Hikes, meditation & forest bathing in Bhutan

Remote and mysterious, the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan remains true to its roots, with a nation dedicated to preserving its heritage and the Buddhist culture that it was founded on. This enchanting 7-night holistic journey combines spirituality and nature as you weave along four dramatic valleys and into cliffside monasteries, hiking over hillsides and rafting along rivers. Discover the rituals and life philosophies of the Bhutanese and explore the untouched wonders of this unique land.

From £4,400 pp

7 nights

BEST MONTHS

October to December; March to April

SUITABLE FOR

Rich culture and untouched nature

Bhutan: Spiritual Wellness in the Mountains

Hikes, meditation & forest bathing in Bhutan

Trip highlights

• Hike to the spectacular Tiger’s Nest

• Aromatherapy class at a local monastery

• Traditional hot stone bath and spa treatments with panoramic views

• Meet with Buddhist monks and participate in traditional rituals and ceremonies

• Dramatic mountain pass hikes, rafting cycling and archery in the valleys

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The Route

Paro | Phobjikha | Punakha
| Thimphu | Paro

Itinerary

Day 1: Paro to Gangtey Lodge

Landing in at Paro International Airport, our driver will greet you at arrivals, whisking you through the valleys on a scenic drive to Gangtey Lodge. Your luxury wellness haven for the next three nights is set among the lofty ridges and impressive mountain passes. Around the Phobjika Valley. With a ethos dedicated to holistic wellness, a relaxing massage or rejuvenating herbal bath will be waiting to ease the mind, body and soul as you take in the jawdropping views.

Staying at: Gangtey Lodge (3 x nights)

Day 2: Forest bathing & Bhutanese rituals

Start the morning with a hot chocolate at sunrise as you celebrate the birth of the day. After a hearty breakfast out on the terrace, embark on a nature walk with your private guide who will introduce you to Bhutanese culture and the art of ‘Shinrin-Yoku’, also known as Forest Bathing. Surrounded by the forest pines and the soaring blue fir trees, fills your lungs with fresh air and enjoy the harmony of silence, calming breeze and birdsong. A stunning picnic lunch is laid out in the valley for lunch as you soak up the scenery before returning to an afternoon spa treatment of your choice or traditional hot stone bath that gazes out onto the distance hillsides.

Staying at: Gangtey Lodge

Day 3: Monateries, villages & exploring the valley

Breakfast today is served at the local monastery where you will have the opportunity to meet with the Monks and participate in a memorable Cleansing or a Hosting Butter Lamp Ceremony. Discover the traditional lifestyles of the Bhutanese with an insightful private tour to the neighbouring villages and charming farmhouse with your knowledgeable guide. Wander through the tiny hamlets and pastures, travelling back to an era gone. Experience an afternoon of adventure with cycling around the valley or archery – Bhutan’s national sport. As the evening draws in, calm the mind with a private meditation class and evening prayer with a Monk before a memorable dining experience in the Woodshed Dinner, dressed in traditional Bhutanese clothing.

Staying at: Gangtey Lodge

Day 4: Punakha hike, rafting & aromatherapy

Check out this morning after a breakfast where your guide will bring you to Punakha Valley for a thrilling day of rafting along the Mo Chhu River and hiking along the magnificent Dochula Pass. Visit Chimi Lhakhang monastery for an aromatherapy class, as you learn how make your natural incense to bring home with you. As the sun sets over the mountaintops, you’ll reach Thimphu, the third valley of your journey and Bhutan’s impressive capital. For the next two nights you’ll be staying at the peaceful Six Senses Thimphu, a chic, minimalist retreat that overlooks the Chhu River, rich forests and steep valley below. You may even catch a glimpse of the giant golden Buddha from your spacious suite or villa.

Staying at: Six Senses Thimphu (2 x nights)

Day 5: Exploring Thimphu

This morning your guide will introduce you to charming markets and hidden wonders of Thimphu. This is the perfect time to hunt for artisan goods among the handicraft stalls and textile museums. Visit Cheri Goemba and learn of the first monk community in the kingdom. This afternoon is free to relax with treatments at Six Senses Spa. This wellness sanctuary is renowned for its remarkable spa and natural treatments, so indulge in an hour of self-care before a restorative yoga class in the pavilion. This evening enjoy al fresco cocktails beautifully set outside for watching the sunset.

Staying at: Six Senses Thimphu

Day 6: Journey to Paro & lunch with the locals

It’s time to say goodbye to Thimphu, heading onwards for a final two nights at the captivating Six Senses Paro. Set among the rice and wheat paddies, the orchards, pines and by the 12th century ruins, the lodge magnificently entwines within its surroundings. Enjoy lunch at the local farmhouse and learn more about the Bhutanese way of life. After a good night’s rest, your epic final experience awaits.

Staying at: Six Senses Paro (2 x nights)

Day 7: Hike to Tiger's Nest

No trip to Bhutan would be complete without a rewarding hike to the extraordinary Tiger’s Nest. Built in 17th century, the monastery nestles into the cliffside, soaring 10,000 ft above sea level. Your guide will bring you along a 3-hour trail that winds through rice paddies and into the forest before journeying up the hillside, over bridges and up to the cliffside. At the top, witness an aerial view of the world below with panoramic views across the horizon. Explore the statues and incense-filled rooms before slowly meandering back to a well-deserved final meal, rounding off your unforgettable time away.

Staying at: Six Senses Paro