A Six Senses Journey through the Kingdom of Bhutan

10 days from £9,900 for 2023 per person

• Thimphu
• Punakha
• Gangtey
• Bumthang
• Paro

The Six Senses lodges are scattered throughout the five valleys of Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey, Bumthang and Paro. You can visit any one of the lodges individually or, to have the best experiences that Bhutan has to offer, we can plan a tailor-made Bhutan journey that will include a combination of all five lodges.

Your journey begins in Thimphu, the capital and country’s largest city, which lies in a steep valley surrounded by rich forested mountains dotted with ancient monasteries and temples. Explore the city’s highlights including Buddha Dordenma, Thimphu Dzong and the national museum, or simply relax in your luxurious surroundings, taking in Bhutan’s stress-free way of life. Driving onto Punakha you will be able to capture dramatic views of the Himalayan peaks at Dochu La Pass en-route. Soaring at over 10,000 feet, striking cloud-capped valley views and 108 hillside chortens, woven together with colourful fluttering prayer flags is a sight to behold.

Punakha Valley enjoys a warmer climate, and lower altitude of around 4,300 feet, so is a popular winter destination for many Bhutanese. Whilst in Punakha you will be able to get a fantastic sense of history and culture. Punakha Dzong is perhaps the most important site in Punakha. On the banks where the Pho and Mo rivers meet, the majestic structure stands six stories high and was constructed as an embodiment of Buddhist values. From Punakha to Gangtey, your route winds along rivers and through forests, eventually leading to Lha Wang La Pass which opens up on to the Phobjikha Valley, at 9,500 feet. Gangtey is home to the Black-necked Crane Visitor Centre, a conservation centre dedicated to protecting these vulnerable birds. Gangtey Goemba, known as “the Gem of Phobjikha” is also a highlight of Gangtey.

Venture deeper into the kingdom as you travel east to Bumthang, a thrilling region with even more striking landscapes of natural beauty; mountains, farmlands and rivers abound, dotted with herds of yaks and if you’re lucky, the occasional quick sighting of wild boar, deer, rare pheasants and other native animals. The quiet, alpine town of Paro is where this tour concludes. End your time in Bhutan by hiking up to Taktsang Goemba, known as Tiger’s Nest. This highly revered monastery was built on a sheer cliff face, roughly 2,950 feet above the Paro Valley, and on a clear day it is visible from the valley floor.

This luxury holiday is purely a suggested itinerary. It can be booked as it is or alternatively used as a starting point for creating your own perfect tailor-made holiday to Bhutan. If you'd like to see similar tours, take a look at our other Ultimate Luxury Villas Holidays, Honeymoons and Active Holidays.

My favourite thing is to go where I've never been.
Diane Arbus