A Six Senses Journey through the Kingdom of Bhutan
10 days from £11,090 for 2024 per person
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.
Itinerary details
10 days from £11,090 for 2024 per person
- Day 1 - Six Senses Thimphu - Thimphu
Arrive in Paro and transfer 45-minutes' to Thimphu. Spend the afternoon at leisure to acclimatise or to explore the local sites, including Thimphu Dzong, the Folk Heritage Museum, Jungshi paper factory and the weaving centre. - Day 2 - Six Senses Punakha - Punakha
Enjoy a sunrise breakfast at the lodge before departing for Punakha, stopping over at the the Dochu La Pass en-route. Spend the afternoon at leisure. - Day 3 - Six Senses Punakha - Punakha
This morning hike to Chorten Ningpo towards Khabasa Village and ending at the Punakha Dzong and the suspension bridge. Return to the lodge and spend the rest of the day at leisure. - Day 4 - Six Senses Gangtey - Gangtey
Depart for Gangtey, passing through Lha Wang La Pass towards the Phobjikha Valley. Spend the afternoon at leisure; explore the village, mountain bike in the valley or enjoy a spa treatment. - Day 5 - Six Senses Gangtey - Gangtey
Today hike along the Gangtey Nature Trail, and visit the Black-necked Crane Visitor Centre and Gangtey Goemba. Spend the afternoon at leisure. - Day 6 - Six Senses Bumthang - Bumthang
Early morning departure for Bumthang with a stopover in Trongsa to visit the Dzong and museum, and to take a short walk into town. Arrive in Bumthang and spend the rest of day at leisure. - Day 7 - Six Senses Bumthang - Bumthang
Morning hike to Padseling Goemba with a leisurely walk around Chamkhar Village. Spend the afternoon at leisure. Return to the lodge for lunch and a traditional Bhutanese Hot Stone Bath. - Day 8 - Six Senses Paro - Paro
Depart for Bathpalathang Domestic Airport in the morning and fly back to Paro. Explore Paro town in the afternoon for light shopping and visit Dungtshe Lhakhang. - Day 9 - Six Senses Paro - Paro
This morning depart on a hike to Taktsang Goemba (Tiger’s Nest). Spend the afternoon at leisure for last minute shopping or for relaxation at the lodge. - Day 10 - In transit.
Morning transfer to Paro airport for your onward flight home.
The traveller sees what he sees, the tourist sees what he has come to see.
G. K. Chesterton