A 15 Days Bhutan Journeys By Six Senses Lodge-Bhutan is a majestic place to rewind. Go back in time for this immersive experience including 13 night Six Senses invigorating journey that isn’t experienced by everyone. Find out about the rich history of the country while pampering yourself with the calming beauty around.
Intricately positioned, there are a total of five lush lodges located all around the beautiful valleys of the country. Every single one offers its unique charisma and divine experiences. However, each of them acts cohesively in this one breathtaking journey containing different environments, spiritual sightings and richness of the culture.
In regard to this tour, you will be getting to stay at 5 luxurious Six Senses lodges based in the valleys of Punakha, Paro, Gangtey, Bumthang and Thimphu. This also means that during this tour, you can mingle and socialize with Bhutanese natives who are pleasantly hospitable. The supposedly “royal stroll” known as Khamsa can be experienced throughout the entire kingdom which embodies culture, history and social life.
The principle known as “Gross National Happiness” guides the whole nation which means you can be familiar with the culture and history in the most fulfilling ways. Not only that, but during your tour, you can absorb a lot of knowledge that isn’t provided anywhere but in the amazing nation of Bhutan itself
Day 01 Paro Airport – Six Senses Thimphu “Palace in the Sky”
On your arrival at Paro International Airport, we shall assist you to reach Bhutan’s capital city, Thimphu. This journey from Paro airport to Thimphu is roughly an hour’s drive. Perched at an altitude of 2200 meters (7700 ft), Thimphu is a valley with a unique feature. It is the only city that does not have any traffic lights.
After reaching, you will stay at the Six Senses property in Thimphu, located at a height of 2700 meters. You can enjoy the breathtaking vistas of the valley that the property overlooks from its perched position.
You can catch a glimpse of the surrounding apple orchards and the tallest Buddha statue from our property. You can also take a plunge into the pool at the Six Senses property or stroll around its lush green grounds to unwind.
Our property at Thimphu has an excellent open-air dining space and our chefs prepare authentic and scrumptious dishes that will enjoy. Based on the philosophy of Eat with Six Senses, we use only organic ingredients to prepare the meals to make each serving tasty and healthy at the same time.
You can manage your jetlag in two ways – either by visiting the Buddha Dordema (52 meters tall) or by availing of a message at our highly facilitated spa. You can also scale ChangangkhaLhakhang to dodge your jetlag.
Day 02 Six Senses Thimphu “Palace in the Sky”
The spa at our stay facility in Thimphu offers rejuvenating activities like Yoga and meditation on alternate days to help you start your first full day in Bhutan on a positive note.
Post breakfast, our guide will take you for a trip around the area. During this trip, you will visit places like Simply Bhutan Museum, the National Textile Museum, and Zorig Chusom.
After visiting these places, you will take a walking tour of the city to explore the artisan shops. Once you reach the Memorial Chorten, you can join the locals for circumambulations and koras.
The day’s tour comes to an end after visiting the fortress of Bhutan’s royal family. Known as TashichhoDzong, it consists of offices, the throne room, and more. Besides His Majesty, the King, the head of Bhutan’s religious order also resides here.
Go hiking to Lungsigang before you return to the lodge, if you have time after visiting all the places mentioned above, to enjoy your evening, snacking authentic Bhutanese items amidst nature.
Day 03 Six Senses Lodge Thimphu – Six Senses lodge Punakha
The next morning, you shall start for Punakha after breakfast. On your way, you shall stop by the popular Dochula Pass to absorb the unforgettable views of the mighty Himalayas. You will find one hundred and eight hillside chortens which you can circumambulate before you leave the place.
Scale down from the high pass to greener and warmer Punakha valley dotted with rice fields and quaint farmhouses.
After a long journey, it is time to check in to our property at Punakha called the Flying Farmhouse. This cozy property sits at a height of 1565 meters, exposing you to the outstanding landscapes designed by the terraced rice fields below and the beautiful mountains on the upper side. This property also houses a heated swimming pool from where you can enjoy these panoramic views. We also offer an option to go down to the rice fields by the riverside where you can enjoy a platter of authentic Bhutanese snacks, watching the sun going down.
Day04 Six Senses Punakha “Flying Farmhouse”
On the fourth day morning, you can indulge in moderate hiking to join the monks for your breakfast. For this, you need to reach within 8.30 am and pay additionally. After breakfast, spend some time with the new monks and learn more about their daily lives.
You can stop by a farmhouse on your way back to the Lodge to taste homemade Ara and enjoy our special delicacy, Bhutanese Thali for the lunch.
Your afternoon schedule will remain booked for a visit to the majestic Dzong situated at the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu rivers. This six stories high architectural splendor will undoubtedly take your breath away. Before visiting the enthralling fortified monastery, you can take a walk on Bhutan’s longest footbridge.
Day 05 Six Senses Punakha “Flying Farmhouse”
On your 5th day of the tour, you will explore the riverside in the morning enjoying a bike ride along its bank. Alternatively, you can opt for a brisk hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten from the river bank. This temple was made by Ashi Tshering Yangdon (the Queen Mother) intending world peace.
Next, you will visit the village where all 4 Queen Mothers were reared, Tabo Nobgang Village. After the village visit, you will reach the nun’s meditation center at Nobgang Monastery. An option for bike riding a part of the way to the village also remains available for riding enthusiasts.
The Buddhist tradition’s crazy wisdom respects Drukpa Kinley as the Divine Madman. Visit the fertility temple, Chimi Lhakhang to know more about the saint. You will also find some graphic phallus art and the shops and houses, dedicated to the saint, in the nearby villages.
After the day’s long schedule, you can book an appointment in advance for a relaxing Shirodhara session, involving warm oil therapy, at our Spa.
Day 06 Six Senses Punakha “Flying Farmhouse” – Six Senses Gangtey “Birdwatching Bridge”
Pierce through the Nobding Valley thickets of oak and bamboo on your way to Gangtey from Punakha. The scenic path lies through the famous Lawa La Pass.
On reaching Gangtey, located at a height of 2865 meters, check in to our Six Senses property named Bird watching Bridge. Enjoy the splendid vistas of the adjoining wetland marked with temples and monasteries while munching lunch.
After lunch, indulge in a nature awareness tour to the nearby Black-necked Crane Visitor Centre for conserving the species (Thrung Trung Karmo) that come from Tibet during the winter.
If you wish to make your stay at Gangtey memorable, book a picnic lunch at our buckwheat hut which offers some of the best views of the place. The way to this place lies through quaint farmlands and mesmerizing valleys.
Stop by Khewang Lhakhang on your way back to our property to admire the iconic Buddha statues of the temple. You can spend some time watching the painted walls and playing football with the young monks here.
If the day’s trip was quite hectic, you can book our rejuvenating Swedana steam session at the spa in advance.
Day 07 Six Senses Lodge Gangtey “Birdwatching Bridge”
On the 7th day morning, you will head out for one of the most memorable hikes of this area – the trail of Loma Longtey. The trail starts from Pele La Pass and ends at Kayche La Pass (3700 meters).
The scenic path goes through yak harder’s villages where they set up camps during winter. At the end of the trail, the magnificent views of Gangtey Village and Phobjikha Valley will take the fatigue away.
In the afternoon, you can choose to experience the old charm of the cute Gangtey Village shops and the medieval-era Gangtey Goemba atop the valley. This monastery consists of meditation facilities, monk’s quarters, and a school. It is also the abode of the iconic Buddhist treasure discoverer Pema Lingpa’s reincarnation.
Return to the lodge and sip into one of our specially formulated cocktails to behold the sunset from our stone terrace by the fire pit. For a more soulful experience, you can go for a bike ride or walk to the nearby seventh-century temple. In return, you will be served a delicious dinner to end your day on a tasty note. If you wish, we can arrange a candlelight dinner under the cowshed beside the temple as well.
Day08 Six Senses Lodge Gangtey – Six Senses Lodge Bumthang
The next day, you will move to Bumthang, a place seated deeper into the Kingdom. On your way, you will enjoy beautiful landscapes and halt at the Royal family’s current residence, Trongsa.
You will also visit the largest Dzong, Trongsa Dzong here and enjoy a picnic lunch watching the lush green valleys. Along your way, you will also stop by the famous weaving village, Chumey, known for its vibrant-hued Yathra (wool items).
Your journey ends at Six Senses’s “Forest with a Forest”, perched at the height of 2,615 meters after passing through Jakar valley. The property here enjoys green surroundings. Blue, tall pine trees and the nearby Chamkhar Chhu River define this idyllic place perfectly.
Day 09 Six Senses Lodge Bumthang
On the ninth day morning, pay a visit to the Jakar Dzong. It is the primary fortress of the district near Jakar town.
Later that morning, visit the palace of the first two Kings of Bhutan, Wangdichholing Palace. This palace is also a museum that showcases many objects of interest.
Your next destination on the same day would be Bumthang. It is one of the most significant religious sites of the Kingdom. Join the locals to circumambulate the temple at Jambay Lhakhang followed by a visit to Kurjey Lhakhang.
Here you can drink water from the holy spring to purify your speech, mind, and body. Finish this Bumthang trip at Tamzhing Lhakhang, built by the great treasure explorer, Terton Pema Lingpa. You can do this entire visit on foot or by bike.
Return to the lodge and enjoy a light lunch before you start again for the afternoon’s sightseeing. Visit the renowned Mini Tiger’s Nest undertaking short hiking to explore the outstanding beauty of its natural surroundings.
If you wish to, you can book a dinner with the local Dechen family to experience warm Bhutanese hospitality with authentic local cuisine. Otherwise, you can dine at our signature restaurant, Tongtshang to enjoy your evening.
Day 10 Six Senses Bumthang “Forest Within a Forest”
On the 10th day, begin by visiting the temple of the fifth Bhutanese King.
Later that morning, you can visit the burning lake, locally called Membertsho. According to legends, this is where the reverend Terton Pema Lingpa once dove with a burning lamp in hand and made his way back with relics and treasures with the lamp still alight.
Your next activity of the day will be Bushman Hike. Before it, you can visit the nunnery in the vicinity. The Bushman hike path covers a quaint village, a serene forest trail, and green farmlands. You will also enjoy a picnic lunch on your way.
After returning, you can visit the Panda Brewery to taste local cheese and beer. Your 10th-day tour comes to an end here but, you can always take a brisk walk through the Jakar Village to absorb the vibes of the place.
A traditional hot stone bath which the Bhutanese call Dotsho will be ideal for complete relaxation. It is an optional activity you can boon in advance.
Day 11 Six Senses Lodge Bumthang – Six Senses Lodge Paro Valley
On the 11th day of the trip, you will reach Paro through a domestic air transfer. After breakfast, you will leave for Bumthang airport to reach Paro.
On your arrival, Rinpung Dzong will greet you and you will also visit. After the brief visit, you will cross the conventional cantilevered bridge, Nyamai Zampa.
The day’s tour will also include a visit to the Paro National Museum showcasing several Bhutanese relics. You can opt to enjoy your lunch with a local family on your way back to the lodge based on prior booking.
Located at a height of 2870 meters, Six Senses Paro is where you will stay over. Its proximity to the fifteenth-century fortress makes the stay a special experience.
Surrounded by mesmerizing valley views and antique ruins, it is always the best alternative to stay in Paro. For a dose of adventure, you can also try Bhutan’s national sport, archery.
Day 12 Six Senses Lodge Paro Valley
You will continue visiting Paro on the 12th day as well. First, a hike to the Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang Goemba) would be on your schedule.
The guide will regale you with the legends of the famous 8th-century saint from Tibet, Guru Rinpoche, who came to this place on a flying tigress’s back, fetching Buddhism to Bhutan.
You will also visit a seventh-century temple, Kyichu Lhakhang, on your way to Paro town. This ancient temple has two orange trees that bear fruits for the entire year.
To do away with the day’s fatigue, you can take a plunge into the pool or book a relaxing Marma message at the spa.
Day 13 Six Senses Lodge Paro Valley
Start your morning with a join-in wellness activity at the spa.
Join a wellness activity at the spa in the morning followed by a downhill trek on foot to reach Paro town.
A local trail covered with pine trees lay through the forest that leads to Goemdra (a local meditation center) and Zurig Dzong (a fortress). Later that morning, you can explore the streets of Paro to buy some souvenirs from the local handicraft shops.
Visiting the Samtenling Monastery is an optional tour you can book in advance to light 108 lamps and pray.
You can also book a dining arrangement under the stars to draw a close to this exciting Bhutan trip. Choose the dishes you wish to enjoy from the Bhutanese menu to etch the evening in your mind forever.
