4 Day Uma Paro Himalayan Escape

For visitors seeking a whistle-stop introduction to this ardent Buddhist land, we recommend our three-night Himalayan escape package.

Itinerary

From bustling markets to prayer flag-strewn mountain passes, from happy monks in maroon robes to massive ancient fortresses, Bhutan is a Shangri La for image-makers. In the month of June the summer landscape takes on a luscious green with rice paddy fields covering all of Paro Valley, wild flowers strewn like dots of paint on the alpine meadows. In November the monsoon clouds are a distant memory and the landscape snap s into sharp focus with crystal light, inky skies and fabulous mountain views.

Uma Paro has developed this unique seven-night adventure for photographers of all levels and interests. An experienced photographer will accompany the group, our time divided between the two distinctly different valleys of Paro and Punakha. It will be a combination of location shoots and serendipitous meetings or “happy accidents” with friendly locals along the way.


Day 1: Arrival in Paro, Bhutan

ele-logo Elevation 2,280 m

Arrival, check-in, show round and first photo opp. Uma Paro staff will welcome you at the airport for the 10-minute transfer to the property. After lunch, in order to aid acclimatisation and to get your bearings, we invite you for an introductory photo opp with a short, guided local walk. Stroll through bustling Paro Town and out to the massive Rinpung Dzong — ‘Fortress on a Heap of Jewels’. The trail then leads across Paro Chhu (river) via a traditional covered bridge (Nyamai Zam). This bridge provided the backdrop for scenes in the feature films, Little Buddha and Travellers and Magicians. In the evening, please join us for a welcome dinner and photographic adventure briefing with slide show.

Hotels:

hotel_uma_paro
Uma Paro

Day 2: Paro

ele-logo Elevation 2,280 m

Wind through pine forests high above Uma Paro to the pretty grounds of the fortress-like monastery of Zurig Dzong. Traverse across to Ta Dzong, housing 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 a traditional covered bridge (Nyamai Zam) and then past the main archery ground, Ugyen Pelri Palace and into Paro town.

Drive a few kilometres north of Paro, and we pay our respects at Kyichu Lhakhang; this is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan with its magic 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 (from here, it is only a two-day hike to the border with Tibet, dominated by Mt Jhomalhari).

Duration: 5-7 hours (depending on time spent in National Museum and Paro)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Hotels:

hotel_uma_paro
Uma Paro

Day 3: Highlights of the Paro Valley : Taktsang Monastery

ele-logo Elevation 2,280 m

One of the most amazing and important pieces of architecture in Bhutan, Taktsang Goemba defies logic, gravity, and reason. Legend has it that this cliff side was where Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) landed on the back of a flying tigress, bringing Buddhism to Bhutan from Tibet. To avoid the hot sun an early start is advisable for the two-hour climb to the Tiger’s Nest viewpoint. Descend steeply, and then climb up to the monastery, passing a waterfall and entering through the main gates, which are filled with murals.

Retrace our steps or alternatively (if time and energy levels allow) head further up to several remote temples and monasteries. Return to Uma Paro in the afternoon for some time to rest and relax and enjoy the facilities such as the steam rooms, swimming pool or a Bhutanese Hot Stone Bath followed by a soothing massage. In the evening you are invited for a firelit farewell dinner either in the courtyard at Uma Paro or at our Bukhari restaurant.

Duration: 7-8 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
Guided with support vehicle and picnic

Hotels:

hotel_uma_paro
Uma Paro

Day 4: Departure Day

ele-logo Elevation 2,280 m

Today we will bid fond farewell to this beautiful Himalayan country and take an early flight back to Singapore. We hope by now you would have made some friends and also kept many photos and beautiful memories of Bhutan! And we look forward to seeing you again in this beautiful land of endless Enchantments! Tashi Delek!

What’s Included
» Private guided tour
» Visas for Bhutan
» Airport transfers
» Daily 3 meals (B/L/D) (excluding beverages) at Uma Resorts
» Accommodation at Uma Resorts
» A qualified & licensed English-speaking guide
» An experienced driver
» A tour vehicle
» Entry fees & road permits
» Government fee, royalty, taxes & surcharges
» Mineral bottled water
» A 60-minutes COMO Shambhala massage per person
» Complimentary scheduled one-hour daily Yoga class (except Saturday)

Suitable Months
Whole year round
High Season: March-May and September-November
Low Season: December-February and June-August

Prices
For Travel during the months of: Dec-Feb and Jun-Aug
From USD 2,621 for 1 person traveler
From USD 3,438 per person for 2 person travelers
Based on Valley View Room

For Travel during the months of: Mar-May and Sep-Nov
From USD 2,695 for 1 person traveler
From USD 3,512 per person for 2 person travelers
Based on Valley View Room

What’s Excluded
» Flight into Bhutan via Drukair (can be arranged with us)
» Flight on other airline to catch Drukair Flight
» Hotel stay outside of Bhutan
» Travel Insurance (can be arranged with us)
» Meals at 4-5 stars restaurants
» Tips for the guide and driver
» Alcoholic drink
» Expenditure of personal nature

Our Guarantee
Guaranteed Visa approval. We have yet to disappoint a single of our travellers in term of Visa issuance.

Your choice of hotels will be confirmed for your inspection before your arrival. We only book you on hotels which we love and would love again.

We will be happy to change your guide, driver or vehicle on the first two days of arrival in Thimphu if you are not satisfied with our selection. Drop us a note and our hospitality team be on the spot to assist you.

We’re here to help. Our world-class member services team is available by phone or email — there’s no automated system or call center; you’ll communicate with a real person.
 

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