Himalaya only · Saver trips from ₹7,500
Try "Spiti", "snow leopard", "Char Dham", "homestay", "Tiger's Nest"
Signature Bhutan · Unhurried
A week in western Bhutan built around three of its best hotels: Six Senses on a ridge above Thimphu, Six Senses among Punakha's rice terraces, and three nights at COMO Uma Paro in pine forest above Paro. Private car and senior guide, a day over Chele La to Haa, and time for the spa.
Photo: Christopher J. Fynn · CC BY-SA 3.0 · CommonsThis trip suits travellers who want Bhutan's main sights with room to rest between them. Two nights at Six Senses Thimphu give you the capital from a quiet ridge; two at Six Senses Punakha put you among rice terraces in the warm valley; three at COMO Uma Paro let you hike to Taktsang and cross Chele La, at about 3,988 m the highest road pass in Bhutan, to the Haa valley without changing rooms.
As we understand the current rules, Indian nationals pay a Sustainable Development Fee of ₹1,200 a night and most other nationals USD 100 a night, a rate set to run to 31 August 2027. A licensed guide must accompany you beyond the first checkpoint. These rules have changed often since 2022; check current status before you travel, and we confirm them in writing when you book.
Sleeping altitude, night by night
Red points are nights above 3,000 m. We pace those climbs by the usual advice of no more than 300–500 m of sleeping height a day. This is not medical advice: talk to your doctor before a high trip. Try the altitude planner.
Day by day
Your guide meets you at Paro airport. Drive along the Paro Chhu to the Chhuzom confluence and up the Wang Chhu to Thimphu, then up to the lodge on its ridge above the city. Lunch and a quiet afternoon to adjust to the altitude of about 2,600 m. Before dinner, watch the lights come on across the valley below.
About ThimphuBegin at the Memorial Chorten, built in 1974 for the third king, then Buddha Dordenma above the city and the Royal Takin Preserve. After lunch, the Institute for Zorig Chusum and, Friday to Sunday, the Centenary Farmers Market. At about 5 pm, Tashichho Dzong as the flag comes down. Evening at the lodge's spa or by the fire.
About ThimphuStop at Simtokha Dzong, built in 1629, then cross Dochu La at about 3,100 m with its 108 chortens. Descend into the Punakha valley and continue to the lodge among rice terraces above the Mo Chhu. After lunch, walk with your guide through the fields to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of Drukpa Kunley, built in 1499.
About PunakhaMorning at Punakha Dzong, at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu, reached by its covered cantilever bridge. Walk on to the long suspension bridge upstream. In the afternoon, hike up through the terraces to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, about an hour up, or take a gentle float on the Mo Chhu in spring and autumn.
About PunakhaDrive back over Dochu La and down to Paro. Check in at COMO Uma Paro, on a hill of pine forest above the town. In the afternoon, cross the covered bridge to Rinpung Dzong and climb to the Ta Dzong watchtower and the National Museum. Then a treatment or a hot stone bath at the spa before dinner.
About ParoDrive up through forest to Chele La at about 3,988 m, the highest road pass in Bhutan, for prayer flags and, on clear mornings, views towards Jomolhari. Walk a short way along the ridge. Descend into the quiet Haa valley to see Lhakhang Karpo and Lhakhang Nagpo, the White and Black temples, and a farmhouse lunch. Return to Paro by late afternoon.
About HaaAfter yesterday's high pass you are ready for the hike. Start early from about 2,600 m and climb through blue pine to the cafeteria viewpoint and the monastery at 3,120 m. Cameras go into lockers at the gate. Back for a late lunch, then Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest temples, in the evening light.
About ParoA last breakfast with the view over the Paro valley, then the short transfer to the airport. Flights depend on weather; keep a spare day before onward long-haul connections.
About ParoWhere you sleep
Photo: Christopher J. Fynn · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Luxury
Five lodges in Thimphu, Paro, Punakha, Gangtey and Bumthang, with 82 suites and villas in all, designed for a mult…
Photo: xiquinhosilva · CC BY 4.0 · Commons
Luxury
A 29-key resort on a pine-covered hill above Paro town, on a 37-acre estate a short drive from the airport. Rooms,…
Questions
From about ₹3,75,000 per person, twin share, for Indian nationals, including SDF, hotels with breakfast and dinner, private car and guide. Flights are extra. Non-Indian nationals pay USD 100 a night SDF as we understand it and a visa fee. Check current status before you travel.
Both are among Bhutan's best. Six Senses has larger spas and a more contemporary feel; Amankora lodges are smaller, quieter and share one design. This route mixes Six Senses with COMO Uma Paro. Our Amankora trip covers Gangtey too. Tell us what matters to you and we will advise.
Paro is the base for both Taktsang and the Chele La drive to Haa, and staying put means no packing on hike days. It also puts you 15 minutes from the airport on departure morning, which matters because flights can be delayed or brought forward by weather.
Yes, with an experienced driver. The road is narrow and steep with hairpin bends, and fog and ice are common in winter. After snow it can close; we then use the longer road via Chhuzom or change the day. Check current status before you travel.
Yes. Six Senses has a lodge at Gangtey overlooking the Phobjikha valley. Adding two nights there between Punakha and Paro brings the black-necked cranes from late October to February. The extra nights add hotel, SDF, guide and car costs.
Yes. Short drives, three nights in one place at the end, spa time and quiet hotels make it relaxed. Ask us to request a room with a view at each hotel. March–April and October–November are the best months for weather and flowers or clear skies.
Spa treatments are not included in our price. Six Senses Thimphu has the largest spa of its lodges, and COMO Uma Paro has a COMO Shambhala spa with hot stone bathhouses. Book treatments early in festival seasons, when spa slots fill.
No. Indian nationals need a valid passport or voter ID and receive a free entry permit, as we understand the rules. Aadhaar is not accepted. Our licensed partner arranges the permit and route permit before arrival. Check current status before you travel.
Layers: days in Punakha can be 25 °C while nights in Thimphu and Paro fall near freezing in winter. Bring walking shoes for Taktsang, a long-sleeved top and long trousers or skirt for dzongs, sunscreen, a hat and a small daypack.
More from Bhutan
Photo: Christopher J. Fynn · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Commons
Comfort
Private car with driver
Photo: Christopher J. Fynn · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Commons
Comfort
Private car with driver
Photo: Christopher J. Fynn · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Commons
Signature
Private car with driver
Plan with a local planner
We reply within one working day with a route, a sleeping-altitude profile and an itemised price in your tier. Change anything. Pay nothing until you are sure.