Bhutan Travel Beyond the Skies

1. Day 1 Paro Airport – Six Senses, Thimphu ▾

   • 50 km Driving distance
   • 1 hr 15 min Driving time
   • 2,300 m Altitude of Thimphu

   The panoramic Himalayan views shall be mesmerizing as you fly to Bhutan. The Landing is another experience. On arrival at the Paro International airport your guide from Ideal Travel Creations shall welcome you with a “Tashi Khadar”. Drive to Thimphu.

   Discover the barren mountains, Tamchog Lhakhang, the Paro River (Pa Chhu) joining the Thimphu River (Wangchhu) at Chhuzomsa and the three stupas featuring distinct Bhutanese, Tibetan and Nepali style architecture. Villages, linear settlements the comfortably winding road along the Thimphu and Paro River with some beautiful views are some of the experiences as you reach Thimphu.

   Check in at the Six Senses, The Palace in the Sky. Spread across 15 acres at an altitude of 2755 m overlooking the Thimphu Valley, this Palace in the Sky comes with captivating views over the Buddha Dordenma, the world’s tallest seated Buddha.

   Take a dip in the indoor pool, relax on your balcony or simply walk around the property. You may choose to dine outdoors at the sunken terrace. After lunch, if the energy levels allow stroll around Clock Tower Square and Craft Bazaar. In the evening visit impressive Tashichho Dzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion) which houses the Throne Room and the Offices of His Majesty the King as well as the Je Khenpo, seniormost religious authority of Bhutan.

   Dinner and Overnight in Six Senses, Thimphu, The Palace in the Sky.

2. Day 2 Thimphu ▾

   After a leisure breakfast, join the Local residents of Thimphu for circumambulations at the National Memorial Chorten, built in the honor of the Third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, also known as “The Father of Modern Bhutan”. Drive towards Kuenselphodrang.

   On the way visit Hindu Temple formally known as Devi Panchayan Mandir which was consecrated on 1st October 2019. His Majesty, The King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck offered worship and granted “Tika” to the Hindu Communities on the Dussehra on 1019 in this temple.

   Further in Kuenselphodrang, witness the 52-meter Buddha Dordenma statue in Thimphu. Visit the temple inside the statue and discover the 125,000 smaller Buddhas. The place offers a breath-taking view of the Thimphu Valley. If you love Hiking You can opt for a gentle hike to Changangkha Lhakhang from here.

   It is a 7 km Hike through the pine forest. This trail was initially intended to be a cycling trail but is very good for hike as well. It is a part of the 60 km cycling trail around Thimphu valley which was initiated in 2016 to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of His Majesty the Fourth King of Bhutan.

   Finally visit the Simply Bhutan, a living museum and a photo studio aimed at preservation and promotion of culture involving Bhutanese youth as the core group. After lunch, visit Takin Preserve. Takin is the national animal of Bhutan. Then visit the Zorig Chusom (The National Institute for 13 Traditional Arts and Crafts of Bhutan) and the Royal Textile Academy.

   The day ends witnessing an Archery Match at the Changlimithang stadium. In the evening, you may choose to take a spa in the hotel (additional costs may be applicable) Dinner and Overnight in Six Senses, Thimphu, The Palace in the Sky.

3. Day 3 Thimphu – Pemako, Punakha ▾

   • 76 km Driving distance
   • 2 hr Driving time
   • 1,250 m Altitude of Punakha

   Start your day with a drive to Dochula Pass. You shall first see the Simtokha Dzong and then the winding roads leads you through blue pine forests and the villages of Hongtsho (2890m) and Yusipang. The local villagers sell apples, walnuts, dried cheese in this area.

   The road climbs through the forest till you reach the Dochula Pass (3150 m), the highest point between Thimphu and Punakha valleys. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the higher Himalayas, explore the 108 Druk Wangyel Chhortens and then visit the Druk Wangyel Lhakhang.

   Descend to the subtropical lush and beautiful valley of Punakha. The terraced rice fields, the meandering river and the beautiful villages shall welcome you as you reach Punakha. Visit Chimi Lhakhang. Also known as the temple of fertility, the temple was built by Lam Drukpa Kuenley. the revered ‘Divine Madman’ and Buddhist ‘crazy wisdom.’ A lot of graphic phallus paintings and crafts might surprise you in the nearby areas.

   Visit the Punakha dzong at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu River. Addition to its appealing looks this Majestic Dzong stands six stories high. Walk over the one of the country’s longest suspension bridges and enjoy the breathing views, soothing breeze and a beautiful experience.

   They say Pemako Punakha is an earthly paradise waiting to be discovered, inspired by the remote Himalayan sanctuary, or beyul, of the same name. The car stops at the banks of the Mo Chhu and walk over the beautiful suspension bridge which can be a big adventure to many.

   Your personal butler and buggy car shall take you to the Pemako Punakha, where peace restores perspective, spaces inspire wonder, and the pace is entirely your own. The luxury tented accommodations come with a private pool and the property has a lot to offer.

   Your time at the property shall be at its best. Dinner at Soma where you can indulge in dining all day long, relishing a variety of cuisines. Overnight in Pemako Punakha.

4. Day 4 Punakha ▾

   Start your day with a Hike to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chhorten. An hour of walk after crossing the suspension bridge and through the rice fields takes you to magnificent views and the Chhorten, beautifully crafted in traditional Bhutanese style.

   With the intricate design and sculptures, the temple was built by Bhutanese craftsmen which took 9 years. The craftsmanship of Bhutanese artists is amazing. The 360-degree views of the Punakha valley’s rice fields and the shimmering river shall ensure that the sweating was worth.

   An hour of rafting on the Mo Chhu shall bring you near the Punakha Dzong. A Picnic lunch at the Banks of the Mo chhu. Finally Spend some time with the Nuns at the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery. Explore the Khuruthang town for a while on the way back to Pemako Punakha.

   Once inside the Pemako, make comfortable among the undisturbed nature and the priceless experience the property has to offer. Dinner and overnight in Pemako Punakha.

5. Day 5 Pemako Punakha – Amankora, Gangtey ▾

   • 80 km Driving distance
   • 2 hr 30 min Driving time
   • 3,000 m Altitude of Phobjikha/ Gangtey

   After breakfast discover the Drinchengang Village. Previously known as Rinchengang Village, it is a captivating village known for its remarkable cluster of interconnected houses. It is situated on the opposite hill, overlooking Wangdue Phodrang Dzong.

   The residents are said to be descendants of the artisans and craftsmen who came from India and Nepal to build the Dzong. It is considered one of the oldest clustered villages in Bhutan. Visit the Wangduephodrang Dzong overlooking the convergence of the Dangchhu and Punatsangchhu Rivers.

   The dzong was initially built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1638. Drive along the slopes of bare hills following the river (Drang Chhu) until you reach Chuzomsa, (the confluence of the Dang Chhu and the Pe Chhu). After crossing the bridge, the road goes uphill through pine forests often encountering small villages, where women spinning yarns on their porches, older men idling their time and children frolicking around could be the most common sights.

   Explore the Lawala Pass. A few Photographs are must here. Drive down along the pine forest till you reach Amankora, Gangtey. This is an eight-suite Lodge set on a forested knoll with scenic views of the valley floor and the 16th century Gangtey Goemba monastery.

   Suite interiors are identical to those of Amankora Thimphu, each enjoying a view across the valley. In the afternoon, relax at the property. A short walk from Amankora, Gangtey, atop a hill above the picturesque Phobjikha Valley, a wooden hut with bamboo doors houses Aman’s Bhutanese hot-stone bath.

   Soak in candlelight in the water rich in minerals and floating sprigs of khempa as the sun sets. (Advance reservations and additional cost may be applicable) Spend your evening enjoying the breathtaking views the property has to offer in one of the most beautiful Glacial valleys in the Himalayas.

   Dinner and overnight in Amankora, Gangtey.

6. Day 6 Gangtey/ Phobjikha Valley ▾

   Start your day with a breakfast with views. Visit the Gangtey Goemba overlooking the large green expanse of the Phobjikha Valley. Gyaltse Pema Thinley, the grandson and mind reincarnation of Pema Lingpa founded the Temple in 1613, and Tenzin Legpai Dhendup, the second re-incarnation, built the temple.

   Hike the Gangtey Nature Trail. The trail starts at the 17th century Gangtey Monastery. The two-hour gentle trek lets you get immersed in the beautiful Phobjikha valley. Visit the Khewang Lhakhang and interact with the young monks. Explore the nearby villages for a while.

   Picnic Lunch in the Phobjikha Valley. After lunch drive towards the villages of Kilkhorthang and Remeachin. Visit the Nelung Dreachagling Nunnery and the villages around. Witness farmers working in the field and enjoy taking photographs in this beautiful Glacial valley.

   On the way back visit the Black Necked Crane Information Centre, a place for recreation with crane watching equipment (binoculars, spotting scopes) and reference books. Dinner and overnight in Amankora Gangtey.

7. Day 7 Gangtey – Six Senses Bumthang ▾

   • 160 km Driving distance
   • 4 hr 15 min Driving time
   • 2,800 m Altitude of Bumthang

   Today your journey goes deeper into the Kingdom of Bhutan amidst breathtaking views, beautiful landscapes and interesting experiences. Visit the Chendebji Chorten, built in the style of the great Boudhanath Chorten of Nepal. Further near Trongsa, stop at a place across on the other side of the Trongsa Dzong, where you get a perfect view of the Dzong.

   Photograph the Dzong. While in Trongsa, visit Trongsa Dzong, the most impressive Dzong in Bhutan. The Dzong was built by Chogyal Minjur Tempa, the official who was sent by Zhabdrung to unify Eastern Bhutan and enlarged at the end of the 17th century by Desi Tenzin Rabgay.

   Trongsa Dzong is the ancestral home of the present Royal Family. The first two hereditary kings ruled Bhutan from this Dzong. Continue your journey with a stoppage at Yotongla, the highest peak between Bumthang and Trongsa and then the Chhumey village, known for Yathra Textile.

   It is the most famous textile product of Bumthang. The Chhumey Valley is known for the beautiful Yathra woven by the locals. Yathra is a hand-woven fabric made from the wool of sheep or Yak. The wool is first spun into threads and then dyed before they are woven into Yathra with beautiful flower patterns and colors.

   The Yathra cloth is made into scarves, jackets, tablecloths, bags, etc. Most of the women in this valley, especially in Zungye village earn their lively hood by weaving Yathra which is supplied to various towns in Bhutan. Your today’s journey ends on arrival at Six Senses Bumthang.

   Settle into the serene atmosphere at the ‘Forest Within a Forest’ surrounded by blue pine trees and adjacent to the rushing Chamkhar Chhu river. Dinner and overnight in Six Senses Bumthang “Forest Within a Forest”

8. Day 8 Bumthang Valley ▾

   Your day starts with a visit to the Jakar Dzong, literally meaning the Castle of White Bird. The current structure was built in 1667. Visit the Wangdichholing Palace which was the home to the First and Second Kings of Bhutan. Continue your day’s sightseeing with visits to Jambay Lhakhang and Kurjey Lhakhang.

   Picnic Lunch in a quaint setting in the Chhoekhor valley. After lunch, visit the Tamshing Lhakhang and the Könchogsum Lhakhang. As you reach Bathpalathang, visit the cheese and apple juice/wine making factory. Taste the Locally made red panda beer here.

   Before going back to the Six Senses Bumthang, explore the Chamkhar Town. Dinner and overnight in Six Senses Bumthang “Forest Within a Forest”

9. Day 9 Bumthang Valley ▾

   After breakfast, drive towards Tang Valley. On the way visit the Membar Tsho, also known as “The burning Lake”. It is one of the most sacred sites in the region and relates to the famous treasure revealer, Terton Pema Lingpa. Further in Tang visit the Ugyenchholing Palace.

   The Palace now houses the family Museum and was restored in the 19th century. The Palace contains the historic items of Tshokey Dorji (the then Trongsa Penlop (Governor)) and his household. Visit the Tang Rimochen Lhakhang, located in a sacred place of Guru Rinpoche.

   In front of the temple is a rock which bears the body print of the Guru Rinpoche and two Khandoms (female celestial being). This site got its name from the tiger stripe markings on the cliff. Return to the lodge for a traditional hot stone bath (Dotsho).

   This has been practiced in Bhutan for centuries as a medicinal soak. Many Bhutanese believe that the bath helps in curing joint pains, helps in relaxing and other medical problems. River stones are heated and then put in water to heat the water; sometime medicinal herbs are added to the water before it is ready for the soak.

   (Advance reservations and additional costs may be applicable) Dinner and overnight in Six Senses Bumthang “Forest Within a Forest”

10. Day 10 Bumthang to Paro Airport ▾

    In the morning, drive to Bathpalathang Airport of Bumthang. Take a short flight to the Paro Airport to be received by your guide at the Paro Airport. Drive to the Six Senses, “Stone Ruins’. Relax among the quaint settings of the property till you enjoy a hearty and satisfying lunch at the property.

    In the afternoon, walk over the Nyamai Zampa, a traditional cantilevered bridge. Visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong. Visit the Paro National Museum, which displays a collection of fascinating Bhutanese relics. Finally explore the Paro Town. Visit Coffee shops, handicraft shops and interact with the locals, also try out Bhutanese National Dress and have some photographs.

    Dinner and overnight in Six Senses Paro, “Stone Ruins”.

11. Day 11 Paro Valley ▾

    • 2,280 m Altitude of Paro

    Your day starts with an early morning hike to Taktshang Monastery, one of the most wonderful and significant monasteries in Bhutan. Also known as the Tiger’s Nest, the hike shall be accompanied with stories of Guru Rinpoche, who arrived on the spot where the monastery is located on the back of a flying tigress somewhere in 8th century.

    Reaching the top shall enlighten you on why the Monastery is an iconic pilgrimage for visitors to the Kingdom of Bhutan. Visit Kyichhu Lhakhang, a 7th-century temple nearby with two magical orange trees that bear fruit throughout the year. Drive to a local farmhouse for lunch with a Bhutanese family.

    Try the traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath, National Dress and Archery here. You shall also have an opportunity to witness the daily life in a village in Bhutan. Drive back to the Hotel. Explore the property, enjoy a peaceful time all by yourself within the property.

    Dinner and Overnight at the Six Senses, Paro, “Stone Ruins”.

12. Day 12 Paro Valley with Chelela Pass ▾

    In the morning drive to Chelela Pass which is the highest point between the Paro and the Haa Valley. At approximately 45 km from the Paro Town, the Chelela Pass lies at an altitude of 3988 m and is the one of the highest motorable roads in Bhutan.

    The drive from Paro to Chelela would be through a winding road over the dense pine forest, the view is spectacular. As we ascend further to higher elevation the vegetation changes to conifer such as spruce, juniper, hemlock, silver fir and finally at the summit, the vegetation is all open alpine meadows.

    The Pass is decorated with colorful prayer flags. You can choose to hang some prayer flags or offer incense here. On a clear day the views are beautiful. After a while Hike to Kila Goemba. The trail, spanning approximately 9-12 kilometers, meanders through alpine meadows and rhododendron forests, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks and valleys.

    The hike concludes at the serene Kila Goenpa Nunnery, a centuries-old cliffside retreat home to Buddhist nuns. This journey, marked by natural beauty and cultural significance, provides hikers with a unique blend of adventure and spiritual tranquility.

    On the way back visit the Namgay Artisanal Brewery. Check out the varieties of made in Bhutan beers. Set in a traditional Bhutanese style, the place is beautifully located overlooking the Paro valley. This place brews different flavors of Bhutanese Beer to suit one’s palette.

    The outdoor setting of Namgay Artisanal brewery is equally awesome. Take a tour in the beer producing house. They mainly produce Indian Pale Ale, Apple Cider, Wheat beer, Dark ale, and red rice lager. Finally visit the Drukgyel Dzong, with a picturesque village nestling below.

    The dzong was initially built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 to commemorate the victory of Bhutanese over the allied Tibetan-Mongolian forces. It was destroyed by fire in 1951 and was in ruins for a long time until reconstruction process was initiated in the year 2016 under the Command of His Majesty the King of Bhutan.

    Dinner and Overnight at the Six Senses, Paro, “Stone Ruins”.

13. Day 13 Six Senses Paro – Paro Airport ▾

    “Bhutan Travel Beyond the Skies” comes to an end with a drive to Paro airport and farewell.

What is and isn't Included?

Getting there & when to go

Trip facts

Travel cost details