Bhutan: Travel to the Himalayan Kingdom

Our goal is always to find the most interesting and memorable lodging a region offers. Here's one of our favorites from our Bhutan tour. For a complete list, please call or email us.

Uma Paro
Bhutanese hotels are a delightful revelation. One of our favorites is the serenely authentic Uma Paro. Pine-clad valleys and snow-tipped Himalayas fill every view. The main building was once a Bhutanese nobleman’s home, and the design is a wonderful mix of handcrafted materials, walls painted by local artists, and contemporary comfort. On our 3-night stay, you’ll want to find time to visit the Hot Stone Bath house and the yoga studio.

Begins: Paro (with a transfer from Bangkok)
Ends: Paro (with a transfer to Bangkok)

The climate varies with altitude, with the highest temperatures and rainfall occurring in the south which bears the brunt of the monsoon between June and September.

Temperatures drop dramatically with increases in altitude, though days are usually very pleasant with clear skies and sunshine. Nights are cold and require heavy woollen clothing, particularly in winter. Generally, October, November and April to mid-June are the best times to visit - rainfall is at a minimum and temperatures are conducive to active days of sightseeing. The foothills are also very pleasant during the winter.

Average Daily Highs (°F)	March	April	Nov.
Bhutan	60	68	64

So Close to Heaven, The Vanishing Buddhist Kingdoms of the Himalayas - Barbara Crossette
A "New York Times" Asia correspondent writes of Bhutan and neighboring kingdoms of Ladakh and Sikkim in the Himalayas, strongholds of Tantric Buddhism in an increasingly homogenized world. It’s part travelogue and part history—a personal portrait of the region.

Hidden Bhutan, Entering the Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon - Martin Uitz
Martin Uitz writes with affection of the country, its people, culture and charms in this short account of his travels. Published posthumously, Uitz died while trekking in Nepal in 2007.

Bhutan, The Land of Serenity - Matthieu Ricard
A Buddhist monk, photographer, and French interpreter for the Dalai Lama, Ricard, draws on his time in Bhutan over the last 25 years for this intimate portrait. With illuminating chapters on the remarkable Khyentse Rinpoche, sacred art, architecture, dancing monks and ceremonies.