BHUTAN WITH SIX SENSES

Flying into Paro International Airport, you’ll make the one-hour drive to Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu – the only city in the world without a single traffic light. Settle in at Six Senses Thimphu or shake off your jet lag with a gentle hike to Changangkha Lhakhang, one of Thimphu’s oldest monasteries. Don’t miss a visit to the nearby Buddha Dordenma, the world’s tallest seated Buddha at 52 metres.

The next morning, after a rejuvenating session in the spa, you’ll set out with your private guide to visit local sites such as the Zorig Chusom (The National Institute for 13 Arts and Crafts), the National Textile Museum and the impressive fortress of Tashichho Dzong. You can even join local residents for koras, circumambulations, at the Memorial Chorten. In the late afternoon, you’ll make the short hike up to Lungsigang for a picnic of butter tea and Bhutanese snacks, complete with breathtaking views of the entire Thimphu valley below.

Two nights at Six Senses Thimphu

Your journey to Punakha takes you over the Dochula Pass which (on clear days) boasts the most spectacular views of the Himalayan peaks. From here, you’ll descend into lush, subtropical Punakha Valley, checking into the ‘Flying Farmhouse’ with its heated outdoor pool, yoga and meditation huts.

The following morning, you’ll don your walking boots and hike through terraced rice fields to a 17th century monastery, joining the young monks for their traditional monastic breakfast. Later, you’ll get to sample some homemade ‘ara’ (Bhutanese moonshine), before crossing Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge to reach the six-storey Punakha Dzong.

Your stay in Punakha will also include a gentle riverside bike ride to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a temple built by the Queen Mother Ashi Tshering Yangdo. Continue by car to Talo Nobgang village and a fertility temple where you can learn all about the revered ‘Divine Madman’. Back at the lodge, visit the spa for a Shirodhara session, a stress-relieving warm oil treatment designed to soothe and calm the nervous system.

Three nights at Six Senses Punakha

Retracing your steps back to Paro, you’ll head west over the Dochula Pass towards the Simtokha Dzong – the first of its kind in the Kingdom. After crossing a traditional cantilevered bridge and stopping for lunch at a local farmhouse, you’ll arrive at Six Senses Paro, backed by the dramatic ruins of a 15th century fortress. Unwind after your journey or challenge your guide to a game of archery – Bhutan’s national sport.

The next day promises a hike to the fabled Tiger’s Nest Monastery. As you make this famous pilgrimage, your guide will delight you with stories of an 8th century Tibetan saint who arrived here on the back of a flying tigress, bringing Buddhism to the region. Enjoy a dip in the pool on your return or relax your tired muscles with a pampering massage in the spa.

On your final day, you can hike to the nearby fortress of Zurig Dzong and browse the charming handicraft shops lining Paro’s main street. In the evening, head over to the neighbouring Samtenling Monastery, where you can reflect on your time in the Kingdom with a butter lamp blessing ceremony.

Three nights at Six Senses Paro