FSR

Arrive at Paro Airport, Your guide will meet you as you exit the airport after passing through immigration and luggage collection and will be holding a Six Senses wooden signboard. *It is a 70-minute transfer by road from the airport to Six Senses Thimphu*

Relax and settle in after your early morning flight with a complimentary early check in to “The Palace in the Sky”. Enjoy lunch on the sunken terrace with a menu inspired by our Eat with Six Senses philosophy.

After lunch depart the lodge for Changangkha Temple, a sacred pilgrimage site overlooking Thimphu Valley. Visited by new parents who bring their children here to be named and seek to obtain blessings from the protective deity of the temple, Genyen Domtsangpa, who is considered the birth deity and protector of children; this is always an active place of worship. Founded in the 13th or 14th centuries, it may be the oldest surviving temple in Thimphu, predating the unification of Bhutan in the 17th century.From here hike 90 minutes or drive towards the 52-meter-tall Buddha Dordenma.

The Buddha Dordenma, situated at the Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park, holds great significance for the country and its people. Conceived by the 4th King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, in the 1990s, the Buddha is an embodiment of peace, prosperity and happiness. Step inside and discover the 125,000 smaller Buddhas within.

Tea and snacks will be served amidst fluttering prayer flags.

Afterwards join Thimphu residents for koras, or circumambulations, at the Memorial Chorten. The stupa, built in 1974, is a prominent landmark in the city with its gold spires and tinkling bells and attracts pilgrims from al l corners of the Kingdom who come to pray here.

Wellness Tip: Later this afternoon go for a swim in the heated swimming pool or try the sauna or steam rooms at the Six Senses Spa for a relaxing Jet Lag, Holistic or Deep Tissue Massage. 60/90 minutes sessions available by appointment.

Dinner this evening at Namhkha, the lodge’s signature restaurant.

Overnight at Six Senses Thimphu.

Begin the day with one of the daily scheduled wellness classes with our compliments.

After breakfast head out for a day of sightseeing in the valley. Choose from several Thimphu sites to visit including the Folk Heritage Museum and Zorig Chusum, (The National Institute for 13 Arts & Crafts). The National Textile Museum is a highlight for any visitor interested in the rich weaving culture of Bhutan with an extensive collection of textiles from around the country on display. You can also visit one of several Bhutanese textile centers to view or even purchase some of the Kingdom’s distinctive fabrics.

Local paper making: Visit Thimphu's paper workshop, where distinctive sheets of traditional Bhutanese paper are made, often incorporating flowers or plants into their fiber. The art of handmade paper in Bhutan dates back to the 8th century, although its usage was limited mainly to religious purposes. Today this craft is considered an important element in the preservation of Bhutan's cultural heritage. The tiny factory allows guests to view the whole papermaking process and purchase samples and gift items from their shop. For those interested in art, VAST offers changing contemporary art exhibits and is the country’s only art studio. Discover the fresh market selling seasonal organic produce next door.

Lunch today in town.

Back at the lodge take a hike customized to your fitness and energy level. Try the 45-minute lodge loop hike or climb further to Talakha Goemba situated on a ridge uphill from the lodge at 3,050 m. Rarely visited, this monastery boasts some of the best views of Thimphu Valley far below. *2 hrs up and back*.

Suggested Activity: On the way down from your hike stop at Lungsigang, a charming picnic spot for late afternoon tea and some energy boosting Bhutanese sweets and snacks.

Wellness Tip: Dotsho (Hot Stone) Bath. Mineral-rich stones from riverbeds are heated for several hours and added to the bath in this healing therapy. The addition of Khempa, a medicinal herb, works with the heat to release muscle pain and joint stiffness. 3-hour advance reservation required.

Dinner at leisure.

Overnight at Six Senses Thimphu.

After breakfast, your journey towards Punakha will take you on a 2.5-hour drive passing rich, forestedmountains dotted with monasteries and temples. The East-West Highway skirts the city before climbing towards the iconic Dochula Pass. On clear days, the pass offers stunning views of the Himalayan range. Stretch your legs at the pass with a circumambulation of the 108 chortens.

Descend into the lush, subtropical valley with its charming farmhouses and terraced rice fields. Stop as you enter the valley for a stroll across the rice paddies to Chimi Lhakhang, a fertility temple, to learn about Drukpa Kinley, the revered ‘Divine Madman’ and Buddhist ‘crazy wisdom’.

The prayer hall inside the monastery has a display of tantric objects ranging from drums, bells, and horns. The statue of Drukpa Kinley dressed in monastic robes is situated at the main altar alongside a statue of his dog Sachi. Women come from all over the Kingdom seeking blessings and are tapped on the head by the presiding lama with wood or bone phalluses or are asked to circumambulate the shrine with them. The adjacent village has some surprisingly graphic phallus paintings in honor of the saint on its homes and shops.

From the temple it’s a pleasant 35-minute journey along the scenic valley before arriving at the lodge. Check in at Senses Punakha’s cozy ‘Flying Farmhouse’, a cantilevered wooden structure that serves as the lodge lounge and reception and offers gorgeous views over the pool and surrounding rice fields. Our lowest lodge sits at 5,140 ft. (1,565 m.).

Late lunch poolside with stunning views across the valley.

This afternoon hike alongside the river climbing up to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten, a temple built by Queen Mother Ashi Tshering Yangdon to bring peace to the world. Just a short drive from Punakha Dzong, it takes about 50 minutes to climb from the road through beautiful, terraced rice paddies to reach the chorten which was completed in 1999 after eight years of construction. The visitor is rewarded with stunning views of the valley below.

Dinner at Ari, the lodge’s signature restaurant.

Overnight at Six Senses Punakha.

Rise early in the morning for a hike across the valley’s terraced rice fields towards a 16th century hilltop monastery to join the young novices for a traditional monastic breakfast. Afterwards, spend some time engaging with them and the chief abbot, Lama Nado to gain insight into their daily lives. Breakfast time is 8:30am.

Suggested Active Offering: Take advantage of Punakha’s subtropical climate with some time spent out on the river rafting later this morning. Choose between the Mo Chhu (Mother River) and the Po Chhu (Father River) (depending on the time of the year) for an active and adventurous ride. The total rafting time is approximately 90 minutes. This is a fun and exciting way to see Punakha from another angle. *24 hr. advance booking required*

Lunch back at the lodge.

This afternoon, visit the Punakha Dzong, one of the Kingdom’s most impressive and thought by many to be its most beautiful. Located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, the dzong’s majestic structure stands six stories high. The dzong is the winter residence of Bhutan’s central monastic body led by its leader, the Je Khenpo. Take your time to explore this architectural wonder’s courtyards, murals, and its prayer rooms which contain many of the Kingdom’s most sacred relics.

As light softens over the valley’s rolling hills, walk a short distance behind the dzong towards the country’s longest suspension bridge. Tied with colorful fluttering prayer flags, you can join the locals as they cross on foot on their way home from school and work at the end of the day.

Suggested Experience: Afterwards watch the sun set over the dzong with our “Pomegranate Martini” experience. Enjoy some late afternoon refreshments served courtesy of the Six Senses Team amidst a rice field with the rushing river as your backdrop. By advance appointment.

Dine this evening at the cozy signature restaurant Ari.

Overnight at Six Senses Punakha

This morning depart Thimphu towards Paro Valley, the second stop on your journey. *70 minute transfer by road* The impressive Rinpung Dzong greets you on your arrival into Paro town. Enter the dzong via Nyamai Zampa, a traditional cantilevered bridge.

The Paro National Musuem which is located next to the dzong displays a fascinating collection of Bhutanese relics offering insights into Bhutanese life in the past.

Suggested Cultural Activity: Prayer Flag Making & a Farmhouse Lunch. Drive to the home of a local family who have been making prayer flags by hand for generations. Situated in the center of expansive paddy fields, a visit to this three - story earthen farmhouse offers insight into rural Bhutanese life. Learn the secrets of their craft as you make your own prayer flags before enjoying a hearty lunch of local favourites.

Depart the farmhouse for Kyichu Lhakhang, a 7th century sanctuary located nearby and one of the oldest religious structures in the Kingdom. An absolute gem for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts alike, it is said to have two magical orange trees that bear fruit throughout the year.

From the town it’s a 20-minute drive up a high mountain road past stunning views of the valley below to the lodge.

Check into Six Senses Paro. Situated at an elevation of 9,415 ft (2,870 m.) next to the remnants of a 15th century fortress, the stone ruins and breathtaking views across the valley provide a dramatic backdrop to your stay.

This afternoon challenge your guide and driver to a game of archery, Bhutan’s national sport. Don’t forget to adopt the habit of singing and dancing to distract your opponent. A shot of ara (local moonshine) is said to greatly improve one’s hand-eye coordination.

Enjoy a sauna or a swim at the spa or set out on the lodge loop hike along trails that crisscross their way through the surrounding pine forests.

Dinner this evening at Jangkho, the lodge’s signature restaurant.

Overnight at Six Senses Paro.

Set out early this morning, after an energy boosting breakfast, on a challenging full day hike to Taktsang Goemba, more famously knowns as “Tiger’s Nest “. The hike begins at the base camp 40 minutes’ drive from the lodge by a forested ridge where you will climb to an elevation of 2,950 meters. One of the most significant cultural icons of the Kingdom, the highly revered monastery of Taktsang was built on a sheer cliff face above Paro where the revered saint, Guru Rimpoche arrived on the back of a flying tigress, bringing Buddhism to the Kingdom in the 8th century. The temple complex is visible from the valley floor and during cooler weather clouds can shroud the monastery, highlighting its sanctity and remoteness.

Your guide will share stories of the monastery’s history along the way. Pine forests decorated with moss and prayer flags surround you as you make your way along the paths of this sacred trail. Hang prayer flags and let your wishes be carried out on the wind to all sentient beings.

A picnic lunch will be arranged in a scenic spot en route. The hike will take approximately 4-5 hours. *Tiger’s Nest hike is a moderate to strenuous hike but do-able for most and well worth the effort*. Ponies are available for hire for the first part of the ascent if required. They cannot be taken for the descent.

Wellness Tip: Visit the Six Senses Spa to relax after your strenuous hike with a Deep Tissue Massage. *60- and 90-minute* sessions available by pre-appointment.

Suggested Experience: Visit the tiny 16th century Samtenling Monastery, just a ten-minute walk from the lodge. Light 108 butter lamps to dispel darkness in the universe followed by a blessing led by the resident monks.

Dine at Janghko this evening or on the terrace, weather permitting. Reflect on the amazing adventures of these past days as you prepare for your onward journey.

Overnight at Six Senses Paro.

After an early breakfast, finalize your packing and say goodbye to your Bhutanese hosts before departing the lodge. From here it is a 30-minute transfer to the airport. Your GEM will accompany you and assist with your departure arrangements.

Say goodbye and board your flight back home with beautiful memories of your experience in Bhutan.