COMO Uma Paro & Punakha Luxury Journey (7D6N)

Your journey begins the moment you land at Paro International Airport, one of the world's most spectacular mountain approaches. Your friendly guide will be waiting to welcome you before a short 10-minute drive brings you to COMO Uma Paro, your peaceful retreat for the next few days.

After settling into your surroundings, ease into Bhutan's slower rhythm with a relaxed introduction to the valley. Wander through the charming streets of Paro, where traditional architecture, prayer wheels and local life unfold at an unhurried pace. You'll also visit one of the valley's sacred temples, offering your first glimpse into Bhutan's deeply rooted Buddhist traditions.

This gentle afternoon is designed to help you acclimatise to the altitude while beginning your connection with both the country and your guide.

Overnight: COMO Uma Paro

After breakfast, journey towards the lush Punakha Valley, travelling through Bhutan's fascinating capital, Thimphu.

Although Bhutan's largest city, Thimphu retains a calm atmosphere where tradition sits comfortably alongside modern life. Depending on the day's schedule, you'll explore some of the city's cultural highlights, including the towering Buddha Dordenma, the National Memorial Chorten, views of Tashichho Dzong and the Folk Heritage Museum.

Leaving the capital behind, the road climbs steadily to the Dochu La Pass, nearly 3,100 metres above sea level. Here, 108 white chortens stand among fluttering prayer flags, with panoramic Himalayan views on a clear day. From this high mountain pass, descend through changing landscapes into the warmer, fertile valley of Punakha.

Drive: Approximately 3 to 4 hours (126 km)

Overnight: COMO Uma Punakha

Today is spent exploring one of Bhutan's most beautiful valleys, where rice terraces, rivers and traditional villages create an idyllic setting.

Begin with an easy walk through farmland to Chimi Lhakhang, the famous fertility temple dedicated to the eccentric Buddhist master Drukpa Kuenley, affectionately known as the Divine Madman.

Continue to Punakha Dzong, widely regarded as Bhutan's most beautiful fortress monastery. Standing at the meeting point of two rivers, this remarkable building remains both a working monastery and an important centre of Bhutanese history.

Later, enjoy another gentle walk through fields and rural villages to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. Perched on a hillside above the valley, this elegant temple rewards your efforts with sweeping views across Punakha's peaceful landscape.

Overnight: COMO Uma Punakha

This morning, retrace your journey across the Dochu La Pass, offering another opportunity to admire the Himalayan panorama should the skies be clear.

Along the way, stop at Chuzom, where the Paro and Wang Chhu rivers meet. Here, three distinctive shrines built in Bhutanese, Tibetan and Nepali architectural styles symbolically guard the river confluence.

If time allows, visit Tamchog Lhakhang, a historic temple reached by crossing one of Bhutan's iconic iron suspension bridges, originally built by the revered engineer and saint Thangtong Gyalpo.

Arriving back in Paro, the afternoon is yours to unwind. If you wish, experience Bhutan's national sport with a traditional archery session or simply relax at COMO Uma Paro.

Drive: Approximately 3 to 4 hours (126 km)

Overnight: COMO Uma Paro

Today offers a deeper exploration of Paro on foot, following ancient paths that connect many of the valley's most significant landmarks.

Your walk begins at Zuri Dzong before continuing towards Ta Dzong, now home to Bhutan's National Museum, where impressive views stretch across the valley below.

From here, descend to the striking Rinpung Dzong before crossing the traditional Nyamai Zam bridge. Continue past Paro's national archery ground and Ugyen Pelri Palace before reaching the town itself, where you'll have time to experience local life.

Later, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest and most sacred temples. If time permits, continue north to the historic ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, once built to defend the valley from Tibetan invasions and now beautifully restored beneath the towering presence of Mount Jomolhari.

Walking: Approximately 5 to 7 hours, easy to moderate

Overnight: COMO Uma Paro

Today is the highlight of your journey.

Set out early for the unforgettable hike to Taktsang Monastery, better known as Tiger's Nest. Clinging dramatically to a sheer cliff nearly 900 metres above the Paro Valley, this sacred monastery is one of Bhutan's most revered sites.

The trail winds steadily through fragrant pine forests, passing colourful prayer flags and mountain viewpoints before reaching the famous monastery. According to Bhutanese tradition, Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a flying tigress to meditate, making this one of the country's most spiritually important places.

After exploring the monastery, enjoy lunch overlooking the valley before making your descent.

Back at COMO Uma Paro, spend the remainder of the afternoon exactly as you wish. Relax with a COMO Shambhala spa treatment, enjoy the steam room or simply take in the quiet mountain surroundings that have accompanied you throughout your journey.

Walking: Approximately 6 to 8 hours, moderate to challenging

Overnight: COMO Uma Paro

After breakfast, your guide will accompany you back to Paro International Airport for your onward journey.

As you leave the Land of the Thunder Dragon, take with you more than photographs. We hope you return home with a deeper appreciation of Bhutan's landscapes, traditions and way of life, along with memories that will stay with you long after the journey ends.

We look forward to welcoming you back on another SoulTrips adventure.

Departure transfer to Paro International Airport