BHUTAN WITH SIX SENSES

Depart London Heathrow Terminal 5 for Delhi, followed by an overnight stay at Roseate House, Aerocity, New Delhi, prior to departure the following day to Paro International Airport.

Arrive at Paro International Airport and drive one hour to Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu, known as the only city in the world without a single traffic light. Set among apple orchards and pine forest, Six Senses Thimphu sits at 2,650 metres, offering views across the valley and toward the giant Buddha Dordenma. Though close to the city, the lodge feels entirely secluded.

Designed in line with Bhutanese architectural principles, the lodge features clean lines, natural materials and a quiet, pared-back aesthetic. Its 25 suites and villas include balconies, large windows, and wood-burning bukharis. Facilities include an indoor pool, yoga studio, fitness centre, and a spa with hot-stone baths, a steam room and five treatment rooms. Meals are served at Namkha, where high ceilings and wide windows frame the Himalayan peaks.

After settling in, take a gentle walk to Changangkha Lhakhang, one of Thimphu’s oldest monasteries, or rest and adjust to the altitude. The following day, explore with your guide: visit Zorig Chusom, where students train in 13 traditional arts, browse the National Textile Museum, and see the imposing Tashichho Dzong. You may also join locals walking koras around the Memorial Chorten. In the late afternoon, hike to Lungsigang for a picnic of butter tea and Bhutanese snacks** overlooking the valley.

Two nights at Six Senses Thimphu.

Travel east from Thimphu over the Dochula Pass, where clear days reveal sweeping views of the Himalayan peaks. Descend into the warmer Punakha Valley and settle into Six Senses Punakha, known as the ‘Flying Farmhouse’ for its cantilevered structure above terraced rice fields.

The lodge has a more rural character than its Thimphu counterpart, reflecting the agricultural rhythms of the valley. It features 19 suites and villas with floor-to-ceiling windows, private balconies and timber interiors. Views stretch across farmland and scattered farmhouses. Facilities include a library, outdoor pool, fitness centre, and a spa with four treatment rooms and two meditation salas.

Spend the morning walking through rice paddies to a 17th-century monastery, where you’ll join young monks for their morning meal. Later, sample homemade ara, a local rice spirit, before crossing Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge to explore Punakha Dzong, set at the meeting point of two rivers.

Your stay also includes a riverside cycle to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a temple built by the Queen Mother. Continue by car to the villages of Talo and Nobgang, stopping at a fertility temple dedicated to the revered ‘Divine Madman’. Back at the lodge, visit the spa for a session of Shirodhara, a warm oil therapy designed to relax body and mind**.

Two nights at Six Senses Punakha.

After breakfast, continue by road from Punakha to Gangtey, a scenic drive of around two and a half hours through bamboo forest, alpine ridges and the high Lawa Pass. From there, descend into Phobjikha Valley, a glacial bowl known for its wetlands, yak pastures, and as the winter home of the rare black-necked crane.

Six Senses Gangtey, known as the Birdwatching Bridge, is perched above the valley with views across protected conservation land. The lodge has just eight suites and one two-bedroom villa, built from local stone and hemlock wood. Interiors are warm and pared back, with bukhari stoves, timber detailing and tall windows framing the landscape. The Living Room lounge and Six Senses Spa are centred around the theme of wonder and psychological well-being.

That afternoon, visit the Black-necked Crane Visitor Centre to learn about the valley’s ecology and, in season, observe the cranes through high-powered scopes. If time and energy allow, walk or cycle the Nature Trail and stop at Khewang Lhakhang, a quiet temple with original murals and resident monks.

The next day, hike the Loma Longtey Trail, a classic route beginning at Pele La Pass and climbing to 3,700 metres at Kayche La Pass. From the summit, enjoy sweeping views of the valley and surrounding peaks. Alternatively, visit a nearby nunnery where you can join morning prayers, explore the school and meditation hall, and speak with the head nun over tea.

In the afternoon, visit Gangtey Goemba, a 16th-century monastery that serves as both a religious and educational centre. End the day at Damchen Lhakhang, a small hilltop temple where you’ll join the monks for evening prayers as the sun sets.

Dinner is served at the Cow Shed, a century-old farmhouse beside the monastery. Candlelit and cooked over a traditional clay stove, this quiet and intimate meal offers a glimpse into rural Bhutanese life.**

Two nights at Six Senses Gangtey.

Depart Gangtey and continue east on a four-and-a-half-hour drive through forests, villages, and the dramatic Trongsa Valley. Arrive by midday in the Chamkhar Valley, surrounded by blue pine and home to Six Senses Bumthang — a tranquil retreat set beside the Chamkhar Chhu river.

Often called the “Forest in a Forest,” the lodge blends into its wooded surroundings with eight suites and one two-bedroom villa. Floor-to-ceiling windows open onto mossy trees, and interiors are crafted from local stone and timber. The atmosphere is still and contemplative, making this one of Bhutan’s most secluded stays.

After lunch, begin exploring Bumthang’s sacred sites. Visit Jambay Lhakhang, built in the 7th century, and walk a quiet kora alongside local pilgrims. Continue to Kurjey Lhakhang to sip from the holy spring, believed to purify body, speech and mind. If time allows, stop at Tamzhing Lhakhang, founded by treasure-revealer Terton Pema Lingpa.

Return to the lodge for dinner at Tongtshang, where the menu is inspired by the surrounding forest and valley.

The following morning begins with a visit to the 5th King’s Temple and a stop at Membartsho — the Burning Lake — a revered pilgrimage site where Pema Lingpa is said to have emerged from the water holding relics and a still-lit butter lamp.

From there, visit Pemachhoeling Nunnery to share tea and conversation with the resident nuns. After lighting a butter lamp, begin the Bushman’s Hike, a moderate trail through forest, fields and villages, with a picnic lunch served along the way.

Return by car to Jakar Dzong, the “Fortress of the White Bird,” perched high above the valley. Built in 1549, it once defended the region and offers sweeping views. If time allows, stop at Red Panda Brewery to sample local cheese and craft beer before heading back to the lodge for an evening at leisure.

Two nights at Six Senses Bumthang.

A short flight from Bumthang brings you to Paro, where pine-covered hills and scattered temples line the valley. Your final lodge, Six Senses Paro, sits at 2,870 metres beside the ruins of a 15th-century fortress. Known as the Stone Ruins Lodge, it offers panoramic views and a quiet sense of elevation.

Built with local stone and timber, the lodge has eight suites and one two-bedroom villa with floor-to-ceiling windows and a calm, minimalist design. Guests can enjoy forest trails, a sauna, heated indoor pool, and meals at the signature restaurant, Jangkho.

Spend an afternoon visiting a local farmhouse, where a family has hand-crafted prayer flags for generations. After learning their techniques, sit down to a traditional lunch. Continue to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, where two orange trees are said to bear fruit year-round.

Your time in Paro includes a hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched on a cliff at nearly 3,000 metres. The trail winds through pine forest and prayer flags to a teahouse viewpoint before the final climb. After the descent, return to the lodge for a well-earned lunch and rest.

On your final evening, walk to Samtenling Monastery for a butter lamp blessing, then dine by candlelight beneath the stars at the lodge’s Ruins Regale** — a celebration of Bhutanese music, storytelling and ritual beside the ancient stone walls.

Two nights at Six Senses Paro.

After an early breakfast, bid farewell to your Bhutanese hosts and begin the journey home. Your guide will accompany you on the 45-minute transfer to Paro International Airport and assist with check-in for your Druk Air flight to Delhi.

On arrival in Delhi, you will be transferred to Roseate House, Aerocity, New Delhi, for an overnight stay, before departing the following day for London Heathrow.

Depart Delhi International Airport for your return flight to London Heathrow.