It’s been nearly two weeks since I returned home, and I still find myself thinking about Bhutan daily. There are trips that offer excitement, others that offer rest—but once in a rare while, a journey transforms you. That was Bhutan.
This remote Himalayan kingdom, famous for measuring Gross National Happiness instead of GDP, is perhaps the last bastion of true cultural preservation. Despite opening to tourism 50 years ago, Bhutan remains fiercely committed to sustainability, capping the number of tourists and remaining carbon negative. On this trip, I explored the western valleys of this peaceful kingdom with Six Senses, one of only two international luxury brands allowed to operate in the country—and a perfect match for Bhutan’s values.
Day 1–2: Arrival in Thimphu — Embracing Stillness and Spirit
We began in Paro, and after a picturesque 75-minute drive through the mountains, we arrived at the Six Senses Thimphu. Just a decade ago, the road was one lane and double the drive time. Now, it's a smooth ribbon through misty forests and past hillside villages.
Thimphu is Bhutan’s capital, nestled in a quiet valley surrounded by the Himalayas. It radiates a sense of serenity I’ve rarely encountered. We spent our first day easing into the rhythm—jet lag gave way to a rejuvenating massage at Six Senses’ world-renowned spa. Then came an afternoon of cultural immersion: archery (Bhutan’s national sport), butter tea-making in a traditional tea house, and crafting Tsatsas, miniature Buddhist relics.
A sunset hike through fluttering prayer flags capped our arrival day with a sense of gratitude and grounding.
The next day, we explored the spiritual core of Thimphu. A meditation led by a Buddhist monk inside a glass temple was followed by a deeply moving visit to the colossal Buddha Dordhenma. Set above the city, it draws thousands of Bhutanese in springtime to sit and pray. Witnessing this collective devotion left me profoundly touched. We ended the day among artists—observing traditional paper-making and viewing sacred Buddhist paintings.
Day 3–4: Gangtey — Glacial Valleys and Monastic Wisdom
From Thimphu, we ventured into the Gangtey Valley—a pristine glacial landscape of rivers, yaks, and grazing horses. Upon arrival, we visited the Crane Center, dedicated to preserving the endangered black-necked crane, and enjoyed a peaceful sundowner overlooking the valley.
The next day was one of my favorites. We embarked on the Loma Langtney hike, beginning at 10,000 feet and ascending to 12,000, where we placed a prayer flag at the summit. The air was thin, but the beauty was overwhelming—rhododendrons blooming and valleys unfolding beneath us.
That afternoon, we experienced a private blessing from chanting monks in a hidden temple, visited a village monastery, and ended our day in the candlelit at the Six Senses “Cowshed,” enjoying a traditional Bhutanese dinner. It was a full immersion into the spiritual heartbeat of Bhutan.
Day 5–6: Punakha — Fertility Rituals and Hilltop Monasteries
Our journey continued to Punakha, where we stopped at Chimi Lhakhang, Bhutan’s fertility temple. One member of our group received a traditional blessing involving an auspicious wooden phallus and three circumambulations of the temple. It was a moment hard to translate into Western terms, yet deeply moving in its authenticity.
At Six Senses Punakha, also called the Flying Farmhouse, we slowed down with views of rice terraces and a relaxing afternoon by the infinity pool—only to lace up our boots again for a temple hike.
The next morning brought perhaps the most intimate experience of our trip: breakfast with monks at a hilltop monastery. I’ll never forget my one-on-one conversation with a 22-year-old monk, his wisdom and kindness quietly profound. A private blessing and visit to the Punakha Dzong—a breathtaking example of Bhutanese architecture and the seasonal residence of the head lama—left us in awe.
Day 7–8: Paro and Tiger’s Nest — A Spiritual Climax
After a scenic drive to Paro, we spent time with a local family, learning to cook, eat, and live as they do. We also met one of the last living artisans still hand-making prayer flags—a quiet reminder of tradition passed through generations.
Our final day brought the sacred pilgrimage to Taktsang Monastery, better known as Tiger’s Nest. Clinging to a cliffside, it is Bhutan’s most iconic site. The hike is steep and takes 4–6 hours, but with every step, I felt closer to the cultural and spiritual essence of this land. Reaching the monastery brought me to tears—a powerful culmination of our time in Bhutan.
Final Reflections
Six Senses delivered excellence at every turn—luxurious yet rooted in local culture. Their GEMs (guest experience managers) anticipated every need, from surprise snacks on hikes to early-morning bike rides. The food, a masterful fusion of Bhutanese and global cuisines, delighted at every meal. But above all, it was the kindness, humility, and spirituality of the Bhutanese people that left the deepest impression.
Bhutan is a country with the population of San Francisco and the landmass of Switzerland—yet it holds a richness far beyond its size. It’s a place that reveals itself slowly and rewards those who seek connection over checklist.
If you’re searching for a transformative journey that blends pristine nature, spiritual depth, and world-class comfort, Bhutan may just change your life.
Let us help you experience it.
*I was invited as a guest of Six Senses for this experience, but as always, all opinions and impressions are entirely my own.