Uma Paro provides intelligent access to the different layers that make up the mystic Land of the Thunderdragon. Vistas of jaw-dropping scale, including emerald valleys and dramatically beautiful snow-tipped ranges wrapped in mist await the traveler, but it is Bhutan’s spiritual aspect – this is the Himalayas’ last surviving Buddhist kingdom, with the ancient faith permeating all aspects of life – which can be more affecting than the scenery itself.
In order to immerse guests in this textural richness, Uma Paro has developed a comprehensive range of activities organised by English-speaking specialists. We offer guided day walks or strolls, visits to local temples, monasteries and markets, bike rides and full-service camping treks, lessons in the art of Bhutanese archery and a typical Bhutanese lunch at a local farmhouse. Three of Uma’s most popular trips are featured below, however for a full list of our activities and tours, please contact one of our experienced guides, either at the Activities Desk in the lobby or by telephone on extension 3308.
Please help us by booking your trip or activity as far in advance as possible. Paro Daywalk Zurig Dzong, Rinpung Dzong, Ta Dzong & Paro This short walk takes in some of the most important local sites of interest as it winds through pine forests high above Uma Paro to the pretty grounds of the fortress-like monastery of Zuri Dzong. Traverse across to Ta Dzong, housing Bhutan’s National Museum (open Tuesday-Saturday) with magnificent views over Paro, and on down to visit Rinpung Dzong – ‘the 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. Duration: 5 - 7 hours (depending on time spent in National Museum and Paro) Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Guided with picnic Cost per person: US$60++ Includes the services of an English-speaking Guide, a vehicle transfer and mineral water A Day Out in Thimpu National Memorial Chorten, National Institute of Traditional Medicine, National Textile Museum, Market Day The capital of Bhutan sprawls up the wooded western hillside of the Wang Chhu. The centre of government, religion and commerce, Thimpu is a bustling town where traditional ways mingle with modern introductions. The drive from Uma Paro to the capital takes about 1.5 hours and sights worth seeing include the following, time and local conditions permitting: Market Days: Thimpu’s main markets days are Friday, Saturday and Sunday. BBS Tower Viewpoint and Takin Compound: On the way to the viewpoint over Thimpu is the home of Bhutan’s national animal, the Takin, a strange looking beast which some say looks like a beestung moose. National Memorial Chorten: Bhutan's third king, H.M. Jigme Dorji Wangchuck who had wished to erect a monument to world peace and prosperity, 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: the “fortress of the glorious religion”, 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: 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 (Open Monday to Friday). National Textile Museum: Providing an insight into the 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 (Open Tuesday-Friday and half day at the weekends). Folk Heritage Museum: a replica of a traditional Bhutanese house as it would have looked 100 years ago and as many Bhutanese families still live to this day (Open Monday to Friday) 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 Cost per person: US$75++ (US$90 single supplement) Includes the services of an English-speaking Guide, a driver and vehicle and mineral water Highlights of the Paro Valley Taktsang Walk, Drukgyel Dzong & Kyichu Lhakhang One of the most amazing and important pieces of architecture in Bhutan, Taktsang Goemba defies logic, gravity, and reason. 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 an early start is advisable for the two-hour climb, via the cafeteria, to the Tiger’s Nest viewpoint. Descend steeply, then climb up to the monastery, passing a waterfall (visit monastery if it is open – with sufficient notice Uma Paro can arrange a permit). We retrace our steps or alternatively (time permitting) head further up to several remote temples and monasteries. Drive further up the valley to Drukgyel Dzong, built in 1644 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to control northern route to Tibet. The route is picturesque, and the site of dzong magnificent (from here, only two-day hike to the border with Tibet, dominated by Mt Jhomalhari). On the 17km drive back to Paro we pay our respects at Kyichu Lhakhang one of the oldest temples in Bhutan with its magic orange tree which bears fruit all year round. Duration: 7 – 8 hours Difficulty: Moderate to Hard (ascent should not to be attempted until at least third day in Bhutan, after acclimatization has occurred) Cost per person: US$75++ (US$90 single supplement) Includes the services of an English-speaking Guide, a driver and vehicle, mineral water and, if booked in advance, an entry permit for Taktsang Lunchtime picnics, prepared by Uma Paro’s chefs, are available from the Bukhari Restaurant – please place your order on the day prior to the activity. For more information about Uma Paro, including the full range of itineraries, inclusive packages and services (including tailor-made itineraries, groups and the hosting special events) we offer, please speak to one of our staff or email info.paro@uma.como.bz
