COMO Uma Punakha

Revitalizing views, captivating culture and tantalizing cuisine, this one-week tour of Bhutan is the perfect concoction for travelers who relish exclusive experiences with a dose of relaxation. We’ve hand-picked the very best hotels and lodges to make sure every stop on the trip promises unique style complimented by seamless service.

This slow-paced itinerary introduces you to one of Asia’s slightly more unusual destinations…the relatively unknown Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, revered for its precariously positioned hilltop monasteries and ancient fortresses, as well as its dramatic mountain landscapes. Experience Bhutan’s natural beauty whilst staying at some of the best properties around.

Discover the beauty and deep serenity of Bhutan’s landscapes and culture with a stay at Punakha River Lodge. Offering glorious Himalayan views, the traditionally crafted lodge blends authenticity with luxury, for a unique and rewarding travel experience.

The Amankora Punkaha is built around a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse and offers fantastic views and the chance to be in tranquil isolation with stunning scenery. For this reason, it is our favourite Amankora property in Bhutan.

Dhensa Punakha is a luxury 24-suite boutique hotel located in the Punakha Valley in Bhutan. The resort enjoys a wonderful location surrounded by thick pine forest overlooking the valley, village houses and paddy fields.

Taking inspiration from the terraced farms of Punakha's valley, Six Senses Punakha is an elegant rustic retreat with excellent spas, dining and service.

You shouldn’t miss the weekend market in Thimphu. People from nearby valleys arrive on Thursday afternoon and stay to sell their goods – vegetables, other foodstuffs and handicrafts – until Sunday evening.

Archery is the national sport of Bhutan and can be seen played throughout the Kingdom. Traditional bows are made from bamboo and witnessing an archery competition is an absolute highlight. We can easily arrange for you to have a go should you wish.

Khuruthang Saturday Vegetable Market is located in the small town next to the Punakha Dzong. On Sundays, you can visit the Wangdue Market, about a 30-minute drive away. Wander around the stalls, selling local fruit and vegetables.

Visiting a local home in Bhutan is an exceptionally interesting experience given the lovely hospitable nature of its people. Try traditional butter tea, or even some locally made rice wine 'Ara'.

Evening prayers at a Buddhist Monastery is something you should do at least once on a tour of Bhutan. You will witness monks chanting traditional prayers, helping them prepare for meditation.

This fantastic experience combines the Sangchen Nunnery, the Nalanda Buddhist College and the Nobgang Village walk which takes you from the high hills above Punakha and winds gently down to the Punakha Dzong - you approach it almost vertically!

The Chimmi Lhakhang Temple is a temple of fertility dedicated to the Buddhist saint known as the Divine Madman. A short walk through paddy fields takes you to the temple and is popular with Bhutanese families wanting to start a family.

This evening visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhendrup Lhakhang Nunnery which is home to a higher learning and meditation centre for nuns, as well as being home to some of the most impressive statues in Bhutan.

Anyone who works in Bhutan must wear traditional national dress, and you can have the chance to dress up for a few hours to see how it feels. The Bhutanese absolute love visitors doing it!