10-Night Khamsa in Bhutan
December 1, 2019 - Six Senses Gangtey is open and accepting reservations, which means you can now extend your journey through the beauty, spirituality and culture of Bhutan, the Happiest Place on Earth.
Travel back in time and take a journey that few people have had the opportunity to experience. Your Six Senses GEM (Guest Experience Maker) will meet you upon arrival and accompany you on your 10-Night Khamsa through the Kingdom, sharing insights into the culture, history and local life of each valley as you go.
Day 1 and 2
Paro Airport -Six Senses Thimphu “Palace in the Sky”
Six Senses Thimphu, our Palace in the Sky, is situated high above the valley floor, overlooking apple orchards and young pine forests. Shake off any jet lag with a visit to Zorig Chusum (The National Institute of 13 Arts and Crafts) and Tashi Chho Dzong, Thimphu’s impressive Buddhist monastery.
Return to the lodge and ease your tired muscles with a Dotsho (Bhutanese hot stone bath with herbs) followed by dinner at our signature restaurant Namkha, which offers views over the lodge’s reflecting ponds to the glittering lights of the valley below.
On the second day, rise to the Thimphu morning with an optional yoga or meditation class before heading out across the valley to visit the majestic Buddha Dordenma, the world’s tallest seated Buddha. A two-hour hike will take you to Changangkha Lhakhang, one of the oldest monasteries in Thimphu. You can also visit Pangri Zampa Lhakhang, a 16th-century monastic school of astrology where you can have a reading by one of the resident monks.
Day 3, 4 and 5
Six Senses Punakha “Flying Farmhouse Amidst Rice Fields”
Today’s journey takes you towards Punakha over the iconic Dochula Pass. At a height of 10,000 feet (3,050 meters), there are striking views of the cloud-capped Himalayan peaks and 108 hillside chortens (Buddhist shrines).
Mark your arrival in the valley by spinning a prayer wheel for good luck before crossing over a dramatic suspension bridge hung with colorful Buddhist prayer flags. The Flying Farmhouse is a cantilevered wooden structure that serves as a lounge set over the lodge’s heated swimming pool with views to the terraced rice fields below. This afternoon you can treat yourself to an optional deeply-relaxing Marma Massage. Weather permitting; dinner will be served poolside this evening.
The next morning begins with a moderate 2.5-hour hike through terraced rice fields as you ascend towards Chorten Ningpo, a monastery dating back to the 17th-century. Lunch today is a delicious Bhutanese thali set served outdoors on the patio at the lodge.
This afternoon, explore the beautiful Punakha Dzong before returning for a delicious Indian menu at Ari, the lodge’s signature restaurant.
Start day 5 with a bicycle ride along the river valley. A special picnic lunch is arranged for you on the riverside. After your meal, enjoy the ride to Talo Nobgang Village and visit Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery, a meditation center for nuns and Nobgang Monastery, the former residence of a famous Tibetan lama.
Continue the afternoon with a visit to Chimi Lhakhang, a fertility temple built in 1499. Return to the lodge for an optional afternoon yoga session or perhaps rejuvenate with a relaxing footbath at the spa.
Day 6 and 7
Six Senses Gangtey “Traditional Birdwatching Bridge”
Transiting from Punakha to Gangtey, your route follows through the bamboo and oak forests of Nobding Valley, eventually leading you to Lawa la Pass. Enjoy a tasty lunch at our lodge enjoying the views across the wetlands sprinkled with tiny goembas and lhakhangs (monasteries and temples).
After lunch, take a walk down to the Black-necked Crane Visitor Centre, a conservation center and winter residence for approximately 400 cranes who migrate here from Tibet each year between the months of October and March. Afterwards, go walking or mountain biking or relax in the lodge and indulge in a nourishing Swedana steam treatment. This evening enjoy dinner at Baa Zam, Six Senses Gangtey’s signature restaurant.
Day 7 starts with a classic hike on the Loma Longtey trail. Along the way you’ll see local farmers out in the fields as you climb to 12,140 feet (3,700 meters). The reward is in the view!
Return to the lodge for a late lunch and a bit of rest before a short drive into Gangtey Village to explore the quaint shops of this one-street town and visit the the 16th century golden-topped Gangtey Goemba (monastery). Finish the day with an early dinner and well-earned night’s sleep.
Day 8, 9 and 10
Six Senses Paro “Stone Ruins”
This morning re-trace your steps back to Paro and visit Rinpung Dzong the “fortress on heaps of jewels”. This dzong is an impressive example of classic Bhutanese architecture and is also where the annual Paro Tshechu (festival) is held.
You can also test your strength and skills with an archery session. Don’t forget to adopt the local custom of singing, dancing and distracting your opponent to gain the upper hand. Celebrate your victory afterwards with a cold brew or a shot of ara on the terrace of the lodge.
This evening enjoy a cocktail on the patio at sunset before dinner at Jangkho, where we’ll serve a delicious menu that incorporates ingredients from our Six Senses organic farm.
Day 9 begins with an energy-boosting breakfast before departing for Taktsang Goemba (monastery), more famously known as Tiger’s Nest. If energy levels and time permit after your descent, visit the colorful Kyichu Lhakhang, a 7th-century sanctuary and one of the oldest religious structures in the Kingdom.
You’ll also have time to take a stroll along Paro town’s charming shop-lined streets selling prayer wheels, local textiles and auspicious amulets. Dinner this evening is at the lodge where you can relax and reflect on the day’s amazing adventures.
Day 10 starts with a leisurely breakfast before a walk through the pine forests or a more active challenge with an uphill hike to Jele Dzong, a small fortress built on a ridge back in the early 16th century. Your GEM will prepare a light picnic lunch.
Return to the lodge and take a short stroll over to the 15th-century Samteling Monastery situated just next to our lodge. The one-story temple was built in the traditional Bhutanese style using stone and woodwork and features statues as well as beautiful wall paintings of the Buddhist saints. Reflect on your time in the Kingdom as you light auspicious butter lamps and receive blessings from the resident monks. Later this afternoon, prepare your body for the onward journey with an optional sauna, cold plunge and Deep Tissue Massage at the spa.
This evening our chefs will prepare a special Indian menu for you or, for a truly memorable experience, you can dine under a canopy of stars next to the stone ruins of a 15th-century dzong on the grounds of the lodge with our Chubjakha Regale Ruins Dinner, an optional experience which can be booked in advance.
Departure
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.
Some of the activities we have included in this program are optional and available with prior arrangement and at an additional charge. This will all be clearly explained to you.
For reservations or more information about this program, please call +975 2 350 773 or email reservations-bhutan@sixsenses.com.