Thimphu, Bhutan
Thimphu lies in a steep valley flanked by richly forested mountains dotted with ancient monasteries and lhakhangs (temples), which perch precariously amid prayer flags and stupas. As the national capital, it still forgoes the need for a traffic light. You’ll find an eclectic mix of cultural highlights including the 13 traditional arts and crafts, fruit and veg markets, and assorted local restaurants.
Six Senses Spa Thimphu upholds the happiness practice of Health, so take this time to step out of the “doing” into the “beholding” and to new beginnings and intentions.
Committed to the local environment, wildlife and communities
Sustainability is the foundation for everything here, reflected through our management of energy, water, waste, purchasing and chemical usage and engagement with local communities. We're passionate about preserving the world’s only carbon-negative country.
At 7,710 feet, Thimphu lies in a steep valley surrounded by richly forested mountains dotted with ancient monasteries and temples, and is the world’s only national capital without traffic lights.
After arriving at Paro International Airport, your journey begins with a one-hour drive, passing rich, forested mountains dotted with monasteries and temples, end route to Thimphu, the capital.
The Bhutanese believe that happiness is the result of good health. Typically, a person is considered healthy if there is no heat or pain in the body and no sorrow in the mind. Our wellness experiences focus on bringing the body into balance, boosting the immune system, and helping to open the mind and expand consciousness to aid spiritual healing. That’s why the qualities of a clear quartz crystal have been incorporated into each opening treatment ritual. It is known as a master healer for its ability to amplify or magnify the healing vibrations of other crystals. It absorbs and regulates energy and releases blockages. You’ll be invited to hold a clear quartz crystal in your hands, while setting positive intentions through breathing and visualization techniques, and bringing your body into harmony with its surrounding environment. This is followed by Bhutanese chanting and singing bowls, promoting stillness, happiness and well-being.
A combination of massage and relaxation therapies, yoga and meditation programs as well as fitness facilities that include heated pools, gyms, hot stone baths and a sauna are available at Six Senses Thimphu Spa, helping to promote happiness and well-being.
This is a “must experience” when visiting Bhutan. Mineral-rich stones from riverbeds are heated for several hours and added gradually into the water in a traditional stone bath, encouraging the purification process.
Bring the body back into balance and boost the immune system with this cleansing treatment tailored to address your specific concerns. It involves blending your own traditional Bhutanese herbs with essential oils and Himalayan salts which are used in the treatment.
This purification journey uses highly potent active ingredients such as tulasi, wild turmeric and Indian lime to energize and stimulate the cells and lymphatic system, while eliminating adrenal fatigue. It includes an exfoliation, toning detox wrap and massage.
Detox and cleanse the digestive system in a natural and non-invasive way with Laghoo Shankha Prakshalana, combining five yoga postures with the drinking of six to eight glasses of lightly salted water.
Our mission is to create inspiring, educational and fun Thimphu activities and sightseeing adventures for you and we'll put together a program of experiences just for you. From cultural activities to hiking and discovering nature, Six Senses Thimphu has something special for everyone.
Visit Pangri Zampa Lhakhang, a 16th-century monastic school, for a private astrology reading and fortune telling session with a Buddhist monk. To learn your Bhutanese name, provide your place and time of birth, your parents’ names and their birth dates in advance and an entire birth chart will be revealed along with your new name on the day of your visit.
Experience a guided meditation session in the lodge’s Prayer Pavilion, with 180-degree views of the valley and nearby monasteries. Promoting peace and serenity, the pavilion offers direct views to the 170 feet (52 meters) Buddha Dordenma across the valley. Afterwards, a 30 minute-drive will take you up close to the giant statue. Step inside and discover the 125,000 smaller Buddhas within.
Take a 15 minute-walk from the lodge through the apple orchards to enjoy tasty treats and local teas such as butterfly pea, hypericum or chamomile at our Apple Shed. From the Apple Shed, it’s just a five minute-walk to the practice fields for a traditional archery match, the national sport of Bhutan. And don’t forget to adopt the local custom of singing, dancing, and distracting your opponent.
The 16th-century Cheri and Tango Monasteries are shrouded in myth and worth the hike for the view from the top. The caves at Tango are where holy saints meditated from the 12th century and the temple houses life-size statues of the eight chief spiritual sons of the Buddha and classical Buddhist art including a beautiful wheel of life.
The perfect rest point and photo op at the apex of Six Senses Thimphu’s “lodge loop,” Lungsigang overlooks the property with breathtaking views of the entire Thimphu valley below. Hike a short distance uphill from our lodge and enjoy afternoon tea and energy-boosting Bhutanese snacks among the prayer flags and pine trees.
Enjoy sundowners on the edge at Nimnub Point, facing directly down the valley towards Paro during sunset. As the afternoon breaks and the sun comes to rest between the peaks, you’ll be served a selection of nibbles and tipples tailored to your tastes as you watch the day’s last glow fade behind the Himalayan range. Located just a short walk from the lodge, this is the perfect way to wind up a glorious day in the valley.
A meditation sessionin our Prayer Pavilion is a meaningful way to begin your journey in the Kingdom, learning to focus on the present. Close your eyes, clear the mind and send good thoughts out to the universe as you set your intentions for the day ahead. A daily meditation practice is proven to reduce anxiety and stress and to boost one’s energy levels and resilience.
At Six Senses Thimphu, Bhutan unfolds on your plate in a symphony of fresh, seasonal flavors, starting with the veggies we pluck from our organic gardens. Into this, our passionate chefs weave a story of local bounty – fresh-caught trout, sun-kissed grains, and vibrant market fruits and spices. Each dish sings a regional tune, to be enjoyed with local spirits and botanical-infused cocktails, whether cozying up to the bhukari in winter or out on the terrace in summer. We also have creative destination dining menus and settings to celebrate in unique and memorable ways.
Namkha excels in healthy cuisine with an emphasis on local ingredients picked fresh from the lodge’s own organic gardens. The menu features Asian and international specialties plus authentic Bhutanese dishes such as smoked trout, Thimphu Lungpa Zhego (dried beef), and Tshe Tshe fresh salad with spicey ezzay sauce. There's a children's menu and highchairs available on request. In winter, cozy up in the bar, which also serves a snack menu of canapes and light bites. In summer, head to the terrace to sip a signature Butterfly Pea Daiquiri at sunset, both of which will surely make your heart flutter.
Namkha’s cloud-inspired walls, high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows with views of Himalayan peaks in the distance create an elegant backdrop for dining no matter what the season. In the kitchen, our chefs pluck produce fresh from the organic garden and magic it into international specialties and Bhutanese dishes including momo dumplings with a fiery ezzay sauce. There's indoor seating for 60 guests, outdoor seating for 16 guests and a private dining room for intimate gatherings of up to 10 guests.
Hike a short distance uphill from our lodge and a delicious picnic lunch or afternoon tea anong the prayer flags and pine trees.
Dine on the lodge’s outdoor terrace warmed by a fire as the sun sets over distant peaks. Enjoy private dining in our Dragon Room or a barbecue out on our Dragon Courtyard or Sunken Deck beneath the stars.
Perfect for travelers seeking a blend of cultural immersion and luxury in the heart of Bhutan’s capital.