and an indoor swimming pool with an outside sundeck.
Walk among the lowlands blanketed in wild flowers, explore misted enclaves, climb distant peaks, biking, hiking and connecting with the people and the land. Watch the moon rise, the sun set and be moved by an uplifting sense of quiet.
Bhutan is an enchanting place to visit. Whether you would prefer a cultural tour of the Kingdom, a trekking trip much like this one, or to combine your stay with a shopping extravaganza in Bangkok, Wonderful World would be delighted to design the perfect itinerary for you. Please call us on +44 (0)20 8964 5564 for further information and advice.