CURATED ITINERARY

Wake up early to the serene Thimphu morning and enjoy breakfast before embarking on a one-hour hike to Talakha Monastery, located above the lodge with panoramic 320-degree views of the valley. Meet the resident lama and monks, and share a cup of tea while engaging in conversation.
Return to the lodge for an early lunch before heading down the valley to explore more of Thimphu’s attractions.
In the afternoon, visit the majestic Buddha Dordenma statue, standing 170 feet (52 meters) tall, perched high above the valley. Continue to Pangri Zampa Lhakhang, a 16th-century monastic school of astrology, where you can have your personal chart read.
End the day with a stroll through the ABC Bazaar (Authentic Bhutanese Crafts) to shop for unique souvenirs before returning to the lodge for dinner.
Overnight stay at Six Senses Thimphu.

Wake up to the serene Thimphu morning and enjoy an optional yoga session in the lodge’s prayer pavilion. Before departing for Punakha, savor a hearty breakfast by the reflecting ponds with sweeping views of the valley below.

Today’s journey takes you to Punakha via the iconic Dochula Pass. On clear days, enjoy dramatic vistas of the Himalayan peaks as you ascend to 10,000 feet (3,050 meters), where 108 hillside chortens (Buddhist shrines) punctuate the landscape.

Pause along the way for a peaceful picnic amidst nature before descending into the picturesque Punakha Valley.

Just before reaching Punakha, take a pilgrimage walk to Chimi Lhakhang, a fertility temple built in 1499 and dedicated to the “Divine Madman,” Drukpa Kunley—a 14th-century monk known for his unconventional antics. Couples hoping to start a family often visit for blessings, and the nearby village features vividly painted phalluses honoring the saint.

Punakha sits at a lower altitude of 4,265 feet (1,300 meters), offering a warmer climate and serving as a preferred winter destination for many Bhutanese. Mark your arrival by spinning a prayer wheel for good luck before crossing a dramatic suspension bridge adorned with colorful prayer flags. Pause midway to soak in the rushing river below.

You can choose to enjoy late afternoon riverside cocktails in the rice fields, toasting your arrival with pomegranate martinis while admiring the stunning Punakha Dzong as the sun sets. Sample local delicacies such as fresh spring rolls and dzao (popped Bhutanese rice).

Continue with a short 20-minute drive through the lush Punakha scenery to check in at Six Senses Punakha. Settle into the cozy ‘Flying Farmhouse,’ a cantilevered wooden lounge with views over the heated pool and terraced rice fields. Rejuvenate with a 60-minute spa treatment, such as the Marma Massage, which uses long, flowing movements and active oils to relieve tension, balance the heart chakra, and promote overall well-being. The ritual includes a walking meditation to refocus the mind.

Weather permitting, enjoy dinner poolside this evening.

Overnight stay at Six Senses Punakha.

Start the morning with a hike through terraced rice fields, ascending to Chorten Ningpo, a 17th-century monastery. This moderate 2.5-hour hike offers stunning panoramic views. Along the way, visit Kabasa village to see its school, monastery, and traditional Bhutanese farmhouses.
Take a break with a steaming cup of chai in an open sala. If timing permits, witness a blessing ritual, where the haunting chants of monks blend with the rhythmic thumping of drums and trumpeting horns, creating an unforgettable experience.
On the return journey to the lodge, stop at the home of Aum Tshewang to sample her homemade ara (Bhutanese moonshine)—we recommend no more than two shots! Enjoy a Bhutanese Thali lunch outdoors on the lodge patio. If you’ve never tried ema datshi, Bhutan’s fiery national dish of chilies and cheese, now is the perfect opportunity.
In the afternoon, explore the magnificent Punakha Dzong, officially called Pungtang Dechen Phodrang Dzong, or “The Palace of Great Happiness.” Situated at the confluence of the Pho Chuu (Father) and Mo Chuu (Mother) rivers in the Punakha-Wangdue Valleys, the dzong rises six stories high. As Bhutan’s second-oldest dzong, it once served as the kingdom’s governmental seat and today houses the Je Khempo, the head abbot, along with approximately 1,000 monks during the winter.
Afterwards, choose to bicycle, try white-water rafting along the river beside the dzong, or simply relax at the lodge.
For dinner, enjoy a carefully prepared Indian menu at Ari, the lodge’s signature restaurant, or opt for a poolside barbecue under the stars.
Overnight stay at Six Senses Punakha.

This morning, begin your journey back to Paro by traveling westward over Dochula Pass towards Simtokha Dzong, the first dzong in the kingdom, built in 1629 on a strategic ridge overlooking Thimphu Valley. This small yet captivating dzong is an art lover’s treasure, featuring a beautifully decorated inner sanctum adorned with colorful religious flags, mural paintings, and intricate altar offerings.

Continue to Chuzom Bridge, at the confluence of the Thimphu and Paro Rivers, and admire three nearby shrines showcasing Bhutanese, Tibetan, and Nepali architectural styles. Upon arriving in Paro, visit Rinpung Dzong, meaning “Fortress on Heaps of Jewels,” a stunning example of classic Bhutanese architecture and the venue for the annual Paro Tshechu festival.

Take a short downhill walk to Nyamai Zampa, a traditional cantilevered bridge built in 1525 to connect the dzong with Paro town. Afterwards, stroll to the river and try your hand at archery, Bhutan’s vibrant national sport. Be sure to embrace the local custom of singing, dancing, and playful distraction to gain the upper hand.

Then, enjoy a scenic 20-minute drive up a mountain road with breathtaking valley views to reach your lodge.

Six Senses Paro is perched at 9,500 feet (2,900 meters) on the grounds of a 15th-century ruined fortress. The historic stone ruins and panoramic valley views create a dramatic backdrop, while nearby pine forests and small, little-known monasteries offer pleasant walks just minutes from the lodge.

After checking in, visit the spa for a rejuvenating 60-minute “Tension Soother Massage” for the back, neck, and shoulders—perfect for easing travel fatigue and restoring mobility.

Enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail on the patio while taking in the crisp mountain air. Dinner is served at Jangko, featuring a delicious menu crafted with ingredients from the Six Senses organic farm.

Overnight stay at Six Senses Paro.

Start the day with an energizing breakfast before setting out for Taktsang Goemba, famously known as Tiger’s Nest. One of Bhutan’s most iconic cultural landmarks, this revered monastery is perched on a sheer cliff roughly 2,950 feet (900 meters) above Paro Valley and can be seen from the valley floor.

Hike to the monastery while learning about its rich history along the way. Enjoy the stunning scenery of pine forests adorned with moss and fluttering prayer flags. Listen to the gentle turning of prayer wheels and tie your own prayer flag, letting the wind carry blessings across Bhutan. During cooler weather, clouds often cloak the monastery, emphasizing its sanctity and seclusion. A picnic lunch can be arranged outdoors for a refreshing break.

If time and energy permit after descending, visit the colorful Kyichu Lhakhang, a 7th-century sanctuary cherished by historians and art enthusiasts. The temple is said to have two magical orange trees that bear fruit year-round.

Return to the lodge and take a short stroll to Samteling Monastery, a 15th-century single-story temple built in traditional Bhutanese style using stone and wood. Admire statues and exquisite wall paintings of Buddhist saints, light auspicious butter lamps, and receive blessings from the resident monks. The lamplight symbolizes the wisdom of the awakened mind and is believed to dispel darkness.

For your final evening, enjoy a specially prepared Indian or Bhutanese dinner at Jongka, or choose the lodge’s signature dining experience with a lavish meal served beside the ruins of a 15th-century dzong on the lodge grounds. Dress in traditional Bhutanese attire—kira for women and gho for men—and experience an enchanting atmosphere enhanced by fire torches, live Bhutanese music, and folk dances, creating a truly memorable celebration.

End the night outdoors beneath the star-filled sky, reflecting on the day’s meaningful experiences.

Overnight stay at Six Senses Paro.

After an early breakfast, complete your packing and bid farewell to your Bhutanese hosts. You will then transfer to the airport, a 30-minute drive from the lodge, with your guide accompanying you and assisting with departure formalities.