Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you. Thank you for your support!
Are you looking for the perfect blend of luxury and cultural immersion in Bhutan? COMO Uma Paro, in the heart of the Himalayas, offers a tranquil escape that combines luxury with a deep connection to nature and Bhutan’s heritage. Located just outside the town of Paro on a hillside, this five-star property is a sanctuary for travelers looking to reconnect with nature, relax, and experience the charm of Bhutan’s rich culture.
We stayed at Como Uma Paro for a total of four nights in a villa, where we relaxed and took advantage of the spa and yoga classes. We hiked directly from the property to visit multiple Paro highlights, such as the Paro Dzong and National Bhutanese Museum, engaged in the national pastime of archery, threw lawn darts, and enjoyed our quiet, peaceful room.
Whether you’re exploring the surrounding landscapes or simply unwinding at the hotel, COMO Uma Paro delivers a wonderful stay.
About Bhutan
Bhutan, a small Himalayan kingdom of about 750,000 people located between India and China, is committed to its cultural heritage and its carbon-negative footprint. Often referred to as the “Land of the Thunder Dragon,” Bhutan is deeply rooted in Buddhism, which influences both the daily life and architecture of the nation. Monasteries and sacred dzongs (fortresses) dot the countryside, blending spirituality with scenic beauty.
Bhutan is also a constitutional monarchy, with the revered King serving as both a unifying figure and a symbol of the country’s unique approach to development.
Guided by the philosophy of Gross National Happiness, Bhutan prioritizes environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and the well-being of its people over economic growth, creating a distinct and harmonious way of life.
Getting to Bhutan
Getting to Bhutan requires flying into Paro International Airport (PBH), the country’s only international airport. Known for its scenic yet challenging approach through the Himalayas. In the photo above, you can see the steep angle required to clear the mountains.
The small airport is known as one of the steepest take-off spots in the world, where planes only fly in the daylight. Only about 50 skilled pilots are permitted to fly in and out of Paro due to the difficulty of safely navigating the tight parameters of the surrounding Himalayan mountains. Seeing the planes take off and land is fascinating. Being on the plane, while you feel safe, you can feel the plane bank hard as you come in for the landing, and you see how close you get to the mountains.
On our return flight to Bangkok, we had to stop to refuel in India because the extra fuel required for our flight (I may have packed more than I needed) weighed too much for the takeoff. Bhutan Airlines (Druik Airlines) is the only carrier that operates flights to and from Bhutan, with routes to cities like Bangkok, Delhi, Kathmandu, and Singapore.
Pro Tip: If you are flying in from Bangkok, book a seat (three days before your flight) on the right side of the plane. If you are lucky, you will see Mount Everest above the clouds. It’s an incredible site to see.
Tourist Visa Required
Visitors need a tourist visa, which must be arranged in advance through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator. While independent travel is restricted, visitors can explore the country on guided tours, ensuring a seamless and immersive experience in this remote kingdom.
Daily Tourism Fee
Bhutan charges visitors $100 per person per day (at the time of writing) as a tourism tax. We paid the fee through our hotel. With the added fee, a trip to Bhutan can be pricey. There are only about 350,000 people that visit each year. However, Bhutan hopes to increase their tourism business.
Location and Accessibility
COMO Uma Paro Hotel is perfectly situated just 10 minutes from Paro International Airport, making it one of the most convenient luxury hotels in Bhutan. Despite its proximity to the airport, the hotel feels secluded, surrounded by pristine forests and overlooking the scenic Paro Valley. While other high-end accommodations like the Six Senses in Paro can be difficult to reach on twisty unpaved mountain roads and are 45 minutes to an hour from the airport, COMO Uma Paro is a short, easy drive to multiple things to do in Bhutan.
COMO Uma Paro sits roughly 2,250 meters (7,382 feet) above the Paro Valley, providing guests with a view of the bright yellow rice fields and lush green valley below. The dramatic contrasting landscape gives guests an immediate sense of peace.
The slight altitude provides a gentle introduction to the high peaks of the Himalayas found throughout Bhutan. If you’re concerned about altitude sickness in Bhutan, this altitude is manageable for most visitors, though taking it easy on the first couple of days and drinking copious amounts of water is recommended.
Pro Tip: Give yourself a couple of days to acclimate before heading out on any active adventure. If you are planning on trekking, talk to your doctor about whether altitude sickness medicine is right for you. I took Diamox, which helped with the headaches but led to serious stomach aches.
The hotel is also close to major attractions such as the Paro Dzong, the town of Paro, where visitors can shop for souvenirs, and the National Museum, making it an ideal base for those who want to explore Bhutan’s cultural and historical sites. For travelers interested in Bhutan travel and Bhutan tourism, COMO Uma Paro offers seamless access to the best of Paro.
The Arrival Experience
We were thrilled to arrive at COMO Uma Paro after a long trip from Los Angeles. We were traveling with friends. The four of us were picked up by our drivers and English-speaking tour guides (Shering and Yarab) at the airport and quickly driven to the hotel. Once we arrived, we were warmly greeted and served a delicious cup of ginger tea (which I wish they sold because it tasted so divine) and had time to talk with our guides about the next ten days before heading to our room.
Exquisite Rooms with a View
The rooms and suites at COMO Uma Paro have beautiful views overlooking the Paro Valley or the forested landscape throughout the property. Designed with Bhutanese architecture in mind, they blend modern luxury with clean lines and traditional elements. Warm woods, handwoven Bhutanese textiles, and large windows overlooking the Paro Valley are key features of the 29 suites and villas.
Paro guests can choose from a variety of luxury accommodations, including the signature villa, suites, and guest rooms.
Signature COMO Villa
Villa Overview
Gary and I stayed in a spacious 990 square foot one-bedroom villa that features a living space, a bedroom with a sitting area, a massive bathroom with a freestanding tub complete with forest views, a separate shower, dual vanities, and an open closet area. The villa was extremely large for just the two of us. However, for families or groups, the luxury Bhutan villas provide plenty of space.
The pine forest can be seen from several areas throughout the villa. For those looking to spend more time in the room, the villa comes complete with a sitting area, wood-burning fireplace, dining table, butler’s kitchen, and a large private treatment room for massages. Having a couples massage in our room was heavenly!
Villa Butler Service
The villa also comes with a butler who works with you throughout your stay, including as your waiter at the restaurant. Our butler was super nice and there when we needed him. For example, he arranged our in-room massages and interfaced with our tour guides when we were at the hotel. Since we pre-booked a package with a private tour guide, we didn’t need help with planning things to do in Bhutan, but had we wanted assistance, our butler would have helped arrange our activities.
Laundry Service
At the time of our stay, we were entitled to have five pieces of clothing laundered per day. Given how dirty we were from hiking in the mud (it rained during our trip), we appreciated having a few clean, non-muddy pieces of clothes.
Views
Our villa had a pine forest view rather than Paro Valley. Don’t get me wrong, the pine forest is a beautiful view. During our visit, the Paro Valley view was stunning, but that view was not available from the villas.
There are many common areas throughout the property with the Paro Valley view, like the restaurant, so you won’t miss out by booking a villa.
Paro Valley View Rooms
Booking a Paro Valley room lets guests take advantage of the spectacular view of the river that runs through the colorful valley, the traditional Bhutanese-style homes on the hill, and, if you are lucky, a view of the airport where you can see a few flights a day take that steep takeoff.
The natural light in the Paro Valley view room shines bright, highlighting the Bhutanese wood accents seen throughout the guest room. The 344 square foot room comes with a king or two twin beds, a small sitting area, and a separate bathtub and shower in the bathroom.
Whether you’re staying in a room, suite, or villa, every detail is carefully curated to provide a lovely setting.
Dining in Bhutan at COMO Paro Hotel
The floor-to-ceiling wood paneling in the round restaurant overlooking Paro Valley gives a treehouse vibe in a pine forest. The hotel’s restaurant, Bukhari, named after the traditional Bhutanese fireplace, offers a unique blend of Bhutanese and international cuisine. Whether you’re enjoying breakfast, lunch, or dinner, the staff goes out of their way to give you a memorable experience.
Expect dishes that highlight Bhutan’s culinary traditions, such as Ema Datshi, a chili and cheese dish, alongside a selection of Western and Indian options. Every night, there is an optional dinner tasting menu that comes with more food than one person can eat.
The chefs at COMO are adept at customizing meals for dietary restrictions, so vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free diners will all find several options.
The menu changes every couple of days to provide a variety of dining options. I found myself ordering mostly egg dishes for breakfast and pasta or salads for dinner. Gary often ordered an Indian dish. The hotel has a bountiful vegetable garden whose produce is used in the food served in the restaurant. We ate most of our lunches away from the hotel to take advantage of the sites.
Since we booked the 10-night Tradition and Thunder Trek package, all of our meals were included, even if we ate outside the hotel. While dining at the hotel, if we were so inclined, we could order a starter, main, side, and dessert for every meal. However, we decided to order far less food rather than gorge ourselves on every morsel.
Rice is a major staple in Bhutan and should be expected to be incorporated into most meals.
Wellness and Spa Treatments: COMO Shambhala Retreat
COMO Umo Paro is home to the world-renowned COMO Shambhala Retreat, which specializes in holistic wellness and healing therapies. Guests can indulge in a variety of treatments, from traditional Bhutanese hot stone baths, which are insanely hot, to relaxing massages using Himalayan herbs.
Hot stone baths are part of the Bhutanese culture. In short, the stone tub has a separate side for hot rocks that are used to heat the bath water. Leaves are added to the bath, which have healing properties that aid sore muscles. The water is generally scalding and took me a little time to get used to. While I enjoyed the experience, the bath water was so hot that I could not stay fully submerged for the full 30 minutes. Gary came close, and I thought he was going to pass away from the intense heat. As it’s a cultural experience, we gave it a try, but be warned, the hot water is intense.
The spa’s serene setting, with views over the valley, provides the perfect backdrop for rejuvenation. We opted for a couples massage in our room, which was included in our package, and incredibly relaxing after a long flight and hiking Tiger’s Nest.
Hotel Amenities
Yoga at COMO
While staying at COMO Uma Paro, guests can enjoy the several onsite amenities. In addition to its spa menu, the hotel also offers daily yoga classes. The yoga class I took was surprisingly full, with nine people in attendance. The practice focused on breathing and stretching.
Gary took another yoga class where the instructors led a small group of three experienced yogis through a calming yet invigorating experience designed to enhance both their physical and mental well-being.
Yoga is complimentary and is available every day except Sundays. For those seeking deeper relaxation, custom wellness programs can be arranged, making COMO Paro one of the leading wellness hotels in Bhutan.
Other COMO Amenities
Other hotel amenities include a gym, pool, access to archery and lawn darts, a bar, a library, and meeting rooms. We gave archery and lawn darts a try but were not very good at either.
There are also several hiking and mountain biking trails available directly from the hotel.
Activities and Excursions at COMO Uma Paro
Guests at COMO Paro Hotel have access to a wide range of activities that showcase the best of Bhutan tourism. Guided tours can take you to nearby cultural landmarks like the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery, which is a must-see for any traveler and one of the highlights for me.
Tiger’s Nest Monastery
The hike can be challenging, given the increase in altitude. But I think it is worth the effort. On our hike, the sun came out just as Tiger’s Nest came into view. Seeing the temple built into the mountainside is a surreal experience. You would never know that the temple was rebuilt after it burned down in a fire. The government went to great lengths to ensure the Tiger’s Nest maintained its original character.
If you are not trekking, most people take the Tiger’s Nest hike on their last day in Paro to give themselves time to acclimate. We did the hike on day three, and I was a mess. The 4-mile roundtrip hike rises 10,000 feet above sea level and takes between 4 and 6 hours to complete. Although I am an avid hiker and hike in the mountains, the altitude did a number on me. I was so tired that I twisted my ankle on the way down and almost fell asleep at our farmhouse lunch after the hike. Sadly, I was the youngest in our group by many years and was the only one with issues. Everyone else was fine.
Other Things to Do in Paro
Other activities in Paro include:
- Drive to the Chela La Pass, the highest point on Bhutan Highways, and if you are truly adventurous, bike down as cars pass you on the highway.
- Visit the Paro Dzong
- Shop for souvenirs
- Explore the National Museum
- Visits to local artisans
- Take archery lessons on the hotel grounds (Bhutan’s national sport)
- Play lawn darts
- Go for a hike
- Head out on a trek
- Explore other areas of Bhutan, such as Thimphu (the capital of Bhutan) and Punakha.
The hotel’s team is well-versed in curating experiences that allow guests to truly immerse themselves in Bhutan travel and its unique culture.
We were a group of four adults, and our COMO tour guides – Shering and Yarab, were extremely knowledgeable about the sites we toured, providing us with a thorough explanation of the history, cultural, and religious significance of each site.
Pro Tip: You need a tour guide for your excursions in Bhutan. It is not like other countries, where you can just show up and wing it.
Trekking in the Bhutanese Himalaya Mountains
For those interested in Bhutan trekking, COMO Uma Paro offers exclusive trekking services. Professional guides lead hikes through the pristine forests and hills surrounding Paro, including less-traveled trails that reveal hidden monasteries and breathtaking viewpoints. Whether you’re an experienced trekker or prefer a gentle hike, the hotel can tailor excursions to match your fitness level and interests.
Private Druk Trek – The Staff
Como arranges for a trekking staff with ponies to carry your luggage, set up your tents, and cook hot meals. Other than carrying our daybags, we didn’t have to lift a finger. Everything, including setting up our tents with cots and sleeping bags, the dinner tent, and even a toilet tent, was taken care of for us. The staff included five men, plus our tour guides and 14 horses. The staff and the animals worked extremely hard, especially in the non-stop rain, to give us the best experience possible.
Our Trek
With another couple, we conquered the Druk trek in Bhutan. The trek was far more challenging than I thought it would be. Frankly, I thought it was more difficult than climbing Half Dome. That might be in part due to the altitude and the constant rain that turned our trek into more of a stone-hopping experience through creeks and rivers. We also opted to push through instead of taking breaks in the rain.
Due to the weather, most of the Bhutan trek was socked in with clouds, but the majestic Himalayas would occasionally reveal secret waterfalls, lakes, and overall stunning mountain views. We only saw one other group (a couple) on our trek, who we later learned cut their trek short a day early due to the poor weather.
If it hadn’t been for the constant rain, I think I would have enjoyed the experience a lot more. However, I am proud of our group for sticking it out and completing the trek despite the added challenges.
Special Occasions and Events
COMO Paro Hotel can work with guests to organize events, such as private candlelit or firepit dinners in the courtyard.
Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Practices
Staying at COMO Paro means contributing to Bhutan’s unique position as a carbon-negative country. The hotel is committed to sustainable practices, using local materials, organic ingredients, and eco-friendly initiatives to minimize its environmental impact. Whether it’s through the use of renewable energy or supporting local artisans, COMO Paro is a leader in promoting sustainable tourism in Bhutan.
Como Uma Paro also supports the local community and monasteries that house monks by providing items like bedding, mattresses, towels, and other necessities.
Proximity to Local Attractions
The hotel’s proximity to key attractions is one of its greatest advantages. Beyond the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, which is just a 30-minute drive from the hotel, other nearby sites include the historic Paro Dzong and the National Museum of Bhutan, both of which we walked to from COMO Uma Paro on one of their signature hiking trails. Guests can explore these landmarks with private guides who provide in-depth insight into Bhutan’s fascinating history and culture.
Additionally, Paro International Airport is just a 10-minute drive from the hotel, making arrivals and departures incredibly convenient. Despite its closeness to the airport, COMO Paro remains a peaceful oasis, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of town life.
Tips for an Enjoyable Stay
- Know Before You Go: Visiting Bhutan is a unique experience, and there are several things to know before you go about currency, culture, and dos and don’ts.
- Book early: COMO Uma Paro is a popular choice for luxury travelers, so book well in advance, especially during peak seasons (March-May and September-November). The hotel was sold out during our stay.
- Pack layers: The weather in Paro can change quickly and can be unpredictable, especially with the altitude. Bring warm layers, even in summer.
- Bring rain gear: Even in October, when the weather is supposed to be best for trekking, we experienced downpours that went on for days. My ski shell and waterproof pants went a long way to keeping me mostly dry.
- Hiking boots and poles: I strongly recommend wearing a pair of hiking boots with good ankle support. I twisted my ankle on the trip, and it would have been a world of hurt if I didn’t have good hiking boots and poles to help me navigate the varied terrain.
- Adjust to the altitude: At 2,250 meters, COMO Paro’s altitude can affect some travelers. Rest and hydrate upon arrival to acclimate. Hydration tablets can be useful.
- Ask for personalized experiences: From private treks to wellness programs, the hotel offers tailored activities that can elevate your stay. Don’t hesitate to ask for custom itineraries that suit your preferences.
- Personal Travel Concierge: We booked our entire stay through COMO’s reservation team, including our flights to/from Bangkok, arranged for our visas, paid the daily tourism fee Bhutan charges visitors ($100 per person per day at the time of writing), and arranged for ground transportation and English-speaking guides.
- Explore Bhutan: Plan to visit other areas in Bhutan, including a night or two in Punakha, where there are several luxury hotels, including COMO Uma Punakha.
Final Thoughts
COMO Paro Hotel is a luxury retreat that offers the perfect balance of adventure, culture, and relaxation. Whether you’re visiting for a special occasion or simply seeking to experience the best of Bhutan tourism, COMO Uma Paro delivers a wonderful experience. With its breathtaking location, impeccable service, and commitment to sustainability, it’s one of the top luxury hotels in Bhutan. For travelers seeking an unforgettable blend of culture, nature, and luxury, this is the place to be.
Drop a comment below to let me know if you are thinking about visiting Bhutan anytime soon and staying at COMO Uma Paro.
Other hiking vacations you might enjoy:
The Ultimate Four-Day Lake Louise Itinerary
Things to Know Before You Visit Banff
A Complete Guide to Hiking Half Dome
A Gear and Packing List for Half Dome
Two-Day Yosemite Valley Itinerary With All the Highlights
Things to do in the Winter in Sedona
The Ultimate Guide to Staying at the Enchantment Resort in Sedona
Pin to Pinterest!
$100 a day visitor fee on top of having to get a tourist visa IS pretty expensive, but I guess it’s a once in a lifetime trip! The hotel is stunning, the massage space feels so relaxing (even through the photos), and the rest is all dreamy!
The fee is a little steep, but it’s worth it!
What an incredible experience! This post was fascinating to read. You really painted a beautiful picture, making me want to visit Bhutan!
Thanks, and exciting you want to visit.
Eep for the trouble with altitude sickness – I guess you never know how your body will react until you try it eh? The hiking/trekking options do sound incredible… and COMO Umo Paro looks amaaaaazing! A hot stone bath after a long hike would be perfect…
The $100 per night tourism tax is very steep though! That has to be partly why so few people visit!?
The fee is a little high, but it’s actually been reduced since COVID. it used to be $200 a day!
What an exotic place to visit! I really like mountains, but I’ve never travelled so far away. Your experience really impresses!
Wow, COMO Uma Paro looks like an incredible place to stay! The combination of luxury and serenity is exactly what I need for a getaway. I’ll definitely save this for my trip to Bhutan. Thanks for sharing this amazing review!