Bhutan at Six Senses Hotels

DAY 1: PARO - THIMPHU
Arrival in Paro, reception by the local representative and transfer of approximately 1 hour to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan.

Accommodation for 2 nights, with full board. Located above the valley, Six Senses Thimphu overlooks apple orchards, pine forests, and the Dordenma Buddha, making it a tranquil option close to the city's attractions.

Lunch time with a menu based on the Eat with Six Senses philosophy. Then, visit the Changangkha Temple, one of the oldest monasteries in Thimphu, with views of the valley. From here, it is possible to take a walk of about two hours or pay a visit by car to the 52-meter-high statue of the Buddha Dordenma.

Then, visit the Chorten Memorial, dedicated to world peace. Return to the hotel.

In the evening, dine at Namhkha, the hotel's main restaurant.

Optional activity suggestion (not included):

• Treatment at the Six Senses Spa, with the option of relaxing massage or other therapies available at the spa.
  
  
  

DAY 2: THIMPHU
Early in the morning, free time for yoga and meditation activities at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, full-day tour to Thimphu Valley.

Visit to the Folk Heritage Museum, the Zorig Chusum (National Institute of 13 Arts and Crafts) and the National Textile Museum, which highlights Bhutan's weaving traditions. At the end of the museum visit, there is the possibility of participating in a Bhutanese paper or incense manufacturing workshop, or a tour of the local organic market.

After lunch in the city, visit Pangri Zampa, a 16th century monastery and astrology school. Return to the hotel and personalized walk, according to the physical condition, around the Six Senses or to Talakha Goemba (about 2 hours round trip), with views of the Thimphu Valley.

Suggested optional activities (not included):

• Spiritual reading (by appointment) with one of the resident monks of the astrology school;
• Picnic, with Bhutanese snacks in Lungsigang;
• Hot stone bath (Dotsho) at the Six Senses Spa.
  
  
  

DAY 3: THIMPHU - PUNAKHA
Journey of about 2 hours and 50 minutes to Punakha, passing through the iconic Dochula Pass. On a clear and sunny day, it is possible to see the Himalayan peaks as you climb towards the gorge, in addition to various landscapes of the valley and 108 chortens (Buddhist shrines) on the slopes.

Before arriving in Punakha, walk to Chimi Lhakhang, a fertility temple built in 1,499 A.D., dedicated to the 'Divine Madman', Drukpa Kunley, a 14th century monk with a fondness for wine and women. This temple is known as a must-visit for couples who are planning to start a family and are hoping to receive a blessing.

Arrival at Six Senses Punakha and accommodation for 2 nights, with full board. The hotel has a rustic feel with an array of suites and villas, a pool, library, yoga and meditation huts.

Late lunch by the hotel pool. Then hike to Chorten Khamsum Yulley Namgyel, built by the Queen Mother for world peace.

In the evening, dinner at Ari, the hotel's restaurant.

Optional activity suggestion (not included):

• Private BBQ style dining by the pool.
  
  
  

DAY 4: PUNAKHA
Breakfast at the hotel and free morning for independent activities.

After lunch at the hotel, visit the Punakha Dzong, known as 'The Palace of Great Happiness'. Located at the junction of the Pho Chhu (father) and Mo Chhu (mother) rivers in the Punakha-Wangdue Valley.

Return to the hotel and have dinner.

Suggested optional activities (not included):

• Hike to a monastery for breakfast, followed by time to learn about the daily life of the young monks and the chief abbot, Lama Nado (donation-based activity for the maintenance of the monastery and the education of resident monks);
• Sunset with 'Pomegranate Martini' on the outskirts of the rice fields.
  
  
  

DAY 5: PUNAKHA - PARO
After breakfast and check-out at the hotel, a trip of about 4 hours to Paro.

Accommodation for 2 nights, with full board. The Six Senses Park, known as 'Stone Ruins', was designed to maximize what is certainly one of the most beautiful settings of the trip.

After lunch on the terrace (subject to weather conditions), archery class, Bhutan's national sport. Then, free time to take advantage of the hotel structure or hike the trails that cross the surrounding pine forests.

Dinner at Jangkho, the hotel's exclusive restaurant.


DAY 6: PARO
Breakfast at the hotel.

Departure for a ride over the traditional Nyamai Zampa suspension bridge to Rinpung Dzong, an example of classical Bhutan architecture and is also where the annual Paro Tshechu (festival) is held. Visit the Paro National Museum, with collections of Bhutanese relics on display. Lunch (not included).

Continue to Kyichu Lhakhang, a 7th-century shrine and one of the oldest religious structures in the Kingdom, or a scenic walk of approximately 3 to 4 hours to Jele Dzong. Finally, tour the artisan shops and the Paro fresh produce market.

Return to the lodge and have dinner.

Optional activity suggestion (not included):

• Making prayer and lunch flags on a farm.
  
  
  

DAY 7: PARO
Breakfast and departure for a trip to Taktsang Goemba, better known as 'Tiger's Nest'. The trail begins at the base camp, with an ascent up to 2,950 meters. One of the Kingdom's most significant cultural icons, this highly revered monastery was built on a cliff some 900 meters above Paro.

The walk takes about 4 to 5 hours and includes a picnic-style lunch along the way.

Note: The hike to the Tiger's Nest is on a moderate-to-difficult trail.

Finally, return to the lodge and have dinner.

Optional activity suggestion (not included):

• Visit the Samtenling Monastery for an immersive experience with butter lamps (donation-based activity).
  
  
  

DAY 8: PARO
Breakfast and check-out at the hotel. Transfer to Paro airport (about 30 minutes).