Itinerary Highlights
- Discover pristine landscapes, vibrant festivals and sacred monasteries throughout Bhutan
- Visit the towering Buddha Dordenma and serene Changangkha Lhakhang temple in Thimphu
- Explore Punakha Dzong, the ‘Palace of Great Happiness’, set between two mountain rivers
- Ascend to the legendary Tiger’s Nest Monastery, uncovering stories behind Bhutan’s fortresses
What's Included
- Accommodation Throughout
- International Flights
Jackie
Travel Specialist
Bhutan – one of the least developed countries and the only carbon-negative nation on the planet – is known locally as Druk-Yul, the world’s last Shangri-La. Discover breathtaking views, colourful dancers, a rich cultural heritage, imposing fortresses and ancient monasteries perched in seemingly impossible locations.
Begin in Thimphu, where you’ll visit the towering Buddha Dordenma and the serene Changangkha Lhakhang temple. Get a feel for rural life at the Ka Ja Thorm farmers’ market, then dine at a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse amidst the picturesque fields of Gangtey.
Take a tour of Punakha Dzong – the ‘Palace of Great Happiness’ – strategically built at the junction of the Pho Chhu River and Mo Chhu River in 1637. Venture onwards to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders, before journeying up to the world’s highest hilltop monastery: the spectacular 8th-century Tiger’s Nest.
Itinerary
Day 1 | Fly UK to Bhutan
After your overnight flight, you’ll begin your journey with a morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Paro, where Bhutan’s dramatic mountain scenery unfolds beneath you. On arrival, you’ll be met and driven to Thimphu, a scenic 90-minute journey through lush valleys and forested hills.
Then visit the magnificent Buddha Dordenma in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park. Standing 51.5 metres tall and gilded in gold, this serene statue symbolises peace and compassion. Continue to the National Memorial Chorten, where locals gather to spin prayer wheels and offer devotion. And finally, spend the rest of your evening exploring Thimphu city centre.
Overnight at Six Senses Thimphu (Lodge Suite) or Pemako Thimphu (Deluxe Room).
Day 2 | Thimphu
Set out on a moderate nature walk to Cheri Monastery, which was founded in 1620 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Drive 14 km to Dodena (2,600 m) before hiking across a traditional wooden bridge and ascending through serene woodland. The 6.5 km round-trip trail takes around 2.5 hours and offers panoramic valley views and a chance to explore hermitages and temples.
Afterwards, head to Choki Traditional Art School in Kabesa, where children learn Bhutanese arts in a culturally rich environment, and continue to Pangri Zampa Monastery to meet the monks. Explore Trashichhoedzong, the fortress housing the King’s throne room, before visiting Ka Ja Thorm market.
Overnight at Six Senses Thimphu (Lodge Suite) or Pemako Thimphu (Deluxe Room).
Day 3 | Thimphu – Gangtey
Take a scenic drive to Dochula Pass (3,088 m), pausing to admire some of the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens and sweeping Himalayan panoramas. On clear days, you can enjoy a glimpse of Bhutan’s highest peak, Gangkar Puensum (7,570 m), along with surrounding summits.
Continue through oak and rhododendron forests, descending into the striking Gangtey Valley, where open fields contrast with wooded hillsides. You'll then explore Phobjikha, a traditional village near Gangtey Monastery, before witnessing an evening prayer ceremony here.
Overnight at Six Senses Gangtey (Lodge Suite) or Gangtey Lodge (Farmhouse Suite).
Day 4 | Gangtey
Visit Gangtey Goempa, the largest Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan, founded in 1613. Perched atop a hill, it remains a spiritual centre for 140 Gomchens and preserves the traditions of Pema Lingpa.
Following the monastery, enjoy a 5.5 km, two-hour walk along the Gangtey Nature Trail. Traverse flower-filled meadows, forests and the village of Semchubara, passing a chorten and Khewa Lhakhang, while taking in panoramic valley views.
After lunch, explore Phobjikha Valley, the winter home to black-necked cranes. Visit the Black Neck Crane Information Centre to observe these majestic birds through telescopes and learn about the valley’s natural and cultural heritage.
Overnight at Six Senses Gangtey (Lodge Suite) or Gangtey Lodge (Farmhouse Suite).
Day 5 | Gangtey
Drive 30 minutes from Phobjikha to Longtey village to begin a moderate four-hour hike. You’ll descend through bamboo thickets, pass traditional village houses and walk along rhododendron forests where yaks graze in winter. Ascend through old-growth forest to a pass offering sweeping views of Gangtey Goempa, the Shedra and the valley below, before descending toward Kumbu village for your transfer.
In the afternoon, explore Gangtey village at your leisure, experiencing local life and the valley’s tranquil atmosphere.
Overnight at Six Senses Gangtey (Lodge Suite) or Gangtey Lodge (Farmhouse Suite).
Day 6 | Gangtey – Punakha
Head to Punakha, a fertile valley which was once the country's former capital. En route, you'll visit Wangduephodrang Dzong, elevated on a ridge between two rivers and providing commanding views and insight into Bhutanese history.
In the afternoon, explore Punakha Dzong (the ‘Palace of Great Happiness’), constructed at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Discover its courtyards, gold-domed tower and religious sculptures, guided by expert commentary. Conclude with a walk across the 160 m Punakha Suspension Bridge, taking in the valley’s dramatic scenery and the river below.
Overnight at Six Senses Punakha (Lodge Suite) or Uma by COMO (Valley View Room).
Day 7 | Punakha
Hike through fields of chillies, cabbage and rice in Mo Chhu to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. This four-storey temple, sitting on a ridge at 2,250 m, was built by Her Majesty the Queen Mother, Ashi Tshering, over nine years and combines traditional craftsmanship with spiritual purpose and promotes peace, stability and prosperity. The hike takes around two hours and is rated easy.
After lunch, visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery, a centre for meditation, higher learning and life skills for nuns. Conclude the day exploring Rinchengang village, one of Bhutan’s oldest settlements, with terraced fields, traditional mud houses and views of Wangduephodrang Dzong and the Punatsang Chhu river.
Overnight at Six Senses Punakha (Lodge Suite) or Uma by COMO (Valley View Room).
Day 8 | Punakha
See Chimi Lhakhang, the ‘Temple of Fertility,’ atop a hillock amid rice fields. You’ll stroll through the nearby village of Pana, gaining insight into local daily life and traditions.
Later, explore Talo village, renowned for its cleanliness and flower-adorned farmhouses, and visit Nobgang. Conclude with a visit to the Nalanda Buddhist Institute, where you can observe prayer ceremonies, interact with monks and learn about meditation and Buddhist study.
Overnight at Six Senses Punakha (Lodge Suite) or Uma by COMO (Valley View Room).
Day 9 | Punakha – Paro
Enjoy a scenic drive to Paro, a valley famed for its temples, monasteries and terraced red rice fields. After arriving, settle into your hotel and enjoy lunch.
In the afternoon, visit Ta Dzong, originally a watchtower and now the National Museum, showcasing thangkhas, textiles, armour and historical artefacts. A short walk brings you to Rinpung Dzong, or ‘fortress of the heap of jewels,’ where wooden galleries feature intricate Buddhist paintings depicting local legends and spiritual stories.
Overnight at Six Senses Paro (Lodge Suite) or Uma by COMO Paro (Valley View Room).
Day 10 | Paro
Undertake a five-hour round-trip hike to Taktshang Monastery, famously known as Tiger’s Nest. Set 900 m above the Paro valley, this iconic monastery is a revered pilgrimage site where Guru Rinpoche is said to have meditated on the back of a tigress. Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal visited in 1646, and it remains central to Bhutanese spiritual life.
In the evening, explore Paro city centre and its lively local market, where you can discover handicrafts and sample regional delicacies.
Overnight at Six Senses Paro (Lodge Suite) or Uma by COMO Paro (Valley View Room).
Day 11 | Paro
Drive along a forested road to Chelela Pass (3,988 m), one of Bhutan’s highest motorable passes, offering spectacular views of Jomolhari and Jichu Drake, framed by fluttering prayer flags.
From Chelela, hike approximately one hour to Kila Gompa, a 3,500 m cliffside nunnery home to seven small temples and around 70 nuns.
In the afternoon, visit a traditional farmhouse to experience Bhutanese hospitality, taste local snacks, don traditional dress, observe farming practices and try archery with a bamboo bow.
Overnight at Six Senses Paro (Lodge Suite) or Uma by COMO Paro (Valley View Room).
Day 12 | Departure
Jackie
Travel Specialist
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