Just Back From: Bhutan with our Destination Specialist Amelia Adamson

Journey to Bhutan, the last frontier of travel, for spiritual cultural experiences, untouched Himalayan scenery, and epic outdoor adventures. Our destination specialist, Amelia, is just back with this bespoke itinerary.

Amelia, our Bhutan destination specialist, at Six Senses Punakha — *Our destination specialist Amelia loves Bhutan for its authentic traditions and dedication to preserving its culture. Image courtesy of Amelia Adamson.*

Bhutan is unlike any other country I’ve ever traveled to. Untouched and remote, it’s what I’d imagine other regions in Asia looked like hundreds of years ago. Its colorful culture, deeply linked to Buddhist values and respect for the natural world, has been painstakingly preserved, with very few visitors allowed to enter the Kingdom each year. The result is remarkable and truly inspiring. All buildings must be built to traditional, spectacular standards. People are encouraged to stroll around in their colorful robes. Local customs and dances are completely authentic if you’re lucky enough to see them—nothing is for show here. The landscape is pristine, with trees covering mountains and valleys almost entirely (70 per cent of Bhutan must be covered in trees by law), snow-capped Himalayan peaks, and remote, undeveloped valleys. This comprehensive itinerary will take you deep into Bhutan, one of travel’s last frontiers.

Paro: Day one

Amelia sitting in front of the iconic Tiger’s Nest monastery in Bhutan. — *For many, the hike to the Tiger’s Nest monastery is the highlight of a trip to Bhutan. Image courtesy of Amelia Adamson.*

Start your adventure at Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery). The iconic monastery that clings to the side of a cliff, thousands of feet above the Paro Valley floor, is Paro‘s highlight (and, for many, the highlight of Bhutan). Hike up to the Tiger’s Nest using a moderately challenging route, taking in the spectacular valley views as you go. Once inside, sip on traditional tea and join meditation led by the high lama. This is one of Buddhism’s most sacred sites and experiencing it in such a spiritual way is very rare.

In the evening, bed down at Amankora Paro Lodge, a calming lodge surrounded by pine forest. The architecture is based on Bhutan’s dzong fortresses, and the views over the valley are spectacular.

Haa Valley: Days two and three

Amelia in the remote valley of Haa, Bhutan. — *The Haa Valley was the last to open for tourism. It is a time capsule of Bhutanese culture, even more so than the rest of the country.*

Next, head to the Haa Valley, the country’s most secluded valley. Haa only opened to foriegn visitors in 2002, so its gorgeous scenery of steep valley walls, highland lakes, and towering peaks has remained completely pristine.

Hikers should take on part of the Trans Bhutan Trail, a 643-mile pilgrimage route that runs through Haa. Alternatively, the Panorama Hiking Trail weaves through pine forest to a far-reaching viewpoint and can be done as a day hike. Cultural experiences can include learning to make local delicacy hoentey (buckwheat dumplings), walking with yak herders as they tend their animals, and farm visits to small villages. Bed down at Haa Sangwa Camp for a night in this simple yet highly atmospheric tented camp.

Thimphu: Day four

A hot stone bath at a lodge in Thimpu. — *The Bhutanese are renowned for traditional wellness techniques, such as the hot stone bath. Image courtesy of Six Senses Thimphu.*

Make a pit stop at Thimphu, Bhutan’s quirky, easy-to-like capital city. Drop your bags at Six Senses Thimphu, a luxury lodge overlooking the city high up on the mountainside. If you’re wiped out from the journey so far, enjoy a relaxing bath in your room’s standalone tub with epic valley views, or take a stroll through the serene pines that surround the lodge.

For those who want to explore, visit the giant Buddha Dordenma Statue, cycle the hills or hike to nearby alpine lakes. A transfer will take you down to the city with an expert guide. See the city through your stomach, sampling street food, such as Bhutanese pizza, delicious momo (dumplings), and ema datshi, Bhutan’s spicy chili cheese stew. Next, learn about Bhutan’s rich artisanal heritage at the Royal Textile Academy and Jungshina Paper Factory (Deh-sho papermaking is used in monasteries and for prayer books).

Punakha: Days five to seven

Amelia sitting in front of the Punakha Dzong, Bhutan. — *With its imposing white walls, Punakha Dzong is one of the most photogenic monasteries in Bhutan. Image courtesy of Amelia Adamson.*

Transfer to Punakha, a green, undulating valley packed with all the activities that make Bhutan such a fascinating place to visit. Start your stay here with a visit to 17th-century Punakha Dzong, a white-washed monastery fortress that sits on the banks of two converging rivers. See it from afar on a rafting trip and then pay a visit. During March and February, two colorful festivals, Punakha Tshechu, and Punakha Drubchen, take place here. If you’re visiting at another time of year, we can arrange a memorable candlelit dinner with the fort as a backdrop. For active travelers, the valley is packed with hiking and biking trails for all levels. In fact, the bike trails are some of the best in Bhutan and are said to be favored by His Royal Highness, the King of Bhutan.

Your home for this leg of the trip will be andBeyond Punakha River Lodge, a luxury safari-style tented camp overlooking the banks of the Mo Chu River. Bed down in luxe glamping tents (which we recommend for the calming river surround sound) or traditional suites. Spend downtime relaxing in hot-stone baths, learning Bhutanese specialties with a cooking class, trying your hand at darts and archery, and hiking the many trails that surround the lodge.

Gangtey: Days eight to 10

Overlooking the treetops of a large forest in Gangtey, Bhutan. — *Surrounded by dense forest, Gangtey Lodge is one of the most peaceful accomodations in Bhutan. Image courtesy of Gangtey Lodge.*

If you have time, exploring Bhutan’s remote valleys, Gangtey and Bumthang, where far fewer travelers venture, is well worth it. Take a thrilling, ultra-scenic helicopter ride to Laya village in the remote Gasa region. Inaccessible by road, Laya is located in the high Himalayan alpine and is one of the highest-elevation settlements in the world. Once here, you’ll meet one of the village’s headmen, who will teach you about the semi-nomadic Layap people who live in this spectacular part of the world.

Next, head to Phobjikha Valley (Gangtey) by helicopter, where you’ll stay at the secluded Gangtey Lodge. Its 12 farmhouse suites have been painstakingly modeled on traditional agricultural dwellings, with white walls, pitched roofs, dark timber beams, and wood-burning stoves for warmth on those chilly Himalayan nights. The lodge puts a big emphasis on nature and wellness. Spend evenings at the black-necked crane conservation center alongside expert staff, join in with Bhutan’s environmental conservation efforts by planting trees, and join monks for rituals and prayers.

For hiking without the altitude (but all of the beauty), take a stroll along the Gangtey Nature Trail. The one-and-a-half-hour path offers a snapshot of the valley’s best bits, with wetlands, forests, and flag-covered hills. Pay a visit to the Gangtey Goempa monastery) with an expert guide. This spiritual place is an important training center for young Nyingma monks. Meet them and learn what it takes to enter the profession.

Bumthang: Days 11 to 13

An outside view of Amankora Bumthang Lodge’s traditional architecture. — *All buildings in Bhutan must be designed and built with traditional exteriors. Image courtesy of Amankora Bumthang Lodge*

Next step into Bumthang, Bhutan’s “cultural heartland”. Comprised of four mountain valleys Ura, Tang, Chumey, and Choekhor, this central area is known for its deep connection to Buddhism and rich cultural heritage.

Visit the sacred Mebartsho (The Burning Lake), a legendary Buddhist site. According to legend, Terton Pema Lingpa discovered sacred Buddhist relics here, left by Guru Rinpoche, an eighth-century master who introduced Tantric Buddhism to Bhutan. The area is dotted with temples, such as Kurjey Lhakhang, Jambay Lhakhang, and Tamshing Lhakhang, which you can visit with an expert guide. For an active adventure, make the two-hour hike to Kunzangdrak Monastery, which sits tucked into the side of a mountain, overlooking the valley.

For high-quality, authentic souvenirs, Chumey Valley is famed for its skilled weavers. Buy your own yathra, a colorful patterned textile made of yak wool that can be used as a blanket, throw, or soft rug. Amankora Bumthang offers a restive stay, with spa facilities, Zen massage (a specialty of the region), and very comfortable, well-equipped rooms.