Concise itinerary:

• The Himalayan Buddhist Kingdom

  Welcome to the Himalayan Buddhist Kingdom! This is a place rich in culture, traditions, and spirituality, all carefully preserved.

  Your journey begins with a one-hour drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Nestled in a steep valley at an altitude of 2,200 meters, Thimphu is unique as the only city in the world without traffic lights. Here, you’ll stay at the luxurious Six Senses Thimphu hotel, perched high above the valley with views over apple orchards and young pine forests.

  On the sunny terrace, a delicious lunch prepared by the hotel’s team of chefs awaits you. The menu, crafted from organic ingredients grown in Six Senses Thimphu’s own gardens, follows the philosophy of “Eating with Six Senses.”

  After lunch, if you have the energy, you may visit the 52-meter Buddha Dordenma statue or simply relax at the lodge’s spa or pool. A relaxing massage is perfect after a long flight and time zone adjustment!

• Exploring Thimphu

  Start your first morning in Bhutan with rejuvenating spa treatments or a yoga and meditation session. This place is truly inspiring for inner reflection and renewal.

  After breakfast, meet your guide and set out to explore Thimphu. As you stroll through local markets and visit museums and temples, you’ll get a glimpse into Bhutanese daily life and culture.

  Today’s highlights include: Simply Bhutan Museum, where you’ll taste local drinks and learn about traditional life; Zorig Chusum, the National Institute of 13 Arts and Crafts, where you’ll observe traditional thangka painting; and the National Textile Museum. Join locals for a walk around the Memorial Chorten, then end your walk at the Tashichho Dzong, the impressive fortress housing the king’s throne room and offices.

  This evening, enjoy a charming picnic at Lungsegar.

• Journey to the Enchanting World of Punakha

  After breakfast, head to Punakha. Along the way, stop at the famous Dochula Pass, where you can enjoy stunning views of the Himalayan range on clear days.

  Descending from the pass, you’ll enter the lush, subtropical Punakha Valley with its cozy farmhouses and terraced rice fields.

  Stroll across a bridge and enjoy an afternoon pomegranate martini against the backdrop of a magnificent dzong, followed by a sunset picnic featuring local delicacies, fresh spring rolls, and Bhutanese rice flakes. In the evening, check into Six Senses Punakha, a beautiful lodge with rustic charm and views over the rice terraces.

• Becoming a Local

  This morning, hike through the valley to a monastery, where you’ll join young monks for a traditional monastery breakfast. After breakfast, meet the chief abbot, who will share insights into monastic life and the monastery itself.

  On the way back, visit a farm, where you’ll be warmly welcomed by the hosts. Sample homemade ara (a Bhutanese spirit) and learn about local traditions and lifestyle. If you wish, you can even try your hand at harvesting or caring for the animals!

  In the afternoon, take a walk across the country’s longest suspension bridge and visit Punakha Dzong Monastery—one of the most impressive in the kingdom. The majestic structure, six stories tall, sits at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (Father) and Mo Chhu (Mother) rivers.

• Monasteries and Traditions

  Start the day with a light bike or walk along the river to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, built by the Queen Mother to bring world peace. Locals say this spot offers the most beautiful view of the Punakha Valley.

  After enjoying the view, drive to Talo Nobgang village, where the four Queen Mothers were raised. Here, visit the monastery and meditation center for nuns, then head to Chimi Lhakhang, the fertility temple, to learn about Drukpa Kunley, the revered ‘Divine Madman’ of Buddhist ‘crazy wisdom.’

  Back at the lodge in the evening, unwind with a Shirodhara session—a relaxing treatment involving a warm oil stream over the third eye to soothe the nervous system.

• Paro Valley’s Breathtaking Views

  Today, retrace your journey to Paro.

  On the descent into Thimphu, stop at Simtokha Dzong, the kingdom’s first fortress, said to guard a demon believed to have dissolved into a nearby rock.

  Another stop awaits at Rinpung Dzong Monastery. This monastery serves not only as a protective structure but also as an important center for Buddhist culture and education, where future monks are trained and religious ceremonies are held. It is also one of Bhutan’s most striking architectural feats.

  In Paro, visit the National Museum, which houses a fascinating collection of Bhutanese relics.

  Lunch will be in a local farmhouse, where you can enjoy a delicious meal and engaging conversation with a Bhutanese family.

  Your hotel, Six Senses Paro Stone Ruins, is located at an elevation of 2,870 meters, near the ruins of a 15th-century fortress, offering stunning valley views. Impressive, isn’t it?

• Pilgrimage to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery

  Today, embark on a pilgrimage to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery. This majestic monastery sits on a cliffside, about 900 meters above the valley floor. To reach it, you’ll hike through forests, over rocks, and across bridges, but the journey is well worth it!

  Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche flew here in the 8th century on the back of a tiger. He meditated in these caves, making the place sacred.

  After returning to the hotel, relax with a Marma massage to unwind and restore your energy after an adventurous day.

• Buddhist Blessing Ceremony and Dinner Under the Stars

  Today, enjoy a city tour of Paro. Stroll down the charming main street, lined with shops selling handmade crafts and local eateries.

  In the evening, attend a Buddhist blessing ceremony at Samteling Monastery, where you’ll light 108 oil lamps to share your blessings with all living beings—a perfect way to end your stay in Bhutan.

  Afterward, a farewell dinner awaits under the stars beside ancient ruins. Dress in traditional attire, specially prepared for you. Dinner will be accompanied by live music, folk dancing, and traditional Bhutanese dishes cooked over an open stone grill.

• Time to Say Goodbye

  After breakfast, check out, enjoy a cup of tea, and transfer to the airport, leaving with the feeling that you’ll surely return one day. Until we meet again!