WHEN -

October to December is the best time for clear sunny skies.

January to April cools down but it is still dry and a good time to see the famous rhododendrons blooming. (March to May)

Heat and humidity start to increase in May and June to September is the rainy season.

AKA -

"The Last Shangri-La" / "The Land of Thunder Dragon"

STAY -

In COMO Uma Paro, a beautiful and very Bhutanese looking hotel in the Paro Valley about 10 mins away from Paro International Airport. It has 9 private villas and 20 luxury rooms done in a modern Bhutanese style.

The COMO Suites are popular with honeymooners. Or you could splurge on the COMO Villa with its alfresco hot stone bathtub and outdoor courtyard with firepit. The large living area opens up to panoramic views of the Paro Valley and you can relax in your own spa treatment room. And a complimentary butler to attend to your every need.

ABOUT -

The Bhutan Government cares more about happiness than money. It's disturbing that this sounds weird. Wouldn't it be nice if this was the norm rather than the exception. 

They're not that interested in having  tourists and the ones they do let in they charge a hefty fee for the privilege. It's a good way of keeping their way of life intact and the money goes towards things like free education and health care.

Everything must be pre-booked and prepaid and done through a local agency. There is a minimum cost per day per person depending on the time of year and number of people travelling together. This will go towards accommodation, meals and transport etc.

Click here for more information

This hotel has a range of itineraries you can choose from and the easiest way would be to book directly with them.

Click here to see the itineraries

ROMANCE -

Egyptian cotton linen

Picnic by the Tiger's Nest Monastery

In Room Dining

Signature Bhutanese bath treatment.

SUNRISES & SUNSETS -

Best sunset spot is from the National Museum of Bhutan

BUDGET -

There is a minimum spend per person per day depending on how many in the group (can be as few as 1) and the time of year. In peak season this is about US$280 per day per person. This covers hotels, meals, transport, entry fees etc.

It must be prepaid and pre-booked with a registered local tour operator. If you choose to stay at the COMO Uma Paro it will depend on what itinerary you choose and what standard of accommodation you go for.

HIGHLIGHTS -

The people, the Hotel,  the lack of tourism, the country and Tiger's Nest Monastery, no traffic lights,

PAMPER -

In the Spa - COMO Shambhala Retreat - beauty, Ayurvedic, massage (8 types plus Ayurveda), body care,

RELAXING -

Herbal hot stone bath house / Indoor Pool with outdoor sundeck / Steam rooms

VIEWS -

From a breath taking hill overlooking the town of Paro. Rooms with Forest views, Valley views - the suites have 180 degree views of the valley from the bed

FOOD -

Award winning cuisine, much of it sourced from their own organic kitchen garden. COMO Shambhala Cuisine is the epitome of this and is noted for its flavours and health giving properties.

Bhutan's Royal Family eats here regularly and they are very accessible

Bukhari - named after the traditional central fireplace that lights up this circular pavilion.

Lunches feature international comfort food.

Dinner is a rare fine dining treat in this part of the world. Local and International dishes that are a gastronomic delight.

Three times a week a lavish buffet feast is served for lunch in the forest. It is accompanied by cultural performances. Food is cooked on site and features stations for Bhutan, Indian, International and some of the hotel's signature dishes. You have 3 hours to fill your belly and you can work some of it off by joining in with the archery and darts. If you get thirsty there's a fully stocked bar.

BBQ on the Archery Field - Authentic Bhutanese experience - local delicacies, live music, masked dancers and a bonfire

Plan special menus with them to celebrate your honeymoon

Local foods include

Ema Datshi - The National Dish - chilli and cheese stew

Spicy chicken / Pork and chilli / Momos (dumplings) /  Red rice (very healthy)

Yak Burgers - surprisingly good

No deserts - they're not a thing here

DRINKS -

Uma Bar - next to Bukhari. The place to grab a morning coffee or an evening cocktail. Wines, juices and smoothies also available. It has an all day dining menu. It can also be booked out for private suppers of up to 20 people with a special VIP set menu.

Alcohol is reasonably priced in Bhutan and is a normal part of their culture - try Ara a hot and highly alcoholic treat

SIGHTS -

Kyichu Lhakhang Temple - Blue and one of the oldest in the Himalayas

Paro Craft Market - good for decorating your new home or souvenirs for friends

Drukgyel Dzong - UNESCO Heritage listed fort

ACTIVITIES -

Gym / Yoga / Pilates / Meditation / Pranayama 

Archery - the National sport - and darts

Hike or horseback ride up to Bhutan's most iconic site the Tiger's Nest Monastery - There are many other stunning walks through the valley as well

Bicycle - Start at 3,988 m and free wheel your way down through some fantastic scenery to the town of Paro Bondey check out the markets on your way through and end up back at the hotel. (With an optional Nunnery visit)

4WD / Helicopter tours

Cooking Classes

SOUVENIRS -

Local handicrafts including - colourful masks / cane, bamboo and wooden products / hand woven textiles / Bhutan Red Rice (Vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants), Buddhist paintings, Bhutan Pure Honey

TIPS -

• Get seats on the right hand side of the plane for the best views when coming in to land

• Room 30 then 40 have the most staggering views

• Room 15 is the most secluded and romantic

• Private cars and drivers available from the hotel and included in your daily tariff

• Make sure you get travel insurance with trip disruption coverage

CHEAPER OPTIONS -

There are a lot of other hotels in the valley at various prices. Booking.com doesn't cover Bhutan so you can  find them on Google maps.

Bear in mind to get a visa you need to be on a prepaid pre booked tip with your own local tour guide. There is a minimum cost per day of roughly US$560 per couple. or you could just get a registered tour operator to design a suitable tour with everything included for the minimum daily spend.

Click this link to have a look at other hotels

Click here to look at local tour operators

VISAS -

Everyone except people from India, Bangladesh and the Maldives will need a visa for Bhutan. They can be picked up on arrival after you have organised it with a registered tour operator. You will need proof of occupation when you arrive as well.

TRANSPORT -

Fly in and out of the very scenic Paro International Airport ( PBH ) Drukair aka Royal Bhutan Airlines and Bhutan Airlines (since 2013) are the only carriers that fly into Bhutan. They have direct flights from Bangkok, Singapore, Kolkata (Calcutta), New Delhi and Mumbai (Bombay).

The airport is so scenic less than two dozen pilots are certified to make the daylight only landings. Nervous flyers might want to give it some consideration.

Check here for flights.

EXTRA -

Have a look at Thailand in 'Countries' and 'Islands' -  Bangkok and Singapore in 'Cites' and #133 India's Toy Trains in 'Train Trips'.