Laughter dwells in the air like a sweet melody, and every corner whispers peace, love, and the quiet joy of simply being together. This is home – and this is Bhutan.
Sonam Wangchuk is a Bhutanese, hailing from a small district in the northern part of Bhutan called Paro. Being Bhutanese remains an integral part of his life; the people, his family, friends, and work all coherently intertwine day to day.
“Whatever we do in Bhutan is done through the heart, not just for the sake of doing it."
So, in that way, Bhutan is an immensely special country for me,” expressed the General Manager of COMO Uma Paro and COMO Uma Punakha Bhutan.
Hospitality is ingrained in this poised family man. Wangchuk’s journey in the hospitality and tourism sectors began in 2004 when he unveiled different parts of Bhutan’s alluring beauty as a freelance tour guide. His irrefutable fascination with sharing his homeland with guests is expressed through hospitality service. Thus, Wangchuk pursued a degree in Hospitality Management abroad, before eventually returning home and delving deeper into the Aman Resorts.
Enriching and adhering to a properly balanced way of life comes naturally to the Bhutanese. Whenever Wangchuk isn’t recharging at the sanctuary of his home with his family, he’s on the move. This foodie spends his time off nurturing his familial bonds by exploring new dining hotspots, as well as reconnecting with friends by kicking off on a football field. Archery is part of Bhutanese culture and tradition, as well as being a sport – special occasions call for Wangchuk to take aim with a bow.
“Bhutan is peaceful, happy, and deeply intact with its culture and traditions. It’s quite a unique destination in itself. To feel it, embrace it, understand it, and experience it – a place where it can be justified only by one’s presence there,” he added."
Bhutan is a destination worth visiting once in a lifetime. What else lies behind the mystery of Bhutan? Keep scrolling to discover more through Sonam Wangchuk’s lens.
Bhutan’s mystery wasn’t unveiled globally until foreign tourism commenced in 1974. Since then, a strict tourism policy has supported the country’s preservation of culture and environment, including mandatory official tours and daily tariffs applied. What is it about the Bhutanese way of life that’s appealing?
Perhaps one of the misconceptions about Bhutanese tourism has been the perception of restriction; not accepting everybody freely into the country, with many rules in place. But I would like to take this opportunity to clarify that Bhutan has never been restrictive. Everybody is welcome. Yes, we have certain criteria and requirements for someone to enter the country, such as the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), which is $100 per person per night intended for the government. This is in return for a traveller’s time traversing the country, which is then utilised for the welfare of the general public – tourism should benefit every person in a country.
Bhutan is deeply connected to its culture, history, and adventurous activities such as hiking, biking, and trekking. Diverse options for every traveller are accessible in Bhutan; however, the country is indeed not meant for everybody. Tick off your bucket list by visiting Bhutan wouldn't be the proper course of action because it's a place that needs time to be appreciated!
Mention one word to describe Bhutan.
There is more than one word to describe Bhutan. First is nature. Bhutan’s landscapes are undeniably captivating.
Next is happiness. Bhutan is one of the only few countries in the world where, to this day, happiness is one of the fundamental tools used to measure economic success. The people's happiness continues to be a vital priority for the government in the current fast-moving world.
Another word is Buddhism. Spirituality is not just a religion but a way of life. Many Bhutanese, both young and old, practice Buddhism not just because they are born into Buddhist families but because they live in the moment throughout all facets of life.
In your opinion, does Bhutan provide sanctuary in a world that is constantly on the go? Justify.
Very much so. I perceive Bhutan as a time-travelling destination – to the past. If you had visited Bhutan five to 10 years ago and today, you might identify several differences. Compare Bhutan to any part of the world, regardless of time, and you’ll definitely feel like you’re travelling to the past.
With fewer than one million residents, Bhutan has a pace that slows down. There are vast spaces accessible for everyone to retreat, relax, and be calm. It’s a sanctuary for locals and tourists since tranquillity is spread evenly. Keeping yourself active is also a form of relaxation! Going for hikes, short treks, and even white-water rafting are other options.
Fill in the blanks: Five vital points travellers should know before visiting Bhutan are…
A rich culture.
A year-round destination with four seasons. You can visit at any time of the year, depending on your travel and availability.
A destination with a Sustainable Development Fee. Every traveller requires a visa, which can be applied for online, not upon arrival. The visa application must be done through a local travel agent. Your whole trip to Bhutan will be taken care of by them as a package, inclusive of guides, drivers, accommodation, meals, and everything else.
Bhutan caters to every age group. Elderly visitors will enjoy it just as much. Some destinations are at an elevation of merely 2,300-2,500 metres, best explored during the summer, spring, and autumn months.
Bhutan isn’t a getaway for two or three nights. Plan for longer stays, at least five to seven days, so that you can experience the country properly.
When is the best time to visit Bhutan?
The best time is Spring (March-May). If not, then the Autumn season (September-November), when the valley turns to luscious gold and rice cultivation occurs. The mountains become extremely scenic and relatively convenient to access.
Summer doesn’t get too hot, rather similar to tropical countries such as Indonesia. Meanwhile, winter can be cold, which may not be too outdoor-friendly. Remember, your programmes in Bhutan are mostly day activities, starting from the morning at 9 AM all the way to evening at around three to four – this way, you’ll have a pleasant time outdoors when the sun is out and then rejuvenate indoors as it gets chillier.
List out five activities not to miss in Bhutan.
Hike up to the Tiger's Nest Monastery, where you can unravel the history of Bhutan.
Enjoy a farmhouse lunch experience with a local family – gastronomy is widely cherished in Bhutan as well.
Soak in a hot stone bath composed of heated river stones. It helps alleviate soreness in your joints and muscles.
Bhutan has an exceptional collection of homegrown alcohol, specifically beer and whisky. So go for a relaxing session!
Don the traditional Bhutanese clothes while enjoying the local culture to evoke an authentic experience.
These are the top five activities that I would recommend to anyone visiting. Of course, COMO Bhutan provides them to our guests.
Tell us more about COMO Uma Paro and COMO Uma Punakha Bhutan, including their highlights.
COMO Uma Paro was opened in 2004, followed by COMO Uma Punakha in 2012. COMO Uma Paro is a 10-minute drive from the airport, yet the property spans 38 acres, allowing guests to disconnect, even within Bhutan. Even the locals, like myself, are amazed by the vast space! The heritage building and green space feature all the facilities a luxury hotel requires to complement a certain destination's wonders. For instance, after a long hike, you can experience a rejuvenating massage at our COMO Shambhala Spa.
The restaurant, Bukhari, named after the traditional Bhutanese fireplace that forms a dramatic centrepiece, offers a farm-to-table concept. Bukhari's menu is seasonally driven – and so is COMO Shambhala Kitchen's. Both dining experiences are curated to be nutritionally optimised.
COMO Uma Punakha is a 3.5-hour drive from COMO Uma Paro. Reaching there will immediately radiate a completely contrasting sensation; featuring 11 cosy rooms, situated in the valley. Guests can see the river just below whilst feeling comfortably at “home.” Travelling with a group of six or seven? The property is all yours.
Combine your Bhutan adventure at these two properties and you’ll have a distinctly memorable time in the country. Remember Bhutan as home. COMO Bhutan isn't just a hotel – we are a destination-driven property that exudes the country's energy, culture, and everything else the country has to offer.
Expertly curated itineraries depending on the stay duration are possible. Say, there’s someone who has a keen interest in culture, landscapes, and sports. What might their sample itinerary look like?
We would create an itinerary in such a way that it won’t feel overwhelming or rushed for our guests. We want everybody to take the time to truly have a wonderful experience while also engaging with our people (the guides, drivers, and staff).
Sports enthusiasts should try their hand at traditional sports, such as archery or darts, in the morning. Followed by a 1-1.5-hour hike in close proximity to the property before lunchtime at one of our restaurants. Have leisure time until the evening. Depending on your preferences, we can take you to a monastery for an evening of history and culture behind the artefacts.
Is there a collaboration between the properties and the Bhutanese government regarding tourism?
Our collaboration takes many forms. COMO Bhutan collaborates with the local hospitality management school by providing internship opportunities to their students so they can come and learn the art of hospitality. We also help NGOs by supporting them with their causes.
How would you describe Bhutanese cuisine? What are the must-try foods?
Bhutanese cuisine ranges from vegetarian to non-vegetarian meals that emphasise healthy living and eating. It can be spicy, with levels ranging from mild to medium to very spicy. Depending on how much you can handle, try our national dish, Chilli and Cheese.
Rice is a staple food – red rice is grown extensively in the country. We pair rice with beef, pork, chicken, fish, and vegetables. Dumplings are another must-try dish.
The use of cheese, butter, and milk traces back to our forefathers' time. Butter tea, in fact, is one of the local tea delicacies you must try! The tea leaf itself is very unique because it’s sourced from the highland Himalayan area, mostly coming from the Tibetan side of China. It's a remarkably different herbal tea leaf that has been used to churn with butter and salt.
You have the opportunity to grow and lead in your home as the General Manager of these two COMO hotels. So, what’s next for you and the properties?
My main aim for COMO Uma Paro and COMO Uma Punakha is to elevate the guest experience as Bhutan is a wholehearted destination. Don’t simply visit, sleep, and check out – truly embrace all that Bhutan has to offer! Therefore, elevating Bhutan's essence and cultivating it into something uniquely eventful and noteworthy. For example, a smaller group, perhaps a couple, a family, or even going solo for lunch at the farmhouse, is synonymous with exclusivity.
Come to Bhutan mindfully and you’re guaranteed a warmhearted welcome. Why visit Bhutan then? Is it the people, nature, or something else?
Visit Bhutan because it remains very intact, where culture and tradition are preserved. Balance and mindfulness in all facets of life are strongly instilled. Don't simply come, take photos, and leave. You’ll most likely expand your horizons after your trip. The Bhutanese philosophy of life derived from Buddhism resonates in how you conduct yourself and is also felt as you travel through the country.
How can our readers get in touch?
You can contact us directly at COMO Bhutan's reservation office by dropping an email to [email protected]. We're a one-stop shop, meaning everything regarding your trip will be handled by us, such as your visa, flights, ticketing, accommodation, etc.