Published on May, 2025
We did a 7 night 8 day tour, Thimphu 2 nights, Punakha 2 nights and Paro 3 nights. We stayed at the following properties at these locations , Le Meridian Thimphu, Denza Resort Punakha, and Uma Como Paro.
Le meridian Thimphu has great service, decent food and good cocktails. However, at best it is a business hotel. The price is steep for a business hotel.
Densa resort Punakha was great value for money ( in comparison to Le Meridian, Thimphu). The rooms were large, the view stunning, good breakfast, good cocktails, and good dinner. The spa was descent. We were able to switch off.
The highlight of the holiday was the stay at Uma Como, Paro. Expensive but worth every cent. Outstanding food, variety, fresh produce, taste etc. we at breakfast and dinner everyday. A great bar with good selection and a great bartender who can spin amazing cocktails. Also, had one of the most amazing massages ever.
As for the tour, we did 5-6 places in Thimphu including Buddha Dordenma ( must visit), National Memorial Chorten, Folk Heritage Museum ( must eat lunch here for the most authentic Bhutanese food), Santayana Viewpoint, Takin Reserve, and finally a walk at the local market, Kaja Throm.
On way to Punakha, we drove through Dochula Pass. At Punakha, we saw the Chimi Lhakhang, temple of fertility followed by the Punakha Dzong ( a must see fort, the largest in Bhutan). The next day we did a 50 mins hike up to Khansum YulayNamgyal Chorten. This was to test ourselves for the bigger hike to tigers nest
Later. Thereafter, we saw the Punakha suspension bridge the longest in Bhutan followed by the Sangchhen Nunnery.
From Punakha we drove back to Paro via the Dochula pass. At Paro, we saw the Paro Dzong followed by the national
Museum. The next day we hiked to Tigers Nest ( a must do trek for people who are fit). The day after we drove to Chelela pass followed by shopping for local handicrafts and paintings at Paro’s main market.
For the entire trip, we had access to a Land Cruiser Prada driven by Mr Phub Dorji, an excellent driver with a great sense of humour, who made the entire drive enjoyable. Our Guide, Mr Isaac Rai was not only knowledgeable about the ways of life in Bhutan with many anecdotes, short cuts, places to visit and a great music playlist etc … but also had a great sense of humour. In addition, he doubled up as a great photographer. Mr Isaac did both the hikes with us and if it wasn’t was his continuous motivation, then the hike to Tigers Nest might not have been possible.
The duo of our driver Mr Phub and our Guide Mr Isaac made this holiday both enjoyable and memorable.
Overall a great holiday. Some Great memories. We shall return again ….
