COMO Uma Punakha is a jewel-like lodge of just 11 rooms, perched on a small hill at the western end of the Punakha Valley where the Mo Chhu River curves through rice paddies and orange orchards below. At 1,200 metres — Bhutan's lowest and warmest valley — the air is subtropical, the vegetation lush, and the pace deliberately unhurried.
Five hours by car from its sister property COMO Uma Paro, the journey itself is a highlight: climbing the 3,000-metre Dochula Pass with its 108 Buddhist chortens and, on clear days, sweeping views of the Himalayan range before descending into the warm embrace of the valley.
The lodge is ideally positioned for exploring the 300-year-old Punakha Dzong — the winter residence of Bhutan's Central Monastic Body and site of major royal ceremonies — along with the Chimmi Lhakhang fertility temple, the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten built by the royal family, and the surrounding network of village trails and farmland walks.
Accommodation
Every room commands sweeping views of the Punakha Valley and the Mo Chhu as it winds through rice fields and orchards. The design is subtle — a fragile beauty that honours the landscape it inhabits.
Valley View Room
Standard
Light-filled rooms in the main building with floor-to-ceiling windows, private balconies, and sweeping views of the Punakha Valley and the Mo Chhu as it winds through rice fields. Contemporary Bhutanese design with COMO's clean-lined sensibility.
One-Bedroom Villa
Intimate
A private villa with separate living space and dedicated outdoor area, designed for couples seeking seclusion within an already intimate property. Views extend across the valley floor to the distant Himalayan foothills.
COMO Villa
Two bedrooms
The most spacious accommodation at COMO Uma Punakha — two bedrooms with a shared pool, living area, and terrace. Ideal for families or those who want a private compound within the lodge.
Experiences from COMO Uma Punakha
Adventure, wellness, and deep cultural encounters in Bhutan's warm subtropical valley.
White Water Rafting on the Mo Chhu
The Mo Chhu river surges through the Punakha Valley, winding past rice paddies, traditional villages, and the iconic Punakha Dzong where 1,000 red-robed monks reside. Class II-III rapids suitable for both beginners and experienced rafters.
Valley Hiking & Village Trails
Hiking is almost a rite of passage in Bhutan, with more than 70 percent of the country under forest cover. Trails from COMO Uma Punakha lead through farmland, across suspension bridges, and up to hilltop chortens with panoramic views.
Traditional Hot Stone Bath
Perched on the hillside overlooking the lodge, the hot stone bathhouse offers one of Bhutan's most authentic wellness rituals. River stones are heated until they crack and steam, releasing minerals into the water for deep therapeutic relief.
Anniversary Blessings Ceremony
A bespoke Bhutanese blessing for couples, featuring the exchange of khadhar (white scarves) in a traditional ceremony followed by a romantic four-course dinner with a bottle of house wine — a ritual unique to COMO Uma Punakha.
COMO Shambhala Spa
The wellness offering at Punakha is intimate by design — two treatment rooms (one double, one single), a dedicated hot stone bathhouse on the hillside, and therapists trained in signature COMO Shambhala techniques including Bhutanese herbal rituals.
Hours: 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm · Open to non-guests
Dining at Bukhari
The warm heart of the lodge — a Bukhari-centred restaurant serving produce from the Punakha Valley. The food is healthy, wholesome, and full of flavour, drawing from Bhutanese and Indian culinary traditions with international favourites alongside. COMO Shambhala Kitchen nutrition-optimised dishes are available throughout.
COMO Uma Punakha at a Glance
Plan Your Stay at COMO Uma Punakha
Most journeys combine COMO Uma Punakha with COMO Uma Paro. Browse our curated itineraries or speak with our concierge team.