FOUR NIGHTS UMA BY COMO, PARO THREE NIGHTS UMA BY COMO, PUNAKHA This seven-night trip takes us to the heart of the ethereal kingdom of Bhutan. From the gravity defying Tiger s Nest monastery to the temple of the Divine Madman, this trip combines spectacular drives, unique nature walks, and fascinating monastery visits. We spend four nights at Uma Paro and three at our new lodge,in Punakha. We journey deep into the Kingdom s heartland exploring three distinctly different but important valleys; the bustling capital of Thimphu in a valley dotted with monuments, museums and markets; the almost tropical Punakha/Wangdue valley with its magnificent dzongs; and the emerald valley of Paro with its rice paddies and ancient temples. Throughout our adventure we return nightly to the simple luxury and comfort of our Uma lodges. DAY 1 Arrival, check-in, property show-round and local sightseeing. 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 provides an opportunity to acclimatize 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 2 Paro to Punakha Valley via Thimphu and Dochu La. The capital Thimphu itself sprawls up the wooded western hillside of the Wang Chhu and is the centre of government, religion and commerce. You may wish to shop or drive to the town viewpoint at the Big Buddha statue. If time permits to visit Thimphu, the sightseeing PAGE 1
DAY 2 CONTINUED begins with a tour which may include some of the following (exact itineraries dependent on opening times and interests): National Memorial Chorten, Trashi Chhoe Dzong, the weekend market (Main market days are Friday,Saturday and Sunday), and Folk Heritage Museum. The drive onto Punakha is truly awe-inspiring as it zigzags up to the 3,140m-high mountain pass of Dochu La with its forests of fluttering prayer flags, maze of memorial chortens and, on a clear day, sweeping views of the main Himalayan range. Up river, deep in the verdant terraced hills past Punakha Dzong, is our home for the next two nights, Uma Punakha. Duration of drive (Paro to Punakha via Thimphu): 3-4 hours (126 km) DAY 3 Khamsan Yuley Namgay Chorten Walk, Punakha Dzong and Chimmi Lhakhang. We have a full day for further exploration of the scenic Punakha Valley, which at 1,200m is low enough to allow bananas and oranges to grow. This morning we walk up through whitewashed homesteads and farmland to Khamsum Yuley Namgay Chorten, a shrine recently built by the royal family (the chorten can be clearly spotted from our breakfast table).this ornate and elaborate structure has a rainbow of Guru Rinpoche images and superb views. Heading down along the riverside the massive architectural edifice of the 17th-century Punakha Dzong soon looms into view. The fortress-monastery was built in 1637 by Shabdung Nawang Namgyal in a commanding position at the confluence of the Po Chhu and Mo Chhu (Father and Mother rivers). It once served as the seat of the Kingdom's government and is now the winter home of Je Khempo, the head abbot of Bhutan, along with a retinue of 1,000 monks. In the afternoon a short walk across rice paddies takes us to Chimmi Lhakhang, a fertility temple dedicated to Drukpa Kuenley, a Tibetan Buddhist saint known popularly as the Divine Madman. The temple sits atop a picturesque hill surrounded by rice fields. Drukpa Kuenley built a chorten on the site in the 14th century,and it has long been a pilgrimage site for couples hoping to start a family. Duration: 6-7 hours Guided with picnic or lunch at Uma Punakha DAY 4 Riverside morning walk, Talo Sanga Lhakhang and Village. The large building we see to the north of Uma Punakha is called Botakha Palace. It was built during 1950's by the late Third King as his residence but when the Capital of Bhutan was shifted to Thimphu it fell empty. The palace gardens are full of mature fruit trees and the local farmers still pay homage to a huge mythical serpent by offering some of each rice harvest in the posthole of a huge prayer flag. Our morning walk crosses the river at a suspension bridge downstream from snake bend and contours through lush farmland and homesteads up to Bale Lhakhang, a tiny local temple with sweeping views down the valley past Uma Punakha.In the afternoon, visit Talo Village where the site was founded by Chogtrul Jigme Singye (1742-89), the 4th reincarnation of Lama Thripa (Galsey Tenzin Rabgye), which literally means the holder of the throne, a title given to Gyalsay Tenzin Rabgye (1638-96) as the Gyaltsap (regent) appointed by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. This took place in 1767 corresponding to the 13th Rabjung (name of the cycle of 60 years starting with rabbit year) of the Fire Pig Year of the Bhutanese calendar. In the 14th Rabjung, Jigme Dakpa (1791-1830), the third mind reincarnation of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, renovated the area and built a monastery. He also installed statues in the temple that he had brought from Samye in Tibet. Thereafter, the monastery was renovated by several reincarnations of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel including Zhabdrung Jigme Norbu, the fourth mind incarnation, Zhabdrung Jigme Chogyal, the fifth mind incarnation and Zhabdrung Jigme Dorji, the sixth mind incarnation. The monastery also served as their living quarters. Currently the monastery accommodates the Gonkhang (inner chapel dedicated to guardian deity) and residence of the abbot. Talo Sanga Choling also houses many lhakhangs, in which Neten Chudrug (sixteen Arhats) lhakhang is one of them. Please note Talo Village may be closed due to events such a visit by a member of the Royal Family or auspicious ceremonies. PAGE 2
DAY 4 CONTINUED Duration: 5-6 hours Guided with picnic or lunch at Uma Punakha DAY 5 Punakha Valley to Paro via Chuzom and Tamchhu Lhakhang. Time to retrace our steps over the Dochu La for a second view of the wonderful Himalayan range. Returning to the Chuzum (river confluence) we catch a glimpse of the three shrines in Nepali, Tibetan and Bhutanese style which were built to ward of evil spirits near the checkpoint. Time permitting the journey can be broken with a visit to Tamchhu Lhakhang built by Thangtong Gyalpo, the so-called Iron Bridge Builder. This former saint from the 14th century introduced the art of building suspension bridges with iron chains and the only way to reach his temple is by one of these bridges. On the final leg the road snakes alongside the Pa Chhu river, through apple orchards and rice paddies, past quaint homesteads to our home in the mountains, Uma Paro. After check-in, we invite you to spend the rest of the day relaxing around the property, enjoying the facilities or trying an activity like the Bhutanese national sport of archery or a traditional Bhutanese Hot Stone Bath. Duration of drive (Punakha to Paro via Thimphu): 3-4 hours (126 km) Guided with picnic or lunch at local restaurant DAY 6 Walk 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 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 the traditional covered bridge, Nyamai Zam, and then past the main archery ground, Ugyen Pelri Palace and into Paro town. Driving a few kilometres north of Paro, we pay our respects at Kyichu Lhakhang, which is 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 gawang Namgyal to control the northern route to Tibet. Guided with picnic or lunch at local restaurant DAY 7 Highlights of the Paro Valley Taktsang Walk. One of the most amazing and important pieces of architecture in Bhutan is Taktsang Goemba - the Tiger s Nest Monastery. Legend has it that this cliffside was where Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) landed on the back of a flying tigress, bringing Buddhism to Bhutan from Tibet. To avoid the hot sun we start early for the two-hour climb to the Tiger s Nest viewpoint. Descending steeply, we then climb up to the monastery, passing a waterfall and entering through the main gates which are decorated with murals. We then retrace our steps or alternatively, if time and energy levels allow, head further up to several remote temples and monasteries. Returning to Uma Paro in the afternoon, we have some time to relax and enjoy the facilities including the steam rooms, swimming pool or a Bhutanese Hot Stone Bath. Duration: 7-8 hours Difficulty: Moderate to Hard Guided with picnic or Taktsang cafeteria PAGE 3
DAY 8 Depart Bhutan. 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. INCLUSIONS Accommodation for four nights at Uma Paro and three nights at Uma Punakha on a full board basis (excluding beverages) which includes picnic lunches during excursion days Six and a half days of privately guided walks and day excursions taking in the highlights of the Punakha, Thimphu and Paro Valleys The services of an experienced English-speaking Bhutanese Uma guide One COMO Shambhala massage (60 minutes) per person Private airport transfers and transport in Bhutan All Bhutanese Government Visa Fees and Royalties Inclusive of 10% service charge and 10% sales tax All museum and visitor centre entry fees and road permits Complimentary scheduled one-hour daily Yoga class whilst at Uma Paro (except Sundays) TRAVEL INSURANCE It is strongly recommended that you be insured against medical and personal accident risks (including repatriation costs, air ambulance and helicopter rescue services) and that you also take out cancellation insurance. You should be aware that some policies restrict coverage or do not cover travel to Bhutan and may not cover activities such as trekking (and mountain bike). Please ensure that your policy provides a sufficient level of protection and covers you for the activities involved. You must carry proof of insurance (e.g. your insurance certificate) with you to Bhutan. PLEASE NOTE This itinerary is intended as a guide only. Local conditions and weather may necessitate variations to the programme which can affect the availability of views and panoramas described. Please be aware that all times stated are approximate, and may vary with individual and group fitness and interest levels. Uma Paro and Uma Punakha provides complimentary drinking water for all guided itineraries. If you have any special dietary requests, please let us know in advance. Where stated, trips include lunchtime picnics prepared by Uma s chefs. Please place your picnic order the day before departure via your Guide or the Activity Desk on extension 3308. Throughout your stay you have the option to participate in a range of extra outdoor activities at an additional charge. Travel to Bhutan: Uma Paro handles the whole booking process on your behalf, including Druk Air flights. However, the price of Druk Air flights is not included in the package and it is therefore advisable to book well in advance to secure seats. We also handle visa application processing (included in the package). It normally takes 2 to 3 weeks to process the visa but under some circumstances, we can accelerate the process. Please read this document in conjunction with your confirmation letter and pre-departure information. For more information on Uma Paro and Uma Punakha, including the full range of itineraries and services we offer - from tailormade adventures, overnight treks and biking itineraries to provisions for groups and the hosting of special events - please refer to the website comohotels.com/umaparo and comohotels.com/umapunakha or email uma.paro@comohotels.com and uma.punakha@comohotels.com PAGE 4
HIMALAYAN SEVEN-NIGHT PACKAGE PUBLISHED RATES 1st January 2013-31st December 2013 DOUBLE OCCUPANCY SINGLE OCCUPANCY Valley View (Deluxe) Room 7 Nights $7,784 Valley View (Deluxe) Room 7 Nights $5,966 Package rates feature Valley View Rooms at both Uma Paro and Uma Punakha. Guests who wish to upgrade to a one bedroom suite, one or two bedroom villa (COMO Villa) at Uma Paro or to a one or two bedroom villa (COMO Villa) at Uma Punakha, may do so for an additional room charge based on availability. TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Full payment is required on booking, fully refundable 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 31st December 2013. RATES