About this hotel
General information
COMO Uma Punakha is the brand’s smallest and most intimate lodge in Bhutan, with just ten rooms and villas on a low hill at the western end of the Punakha valley. Below it the Mo Chhu river winds between rice fields and orchards, and every room is turned towards that view. It feels remote and unhurried, suited to slow days of village paths, temples and time on the river.
Interiors are warm and homely: stone, wood and tile, sheesham-wood furniture, bright wall paintings by local artisans, Indian cotton bedcovers and hand-knotted rugs from Nepal. The lodge grows as many of its own herbs, spices, fruit and vegetables as it can and will show guests round the garden on request. A manager is on duty around the clock.
Location
The lodge sits at the western end of the Punakha valley above the Mo Chhu river, around five hours by car from Paro airport over the Dochula pass; transfers and all drives between valleys are arranged by the lodge team. It is often paired with COMO Uma Paro for a two-valley journey.
Spa
The COMO Shambhala Retreat lies in a quiet woodland glade overlooking the bends of the Mo Chhu. It has two treatment rooms, one double and one single, and a hot-stone bathhouse set on the hillside above the lodge, where heated river stones crackle in the water before a COMO Shambhala Massage. Massages, facials, body care, yoga and meditation complete the offer; the spa opens from 12.00 to 21.00 and also welcomes non-residents.
Sports & leisure
The lodge’s programme is rooted in the valley and its villages:
- white-water rafting on the Mo Chhu past rice fields, villages and Punakha Dzong, with calm stretches and grade two rapids; book at least 24 hours ahead
- a hike up to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten temple complex among avocado, passion-fruit and orange trees
- a gentle walk through the rice fields to the village where Chimi Lhakhang temple stands
- a butter-lamp lighting ceremony, and an anniversary blessing with an exchange of white khadar scarves and a four-course dinner
- evenings of traditional dance, folk song and sacred music performed by people from nearby villages
- yoga in the garden, plus an in-room yoga mat with meditation videos
- guided trekking itineraries of various lengths
For children
Babysitting is available on request, at an extra charge.
Restaurants & bars
Bukhari, the only restaurant, takes its name from the traditional Bhutanese fireplace and is the lodge’s convivial heart. Its wholesome, full-flavoured cooking draws on Bhutanese and Indian kitchens with a few international favourites, using produce from the Punakha valley and the lodge garden. The team can also set up a private dinner on a villa terrace or a picnic on the banks of the Mo Chhu, and in-room dining runs from 6.30 to 22.30.
Rooms
All ten rooms and villas look over the Punakha valley and the Mo Chhu, with cosy mountain interiors of locally made bedcovers, furniture and rugs. Both villa types have indoor and outdoor fireplaces and a dedicated butler.
Each room has Wi-Fi, a private bar with tea and coffee, in-room refreshments, a safe, a hairdryer, COMO Shambhala bath products and a yoga mat with meditation videos, with twice-daily housekeeping and turndown.
Valley Room
A light, airy room facing the Mo Chhu, with sheesham-wood furniture, wall paintings, a lounge area, a deep tub and separate shower; selected rooms have a private terrace. One king or two twin beds, for two guests.
One-bedroom Villa
A standalone villa whose bedroom opens through French windows to the sunset-facing valley, with a large living and dining room, walk-in dressing room, two fireplaces, a spacious terrace and a private flower-filled glade. One king or two twin beds, sleeps three.
COMO Villa
A two-bedroom villa in its own glade of azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias and hydrangeas, with en-suite bedrooms on either side, floor-to-ceiling windows, a large terrace, a walk-in dressing room and fireplaces inside and out. One king and two twin beds, sleeps five.
Photos are for illustrative purposes only. Actual room layout, furnishings, décor, views and amenities may differ from those shown and may vary between rooms of the same category. Hotel and room descriptions are based on information provided by the property and are believed to be accurate at the time of publication, but are not guaranteed. The hotel may renovate or change its rooms, facilities, restaurants and services at any time without notice. The final details of your stay are confirmed at the time of booking. See our Terms of Use.