“A vacation to Bhutan is a rare chance to properly switch off. You can go hours without seeing another tourist. You’re surrounded by nature and immersed in spirituality and a sense of community. It’s a place that feels genuinely authentic and that will leave a lasting impression on you."
Tucked between India and China, the last Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan offers something increasingly rare: a chance to truly disconnect and immerse yourself in a way of life that still feels anchored to something enduring and sacred.
On a recent trip hosted by Six Senses, Lightfoot’s Head of Marketing, Clemmie, explored the five distinct valleys of Thimpu, Bumthang, Gangtey, Punakha and Paro over ten days, each with its own rhythm, cultural nuances, and breathtaking landscapes. “Bhutan is a country I’ve wanted to visit for years. Its mystical allure has long intrigued me, and the Himalayas have been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember. Bhutan exceeded all my expectations. The journey with Six Senses gave me a deeper understanding of this remarkable country, its commitment to sustainability, its spiritual backbone, and the ways it’s holding onto tradition even as modernity slowly creeps into daily life.”
This isn’t an easy-in, easy-out destination. Bhutan is roughly the size of Switzerland and even more mountainous, yet it remains one of Asia’s least visited destinations. The roads are winding and travelling between valleys takes time and there’s a daily Sustainable Development Fee (USD 100 per person) that reflects the government’s ‘high value, low impact’ tourism model. But that’s precisely why Bhutan remains so pristine. There are no traffic lights, plastic bags are banned, and Gross National Happiness is a guiding policy principle. Whilst modernity is creeping in, there’s still an overwhelming sense of continuity with the past and desire to preserve the country’s cultural integrity and natural environment.
This balance between old and new is something I noticed in each valley. While cities like Thimphu are changing, in places like Bumthang or Gangtey, the rhythm of life feels remarkably untouched. Bhutan feels like a complete reset - spiritually, mentally and physically. You’ll see very few fellow tourists, especially in the remote Bumthang Valley. There’s a deep authenticity in the way life is lived here, and Six Senses makes the experience truly magical.
A place where the rhythm of life feels remarkably untouched
Six Senses Thimphu – The Palace in the Sky
The journey begins in Thimphu, a 75-minute drive from Paro airport. Set high above the capital, the Six Senses lodge at Thimphu was the perfect introduction to Bhutan. Situated within beautiful apple orchards and surrounded by pine forests, “The Palace in the Sky” provides a peaceful sanctuary from the bustling capital, while remaining close enough to easily access its many attractions.
We were instantly wowed when entering the lodge, with floor to ceiling windows showcasing the incredible view across the valley, and the lobby ponds that reflect the changing colours of the sky. The air in May was fresh and clear with the sound of cicadas in the background.
The team arranged a private yoga session on arrival, which helped shake off the jetlag, along with a swim in the beautiful indoor pool. The following day we had the chance to explore Thimphu’s sites with our excellent guides, including Buddha Point, the Memorial Chorten, local craft workshops and a lovely signature Six Senses teahouse experience at the lodge, where we sampled Bhutanese teas and buckwheat pancakes.
From Thimphu we took a short flight east to Bumthang. A remote and sparsely populated valley, Six Senses has built an intimate lodge at Bumthang with just eight suites and one two-bedroom villa affectionately known as the "Forest within a Forest". It’s beautifully quiet, with spacious suites featuring wood-burning stoves, indoor courtyards and large terraces with forest views.
The world slows down in Bumthang. It’s a place where you feel totally off-grid. Very few tourists make it out here which is such a shame. If you’ve travelled all this way to Bhutan, you would be mad not to include Bumthang in your trip. You’re surrounded by nature, tradition, and quiet - and Six Senses manages to deliver luxurious levels of comfort without disrupting any of it.
Highlights at the lodge in Bumthang included a magical and unexpected moment witnessing monks in prayer at the monastery of Kurjey Lhakhang and a very special signature Six Senses lunch by the river, completely alone, with hot water bottles to keep us warm and incredible food cooked over coals. We also hiked the Bushman’s Trail, a gentle hike through forest and village paths that once connected valleys before roads arrived in the 1960s.
Bumthang – Where Time Slows Down
Gangtey – Bird Watching Bridge
Gangtey Valley feels different again. At an elevation of 2,900m it’s a place where Bhutan’s wild beauty really hits you. The lodge is perched above the wide Phobjikha Valley, a protected conservation area home to endangered black-necked cranes that migrate here from Tibet between October and February.
This was arguably my favourite lodge in the collection, although it really is impossible to choose one. You’ll quickly understand why this lodge is known as “Birdwatching Bridge” when you enter the impressive restaurant and lounge area with its floor to ceiling windows that provide jaw-dropping views of the valley.
The suites were spacious and elegant in the signature Six Senses style with sweeping views of Phobjikha from the bed and freestanding bathtub, and a telescope for watching the cranes.
Highlights in Gangtey included a surprise picnic with hot toddies and epic views across the valley and the Loma Longtey hike. This trail begins at a high-altitude pass and descends into the valley. It’s worth doing for the views alone. We hung prayer flags at the top of the pass, making a special wish for friends and family back home.
Punakha – A unique Six Senses Experience
Paro – A Fitting Finale
The final stop on the Six Senses Bhutan journey is the magnificent Paro Valley. The lodge here sits at an elevation of 2,900 metres with breathtaking views of the valley and the Himalayan range in the distance. Known as “Stone Ruins” the Six Senses lodge at Paro is built on the site of an abandoned 16th century stone fortress. There’s a beautiful outdoor terrace where you can take in the impressive views.
Paro is the base for Bhutan’s most iconic hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery which was a fitting way to end our 10-night journey through this magical country. We set off early to beat the crowds and made the steady climb through the forest with our guides. Just as we reached the viewpoint, the clouds lifted and the monastery appeared, perched on the edge of a sheer cliff. Said to be the spot where Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a tigress from Tibet, bringing Buddhism to Bhutan - it’s Bhutan’s most sacred place. We had time inside the monastery to sit quietly and witness the monks at prayer, a rare occurrence which felt incredibly special.
After ten days travelling through Bhutan together, it was a quietly emotional moment for all of us and one I won’t forget in a hurry.
If you’re culturally curious, spiritually inclined or an active adventurer, Bhutan should be on your radar. It suits milestone trips, adventurous honeymoons, or anyone looking to escape the crowds. It’s a place that offers countless experiences and meaningful encounters. There are long drives and high altitude hikes, but if you’re curious, culturally minded, and willing to go a little further, it’s deeply rewarding.
Six Senses manages to balance comfort with cultural integrity throughout. The lodges are luxurious, but not flashy, service is intuitive, but not overbearing and the journey, spanning five valleys - each with its own character – offers genuine immersion and memorable interactions with Bhutan and its kind and welcoming people.
Why Bhutan should be on your bucket list
Why Book Bhutan with Lightfoot?
At Lightfoot, we’ve walked the trails, stayed in the suites, and eaten the momos.
Our first-hand experience and relationships on the ground means we can deliver our guests a fully personalised trip, adjusting the pace for more downtime, or adding helicopter transfers to reduce drive time. We know what works best, what can be tweaked, and how to personalise the journey to suit you.
Six Senses has created something special in Bhutan: five very different lodges, each shaped by the valley and remarkable landscapes it sits in. Whilst the lodges might each be unique, there’s a continuity to the experience - understated comfort, incredible food, and thoughtful, unobtrusive service. The lodges deliver a real sense of place, using local materials of stone, pine, clay and glass that frame the incredible views rather than distract from them.
What made the journey seamless was the way Six Senses has structured it. When you embark on a journey with Six Senses everything is included: a private guide and driver, guided tours, entrance fees and meals (from lodge dining to picnic lunches). To make it extra special you can add in a few surprises along the way.
It’s a style of travel that’s both considered and flexible. Ideal for those who want the freedom to explore without having to manage the logistics.
The Six Senses Approach: Five Lodges, One Journey
Travel Considerations for Bhutan
When is the best time to go? Spring (March to May) and autumn (late September to November). In spring, the valleys come alive with blooming rhododendrons and lush greenery, perfect for trekking, wildlife spotting, and experiencing the colourful Paro Tsechu festival. Autumn, meanwhile, offers crisp, dry days and excellent visibility following the monsoon, making it ideal for photography, attending the Thimphu Tsechu, and visiting highlights like Tiger’s Nest in clear conditions.
What about the entry fee? A Sustainable Development Fee of USD 100 per person per day is levied.
Where should I combine Bhutan with to make it tailormade? Oman, Nepal, Thailand and the Maldives.
Restorative, eye-opening and deeply meaningful, a trip to Bhutan offers a glimpse into another world. From early morning meals with monks to hiking through Bhutan's untamed mountains, a trip to the Himalayan Kingdom is a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Step into Bhutan with Clemmie's dreamy reel, showcasing her recent journey under the nurturing care of Six Senses.
Photography credits: Cover image: Six Senses Bhutan, all other images by Clemmie Spendlove
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