Find Happiness in Bhutan With 5-Night Itineraries Starting at $3,734

Release yourself from the samsara of a hectic day-to-day existence and meditate on one of these unique getaways to the Land of the Thunder Dragon.  More commonly known to outsiders as Bhutan, this land-locked Buddhist nation and its unspoiled mountainous terrain is yours to explore.  For a five-night stay period during select dates, Uma Paro is offering several itineraries to experience this Himalyan nirvana.

The Himalayan Discovery Package
Upon arrival at Uma Paro, staff members will provide a short walking tour in and around the facility for acclimatization purposes. Afterward, guests will want a full night sleep for the trekking adventures that lie ahead.

Hiking through the pine forests surrounding Uma Paro, explorers will discover monolithic monasteries with fantastic views as far as the eye can see. After a quick stop at Bhutan’s National Museum in Ta Dzong, the first day’s journey will end at ancient temple of Kyichu Lhakhang, which harbors a mystical orange tree that bears fruit year round.

With a day of rest in between, the remainder of the stay at Uma Paro will include guided tours passing through ancient temples, bazaars and serene picnic sites. The Bhutanese territory, long assaulting by Tibetans and Mongols from the North, also features many dzongs, or fortresses, that remain intact today.  Perhaps one of the most fascinating destinations, which takes place on the final day of the trip, is the near vertigo-inducing view of Taktsang Goemba, a sacred Nye precariously perched on the mountain cliff side. Established in the eighth century by a demon-ridding Guru known as Rinpoche, the architectural wonder defies gravity and belief.

Other amenities included in the Himalayan Discovery package include a complimentary one-hour daily yoga class (except on Sundays), use of the resort’s swimming pool, library, steam room and gym, one COMO Shambhala massage per person and private airport transfers and transport in Bhutan. Costs for a one-room (based on two sharing) accommodation starts at $4,490 and the offer is valid year-round.

Himalayan Discovery & Bumdra Monastery Camp Package
Featuring many of the same venues offered with the Himalayan Discovery package, this deal is unique in the fact that it provides guests with a stay at the Bumdra Monastery for a night. Along with awesome views of the Himalayan mountain range, this “cave of a thousand prayers” destination will also provide complimentary meals and riding ponies at an extra charge.

The next day’s trek will snake along the mountainside to the destination of Sangtopelri, featuring beautiful gardens and steep precipices, and end at the Tiger’s Nest of Taktsang. 

Costs begin at $5,702 per room, based on double occupancy. The package is valid from March to late May 2010. Also, be sure to check out the Uma Paro website or contact a travel agent to get more details on packing essentials for any period of stay in Bhutan.

Shopping and Shangri La Package
Shop, eat, and indulge at the Metropolitan, Bangkok and then steal away for some relaxation in Bhutan with this special five-night package. After a day of shopping followed by a sumptuous five-course dinner at the Cy’an Restaurant, guests will be whisked away to the quiet retreat at Uma Paro.

Following a similar itinerary with two days of hiking and exploring Bhutan’s most sacred cultural treasures, visitors can immerse themselves in the Bhutanese lifestyle by participating in archery, the national sport, or by simply enjoying the sounds of rigsar, a hybrid form of traditional and Western popular music.

One perk every guest will enjoy are the limousine rides upon arrival and departure from Bangkok International Airport. Prices for this package begin at $3,734 per room and the offer is available year-round. Depending on destination, departure flights from Bhutan are arranged between 5 am and 9 am to avoid adverse weather conditions.

Guest services at Uma Paro include on-request babysitting services (with 24-hour notice), butler and concierge services and a multilingual hotel staff. For larger families, the spacious two-bedroom Villa 12 offers one of the best views of the Paro Valley.

In Bhutan - the only country in the world to measure Gross National Happiness - travelers will truly believe there is a heaven on earth after all. For more trip itinerary details or reservations, visit the Uma Paro website or call them at 975 8 271597.