Bhutan or Bust

If you’ve been dreaming  of a journey into the kingdom of Bhutan where days are filled with trekking to ancient monasteries, mountain biking from one village to the next, and learning to channel the residents of a country whose GDP is measured in happiness, then it’s time to wake up and pack your bags. With these latest deals from COMO Hotels and Resorts’ Uma Paro and the summer sale on Druk Air (Bhutan’s official carrier), now is the time to hop on the next flight to “the land of smiles.”

Bhutan For One: For those seeking solace and adventure, book an Uma Paro package solo and receive a 50% discount on single occupancy rates (excluding Druk Path Trek and Bumdra Camp packages and Adventure Retreats). Rates start at $1,305.50 with discount and include government fees for a three-night Himalayan Escape package.

Second Room at Half Price: If traveling with friends or family, book two Himalayan travel packages (i.e. five-night Himalayan Discovery or seven-night Himalayan Explorer packages) and get a 50% discount on the second. Rates for the five-night Himalayan Discovery package start at $4,490 per room and $6,166 per room for the seven-night Himalayan Explorer package, both based on double occupancy.

Bhutan-Bangkok Connection: Why not break up the long-haul journey with a FREE night’s detour in bustling Bangkok on the way there and back. Book a minimum of five-night Himalayan Discovery package and receive two complimentary nights at its sister hotel, the Metropolitan Bangkok, for some well-deserved shut-eye in a chic urban oasis. Room rates at the Metropolitan begin at $260–so that’s about $510 in added value.

Note: All of these offers are valid for stays from June 1 to August 31, November 1 to December 20 2009 and January 1 to March 31 in 2010 and cannot be used in combination. Uma Paro’s full-service travel packages are carefully prepared by English speaking guides who show guests around the mystical kingdom. The hotel will look after all formalities, including visas and taxes as well as arranging flights on Druk Air.

• For more information, email: res.paro@uma.como.bz.