Need to know
Rooms
11 rooms, including two villas
Check–Out
Your Smith Extra means that you can check in early (from 12 noon) and check out late (before 2pm).
Also
The best months to visit Bhutan are March, April, May, October and November. Himalayan views are considered to be their most beautiful during autumn, particularly October. Punakha is low in altitude when compared to other Bhutanese destinations, so the climate tends to be warmer, and it doesn’t get quite as cool during the winter months.
Hotel closed
The hotel is currently closed due to Covid, and will reopen as soon as is safe to do so.
At the hotel
Bukhari restaurant, terrace bar, Como Shambhala spa, WiFi, lounge, archery facilities. In rooms: Nespresso machine, selection of teas, bottled water, fresh fruit every day, TV, WiFi, hairdryer, Como Shambhala toiletries. Rates include breakfast and dinner. Como Uma Punakha can help to arrange your visas, transport and tours.
Our favourite rooms
If it’s space you’re after, then opt for the stately-style Como villa: a two-bed standalone property with panoramic views of Punakha valley, a large outdoor terrace and interiors drawing from Bhutanese design. We love the ground-floor valley view rooms, too, which have outdoor terraces, sheesham-wood furniture and unforgettable vistas of the forests, mountains and Mo Chhu river. All that, and plenty of space for oversized beds, deep soaking tubs and a separate lounge area.
Spa
Choose from a menu of holistic, Asian-inspired treatments at the Como Shambhala Spa. One of the two Mo Chhu-facing treatment rooms has a traditional Bhutanese hot-stone bath – the stones crack and steam when placed in water, releasing minerals that relieve stress and soothe the body. Follow that with a Como Shamhala massage, or an Indian head massage focusing on the nine Marma facial points. You can even opt for a couples massage workshop, where you’ll learn the skills needed to perform the centuries-old healing tradition at home.
Packing tips
You needn’t worry about layers for the evenings: there are bukhari's (traditional wood-burning clay pot furnaces) dotted around the hotel to keep you toasty at all times.
Also
The Bhutanese government has set a minimum daily package for visitors. But worry not: as a licensed operator, Como Uma Punakha will be able to arrange this for you. We’d recommend combining your booking with sister property Como Uma Paro.
Children
Children are welcome, but please note that there are no kids’ club, crèche or babysitting facilities available.
Sustainability efforts
Como hotels proudly act as custodians of the land in each of their destinations – including celebrating local culture, supporting the domestic economy, and minimising impact on the local environment. Hotels are built using local craftsmanship, restaurants serve local produce and spa treatments are tailored to the traditions of each culture. Como Uma Punakha sources its ingredients locally where possible (much comes from the kitchen garden), supports social enterprises, and cultivates indigenous tree species. The team here are working with local authorities to restore blue pine and cypress trees, and welcome guest participation, if interested, in their sustainable initiatives.