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SMALL GROUP ADVENTURE
- 10 NIGHT FULLBOARD PACKAGE
(8 nights Uma Paro & 2 nights Metropolitan Bangkok)
December 1st to 11th 2009

In this two centre, ten-night package, enjoy the best of Asia’s most dynamic capital, staying at the Metropolitan Bangkok for a night of revelry on your way to and from Uma Paro, Bhutan. It couldn’t be easier: we take care of your four hour-long flights from Bangkok to Paro, and all transfers, making the route to Shangri-La easier than ever before.

The combination is perfect for those who want to shop, eat and indulge before retreating to the quiet and inspiring Himalayan vistas to experience complete immersion in Bhutan’s extraordinary landscape and cultural heritage – and perhaps some more shopping for that unique Christmas gift from the Land of the Thunderdragon – maybe an elaborate thangkha painting, some woven fabric, a selection of fabulous postage stamps, a singing bowl or a prayer wheel.

Our exploration comprises three days of guided walks through the Paro Valley, visiting the Taktsang ‘Tiger’s Nest’ Monastery, the National Museum, Drukgyel Dzong and the ancient temple of Kyichu Lhakhang. At each site, guests will be exposed to the subtle intricacies of this ancient Buddhist land, learning about its people, culture and deep-set religious traditions. This aspect of Bhutanese society is made vital with time for witnessing a puja, or worship, in a local monastery, meeting with monks, listening to their age-old chants, providing a chance to witness yet more of their exquisite arts tradition (the 13 traditional arts and crafts – Zorig Chusom). To further experience Bhutan’s staggering Himalayan landscape, shoppers can choose to spend a day at the weekend market and handicraft shops in the capital, Thimphu. In addition, take a day trip to the remote Haa valley where the Bhutanese continue their rural existences amid the emerald fields and forests where time has stood still for decades. Returning to our comfortable home in the Himalaya, Uma Paro, after each day’s adventures – accommodation is included on a full-board basis in Bhutan, excluding beverages – there is plenty of free time to relax, enjoying the peace, views and the swimming pool.

DAY 1 Monday 1st December
Arrival at Bangkok International Airport check-in at the Metropolitan Bangkok Our airport limousine service will ensure that you arrive in style at the Metropolitan Hotel Bangkok where our guest services staff are on hand to assist with shopping and sightseeing programs. Perhaps you would rather just relax in the COMO Shambhala health club — our largest city retreat yet. After a sumptuous five-course dinner at our award-winning Cy’an restaurant, a night of fun awaits either at the Met Bar or any one of the many nightspots for which Bangkok is famous.
Overnight: Metropolitan Bangkok

DAY 2 Tuesday 2nd December
Mountain flight, arrival, check-in, show round and easy walk. The morning flight to Bhutan is spectacular. It approaches the Himalayan range — Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga can be seen — before the final descent into the Paro Valley. Uma Paro staff will welcome you at the airport for the 10-minute transfer to the property. We invite you for a short, guided walk in the afternoon in and around Uma Paro for orientation and acclimatisation.
Overnight: Uma Paro

DAY 3 Wednesday 3rd December
Daywalk Zurig Dzong, Rinpung Dzong, Ta Dzong, Paro Town & Kyichu Lhakhang Wind 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 – ‘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. A few kilometers north of 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: 5 – 7 hours (depending on time spent in National Museum and Paro)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Guided with picnic
Overnight: Uma Paro

DAY 4 Thursday 4th December
A Day Out in the Haa Valley Day Start early for the drive to Haa via Chele La (pass) which at 3810m is the highest road pass in Bhutan, snaking upwards through blue pine and rhododendron (Etho Metho) forests for 35km. On a clear day the view sweeps away to snow-dome of Bhutan’s highest peak Mt Jhomolhari (7314m). After a bracing walk along the prayer flag bedecked ridge it is down into Haa (by bike if you prefer) – the whole drive should take no more than 2.5 hours. Wangchulo Dzong is presently occupied by the Indian Army, however this makes for a quirky experience.
Having visited the bazaar it is a short walk along the Haa Chhu (river) to a picnic spot. At Lhakhang Karpo (the White Temple), many young monks await to offer a warm, noisy welcome and may accompany us to the nearby Lhakhang Nagpo (the Black Temple). The Haa valley only opened to foreigners in 2002 due to its proximity to the border with Sikkim and Tibet. This unspoilt valley harks back to a simpler more traditional time. For those who would rather a walk than to visit Haa we recommend a 3-4 hour hike up to Kili Goemba an ancient nunnery, topping out at Chele La. A further option, once back (by vehicle or bike) in the Paro Valley, time permitting, is a 20 minute walk out to the dramatically positioned Dzongdrakha Goemba complex.
Duration: 7 – 9 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Guided with picnic
Overnight: Uma Paro

DAY 5 Friday 5th December
Free Day For relaxing around Uma Paro enjoying the facilities (swimming pool, steam room, gym, daily complimentary yoga classes etc) or perhaps trying some other activity like the Bhutanese national sport of archery, or maybe a therapy such as the traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath.
Overnight: Uma Paro

DAY 6 Saturday 6th December
Day Out in Thimpu 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 day is Saturday and can easily lose a couple of hours wandering amongst the colourful stalls before heading into town for more shopping opportunities.
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”, was initially erected in 1641 and rebuilt by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the 1960s. Tashi Chhoe Dzong 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 the tour is fascinating (Open Monday to Friday).
National Textile Museum: Providing an insight into the living 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, with weavers demonstrating their skills on traditional back looms (Open Tuesday-Friday and half day at the weekends).
Folk Heritage Museum: If there is still time we may visit this 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
Guided with picnic or sample typical Bhutanese fare at own expense in local restaurant
Overnight: Uma Paro

DAY 7 Sunday 7th December
Paro local weekend market, Paro town shopping and Bhutanese farmhouse visit An early morning start ensures we reach the local market at the best time and whilst on a smaller scale than Thimpu’s market it is no less interesting with items to look out for including fresh and dried chillies, chugo the hard yak cheese threaded onto strings and chewed by young and old alike. Traditional bamboo bows and arrows also make for great gifts and these can be found in various local shops along with colourful prayer flags and excellent examples of typical woven fabrics used to make the traditional dress – Gho for men and Kira for women. Later our friendly farmer, Tshering, will show you round his farm in the valley and introduce you to his family before offering you a cup of tea.
Duration: 5 – 6 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Guided with picnic
Overnight: Uma Paro

DAY 8 Monday 8th December
Chhubjakhar Monastery Walk. Ascend from Uma Paro through blue pine forest to a viewpoint amongst prayer flags on ridge. The path continues up the ridge then traverses to Gemjo La Goemba (monastery) high above Uma. Hopefully one or both of our old friends Mindu and Passang will be there to meet us. A wide plateau flanked by orchards and forest is reached after a short climb from the monastery. Linger here awhile soaking up the magnificent mountain views and exploring the ruined fortress, deserted farmhouses and nearby Chhubjakhar monastery. There is now the option to either head off on a longer walk for further exploration or turn back for Uma Paro.
Duration: 5 – 7 hours depending on which option is taken
Difficulty: Moderate
Guided with picnic
Overnight: Uma Paro

DAY 9 Tuesday 9th December
Highlights of the Paro Valley – Taktsang Walk & Drukgyel Dzong. 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). This evening you are invited for a firelit farewell dinner in our courtyard at Uma Paro.

Duration: 7 – 8 hours

Difficulty: Moderate to Hard (ascent should not be attempted until at least third day in Bhutan, after acclimatization has occurred, riding ponies are available at an additional charge)

Guided with picnic
Overnight: Uma Paro

DAY 10 Wednesday 10th December
Depart Bhutan for Bangkok Druk Air departs in the early morning. In Bangkok, your limo awaits for the transfer to the Met and once checked-in, the rest of the day is free for more exploring and shopping in the capital city before another great dinner at Cy’an.

Overnight: Metropolitan Hotel, Bangkok

DAY 11 Thursday 11th December
Depart Thailand Our limo whisks you back to the airport for your onward flight.

Package Inclusions:

• All Bhutanese Government Visa Fees, Taxes and Royalties
• Accommodation on a full board basis throughout (excluding beverages)
• The Services of an experienced English-speaking Bhutanese Uma Paro Guide
• Entry permits and fees
• Transport including airport transfers
• Mineral water on all days out
• Welcome drink at Uma Paro
• Complimentary scheduled 1 hour daily yoga class whilst at Uma Paro (except Sundays)
• Complimentary use of the swimming pool, library and gym at Uma Paro In order to take advantage of the FIT surcharge waiver guests must arrive and depart on the scheduled Druk Air flights to and from Bangkok on the 1st and 11th of December (any other flights will attract the FIT surcharge ($30 pppd for two people and $40 pppd for single travelers).

Maximum Group Size 12 people (minimum 3 people)
The group will be led by one of Uma Paro’s highly trained and knowledgeable Bhutanese guide throughout. All main luggage is transported for you and you will only have to carry whatever you require for that day’s walks or tours. All single travelers benefit from their own room throughout.

Uma Paro 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 Paro’s chefs.

Throughout your stay you have the option to participate in a range of extra Outdoor Activities at an additional charge.

Private airport transfer is available at an additional charge.

Please read this document in conjunction with your confirmation letter and pre-departure information.

Please Note: This itinerary is intended as a guide only. Local conditions and weather may necessitate variations to the program and can affect the availability of views and panoramas described. Be aware that all times stated are approximate, and may vary with individual and group fitness.

For more information on Uma Paro, including the full range of itineraries and services we offer (including individually guided trips, tailor-made itineraries, groups and the hosting of special events), please refer to the website www.uma.como.bz or email info.paro@uma.como.bz.