Punakha, Bhutan
Flying Farmhouse Amidst the Rice Fields
With a lower altitude and temperate climate, Punakha is the market garden of the country and warmest of the Six Senses Bhutan destinations. Produce grows year-round and it is the preferred winter destination of the Bhutanese.
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.
Six Senses hotel in Punakha, Bhutan, offers a choice of suites and villas, pool, boutique, yoga and meditation huts.
To reach Six Senses Punakha, begin your journey by flying into Paro International Airport, Bhutan’s main international gateway, with direct flights from major Asian cities such as Bangkok, Delhi, and Kathmandu. From Paro, embark on a scenic drive of about 3.5 hours through winding mountain roads and breathtaking landscapes to the Punakha Valley. This route offers stunning views of lush valleys, traditional villages, and terraced rice fields, culminating in the tranquil embrace of Six Senses Punakha, aptly known as the “Flying Farmhouse” due to its elevated and panoramic positioning above the valley.
The Bhutanese Gross National Happiness index of time measures work-life balance and how time can be spent on work and other leisure activities such as sport or socializing with family and friends. The index also includes details on the hours of sleep needed, because the importance of sleep goes way beyond just boosting the mood or banishing under-eye circles. It’s all about finding the equilibrium between doing and being.
That’s why your restorative journey continues in Punakha with treatments designed around reducing tension and stress and boosting vitality and stamina. Wellness rituals here begin with a footbath infused with local herbs to nourish the senses and draw awareness away from any worries followed by Bhutanese chanting and singing bowls. Another highlight is Shirodhara, an Ayurvedic treatment where warm oils are poured over the third eye to sooth and calm the nervous system.
This signature journey is based on clinical research and ancient practices to alleviate sleep concerns. It begins with visualization and deep breathing which positively impact the flow of energy. A full body massage brings the body’s rhythm back into balance, while the facial marma massage stimulates the pineal gland using potent active ingredients. It concludes with the nasya (nasal oil application).
This stress-releasing treatment performed by two therapists, involves pouring a stream of warm oil over the third eye to soothe and calm the nervous system. Ideal for treating skin conditions and insomnia, while also enhancing emotional balance.
A deeply relaxing massage using long and firm flowing movements of varying pressure to eliminate tension, while marma therapy and chakra balancing align vital energy centers. Enriching oils are applied to balance the heart chakra and enhance overall well-being.
Also known as yogic sleep or sleep with awareness, this simple meditation practice is taught lying down while being guided by a teacher. Its goal is to induce full body relaxation and a deep meditative state of consciousness, addressing psychological, neurological and subconscious needs.
There's something for everyone to do in Punakha
From Six Senses Punakha, jump on a bike to Punakha Dzong or rise early to enjoy breakfast with the monks at Choten Nyingpo. Open your mind and recharge your body with guided meditation and a spa session, reconnect with nature over riverside cocktails, or learn how to brew your own ara.
It’s an easy bike ride to the magnificent 17th-century Punakha Dzong, which straddles the confluence of the Mother (Mo) and Father (Pho) Chhu rivers. Your guide will tell you about its design and significance as the second oldest dzong in Bhutan, referred to as “The Palace of Great Happiness”. A masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture and showcase for traditional Jim-zo or sculptures depicting deities, Punakha Dzong hosted the wedding of His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Her Majesty Queen Jetsun Pema in 2011. Relax with riverside tea and refreshments then take a 20-minute walk across the famous steel suspension bridge lined with prayer flags blowing gently in the breeze.
Connecting to the sacred earth has proven to help synchronize our circadian rhythms to our time zone (great for jet lag). Breathe deeply as you walk and listen to nature’s healing sounds. After arriving back at the spa, select nurturing essential oils from the Alchemy Bar. Cultivate mindfulness in an outdoor meditation sala and continue your pursuit of peace and tranquility with an outdoor treatment.
Cross over the Khuruthang bridge over Pho Chhu and drive to witness the confluence of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu. Relax with pomegranate martinis while you enjoy the awe-inspiring grand Punakha Dzong as your backdrop. Afterwards walk across the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan to meet your guide and drive back to the lodge.
Cross over the Khuruthang bridge over Pho Chhu and drive to witness the confluence of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu. Relax with pomegranate martinis while you enjoy the awe-inspiring grand Punakha Dzong as your backdrop. Afterwards walk across the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan to meet your guide and drive back to the lodge.
A short drive or stimulating morning walk up the hillside near Six Senses Punakha, the 16th-century Chorten Ningpo is today a thriving monastic community including around 50 young novices and five teachers. Join Lama Nado and the young novices and monks for breakfast.
For the community at Chorten Ningpo, your visit provides an opportunity to connect with worlds far beyond these hand-painted walls, as they share insights into the lives of young people of Bhutan today. Theirs is an inspiring example of how the old ways of Bhutan’s deeply entrenched Buddhist social network continue to play a meaningful role in the lives of young people.
Lama Nado raises funds over and above government funding in order to cover education, food, clothing, and housing for the other monks currently living here and towards his planned expansion, which includes additional classes up to the university level, the completion of a new dormitory, and a library. Six Senses Punakha provides funding to Chorten Ningpo through our Sustainability Fund. Visits to Chorten Ningpo Monastery provide further direct support to Lama Nado’s mission.
Take advantage of Punakha’s subtropical climate with a day out river rafting. The Mo Chhu “Mother River” offers a gentle ride while the Po Chhu “Father River” is more adventurous and fast-paced. Both options are subject to river conditions.
Window-walled wonder sourcing farm-fresh produce
Start the day with breakfast on the terrace overlooking the rice paddies as the mist clears through the valley, order a poolside barbecue for lunch, and sample traditional Bhutanese dishes with a Western twist at Ari for dinner. Flavorful dishes are created from organic local produce with wellness at their core, drawing inspiration from regional herbs and plants.
At the heart of the property, Ari has a rustic farmhouse-themed setting incorporating traditional bamboo woven baskets suspended from the ceiling. Savor hearty Bhutanese and Indian dishes indoors or outdoors poolside.
Late afternoon cocktails served riverside with majestic Punakha Dzong as a backdrop. Your GEM will make all the arrangements for you, complete with your own private bartender.
Suitable for those longing for tranquility and seclusion amidst stunning valleys and traditional landscapes.