Journey through the senses in Bhutan

August 17, 2022 - The Land of the Thunder Dragon will reopen its borders on September 23. To celebrate, enjoy up to two complimentary nights for bookings made at Six Senses Bhutan by October 31, 2022. We hope our eight-night, three-valley Khamsa inspires you.

Recently emerging on the world stage, discover why Bhutan is often called “the Happiest Place on Earth” on a journey that few people have had the opportunity to experience. The Kingdom will reopen after more than two years of closure with a renewed focus on sustainability on September 23. To mark our Reopening Celebration, our five unique lodges, collectively called Six Senses Bhutan, are offering one additional complimentary night with a paid six-night stay and two extra nights with a paid nine-night stay.

Our lodges are sprinkled like gemstones throughout the Kingdom’s western and central valleys. Each has a unique character, and all embrace our Six Senses guiding principles, which include spa and wellness activities, mindful eating, sleep, and self-discovery. Visit one or any combination, and immerse yourself in Bhutan’s spirituality, heritage, and hospitality.

If you're curious about everything that Bhutan has to offer, the 8-night Khamsa journey offers a mix of some of Bhutan’s not-to-be-missed sites, staying in our Thimphu, Punakha, and Paro lodges, and visiting some lesser-known places along the way.

• Eight nights’ accommodation (two nights in Thimphu, three nights in Punakha, and three nights in Paro)
• Full board as described in the program, including non-alcoholic beverages
• Private Six Senses Guest Experience Maker guide, driver, and vehicle throughout your journey
• Entrance to all sites, monuments, and museums as described in the itinerary

Day 1: Paro Airport - Six Senses Thimphu “Palace in the Sky”

Landing at Paro International Airport is an experience in itself. The plane descends through the majestic Himalayas at an exhilarating angle that gives you a whole new perspective on life. From there, Six Senses Thimphu, our Palace in the Sky, is situated at an altitude of 9,040 feet (2,755 meters). With its grand design and outdoor ponds reflecting the sky above, the lodge offers extensive wellness facilities, an indoor pool, Prayer Pavilion, Earth Lab, and a sunken outdoor performance deck.

Shake off any jet lag with a visit to the 52-meter Buddha Dordenma, the tallest statue of its kind, and opt for a gentle hike to Changangkha Lhakhang, one of the oldest monasteries in Thimphu. Ease tired muscles back at the lodge with a Dotsho (Bhutanese hot stone bath with herbs) followed by a Jet Lag Massage in the spa. Dinner is at our signature restaurant with views over the lodge’s reflecting ponds and the valley’s glittering lights below.

Day 2: Six Senses Thimphu “Palace in the Sky”

Start your morning with yoga at the spa, and after breakfast, head out with your guide to visit local sites, including the Simply Bhutan Museum, Zorig Chusom (The National Institute for 13 Arts and Crafts), and the National Textile Museum before strolling through town to visit local artisan shops.

Back at the lodge, you can also hike 20 minutes up to Lunsigang, a simple but charming picnic spot for a late afternoon butter tea or masala chai served with Bhutanese snacks.  

Day 3: Six Senses Thimphu - Six Senses Punakha “Flying Farmhouse”

Today’s journey takes you towards Punakha over the iconic Dochula Pass. At a height of 10,000 feet (3,050 meters), there are striking views of the cloud-capped Himalayan peaks and 108 hillside chortens (Buddhist shrines).

Descend to our picturesque lodge, the Flying Farmhouse, where you’ll find a choice of suites and villas, an outdoor heated pool, yoga, and meditation huts in a lush, subtropical valley. Opt for afternoon pomegranate martinis, served up with views of the majestic Punakha Dzong. Then treat yourself to a Marma Massage and dinner served poolside with views over the terraced rice fields below. 

Day 4: Six Senses Punakha “Flying Farmhouse”

This morning begins with a moderate 2.5-hour hike through terraced rice fields as you ascend towards a local monastery dating back to the 17th century, where you can join the young monks for their breakfast.

On the way back to the lodge, stop off to sample homemade ara (Bhutanese moonshine). We suggest no more than two shots! Lunch today is a delicious Bhutanese thali set served outdoors on the patio at the lodge. In the afternoon, cross the country’s longest suspension bridge to explore the beautiful Punakha Dzong, or “The Palace of Great Happiness”.

Day 5: Six Senses Punakha – “Flying Farmhouse”

Your day starts with a gentle bike ride alongside the river or a hike from the riverbank to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a temple built by Queen Mother Ashi Tshering Yangdon to bring peace to the world.

Continue by car to Talo Nobgang village and on to Chimi Lhakhang, a fertility temple, to learn about Drukpa Kinley, the revered ‘Divine Madman’, ’ Back at the lodge, visit Six Senses Spa for a Shirodhara session, a stress-releasing treatment that involves pouring warm oil over the third eye to soothe and calm the nervous system.

Day 6: Six Senses Punakha – “Flying Farmhouse” to Six Senses Paro “Stone Ruins”

This morning re-trace your steps back to Paro by heading west back over the Dochula Pass towards Simtokha Dzong, the first dzong in the Kingdom, built on a strategic ridge overlooking Thimphu Valley in AD 1629.

Designed to maximize what is undoubtedly one of the most scenic settings within the Six Senses Bhutan journey, this final stop on the journey is at Six Senses Paro, known as Stone Ruins – you’ll understand why when you dine among them. Test your strength and skills with an archery session: don’t forget to adopt the local custom of singing, dancing, and distracting your opponent from gaining the upper hand. The Tension Soother Massage is the perfect antidote to any accumulated travel aches. This evening, treat yourself to a cocktail on the patio at sunset before dinner, incorporating ingredients from our Six Senses organic farm.

Day 7: Six Senses Paro “Stone Ruins”

Your day begins with a wellness activity and energy-boosting breakfast before departing for Taktsang Goemba (monastery), more famously known as “Tiger’s Nest”. If energy levels and time permit after your descent, visit the colorful Kyichu Lhakhang, a 7th-century sanctuary and one of the oldest religious structures in the Kingdom.

Along the way, enjoy a picnic lunch before returning to the lodge to take a dip in the pool or visit Six Senses Spa for a pampering treatment.

Day 8: Six Senses Paro “Stone Ruins”

Start your morning with yoga or massage, and then head downhill to Paro town by foot, following the local trail through pine forests with stops along the way at the local meditation center, Goemdra, and nearby fortress, Zurig Dzong. Paro’s charming main street is lined with shops selling handicrafts and local restaurants.

In the evening, take a short stroll over to the 15th-century Samteling Monastery situated just next to our lodge. Reflect on your time in the Kingdom with a butter lamp blessing. Dine this evening dressed in traditional Bhutanese attire under a canopy of stars next to the stone ruins of a 15th-century dzong on the grounds of the lodge with our Chubjakha Regale Ruins. Live music, folk dances, and a traditional Bhutanese menu are highlights of the evening.

Departure

Six Senses Paro “Stone Ruins” – Paro Airport

After an early breakfast, finalize your packing and say goodbye to your Bhutanese hosts before departing the lodge. From here, it is a 30-minute transfer to the airport. Your GEM will accompany you and assist with your departure arrangements.

For reservations or more information about this program, please call +975 2 350 773 or email reservations-bhutan@sixsenses.com.

“Joen pa Leg So”: we hope to welcome you soon!