10 Unique Experiences Only Available at COMO Uma Bhutan

Experiences You Will Find Nowhere Else

COMO Uma Bhutan operates two properties — COMO Uma Paro and COMO Uma Punakha — and between them, they offer a roster of experiences that exist only within the COMO ecosystem. As a Preferred Partner of COMO Uma Bhutan, Bhutan & Co. has arranged these for countless guests. Here are ten that stand out.

1. Bhutanese Whisky Cocktail Tasting

Bhutan produces its own whisky — a surprising fact for a Buddhist kingdom. COMO Uma properties offer curated Bhutanese whisky cocktail tastings, where local spirits are paired with house-made mixers, seasonal ingredients, and the expertise of the bar team. It is a chance to taste something genuinely rare: whisky from the Land of the Thunder Dragon, served in a setting that could not be more appropriate.

2. Chele La Pass Freewheel Ride (Mt Jhomolhari Views)

At 3,810 metres, Chele La is the highest motorable pass in Bhutan. The drive up winds through rhododendron forests and alpine meadows; the descent can be done on two wheels. COMO arranges freewheel (gravity-assisted) cycling from the pass down into the Paro Valley — a thrilling ride with views of Mt Jhomolhari (7,314m) and the eastern Himalayan range. The mountain, sacred to Bhutanese, dominates the horizon. This experience is exclusive to COMO's activity programme.

3. Prayer Flag Printing with Lam Rinzin

Prayer flags carry mantras and blessings across the Himalayan wind. At COMO Uma Paro, guests can learn the traditional woodblock printing technique from Lam Rinzin — a master craftsman who has practised this art for decades. You carve (or use pre-carved blocks), apply natural dyes, and print your own set of flags to take home or leave at a sacred site. It is hands-on, meditative, and deeply connected to Bhutanese spiritual practice.

4. Butter Lamp Lighting Ceremony

Lighting butter lamps is a Buddhist practice of offering light — symbolising wisdom dispelling ignorance. At COMO Uma Paro, guests can participate in a butter lamp lighting ceremony at a nearby temple or monastery. The ritual is brief but profound: you light the lamps, offer a prayer or intention, and watch the flickering flames join hundreds of others. It is an intimate way to engage with Bhutan's living spiritual tradition.

5. "Exploring National Happiness" — COMO Conversation with Prof Kinzang Lhendup

Gross National Happiness (GNH) is Bhutan's famous alternative to GDP. COMO Conversations are curated talks with local experts, and one of the most sought-after is "Exploring National Happiness" with Professor Kinzang Lhendup — an academic who has studied and taught GNH for years. He explains the philosophy, the measurement framework, and what it means for everyday Bhutanese life. It is a rare opportunity to understand the kingdom's guiding principle from someone who has shaped its discourse.

6. Archery with Guides

Archery is Bhutan's national sport — a tradition that predates the modern kingdom. At both COMO properties, guests can try their hand with the guidance of staff and local archers. The targets are small, the distances long, and the atmosphere is one of camaraderie and gentle competition. It is included in most COMO itineraries and remains one of the most memorable "light" activities of a Bhutan stay.

7. Mo Chhu White Water Rafting

The Mo Chhu (Mother River) flows past COMO Uma Punakha — and COMO is the only luxury lodge with direct access to this stretch. Rafting here is Class II–III: exciting but not extreme. You float past the 300-year-old Punakha Dzong, where 1,000 monks reside, with the Himalayas rising on either side. It is the signature adventure at Punakha and cannot be replicated from any other property.

8. Anniversary Blessings Ceremony at Punakha

Exclusive to COMO Uma Punakha, the Anniversary Blessings ceremony is a traditional Bhutanese ritual for couples. A local lama conducts a blessing; you exchange white scarves (khadhar) as a symbol of mutual respect and commitment. The ceremony is followed by a private four-course dinner. For honeymooners or couples celebrating a milestone, it is the most romantic experience in the COMO portfolio.

9. "Expressions of Bhutan" Folk Performance

Bhutanese dance and music tell stories of gods, demons, and the triumph of wisdom. "Expressions of Bhutan" is a curated folk performance arranged by COMO — traditional dances, masked performances, and live music in an intimate setting. It brings the kingdom's performing arts to you without the formality of a large festival. Often held at the lodge or a nearby venue, it is both entertaining and culturally rich.

10. Bhutan Through the Lens — Photography Journey with Leica Ambassador

COMO partners with a Leica ambassador to offer "Bhutan Through the Lens" — a photography journey that combines expert instruction with access to some of Bhutan's most photogenic sites. You learn composition, light, and storytelling while exploring temples, valleys, and mountain vistas. The programme includes critique sessions and is designed for both enthusiasts and serious photographers. It is the only luxury photography programme of its kind in Bhutan.

How to Experience Them

Most of these experiences can be woven into COMO journeys — from the 6-night Historical Odysseys to longer, bespoke itineraries. Some, like the Anniversary Blessings or the COMO Conversation, require advance booking. Others, like archery or the butter lamp ceremony, are easily arranged during your stay.

As COMO's Preferred Partner in Bhutan, Bhutan & Co. can curate your itinerary around the experiences that matter most to you. Browse our COMO journeys or contact our concierge to begin planning.