SCENIC HELI ADVENTURE IN BHUTAN

Day 1 Arrive Paro

Arrive at Paro airport and transfer to COMO Uma Paro, located within the Valley of Paro, where ancient temples are encircled by emerald rice paddies. Your hotel perfectly combines the contemporary hallmarks of a COMO resort with the authentic craftsmanship of Bhutan. Handcrafted stone, tiles and hand-knotted rugs provide the texture whilst hand-painted Bhutanese designs on the walls and woodwork and Indian cotton bedcovers provide a splash of vibrancy.

Overnight: COMO Uma Paro

Day 2 Paro

Relax at your hotel or explore the Paro Valley with a Bhutanese guide. The improbably-positioned Taktsang Palphug Monastery (also known as Tiger's Nest Monastery) sits perched high on a cliffside of the upper Paro Valley. One of Bhutan's most iconic sites, the monastery is only accessible by mountain path, though those who climb it are rewarded with the most remarkable views. Other cultural pursuits include Ta Dzong, Bhutan's national museum and Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the country's oldest temples, with a magical orange tree which supposedly bears fruit year-round. Alternatively, enjoy mountain biking or archery (Bhutan's national sport) or go walking in the mountains.

Overnight: COMO Uma Paro

Day 3 Paro to Punakha

Today, you will take a helicopter flight over the scenic Laya Valley, otherwise known as Bhutan's 'hidden paradise'. The valley is home to the indigenous Layap people, banished from Tibet in the 15th century. Semi-nomadic, the life of the Layap people revolves around yak, which provide fur and milk. From the helicopter, you are likely to spot herds of yak as they graze at high altitude, as well as rural villages clinging to the mountainside. Arrive at COMO Uma Punakha, located at the western end of the Punakha Valley, overlooking a bend in the Mo Chhu River.

Overnight: COMO Uma Punakha

Day 4 Punakha

Your hotel is set amidst stunning scenery that is a joy to explore on foot. The nearby Gangtey Valley is a wild, unspoiled glacial valley with deep forest and thick bamboo. Other outdoor activities include an optional white water rafting trip down the Mo Chhu and Samdingkha Rivers. You may like to explore the Punakha Dzong, a magnificent 17th century fortress that once housed the country's government, or Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a beautiful four-storey temple set on a ridge in the Punakha Valley. Output is measured in terms of Gross Domestic Happiness in Bhutan and so it is no surprise that some of the world's best wellbeing retreats can be found here. The COMO Shambhala Retreat looks out over the peace of the valley and offers a range of Asian-inspired treatments - massages, facials and therapies.

Overnight: COMO Uma Punakha

Day 5 Punakha to Paro

Today, enjoy another helicopter flight over the Himalayan ranges back to Paro. Your views might include the Mount Jomolhari peak (the source of the Paro River), the Turquoise Lake and yak-herding camps. You may see wildlife including marmots and a rare species of blue sheep - the Bharal.

Overnight: COMO Uma Paro

Day 6 Paro

Spend your final full day in Bhutan relaxing and appreciating the peace of your hotel with a complimentary body treatment or yoga session at the COMO Shambhala Retreat. Enjoy a final evening dining at Bukhari.

Overnight: COMO Uma Paro

Day 7 Depart

This morning, transfer to Paro airport for your flight home.