This 7-night package to Bhutan is the ultimate in comfortable adventure travel, experiencing Bhutan’s Buddhist culture at a deep and comprehensive level. The exploration comprises three days of guided walks above and around the Paro Valley, visiting the National Museum, Drukgyel Dzong and the ancient temple of Kyichu Lhakhang plus a wild hike to Kila Nunnery on the ridge between the valleys of Haa and Paro and an acclimatization hike to Drakhapo monastery. At each site, we will discover the subtle intricacies of this ancient Buddhist land, learning about its people, culture and deep-set religious traditions.
Himalayan Adventure with Uma Paro, Bhutan
We spend a day in the capital, Thimphu, where we visit many sacred sites. We take a fabulous two-day overnight camping trek to the Taktsang Goemba or Tiger’s Nest Monastery, which includes a night in a wilderness campsite high in the Himalaya. Our circuit uses remote mountain paths, where few foreigners have ever set foot, to eventually approach the monastery from our campsite above the clouds. The overnight adventure includes two picnic lunches, a camp dinner and breakfast, mineral water, ponies, the services of experienced local Uma guide and cooks, all tentage, kitbags for the ponies, a first-aid kit, sleeping mattresses and sleeping bags.
To get the most from this experience you should be active, reasonably fit and enjoy the great outdoors.
Enquiry / Booking Form
Itinerary
This overnight camping trek is only available from March to May and from September to November and requires a minimum of two people.
Day 01 / Arrive Paro
Uma Paro staff will welcome you at the airport for the 10-minute transfer to the property. Once you have settled in your first foray into the Kingdom begins with sightseeing in Paro town and a visit to a local temple. This afternoon is an opportunity to acclimatise to the rarefied air at this altitude and to get to know your guide, who will offer some additional sightseeing options for the rest of the day depending on your interests and energy levels.
Day 02 / Daywalk to Zurig Dzong, Rinpung Dzong, Ta Dzong, Paro town, Kyichu Lhakhang and Drukgyel Dzong
We wind through pine forests high above Uma Paro to the pretty grounds of the fortress-like monastery of Zurig Dzong. We cross to Ta Dzong, home of Bhutan’s National Museum with magnificent views over Paro, and on down to Rinpung Dzong (Fortress on a Heap of Jewels). The trail then leads across Paro Chhu (river) via the traditional covered bridge, Nyamai Zam, and then past the main archery ground, Ugyen Pelri Palace, and into Paro town.
We drive a few kilometres north of Paro, and pay our respects at Kyichu Lhakhang; one of the oldest temples in Bhutan with its magical orange tree that bears fruit all year round. Time permitting, we drive further up the valley to Drukgyel Dzong, built in 1648 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to control the northern route to Tibet.
Duration of drive: 5-7 hours (depending on time spent in National Museum and Paro)
Difficulty – EASY to MODERATE
Guided with picnic or lunch at local restaurant
Overnight Uma Paro
Day 03 / Drakhapo Monastery, Adventure Cave and Archery lesson.
After a short drive from Uma Paro we set off on our 90-minute easy acclimatisation walk to Drakhapo Monastery, which has a small community of monks living nearby. The main temple room is precariously perched on the edge of a rock cliff and there are some sacred sites to view, including the body-imprint of Vajrayogini or a stone boot belonging to Guru Rinpoche. The monastery is built on a mountain dotted with underground caves. Nearby, one of these caves has a small ladder for the notso-faint- hearted, leading into a large cavern that soon turns into a very narrow crevasse. In the afternoon, we may try Bhutan’s two most popular sports on Uma Paro’s own archery ground (Bha Cho).
Archery is the national sport of Bhutan, and every village has it own archery range. High-spirited competitions, usually accompanied by a banquet, are a part of all festive occasions. Using bamboo bows, teams of archers shoot at targets only 30 centimetres in diameter from a distance of 140 metres. Each team has a noisy crowd of supporters. Kuru is another very popular traditional Bhutanese game played in most villages.
Duration of drive: 5-6 hours
Difficulty: EASY to MODERATE
Guided with picnic
Overnight Uma Paro
Day 04 / Chele La Pass and hike to Kila Nunnery (optional bike descent)
We start early for the drive to Chele La Pass which, at 3,988m is the highest road pass in Bhutan, snaking upwards through blue pine and rhododendron forests for 35 km. On a clear day the view sweeps away to the snow-dome of Bhutan’s second highest peak, Mt Jhomolhari (7,314m), and down to the Haa Valley, which only opened to foreigners in 2002 due to its proximity to the border with Sikkim and Tibet. This unspoilt valley harks back to a simpler, more traditional time. Striding out along the Edelweiss-covered ridge, we pass a sky burial site. Descending for the two-hour hike through dense rhodendron forest, possibly sighting shaggy yaks, to Kila Goemba, an ancient nunnery nestled in a craggy patch on the mountainside below.
Kila Goemba is a serene retreat for 32 Anim (Buddhist nuns) who lead an undisturbed life of religious studies, prayer and meditation. The nunnery is one of the seven oldest nunneries in the Kingdom.
Dupthob Chhoeje Norbu and Dupthob Temba established it in the early ninth century as a place for meditation. After being destroyed by fire, the Lhakhang was reconstructed by the 25th Je Khenpo, Sherab Gyaltsen and in 1986, the Government officially established Kila Goemba (monastery) as an Anim Dratshang (nunnery). This sacred place has a timeless quality which is ample reward after the effort of the hike. Having made our offerings and perhaps been blessed, it is time to descend further. An hour later and we are back at the road where we can saddle up on a mountain bike freewheeling down to Paro Valley.
For those who would rather a leisurely sightseeing day there is the option to drive from Chele La Pass down the other side to the Haa Valley. In case Chele La Pass is not accessible during the winter, your guide will propose an alternative for this day excursion.
Duration: 7-9 hours
Difficulty: MODERATE
Guided with picnic, Kona Cinder mouton bike, helmet, gloves
Overnight Uma Paro
Day 05 / Thimphu Day Trip
The capital of Bhutan sprawls up the wooded western hillside of the Wang Chhu. The centre of government, religion and commerce, Thimphu is a bustling town where traditional ways mingle with modern introductions. The drive from Uma Paro to the capital takes about one hour and sights worth seeing include the following, time and local conditions permitting…
Market Days
Thimphu’s main market days are Friday, Saturday and Sunday. You can easily lose a couple of hours wandering amongst the colourful stalls before heading into town for more shopping opportunities.
BBS Tower Viewpoint & Takin Compound
On the way to the viewpoint over Thimphu is the home of Bhutan’s national animal, the Takin, a strange looking beast some say looks like a beestung moose.
National Memorial Chorten
Bhutan’s third king, H.M. Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, wished to erect a monument to world peace and prosperity; he died before his plan came to fruition. However, the Royal Family and Cabinet resolved to fulfill his wishes and erect a memorial that would perpetuate his memory and also serve as a monument to peace.
View of Trashi Chhoe Dzong
‘Fortress of the Glorious Religion’ was initially erected in 1641 and rebuilt by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the 1960s. Tashi Chhoe Dzong houses some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body. Entrance may be granted to guests only after 5pm but the nine-hole golf course alongside makes for a quirky photo opportunity.
National Institute of Traditional Medicine
This Bhutanese institution is still dispensing traditional herbal and other medicines, made from plants, minerals, animal parts, precious metals and gems. A working facility for research and the treatment of local people, the tour is fascinating.
National Textile Museum
Providing an insight into the living national art of weaving, this museum exhibits fine
examples of all the major weaving techniques and the changing styles of ‘gho’ and ‘kira’ over the years, with weavers demonstrating their skills on traditional back looms.
National Institute of 13 Arts & Crafts (Zorig Chusum)
Watch the rows of young students at the Institute where the 13 traditional arts and crafts are cherished and fostered in Bhutan. They include carpentry, masonry, carving, painting, sculpture, casting, weaving, bamboo work, embroidery, woodturning, papermaking, blacksmithing and gold and silversmithing.
Folk Heritage Museum
If there is still time, we may visit this replica of a traditional Bhutanese house as it would have looked 100 years ago and as many Bhutanese families still live to this day.
Please note museum, monastery, temple and dzong opening days and times can and do vary with national holidays and events such a visit by a member of the Royal Family or auspicious ceremonies.
Duration: 7–10 hours
Difficulty: EASY
Guided with picnic or sample typical Bhutanese fare in local restaurant
Day 06 / Hike from Sang Choekor Buddhist College (2,800m) to Yak pasture below Bumdra Monastery
Today’s adventure begins with an early morning drive up to the Sang Choekor to meet our ponies. While they are being loaded we may pay our respects at the College. The initial one to two-hour ascent of a ridge, which is steep at times but in cool shade, brings us to a clearing with prayer flags and views down into the Paro and Do Chhu valleys. Above and ahead the Chhoe Tse Lhakhang (temple) nestles in the mountainside – a one to two-hour walk away. The trail undulates for a while before the last steep pull up to the pretty temple which boasts commanding views south over Paro and northwards to the snowcapped Himalayas. After a final 20-minute climb through ruins and fluttering prayer flags, we plunge back into ancient forest, traversing for about 40 minutes, coming out on a high wide meadow dotted with sacred chortens and prayer flags. Our home for the night is tucked in under Bumdra Monastery (Cave of a Thousand Prayers) maximising the incredible views of the Himalayan range. After lunch we can visit the monastery and also climb the peak to the north (about 4,000m) for even better views, returning in time for a hearty dinner.
Duration: 3-4 hours to camp 2 – 3 hours optional return trek to peak
Difficulty: MODERATE to HARD
Guided with picnic lunch
Overnight: Bumdra Wilderness Camp (3,800m)
Day 07 / Hike from Yak pasture below Bumdra Monastery (3,800m) via Sangtopelri Monasteries to Taktsang
Monastery (2,900m)
After a hearty breakfast, it is time to either head straight back into the valley or linger awhile soaking up the view and perhaps hang some prayer flags of our own. Eventually we have to drop back into the ancient pine and rhododendron forest on the monks’ zig-zagging trail. After one to two hours of descent we catch glimpses of the golden roofs of temples below. The path snakes across the mountainside between these monasteries before reaching the gardens of Sangtopelri (Heaven on Earth) from which you can bravely peer the over edge and straight down onto the ornate rooftops of Taktsang Monastery perched against the cliff-face far below. An hour later and we are at the gates of Taktsang looking across the gorge; a steep descent to a waterfall then up some steps and we are passing into Tiger’s Nest itself. Retracing our steps we begin the final descent of about 45 minutes to reach our vehicle and drive back to Uma Paro – not forgetting to stop on the other side of the valley and look back at what we have achieved.
Duration: 5 – 7 hours depending on time taken in monasteries
Difficulty: Moderate
Guided with lunch
Overnight: Uma Paro
Day 08 / Depart Paro
Druk Air normally departs in the morning, so after breakfast your 10 minute transfer to Paro
International Airport will be arranged depending on the flight schedule.
Note
This itinerary is intended as a guide only. Local conditions and weather may necessitate variations to the programme and can affect the availability of views and panoramas described.
Be aware that all times stated are approximate, and may vary with individual and group fitness, inclinations and interests.
This overnight camping trek is only available from March to May and from September to November and requires a minimum of two people.
Uma Paro requires that our guests check-out of their rooms for the camping nights and will store guests’ non-essential trekking luggage.
Our local provider offers Uma guests with walk-in tents with raised camp beds and camping arm chairs. Bed tea and hot washing water is delivered to each tent in the morning and generous portions of healthful cuisine for dinner and breakfast. For more details please refer to our pre-departure information sheet for Trekking.
Package Cost
Forest View (Superior) Room
- USD $3,290.00 ~ Double
Valley View (Deluxe) Room
- USD $3,550.00 ~ Double
COMO Suite
- USD $4,103.00 ~ Double
One-bedroom Villa
- USD $4,733.00 ~ Double
COMO Villa (sleeps up to 4 persons)
- USD $3,907.00 ~ Quad
Validity
- Apr 01 – Dec 31, 2012
Terms & Conditions
- Full payment is required on booking and is refundable, less USD $200 service fee, if written cancellation is received 45 days prior to arrival date.
- The offer is subject to availability and may not be used in conjunction with any other offer.
- All stays to be completed by Dec 31, 2012.
Inclusions
- Bhutanese Government visa fees and royalties
- Private airport transfers and transport in Bhutan
- Accommodation on a full-board basis (excluding beverages)
- Four and a half (4½) days privately guided walks with picnic lunch taking in the highlights of the Paro Valley, including Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, the National Museum, Drukyel Dzong, traditional villages and a visit to the temple of Kyichu Lhakhang
- Full service one-night camping trek including Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery
- A guided walk from Chele La, Bhutan’s highest road pass, to the nunnery at Kila Goemba
- A privately guided day out in Thimphu
- All museum and visitor centre entry fees and road permits
- Services of an experienced English-speaking Bhutanese Uma Paro Guide
- One (01) COMO Shambhala Massage (60 mintues) per person
- Complimentary scheduled one-hour daily Yoga class whilst at Uma Paro (except Sundays)
- Complimentary use of the library, internet facilities, swimming pool, steam room and gym at Uma Paro
- 10% service charge and 10% sales tax
Exclusions
- All airfare & airport taxes in/out Paro
- Please check with us for attractive Druk Air airfares from connecting cities
- Personal expenditure such as phone bills, laundry, hard/soft beverages, optional tours, tipping for guides/drivers, etc.
Validity
- Apr 01 – Dec 31, 2012
Terms & Conditions
- Full payment is required on booking.
- Deposit is refundable, less USD $200 service fee, if written cancellation is received 45days prior to arrival date.
- The offer is subject to availability and may not be used in conjunction with any other offer.
- All stays to be completed by Dec 31, 2012.
The overnight camping trek is only available from March to May, and from September to October, and requires a minimum of two (02) people.
Uma Paro requires that our guests check-out of their rooms for the camping night and will store guests’ non-essential trekking luggage.
Our local provider offers Uma guests walk-in tents with raised camp beds and camping arm chairs. Bed tea and hot washing water is delivered to each tent in the morning and generous portions of healthful cuisine for dinner and breakfast.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
For a trek at this level, fitness is important and you may wish to optimise yours before departure to get the most out of the experience. A detailed pre-departure information sheet designed to help you prepare for your adventure will be sent out with your booking confirmation.
Packing Essentials
warm jacket, good leather or waterproof fabric boots or shoes with good soles, waterproof jacket, sunglasses, warm hat, sunhat, sunscreen, torch, backpack.
Packing Recommended
Trekking pole, binoculars, gloves, tracksuit or thermal underwear, lip balm, a sufficient supply of any medication you are taking. NB: Camera film is a rarity in Bhutan so bring your own in your carry-on luggage.
Note
Camera film is a rarity in Bhutan so bring your own supply which should be in your carry-on luggage.
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