Private luxury tour through Bhutan on the date of your choice, in a private car with a tour guide: Himalayas - the land of the thunder dragon
Luxury travel in the Himalayas: discover the Kingdom of Bhutan in a personalised and tailor-made way with Select Luxury Travel. Travelling through this up-and-coming niche destination promises not only luxury, but also a profound connection with the country's natural wonders, the moving culture and the hospitable Bhutanese people. Select Luxury Travel's privately guided tours with private, German-speaking driver-guides focus on luxurious accommodation and lodges such as those from Aman, Six Senses, Como and Beyond. The hand-picked hotels are jewels of Bhutanese architecture, always in exceptional locations. Here, travellers are immersed directly in the local culture when, for example, original Bhutanese dishes or authentic salted butter tea are prepared together.
A true Shangri-La of the Himalayan region, a spectacular mountain landscape in almost complete isolation, diverse flora and fauna, unique Buddhist monasteries and a population for whom happiness is constitutionally guaranteed to be the greatest wealth: this country with its rolling hills and icy Himalayan giants truly exudes charm. Ancient monasteries, temples and stupas are scattered on mountains and in valleys, where colourful prayer flags flutter everywhere. This tiny kingdom can be travelled in great luxury: Your private guide and car will cater entirely to your interests and your every wish will be catered for in the straightforwardly luxurious hotels. You have the choice of hotels and lodges, we also offer you the option of Aman and Six Senses lodges and we will be happy to advise you first-hand in detail. Join us as experts on your luxury holiday to Bhutan.
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"One of the highlights of a luxury holiday in Bhutan is a traditional hot stone bath. The Bhutanese believe in the healing power of their stones, which are heated in a fire for several hours. The water is then heated with these glowing stones and after a bath in the hot water you will feel wonderfully refreshed. Bhutan, a country known for its emphasis on happiness and spiritual well-being, offers outdoor activities in unspoilt nature and culture as well as exclusive wellness experiences. Luxurious spas that integrate traditional Bhutanese healing methods invite you to relax and regenerate. Yoga retreats in idyllic mountain landscapes and meditation in ancient monasteries create a spiritual atmosphere for those in search of inner peace. Another highlight is the traditional hot stone bath, where glowing stones bring healing power to the water. Select Luxury Travel's luxury hotels offer the hot stone bath and other heavenly spa experiences."
Around midday flight with Lufthansa to Delhi.
Arrival in Delhi shortly after midnight. A day room is available at the luxury Andaz Aerocity hotel so that you can freshen up before travelling on to Paro. The flight alone is sensational: if the weather is fine, you will have a fantastic view of the Himalayan giants. Bhutan's first gift after disembarking: cool, clean, fresh mountain air. Your English-speaking tour guide will meet you at the airport and accompany you to Timphu, the capital of Bhutan. You make a short stopover in Chuzom, where the Timphu and Paro rivers flow into each other. Three stupas - Tibetan, Nepalese and Bhutanese - adorn this confluence. After arrival, check-in at the hotel. You will be staying at the Taj Tashi, a true palace in Bhutanese architecture. From the 66 rooms you have a marvellous view of the mountains and the city. Sample original Bhutanese or international dishes and savour an authentic salted butter tea in the tea lounge. In the Jiva Spa, you can recover from your journey with a Buthanese hot stone bath. Timphu, the centre of monarchy, government, religion and trade, is a unique city with an unusual blend of modern development and ancient traditions. With a population of around 90,000, it is perhaps the only capital city in the world without traffic lights. In the evening, take a first exploratory walk through the main street and the market with your tour guide.
2 nights in the 5★ Taj Tashi, Deluxe Room incl. breakfast – Details about the hotel
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2 nights at the 4★ Amankora Thimphu – Details about the hotel
2 nights at the 4★ Six Senses Timphu – Details about the hotel
After breakfast, you will first go to Buddha Point, Kuensel Phodrang, the largest statue in the country and also a fantastic viewpoint. Afterwards, you will experience the deep religiosity of the people at the King's Memorial Chorten: The building is constantly surrounded by people murmuring mantras and turning their prayer wheels. At the Textile and Folklore Museum, you will gain a good insight into the country's handicraft and social traditions. After your lunch break, head to the National Library, which houses an extensive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts, and to the Institute of Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the School of Painting), where students undergo a six-year training programme in the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. At the Takin Sanctuary near the capital, you will catch a glimpse of Bhutan's national animal, which looks like a cross between a cow and a goat. Later in the afternoon, you will visit Tashichoedzong, the 'Fortress of Glorious Religion'. This is the centre of government and religion, the monarch's throne room and the seat of Je Khenpo, the supreme abbot. In the evening, you can stroll through the government-run Handicrafts Emporium and the local handicrafts bazaar to see examples of Bhutan's beautiful traditional art. Here you can buy hand-woven textiles, Thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, jewellery and interesting items made from local materials.
Today you travel to Gangtey, around 150 kilometres from Thimphu. On the way, take a tea or coffee break at the Dochula Pass at an altitude of 3,116 metres while you enjoy the impressive view of the Himalayan ice giants. The 108 chortens and countless prayer flags are also impressive here. You then continue to Gangtey, a beautiful and peaceful place surrounded by lush forests and mountain meadows. This evening is at your leisure. You will stay at the Gantey Goenpa Lodge with a wonderful view over the wide valley. The award-winning lodge with its breathtaking design offers the perfect blend of luxury, adventure, spirituality and a deep connection with the culture of rural Bhutan.
Gangtey and the "birds of happiness" - explore the natural wonders of Bhutan
The journey takes you from the capital of Bhutan to the impressive Gangtey Valley. The crossing over the Dochula Pass at an altitude of 3,116 metres not only offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan ice giants, but also cultural highlights such as the 108 chorten that line the route in honour of the fallen Bhutanese soldiers.
Once in Gangtey, travellers experience the full beauty of Bhutan's untouched, long-protected natural landscape. The wide valley in the middle of the Himalayas is surrounded by vast, unspoilt forests, including ancient rhododendron forests, and meadows and exudes absolute tranquillity and unspoilt nature. Active holidaymakers in particular get their money's worth here. One of the most breathtaking hikes in the region, the Gangtey Nature Trail, leads through the village of Senchumbara and on to the Buddhist temple Kewa Lhakhang. There, visitors can spend some time with the young monks, learn more about their traditional way of life and light butter lamps in the monastery. Another natural highlight of the region are the black-necked cranes, which are personally protected by the king. Together with experts and nature guides, Select Luxury Travel guests can get very close to the impressive cranes and observe them from the necessary distance with powerful telescopes and spotting scopes (season October to March). In Bhutan, they are considered "birds of happiness" and are called sky birds, as it is believed that they carry the souls of the deceased on their backs to heaven.
A visit to Gangtey Goempa, the largest Nyingmapa monastery in the west of the country, also provides a deep insight into the soul of the country. Here, travellers accompany the monks during morning prayers and engage in intensive personal exchange over shared meals.
2 nights in the 5★ Gangtey Goenpa Lodge, Farm House Suite incl. half board – Details about the hotel
Option:
2 nights at the 5★ Amankora Gangtey – Details about the hotel
2 nights at the 5★ Six Senses Gangtey – Details about the hotel
In the early morning, visit Gangtey Goempa, the largest Nyingmapa monastery in the west of the country, and experience the monks at morning prayers. Afterwards, explore the valley on one of the shortest and most breathtaking hikes in the region, the Gangtey Nature Trail, which takes around 2 hours. It leads through the village of Senchumbara and on to Kewa Lhakhang. At Kewa Lhakhang, you can spend some time with the young monks and also light butter lamps in the monastery. Afterwards, visit the Black-necked Crane Information Centre at the edge of the forest and wetland. With a powerful telescope and spotting scopes, you can observe the cranes at their best (season October to March). In a small souvenir shop you can buy handicrafts made by local people.
After breakfast, you first head back towards Timphu. You cross the Pele La Pass at an altitude of 3,300 m, where large colourful prayer flags fly. At this point, the vegetation changes abruptly and the mountain forest is replaced by high-altitude dwarf bamboo. On your journey, you will also make a stop at Chimi Lhakhang, the "Temple of Fertility": many couples who wish to fulfil their desire to have children pray here. A walk through the village near the temple will give you a good insight into the daily life and lifestyle of the villagers. Later in the day, visit the Punakha Dzong or 'Palace of Great Happiness', built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal at the junction of the Phochu and Mochu rivers. This majestic dzong has a six-storey tower with a golden dome. Inside, there are courtyards and religious statues that point to the history and spiritual tradition of this place. You stay at the COMO Uma Punakha with a fantastic view of the picturesque Punakha Valley, characterised by green rice terraces. The small resort has just nine rooms and two villas and is built in the typical local style. Treat yourself to holistic treatments at the outstanding COMO Shambala Retreat. The spa also includes a large indoor pool with sun deck, steam baths, a fitness centre and a yoga room.
2 nights at the 5★ COMO Uma Punakha, Farm House Suite incl. half board – Details about the hotel
Option:
2 nights at the 5★ Amankora Punakha – Details about the hotel
2 nights at the 5★ Six Senses Punakha – Details about the hotel
After breakfast, take an optional excursion to the village of Talo. It stretches along the mountain slopes and is known among the Punakha villages for its beauty. Talo Sangnacholing is built on a plateau and offers a majestic view of the surrounding villages. The beautiful farmhouses of the village have their own flower gardens and corn and sweet peas are grown in abundance on the hillside. Later in the afternoon, you drive back to your hotel. How about a hot stone bath? The treatment concludes with a typical COMO Shambhala massage.
After breakfast, drive back to Paro through the dramatic Wang Chhu and Paro Chhu river valleys. In the afternoon, visit the Ta Dzong, which was originally built as a watchtower and now houses the National Museum. The extensive collection includes ancient Thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons and armour, household items and a rich selection of historical artefacts. The Rinpung Dzong, which means "fortress of the heap of jewels", is also on the programme. Along the wooden galleries that line the courtyard are beautiful murals depicting Buddhist lore such as the Four Friends, the Old Man of Long Life, the Wheel of Life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount Sumeru and other cosmic motifs. You will then drive to the Sangchokhor Buddhist monastery, which is home to around 150 monks who complete a six-year course on Buddhist studies. You can also experience a prayer ceremony for peace, prosperity, happiness and a long life in a monastery in Paro. You will stay at the COMO Uma Paro. The hotel is situated on a densely wooded hill overlooking the city. The rooms combine the colourful accents of traditional Bhutanese craftsmanship with the clean, modern design for which COMO Hotels and Resorts are known worldwide.
3 nights in the 5★ COMO Uma Paro , Valley View Room incl. half board – Details about the hotel
Option:
3 nights at the 5★ Amankora Paro – Details about the hotel
3 nights at the 5★ Six Senses Paro – Details about the hotel
After breakfast, you will first visit the jewel of Bhutan, the Taktsang Monastery, which seems to cling to the steep rock at an altitude of 3,000 metres like a swallow's nest. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated in this monastery, which is why it is also known as the "Tiger's Nest". The ascent to what is probably the most famous monastery in the Himalayas is only possible on foot - past waterfalls, prayer wheels and a Tibetan teahouse - or by mule (about half way up). Later in the afternoon, we head to the Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought against the Tibetan invaders centuries ago. In the early 1950s, the Drukgyel Dzong was completely destroyed by fire and today only the ruins remain. The snow-covered dome of the sacred Chomolhari, the "mountain of the goddess", can be seen in all its splendour from the access road to the dzong. Nearby, you will visit a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse, which offers a good insight into the way of life of the locals.
A full-day excursion takes you to the Haa Valley. On the way, you will make a stop at the Chelela Pass, which, at an altitude of 3,988 metres, is one of the highest passable passes in Bhutan and a botanical paradise. From here you also have a breathtaking view of the sacred mountain Jumolhari and the Jichu Drake. It is also characterised by hundreds of prayer flags fluttering in the wind. The Haa Valley, also known as the 'Hidden-Land Rice Valley', lies along the three prominent sister hills (Meri Pun Sum). You will visit the Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple), which was built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gempo. You will then visit the Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple), which was also built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gempo and is located to the north of the Lhakhang Karpo. These two temples stand like sentinels at the southern entrance to the Haa Valley. In the late afternoon we return to Paro.
After an early breakfast at the hotel, transfer to breakfast and flight to Delhi. A day room is available for you at the Andaz Aerocity Hotel. If you wish, you can take an optional city tour of Delhi. Your return flight departs after midnight.
Arrival in Germany in the morning.
Additional programme Bumthang: Close to the origin and soul of the kingdom
Bhutan's millennia-old culture is particularly impressive in the more distant district of Bumthang. The largest collection of temples and holy cities can be found there, including the first royal palace. The country's various homestays offer an unforgettable opportunity to experience the deeply rooted rituals and customs. These serve as living museums where visitors can share everyday life with the Bhutanese, paint prayer flags and meet monks. It becomes particularly clear that the real luxury of travelling lies in meeting the people and in the opportunity to explore a country in the most authentic way, off the beaten tourist track in the Himalayas. We will be happy to advise you in detail about our Bumthang extension programme.
Relax in paradise on a private luxury holiday through Bhutan. Discover the breathtaking landscape of the Himalayas, immerse yourself in ancient Buddhist traditions and relax in opulent 5-star hotels and lodges. This exclusive journey offers unrivalled access and unforgettable experiences. Read more to put together your dream trip to Bhutan.
Included in the trip:
The Taj Tashi is located in the heart of the Timphu Valley in elegant Bhutanese temple architecture. Classic murals meet modern design. The steam, sauna and Jacuzzi facilities help to relieve stress and fatigue at the end of a long day. Some rooms have a balcony.
Room
The hotel has 66 spacious rooms and suites, which are characterised by lots of wood and feature state-of-the-art amenities. The view of the fantastic mountains and the town in the valley alone is unforgettable.
Gastronomy
You can choose from four restaurants and bars that epitomise Bhutanese tradition. Ema Datshi, the country's most popular dish, is served at Chig-Ja-Gye. Thongsel serves European and Bhutanese dishes. Meet for a drink at Ara and try the famous salted butter tea at Rimps Tea Lounge.
Wellness
The Jiva Spa awaits you for a Bhutanese hot stone bath. The word "Jiva" stands for the vital force that fills every living being and ensures strength, vitality and happiness. This power is awakened and strengthened in the spa - India's ancient traditional healing system is combined with contemporary knowledge.
Amankora Thimphu's 16-suite lodge is located in the upper part of the Motithang area and is built in the style of a traditional dzong fortress. The lodge is close to the shops and attractions of the capital, yet is a secluded retreat from which to explore all that the city has to offer as well as the wild Himalayan landscape.
Room
Amenities include king-size beds, traditional wood-burning stoves and window seats, while the bathrooms are equipped with terrazzo bathtubs, double washbasins, a separate shower and toilet. Dark wood panelling and walls create a cosy ambience. The suites overlook either a leafy courtyard or the stream and pine forest.
Culinary delights
Bhutanese, Western and Indian dishes are served at all five Amankora lodges, using local ingredients such as yak meat and fresh honey from the Bumthang Valley. Private dinners can be arranged both inside and outside the lodges, whether for an intimate dinner or a group celebration.
Wake up with a cup of hot ngaja, a sweet Bhutanese milk tea, or suja butter tea: A rich, nourishing cup in bed is a traditional Bhutanese morning ritual, and these teas can also be soothing after a long hike.
Wellness
The tranquillity of the mountain landscape makes Bhutan the ideal destination to refresh and rejuvenate body and mind. Amankora's five cedar-scented spas offer therapies based on Himalayan plants and herbs as well as traditional wellness rituals.
Activities
Hiking and cycling are probably the best ways to explore the incredible landscape. Guests are given a 'top ten' list of experiences to try on site.
The lodge sits high above the valley floor, overlooking apple orchards and young pine forests. With a captivating view of the Buddha Dordenma, the world's tallest seated Buddha, the location is perfect for escaping the capital, yet close enough to explore its many attractions. Take a dip in the indoor pool, stroll around the lodge grounds or relax on your balcony.
Dine al fresco on the Sunken Terrace and savour delicious dishes made with organic ingredients from the hotel's own gardens. Visit the Six Senses Spa for a relaxing massage or one of the many other therapies on offer and unwind during your stay.
Room
The spacious rooms, large windows and large balconies offer breathtaking views of the valley and the mountains with their blue pine forests and apple orchards. The spacious accommodations are decorated in soft tones and simple lines and feature bukharis (traditional wood-burning stoves). The bathrooms are fitted with a privacy screen and a bathtub located next to a large timber-framed window, offering magnificent views of the valley. Private villas have up to three bedrooms and are designed for total relaxation and privacy. There is a courtyard, indoor and outdoor living spaces and a dining room.
Culinary delights
The cuisine at Six Senses Timphu is inspired by local herbs and plants. Nutritious and flavourful menus and cocktails (try the butterfly flower daquiris) are on the menu. With its high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows and views of the Himalayan peaks in the distance, Namkha Restaurant provides an elegant backdrop for dining at any time of year. The restaurant offers indoor seating for 60 guests, outdoor seating for 16 guests and a private dining room for intimate gatherings of up to 10 guests. The emphasis is on healthy cuisine using local ingredients sourced from the hotel's organic gardens.
A special daily event is afternoon tea with traditional flavours amidst prayer flags and pine trees.
Wellness
The Bhutanese believe that happiness is also the result of good health. Normally, a person is considered healthy when they have no heat or pain in their body and no sorrow in their mind. Six Senses treatments focus on balancing the body, strengthening the immune system, opening the mind and expanding consciousness to support spiritual healing.
A combination of massage and relaxation therapies, yoga and meditation programmes as well as fitness facilities with heated pools, fitness rooms, hot stone baths and a sauna are available to promote happiness and well-being.
The award-winning lodge, with its stunning design and sweeping views of the valley, offers weary travellers the perfect blend of luxury, adventure, spiritual enlightenment and a deep connection with the culture and community of rural Bhutan. At Gangtey Lodge, sustainability is not just a word, but a way of life.
Room
Relax by the cosy fireplace and take a bath in the deep, free-standing bathtubs with sweeping views of the valley. Enjoy the warmth of the underfloor heating under your feet. All suites are identical and have en-suite bathrooms and spacious living areas, with furnishings reflecting Bhutan's rich cultural heritage.
Gastronomy
Discover new and exotic flavours on the Bhutanese menu or indulge in international favourites. Regional cuisines inspire the creative menus, but the chefs are also happy to customise the dishes to your individual taste. Cosy leather sofas by two large stone fireplaces and hand-woven rugs provide the perfect atmosphere for intimate dinners and drinks.
Wellness
Experience the famous hot stone bath. Hot stone baths are an ancient Bhutanese tradition and a popular form of therapeutic treatment. The bath itself is made from local pine wood, and the stones used to heat the water are large boulders collected from a nearby river. It is believed that the heat of the water, the minerals released from the rocks and the herbs collected in the forest have a number of medicinal effects. You can experience massages with natural products and essential oils directly in your suite.
In the little-visited Phobjikha Valley near the village of Gangtey, the eight-suite Amankora Gangtey Lodge is situated on a wooded hilltop with picturesque views of the valley floor and the 16th century Gangtey Goemba Monastery. The valley is part of the Black Mountains National Park nature reserve and is home to a flock of 300 endangered black-necked cranes every winter.
Room
The suites are identical to those of the Amankora Thimphu and all offer views over the valley. Amenities include king-size beds, traditional wood-burning stoves and window seats, while the bathrooms are equipped with terrazzo bathtubs, two washbasins, a separate shower and a toilet.
Culinary delights
Bhutanese, Western and Indian dishes are served at all five Amankora lodges, using local ingredients such as yak meat and fresh honey from the Bumthang Valley. Private dinners can be arranged both inside and outside the lodges, whether for an intimate dinner or a group celebration.
At the lodge in Gangtey, the potato shed dinner is an experience not to be missed. Enjoy a delicious Bhutanese evening, surrounded by hundreds of flickering candles and warmed by a traditional Bhukari wood-burning stove.
Wellness
Known in Bhutan as Khempa, the artemisia herb is a natural painkiller used as a healing addition to the traditional Himalayan bathing ritual. Just a short walk from Aman Gangtey, on a hill overlooking the picturesque Phobjikha Valley, a wooden hut with bamboo doors houses Aman's Bhutanese hot stone bath. Soak in mineral-rich water and floating khempa branches by candlelight and enjoy a hot apple cider at sunset.
Six Senses Gangtey Lodge is strategically located above the Black-necked Crane Conservation Centre and offers sweeping 180-degree views of the Phobjikha Valley. With only eight suites and a two-bedroom villa, the lodge's birdwatching bridge is the central meeting point for relaxing, dining and unrivalled sightings of cranes in their habitat. Gangtey is known for its black-necked crane population. Learn more about these majestic and rare birds at the Black-Necked Crane Conservation Centre just below the lodge.
Room
All suites and the villa spoil you with a marvellous view of the Phobjika Valley. The furnishings are modern - with lots of wood and glass, so that the rooms are flooded with light. You can look forward to a yoga mat, tea and coffee making facilities, expresso machine, TV, WLAN and Bose Bluetooth speaker.
Culinary delights
Indulge in culinary delights - the cuisine in the hotel restaurant is healthy, original and simply delicious. In the evening, enjoy your cocktail on the terrace with a marvellous view by the blazing fireplace.
Wellness and activities
At the end of the day, you can undergo a nourishing Swedana steam ritual at the lodge to rejuvenate and cleanse your body, mind and soul.
In the early evening, you cycle or drive to a beautiful 7th century temple nearby for a blessing. An intimate dinner awaits you in the cowshed next to the temple, where your meal is cooked over a fire and the room is lit only by candlelight.
Set on a terraced hill overlooking a bend in the Mo Chu River, the COMO Uma Punakha looks like it could belong to wealthy farmers or landowners. The exterior is simple rather than ostentatious - everything is made of local stone and wood, with huge panoramic windows through which you can enjoy the view of the valley.
Room
The property has two villas and eight rooms with large windows offering a fantastic view of the day. The colourful murals above the beds have been hand-painted by local artisans and are similar to the artwork seen on the walls of houses in the villages. The rooms are minimalist yet cosy, with furniture made of sheesham wood and white and cream-coloured fabrics. The One Bedroom Villa has a separate living room and large French windows. It also has its own private clearing where rhododendrons and hydrangeas frame the view from the terrace.
Culinary delights
The Wagyu burger is the most popular dish on the menu and is often ordered by visiting members of the Bhutanese royal family. The restaurant offers two dinner menus and guests have the option of combining them. Both menus change daily, depending on the season and local produce. The Bhutanese menu includes the national dish Ema Datshi (chilli and cheese), steamed buckwheat dumplings and a daily curry dish - vegetarian and non-vegetarian.
Wellness
COMO is known for its spas; we recommend the traditional Bhutanese bath with hot stones. The stones crack in the hot water and release minerals. Taking the bath in the evening after dinner is enormously relaxing.
The Amankora, Pinakha, which can be reached via a hanging bridge decorated with prayer flags over the Mo Chhu River, is a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse built by a former Je Khenpo (chief abbot of Bhutan). The lodge is located in a subtropical valley where most of the Bhutanese vegetables are grown and where the Bhutanese kings spend the winter.
Room
Eight of the suites offer a view of an orange garden and rice terraces. The four Mo Chhu Suites are located in a new building and two of them have separate, spacious living areas. The suites can be combined into two two-bedroom units. All accommodation has king-size beds, traditional wood-burning stoves and window seats, while the bathrooms have terrazzo bathtubs, twin vanities and a separate shower and toilet.
Culinary delights
In fine weather, you can dine on an outdoor terrace overlooking the valley and rice fields. Bhutanese, Western and Indian dishes are served in all five Amankora lodges, using local ingredients such as yak meat and fresh honey from the Bumthang Valley. Private dinners can be arranged both inside and outside the lodges.
Wellness
Relax by the infinity pool with views over the rice terraces. The two-storey spa includes a yoga/meditation room, two treatment rooms, a steam room and changing areas. Try a grounding facial ritual with rose quartz to promote healing and rejuvenation.
Activities
Visit the beautiful Punakha Dzong from the 17th century and the "fertility temple" Chime Lhakhang from the 15th century. Accompany the chef to the morning market and take part in a Bhutanese cookery course at the lodge.
Relax in the Six Senses Punakha "Flying Farmhouse", a cantilevered wooden structure that serves as a lounge and offers a magnificent view of the lodge's heated swimming pool and the terraced rice fields below
Room
Six Senses Punakha offers 19 spacious villas and suites, ranging from 66 square metres for the Lodge Suites to 273 square metres for the Three Bedroom Villa. Each suite has a spacious indoor and outdoor area and offers breathtaking views of the valley. Large windows and balconies offer uninterrupted scenes of rice paddies and lush flora. Neutral, relaxing colour tones are complemented by natural wooden furniture and local elements. The bathroom has a privacy screen and the bathtub is thoughtfully positioned next to a large wooden window. The villas offer significantly more space. Relax in an indoor and outdoor living room with a private dining area for up to six people. From the terrace you have a breathtaking view of the Punakha Valley and the beautiful Choten Ningpo Temple.
Culinary delights
Seasonally inspired cuisine: In the Six Senses Punakha restaurants, you will find flavourful dishes prepared with local organic produce and with a focus on wellness, inspired by regional herbs and plants. Start the day with breakfast on the terrace overlooking the rice fields as the mist clears in the valley, order a barbecue by the pool for lunch and savour traditional Bhutanese dishes with a Western twist for dinner at Ari.
Wellness and activities
Your day begins with an easy bike ride along the river or a hike from the riverbank to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a temple built by Queen Mother Ashi Tshering Yangdon to bring peace to the world.
Get to know other people in Punakha, walk through the lush rice fields of the valley, past traditional farmhouses and accompany local children on their way to school. Some are shy, some are cheeky, but they will be happy to share their way to school with you. On the other side of the valley is the Chorten Ningpo monastery. We invite you to spend a morning there with us and learn about the monastic life of the young monks who live there.
The COMO Uma Paro is located on a tree-covered hill overlooking the city of Paro and is just a 10-minute drive from Bhutan's international airport. Even the hotel lobby, like the rest of the property, is architecturally inspired by the local dzongs, with ornate wooden frames on the ceiling, modern floral arrangements on low tables and a muted colour palette that seems to glow in the soft light. The natural tranquillity that Bhutan exudes is palpable throughout the hotel.
Room
The villas and rooms combine the colourful accents of traditional Bhutanese craftsmanship with the clean, modern design for which COMO Hotels and Resorts is known. Hand-painted Bhutanese art adorns the room and you can relax in deep, free-standing bathtubs. The valley view rooms in particular offer fantastic views. In the suites, you have a 180-degree view of the Paro Valley from your bed.
Culinary delights
The hotel's own organic farm is run in collaboration with local farmers and provides an abundance of fresh, organic produce. Momos (Himalayan dumplings) are a speciality, as is the Bhutanese national dish of chilli cheese, an addictive stew of hot peppers and cheese. The Indian selection is authentic and delicious, and a selection of Western classics such as wraps and pasta rounds off the menu.
Wellness
COMO Shambhala Retreat has two private Bhutanese hot stone bathhouses, an indoor pool, a sun terrace with mountain views and much more. Treatments can also be brought to you: Each of the eight villas has its own therapy suite for wellness in complete seclusion. Treat yourself to a Bhutanese hot stone bath: This unique experience consists of a bath and a massage with heated river stones to soothe deep-seated aches and pains. When the hot stones are placed in the water, they crack and steam, releasing essential minerals that relieve stress and soothe the body.
Activities
The hotel's location is the perfect base from which to explore Bhutan's most recognisable landmark, the famous Tiger's Nest Monastery. But other national treasures are also on the hotel's doorstep; and hiking trails, museums, dzongs and breathtaking walks in the lush Paro Valley await guests.
Situated at an altitude of 2,250 metres, the Paro Valley is an enchanting start or an atmospheric end to a trip to Bhutan. Tucked away in a dense pine forest, the 24 suites with wood-panelled walls and black steel cladding combine rustic elements with modern design.
Room
Features include king-size beds, traditional wood-burning stoves and window seats, while the bathrooms are equipped with terrazzo bathtubs, double washbasins, a separate shower and toilet.
Culinary delights
Bhutanese, Western and Indian dishes are served at all five Amankora lodges, using local ingredients such as yak meat and fresh honey from the Bumthang Valley. Private dinners can be arranged both inside and outside the lodges, whether for an intimate dinner or a group celebration. House wines and spirits are included. From the dining room, the view extends to the snow-capped Chomolhari, sometimes called the "Bride of Kangchendzönga". It lies on the border with Tibet.
Wellness
The two-storey spa is surrounded by a conifer forest. Facilities include a glass yoga studio, sauna and steam room. The highlight is a flag and forest therapy: inspired by ancient Buddhist teachings, the grounding sensory experiences give guests the opportunity to pause and focus only on listening, breathing and feeling. Forest bathing involves taking quiet walks through the unspoilt wilderness to soak up the healing atmosphere of the forest. Prayer flags have been an integral part of Bhutanese culture for centuries and are said to promote happiness and prosperity. The sights and sounds of the colourful flags fluttering on the mountainsides provide a focal point for transformative meditation.
Activities
Enjoy a guided cultural tour of Paro, during which you will visit the most important museums, institutions and sights.
The Six Senses Paro is located at an altitude of 2,870 metres next to the ruins of a 15th century fortress. The stone ruins and the breathtaking view of the valley below provide a dramatic backdrop to your stay.
Room
The spacious suites feature large windows and offer breathtaking views of the valley. Neutral, relaxing tones are complemented by the simple lines of the natural wooden furniture and the presence of local elements such as bukharis (traditional wood-burning stoves) and vegetable-dyed, antique-washed Himalayan carpets.
Culinary delights
"Eat With Six Senses" is the guiding philosophy for tasty and healthy dishes prepared from organic, local produce. What's on your plate is delicious, and what surrounds you is unforgettable. Travel back in time to a feudal dinner amidst 12th century ruins or visit a local farmhouse for an authentic Bhutanese dining experience.
For a truly unforgettable experience, dine under the stars next to the ruins at a private dinner. Dress up in national costume and enjoy live music, folk dancing and a traditional Bhutanese meal cooked on an outdoor stone barbecue.
Wellness
Take a dip in the pool or indulge in a marma massage at the spa to relax and rejuvenate after a busy day.
Activities
The hotel is happy to organise an evening at the neighbouring Samtenling Monastery for a Buddhist blessing ceremony, where you light 108 butter lamps to share your blessing with all sentient beings.
Bumthang, which means "beautiful field", is home to 29 temples and monasteries, including the ancient Jambay Lhakhang, and is a treasure trove for the art and painting tradition of Bhutan. The 16-room Amankora Bumthang Lodge is located right next to the Wandichholing Palace in the town of Jakar in the Choekhor Valley. From here, guests can enjoy a variety of cultural and spiritual experiences, including the unforgettable experience of the 108-butterlamp offering at Jambay Lhakhang.
Room
Amenities include king-size beds, traditional wood-burning stoves and window seats, while the bathrooms are equipped with terrazzo bathtubs, two washbasins, a separate shower and toilet.
Culinary delights
The courtyard, shaded by fruit trees, offers the opportunity to dine al fresco. The indoor dining area has a cosy fireplace. Bhutanese, Western and Indian dishes are served in all five Amankora lodges, using local ingredients such as yak meat and fresh honey from the Bumthang Valley. Private dinners can be arranged both inside and outside the lodges.
Wellness
The excellent spa includes intimate treatment rooms, a steam room and changing rooms. The Zen massage is the trademark of Bumthang
Activities
Cultural and spiritual experiences include visits to monasteries, astrological readings and evening prayers with the monks.
The Jakar Valley is home to the Six Senses Bumthang at an altitude of 2,615 metres. Settle into the tranquil atmosphere of the "forest within the forest", surrounded by blue pines and bordering the rushing Chamkhar Chhu River.
Room
Six Senses Bumthang offers eight spacious and beautifully appointed suites measuring 92 square metres and a two-bedroom villa offering 259 square metres of private living space.
Culinary delights
Relax over dinner at Tongtshang, the lodge's cosy restaurant, or choose to immerse yourself in local Bhutanese life by being invited by Six Senses Thimphu Lodge sous-chef Dechen Yangzom to her family home for a dinner of traditional Bumthang cuisine. Try your hand at noodle making with Dechen's family and savour her homemade ara.
Wellness and activities
Treat yourself to a traditional Bhutanese dotsho, a bath with hot stones, a relaxing and soothing method of overcoming ailments in which the water is heated with extremely hot river stones in wooden tubs. Yoga classes are also offered.
The lodge offers many exclusive experiences: Experience the 16th century Tamzhing Lhundrup Lhakhang temple, hike through three very important monasteries, ride a horse to Kencho Sum Lhakhang monastery or take a hike to Padseling Goemba mountain fortress.
To enter Bhutan, German citizens require a passport that must be valid for at least six months until the time of departure. You will need a visa to enter the country, which Select Luxury Travel will obtain for you. In principle, entry is only possible as a tourist or guest of the government. An entry fee of USD 40 is charged on entry, which is included in the price of the holiday.
German nationals require a visa to enter the country.
Entry is generally only possible as a tourist (group and individual travellers) or as a guest of the government. Tours can only be booked through one of Bhutan's registered tour operators. Entry is therefore only possible with a visa, which must be obtained via the tour operator.
The southern plains are warm and humid in summer. In the north, temperatures decrease with increasing altitude. During the winter, it gets extremely cold in the high altitudes of the Himalayas, while it remains pleasantly mild in the south. The average temperature in the high valleys is 15 °C in July and 0 °C in January. The main rainfall occurs during the monsoon between June and September. The best times to visit are October and November and April to mid-June.
No compulsory vaccinations are required for direct entry from Germany. The Federal Foreign Office also recommends checking and completing the standard vaccinations according to the current vaccination calendar of the Robert Koch Institute for children and adults when travelling (www.rki.de)
Important note:
This trip is partially suitable for travellers with reduced mobility, depending on their impairment.
Please contact us for detailed advice and handling of flights, transfers and accommodation.
Thank you for your interest in our holidays. We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Alternatively, you can call us directly at + 49 30 69 80 21 90.
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030 / 69 80 21 93
hiller@select-luxury.travel
"One of the highlights of a luxury holiday in Bhutan is a traditional hot stone bath. The Bhutanese believe in the healing power of their stones, which are heated in a fire for several hours. The water is then heated with these glowing stones and after a bath in the hot water you will feel wonderfully refreshed. Bhutan, a country known for its emphasis on happiness and spiritual well-being, offers outdoor activities in unspoilt nature and culture as well as exclusive wellness experiences. Luxurious spas that integrate traditional Bhutanese healing methods invite you to relax and regenerate. Yoga retreats in idyllic mountain landscapes and meditation in ancient monasteries create a spiritual atmosphere for those in search of inner peace. Another highlight is the traditional hot stone bath, where glowing stones bring healing power to the water. Select Luxury Travel's luxury hotels offer the hot stone bath and other heavenly spa experiences."
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