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Discover Bhutan through three distinct Himalayan valleys, staying at the remarkable Six Senses lodges in Thimphu, Punakha and Paro.
Beginning among the forested mountains of the capital, the experience crosses the high-altitude Dochula Pass into subtropical Punakha before concluding beneath the sacred cliffs of Paro. Along the way, encounter ancient dzongs, quiet monasteries, traditional artisans and rural communities whose way of life remains closely connected to nature and Buddhist philosophy.
Each Six Senses lodge reveals a different expression of Bhutan. Six Senses Thimphu offers a serene “Palace in the Sky”; Six Senses Punakha rests above terraced rice fields with its distinctive Flying Farmhouse; and Six Senses Paro is built beside atmospheric stone ruins overlooking the valley.
Thoughtful design, nourishing cuisine, restorative wellness and warm Bhutanese hospitality accompany every stage of the experience. All our tours are fully customisable. This itinerary is a starting point, and every detail can be tailored to your interests, preferred pace and travel dates.
Experience Highlights
- Stay at three distinctive Six Senses Bhutan lodges
- Explore the cultural landmarks of Thimphu
- Cross the scenic Dochula Pass
- Visit Punakha Dzong and the fertile Punakha Valley
- Walk through rice fields to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
- Discover traditional villages, temples and local crafts
- Hike to Bhutan’s iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery
- Enjoy time for spa treatments, yoga, meditation and mindful relaxation
Your Six Senses Lodges
Six Senses Thimphu — Palace in the Sky
Set among apple orchards and pine forests on a hillside above Bhutan’s capital, Six Senses Thimphu combines expansive valley views with calm, contemporary Bhutanese design.
Its reflective pools, spacious suites and peaceful Prayer Pavilion provide a restorative introduction to the kingdom.
Stay: 2 nights
Six Senses Punakha — Flying Farmhouse
Inspired by the traditional farmhouses of the Punakha Valley, this intimate lodge overlooks rice terraces and forested mountains.
Its warmer climate, outdoor pool, yoga and meditation spaces and connection to the surrounding agricultural landscape create a relaxed rural retreat.
Stay: 2 nights
Six Senses Paro — Stone Ruins
Perched above the Paro Valley beside the remains of a 12th-century fortress, Six Senses Paro brings together stone, timber and sweeping mountain views.
It is an exceptional base for exploring the valley and making the celebrated climb to Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
Stay: 2 nights
All our tours are fully customisable — the itineraries you see are simply a starting point. We'll work closely with you to tailor every detail.
7 Days Six Senses Bhutan Journey Itinerary
1
Thimphu | Approximately 2,350m
Your experience begins with one of the world’s most memorable flight approaches, descending between Himalayan peaks into the Paro Valley.
After completing arrival formalities, meet your private guide and driver for the scenic transfer to Thimphu.
On arrival, settle into Six Senses Thimphu and take time to appreciate its elevated setting above the capital. Depending on your arrival time, begin exploring with visits to the National Memorial Chorten, the National Textile Museum or the Folk Heritage Museum.
You may also enjoy a gentle walk through the centre of Thimphu, browsing local textiles, handicrafts and Himalayan artefacts.
Return to the lodge for a relaxed evening, with time to rest, enjoy the views or begin your stay with a restorative wellness experience.
Overnight: Six Senses Thimphu
2
Thimphu | Approximately 2,350m
Spend the day discovering the spiritual and cultural character of Bhutan’s capital.
Visit Tashichho Dzong, the impressive fortress that houses Bhutan’s government offices and monastic institutions.
Continue to Pangri Zampa, a historic monastic complex where traditional astrology continues to be studied and practised.
Travellers seeking a more active morning can hike through the forest to Cheri Goemba, established in the early 17th century and closely connected to the foundation of Bhutan’s monastic tradition.
Later, return to town to meet artisans working in traditional paper-making, weaving and other Bhutanese crafts.
The remainder of the afternoon can be tailored to your interests, with options including a spa treatment, guided meditation or quiet time at the lodge.
Overnight: Six Senses Thimphu
3
Punakha | Approximately 1,540m
Leave Thimphu and travel east towards the fertile Punakha Valley.
En route, stop at Simtokha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s earliest fortress monasteries.
The road then climbs through forests of pine, fir and rhododendron to Dochula Pass. At approximately 3,100 metres, the pass is marked by 108 memorial chortens and, on clear days, offers magnificent views across the snow-covered Himalayan range.
Descend into the warmer Punakha Valley, where rice terraces, orchards and traditional farmhouses cover the hillsides.
Depending on time and road conditions, visit Wangdue Dzong and explore the small riverside town before continuing to Six Senses Punakha.
Arrive at the lodge and take in the view from its celebrated Flying Farmhouse structure. The evening is yours to enjoy the pool, spa or peaceful surroundings.
Overnight: Six Senses Punakha
4
Punakha | Approximately 1,540m
Begin with a beautiful walk through fields and small farming communities to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten.
Positioned above the Mo Chhu River, the temple rewards the climb with panoramic views across the valley.
Continue to Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most impressive architectural landmarks. Standing at the meeting point of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, the fortress once served as the seat of government and remains an important winter residence for Bhutan’s central monastic body.
After lunch, travel to Lobesa for a short walk through the village and surrounding rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang.
Built in 1499, the temple is associated with the unconventional Buddhist teacher Drukpa Kunley and is visited by couples seeking blessings for fertility and family.
Return to Six Senses Punakha for an unhurried evening. Optional lodge experiences may include yoga, meditation, a spa ritual or a private meal inspired by ingredients from the valley.
Overnight: Six Senses Punakha
5
Paro | Approximately 2,200m
Depart Punakha and ascend once more through the forests to Dochula Pass.
Continue towards Thimphu before following the Wang Chhu and Paro Chhu rivers west into the Paro Valley.
Pass through Paro town and climb into the pine-covered hills surrounding Six Senses Paro. Known as Stone Ruins, the lodge occupies a dramatic setting beside the remains of a medieval fortress.
Spend the afternoon at leisure. You may explore nearby walking trails, visit one of the valley’s ancient temples, browse Paro’s shops or simply enjoy the lodge’s mountain views.
A spa treatment or singing-bowl session can also be arranged for a restorative conclusion to the day.
Overnight: Six Senses Paro
6
Paro | Approximately 2,200m
Begin with an introduction to the history and culture of the Paro Valley.
Visit the National Museum at Ta Dzong, housed in the circular watchtower, before walking down to Paro Dzong and crossing the traditional wooden bridge over the river.
Later, set out for Taktsang Lhakhang, better known as Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
Bhutan’s most recognisable sacred site appears to cling to a sheer cliff approximately 900 metres above the valley.
The return hike generally takes four to five hours, depending on your pace and how far you choose to climb. A café located around the halfway point provides a welcome rest and a classic view of the monastery.
Reaching the temple complex is a deeply rewarding experience, combining dramatic scenery with one of Bhutan’s most important spiritual landmarks.
Return to Six Senses Paro for your final evening in the kingdom. Celebrate the experience with a relaxed dinner overlooking the valley or an atmospheric private dining experience near the lodge’s stone ruins.
Overnight: Six Senses Paro
7
After breakfast, your private driver will transfer you to Paro International Airport for your onward flight.
As you leave Bhutan, take with you memories of forested mountains, sacred valleys and ancient monasteries—and, perhaps, a renewed sense of balance shaped by seven days of culture, nature and mindful living.
Route Map
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