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Health in the Himalayas: a wellness adventure to Bhutan & India
19 days from £11,220 for 2023 per person
Bhutan famously measures not GDP but GNH - Gross National Happiness. So, where better to start this tour of revitalisation than in the world capital of contentment. The ten nights in Bhutan will take in our favourite hotels, each stunning locations which are each beautifully integrated with the peaceful local communities and the awe-inspiring mountain settings. Spend the days absorbing the culture and traditions of the rural settlements dotted across the country, then come home to unforgettable suites and heavenly spa treatments - guaranteed to make this the experience of a lifetime. From the alpine valley of Paro to the thriving capital city of Thimphu, the splendid Dzong at Punakha and the secluded Phobjikha Valley, this journey takes you across the entire Bhutanese landscape, providing you with a wonderful insight into a land that time seems to have forgotten.
Having fully acclimatised to altitudes of up to 3,000 metres, you will feel in truly rude health when you descend and arrive at Vana in the Indian Himalayan foothills. In our opinion Vana is the premier wellness retreat in India – perhaps the world. It is the perfect place to spend seven days having your body and spirit soothed, helped by expert specialist therapists, the height of hospitality and comfort in a movingly beautiful location. The 21-acre estate is in Dehradun, set among mango and lychee orchards, and ensconced within the sal forest with calming views of the Himalayan foothills. You will be contacted before travelling to discuss your goals and, after a wellness consultation on arrival, you will have an individually tailored programme for your stay at Vana. The team will help you set objectives for when you depart and are happy to continue a relationship after you are home. The aim is to achieve results that are truly noticeable and they will handhold you through your wellness journey.
This 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 tour of Bhutan and India. If you'd like to see similar itineraries, take a look at our Spa & Wellness collection; as well as our favourite Ultimate Luxury, Mountains & Trekking, Active, Multi-Country and Honeymoon itineraries.
For more information about Vana, read our Blog: Sincere wellness: Why Vana is the best wellness retreat in India.
Itinerary details
19 days from £11,220 for 2023 per person
- Day 1 - Six Senses Thimphu - Thimphu
Arrive in Paro and transfer to Thimphu. - Day 2 - Six Senses Thimphu - Thimphu
Take a guided sightseeing tour of Thimphu's National Library, the Zorig Chusum Insititute, the Textile and Folk Heritage Museums. - Day 3 - Amankora Punakha - Punakha
Scenic drive to Punakha zigzagging over the 3,140m Dochu La pass with forests of fluttering prayer flags. - Day 4 - Amankora Punakha - Punakha
Explore of the Punakha Valley including the 1637 Punakha Dzong and the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten stupa. Walk to the Drukpa Kuenley fertility temple. - Day 5 - Gangtey Lodge - Gangtey
Scenic drive to Gangtey via Wangdue Phodrang with its imposing Wangduephodrang Dzong on the hilltop above the confluence of the Punakha Chu and Tang Chu rivers. - Day 6 - Gangtey Lodge - Gangtey
Stroll through Gangtey village and visit the Black-Necked Crane Centre and the Gangtey Gompa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in the Kingdom. - Day 7 - Amankora Bumthang - Bumthang
Scenic drive to Bumthang via the Trongsa Dzong, the ancestral home of the Bhutanese royal family. - Day 8 - Amankora Bumthang - Bumthang
Visit Kurje Lhakhang which comprises three ancient temples including a sacred rock imprint of the Guru's body. Take an afternoon walk in the surrounding valleys. - Day 9 - Six Senses Paro - Paro
Fly to Paro and spend the afternoon at leisure. - Day 10 - Six Senses Paro - Paro
Take a day hike in the valley ending at the Tiger's Nest. - Day 11 - Six Senses Vana - Dehradun
Transfer to Paro airport and fly to Dehradun via Delhi. - Day 12 - Six Senses Vana - Dehradun
Wellness consultation to discuss your goals. - Day 13 - Six Senses Vana - Dehradun
Day at leisure for treatments and activities. - Day 14 - Six Senses Vana - Dehradun
Day at leisure for treatments and activities. - Day 15 - Six Senses Vana - Dehradun
Day at leisure for treatments and activities. - Day 16 - Six Senses Vana - Dehradun
Day at leisure for treatments and activities. - Day 17 - Six Senses Vana - Dehradun
Day at leisure for treatments and activities. - Day 18 - The Oberoi New Delhi - Delhi
Afternoon flight to Delhi. Spend the afternoon at leisure. - Day 19 - In transit.
Transfer to Delhi airport for your return flight home.
Places of Interest
AccommodationWhen preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money.
Susan Heller
