Beautiful Bhutan by Bike

COMO Uma Bhutan Paro is a 29-room hotel set in Paro Valley with breath-taking views of the Himalayas. The Bukhari restaurant, set amid pine trees, uses mostly organic food from the surrounding area for Bhutanese delicacies such as pakshee paa, a sliced pork dish with chilies and radishes; ema datsee, a chili and cheese dish, or hewa datsee, a combination of potatoes, cheese and chilies. Uma by COMO, Paro is home to the COMO Shambhala Retreat, a holistic health spa with an open-air yoga pavilion overlooking the Paro Valley. Additional facilities include a business center, fitness center and swimming pool. The hotel is a 10-minute drive from the airport in Paro.

With sacred sites, traditional architecture, and historical buildings, a trip to Paro, Bhutan, is like taking a trip back in time. Nestled in a scenic river valley, the town is the first stop to Bhutan for many, as it is home to the country’s sole international airport. Six Senses Bhutan Paro is perched directly above Paro National Museum, offering incredible views of the valley. Built in the midst of old stone ruins, charming interiors of hewn stone walls and working fireplaces will contrast mid-tone vertical timbers. Community gathering sites such as an open fire pit are available, and all resources used in the construction of this resort are sustainably sourced. The property offers 16 suites, two one-bedroom villas, one two-bedroom villa, and one three-bedroom villa that is perfect for families. Other facilities and services include an all-day dining restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating, a bar, banquet facilities, Spa and Wellness Center with gym, outdoor sauna, yoga room, relaxation and private meditation areas, indoor pool, library, and boutique. The Six Senses Bhutan Paro is one node of the collective Six Senses Bhutan hotels, meaning that guests can conveniently travel to Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey, or Bumthang assured of the consistent quality of the Six Senses brand throughout their trip.

Amankora Thimpu is located on a hillside in a verdant pine forest far above Bhutan’s capital city. The hotel’s architecture is reminiscent of Bhutanese temples, or dzongs, and incorporates white-washed stone buildings around an enclosed courtyard. Sixteen suites are composed of living and sleeping areas, with views of the forest and nearby streams. The spacious terrazzo-tiled bathrooms have soaking tubs and twin vanities. Guests may dine either in an elegant dining room or on the adjacent terrace, both of which serve Bhutanese and international cuisine. Steam and sauna rooms are available, and massage and spa treatments are offered in private rooms nearby. Traditional hot stone baths can be scheduled. There is no fitness center. Fax and Internet are available. The resort is approximately 30 minutes from the airport in Paro.

The capital and largest city of the Kingdom of Bhutan, Thimphu sits at around 8,000 feet above sea level and is 34 miles from the nation's international airport in Paro. As the nation's cultural heart, people venture to this remote capital to catch glimpses of rare Buddhist scriptures at the National Library or marvel at the Buddha Dordenma's 149-foot bronze statue. The Six Senses Thimphu is situated on the valley hillside just south of the town with spectacular views of Thimphu Valley and across to the giant Buddha. The hotel's décor has been designed to reflect the city's cultural dominance. Beautiful cultural items, handcrafted objects, and intricate weavings are abundant throughout the hotel, and modern interiors feature clean lines, wood paneling, whitewashing, and natural stone. Buildings are constructed from rust-colored bricks, and old solid wood has been repurposed into table and bench tops. The property offers 20 suites, 3 one-bedroom villas, 1 two-bedroom villa, and 1 three-bedroom villa. Facilities and services include a Living Room, all-day dining restaurant, private dining room, bar and lounge, banquet facilities, indoor pool, boutique, prayer pavilion, business center, sunken outdoor performance deck, and a Spa and Wellness Center with manicure and pedicure room, and a gym. A branch of the Six Senses Bhutan hotel, guests will be able to easily move on to Paro, Punakha, Gangtey, or Bumthang while still enjoying the comforts offered by the Six Senses brand.

Amankora Punakha is located just across a suspension bridge along the Mo Chu River, with suites built around a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse. A small property, there are only eight suites. The hotel is situated in an orange orchard, with views of Punakha Valley and Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most beautiful monasteries. The farmhouse has a dining room, courtyard and tea pavilion for dining and refreshments. The spa at Punakha has two treatment rooms, a steam room and a yoga and meditation area. There is fax and Internet access; however the connection is quite slow. There is no fitness center or pool, but hot stone baths are available. The hotel is approximately a four-hour drive from the airport in Paro.

An intimate luxury lodge situated in a lush valley, the COMO Uma Bhutan Punakha is nestled amongst rice fields and orchards, and overlooks a snake-like bend in the Mo Chu River. The lodge has a selection of villas suitable for a travel party of any size, as well as nine deluxe Valley View rooms with private terraces; all rooms boast comprehensive views of the surrounding landscape. The onsite restaurant, Bukhari, is named for a traditional Bhutanese fireplace, uses ingredients from local farms and can provide delicious meals for any palate. There is also a spa, the COMO Shambhala Retreat, with a range of holistic and Asian-inspired treatments, as well as hot tubs with a birds-eye view of the stunning scenery. COMO Uma Bhutan Punakha is part of the award winning property and luxury retail group COMO Group, with a sister property in Bhutan called COMO Uma Bhutan Paro.

The former capital of Bhutan, Punakha features stunning nature and enchanting cultural sites. Take in the breathtaking mountain vistas of Dochu La Pass, hike to Khamsum Yuley Monastery, or go river rafting along the Mo Chu River. The Six Senses Punakha is reached by a windy road that climbs through pine forests and passes streams, waterfalls, and chortens (Buddhist monuments). Just a 15-minute drive north of the grand Punakha Dzong, the lodge is nestled several hundred meters above the valley floor amidst the rice fields. Drawing on the region’s agricultural heritage, the hotel is designed in the style of a local farmhouse. Clean lines adorn the mud brick structures, and light fittings cleverly crafted from recycled mason jars illuminate the woven bamboo on the walls. The property offers 16 suites, a one-bedroom villa, a two-bedroom villa, and a three-bedroom villa. Facilities and services include a Living Room and Lounge, all-day dining restaurant, library, outdoor pool, and a Spa and Wellness Center with three single rooms, gym, two meditation huts, and yoga facilities. A satellite hotel of the Six Senses Bhutan, guests can travel to other cities in the country — such as Paro, Thimphu, Gangtey, or Bumthang — all under the Six Senses name.

Amankora Gangtey is in the remote Phobjikha Valley, with awe-inspiring views of a gorge and the 16th century Gangtey Goemba monastery. Each of Amankora's eight suites is fitted with a bukhari, a wood-burning stove, and wood paneling. The dining room and living room are combined and have views of the Phobjikha Valley out of floor-to-ceiling windows. There is no Internet, business center, fitness center or pool at Amankora Gangtey, but hot stone baths and a spa with two treatment rooms are available. The resort is approximately a 4.5-hour drive from the airport in Paro.

Gangtey Lodge Bhutan offers unique and luxurious farmhouse experience in the Gangtey Valley. The Lodge draws upon the inspiration of the unique and beautiful Bhutanese rural architecture down to the very last detail. Designed by Mary Lou Thomson, who has worked on some of the world's most prestigious resort projects, the interiors and furnishings showcase aspects of the vibrant local culture. All 12 Farmhouse Suites command sweeping views of the valley below and of the Gang tey Goenpa, or monastery just a 10 minute walk away. Heated hand cut stone floors, deep bathtubs overlooking the valley and wood burning stoves, or "Bhukaris", complete the sense of luxury and coziness. Facilities and amenities include a full service restaurant, in-suite massage treatments, complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the lodge, complimentary afternoon tea service, and complimentary use of mountain bikes.

Gangtey is widely known as the home of the picturesque Gangtey Monastery, with its elaborate gate and breathtaking valley views. The stunning Phobjikha Valley is also nearby, and the land is great for birdwatchers. Therefore, Six Senses'hotel in Gangtey includes a unique birdwatching bridge. Throughout the winter rare black-necked cranes can be viewed from the lodge, the nearby Crane Center, or the viewing hide located near the birds' nesting and feeding grounds. Aside from birding, the hotel's true focus is comfort and relaxation. Décor is dominated by uncluttered lines with a natural palate. Weathered timber floors and accented walls have been introduced, and comfy armchairs with footstools invite guests to unwind after long days spent exploring. The structure's exterior is fashioned from local stones and timber-framed windows. The property offers eight suites, one two-bedroom villa, an arrival deck, library, movie and gaming room, all-day dining restaurant, fire pit relaxation area, and a Spa and Wellness Center with two Swedana areas. One of the five locations under the umbrella of Six Senses Bhutan, tourists can move along to Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, or Bumthang knowing that the comforts of the Six Senses brand name await their arrival.

The three-star boutique Yangkhil Resort is the best in Trongsa and has just 21 rooms, all equipped with full bathroom, central heating and large windows and/or private balconies overlooking Trongsa Dzong, rice fields and small farmhouses. The resort is comprised of a cluster of buildings painted with traditional Bhutanese motifs and built on a hillside. There are three wings of guest rooms and the main building houses the reception area and the restaurant, which serves Indian, Continental and Bhutanese food. Other amenities include a business center with Internet access, a bar and laundry service.

Raven Crown Resort stands in a mountainous area on the outskirts of Trongsa Town. The hotel overlooks the entire Trongsa valley including the Trongsa Dzong and the Ta-Dzong. Surrounded by nature, rhododendron and oak trees, the hotel has a calm and peaceful atmosphere inside and out. There are just 37 guestrooms that seamlessly blend traditional and modern Bhutanese architecture, inside the décor combines classic elegance with Bhutanese artwork. The rooms are built using local materials such as mud, stone and timber, they have plenty of natural light and are insulated with double paneled glass windows. The en-suite bathrooms feature rain showers and under floor heating, hot water is supplied by solar water heaters installed on the roofs. The room amenities include a balcony, custom made furniture, LCD TV, Wi-Fi, mini bar, customized stationary, iron and ironing board, wall mounted heaters, tea pot and mugs, bath slippers, bath robes, bath utility set and drinking water. The resort facilities comprise a restaurant and bar, conference room, business lounge, VIP dining room, shop, swimming pool, gym, Jacuzzi, steam room, infinity pool, Internet café, a folk museum and a coffee shop. The resort even has its own open-air amphitheater and a helipad. At the in-house spa guests can be treated to a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath and a range of therapies and treatments using local herbs and massage techniques.

Amankora Bumthang is a recently opened Amankora in Bhutan, with views of buckwheat, millet and potato fields, an apple orchard, and Wangdicholing Palace, the Kingdom’s oldest palace, which is now a monastery. There are 16 suites complete with a bukhari and views of the courtyard and palace. Amankora Bumthang has a spa with three treatment rooms and a steam room. There is no business center, but the Library has an Internet station and WiFi access. The property is approximately a 15-minute drive from the new airport in Bumthang.

Conceived as a forest within a forest, this stunning Six Senses property is located amidst dense blue pine trees, right by the river. If peace and exclusivity are what you seek, look no further: the resort’s setting is a visual and auditory delight close to hallowed temples and monasteries and imbues visitors with an uncommon sense of serenity. Six Senses staff are passionate about their eco credentials. Sustainability is paramount here, from eco-friendly water and waste management to a focus on green energy, thus preserving the ethos of the world’s only carbon-negative country. The lodge has eight beautifully appointed suites and one two-bedroom villa comprising the property. Traditional Bhutanese fare is offered for diners to partake in authentic local cuisine, while at the wellness spa, stress melts away following a Bhutanese hot stone bath. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide exceptional views, interiors are clean and contemporary, while recycled wood furnishings and timber walls deliver a sense of warmth. As one of the branches of the Six Senses Bhutan umbrella, it is directly connected to the four other Six Senses hotels in Bhutan’s west.

Enjoy close commune with nature by setting up camp in the great outdoors as part of a Bhutanese Himalayan trek. Surrounded by forests, travelers fall asleep under the stars and wake up to glorious mountain views each morning – campsites really allow travelers to connect with their environment and enjoy the serenity of the Himalayas. Accompanied by guides and horses or yaks transporting camping equipment, you will stay at established campsites with all food and drinks provided, with meals prepared by an experienced chef. In some places around Bhutan, our recommended camps share sites with yak herders, giving travelers the chance to learn about this traditional semi-nomadic lifestyle first-hand. Camping in the oak forests, peaks and valleys of Bhutan also puts campers in close contact with a diverse array of wildlife, including the chital, deer, langur, and different species of Northeast Himalayan birdlife.  

Located in the eastern region of Bhutan, the basic Wangchuck Hotel is situated just above Mongar town on a gentle sloping hill. With a total of 33 rooms, the rooms feature a view of the mountains and valleys nearby. In addition, the hotel features a business center, banquet hall, health club with steam and sauna (opening soon), daily housekeeping services, internet access, and a restaurant with both indoor and outdoor seating.

Nestled amongst the beautiful mountains of Eastern Bhutan lies the Druk Deothjung Resort, an inviting destination for adventurous travelers to this remote region of the world. The resort itself sits atop a hill replete with astounding views of the surrounding landscape. With a total of 70 rooms equipped with such amenities as heating, air conditioning, and complimentary Wi-Fi, the resort delivers comfort to weary travelers. It is also home to such special facilities as an herbal stone bath, bar, and a restaurant that offers stunning panoramas. Its location is perfect for excursions susch as rafting, kayaking, bird watching, and fly fishing.

Located amongst the natural splendor of Eastern Bhutan within a serene countryside cove lies the Lingkhar Lodge, Trashigang. With nine deluxe rooms and three special suites housed in six opulent cottages, the lodgings are elegantly designed, combining traditional Bhutanese aesthetics with such modern amenities as climate control features, flat screen televisions, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Additionally, no room is without a spectacular view of the surrounding landscapes. In the middle of the complex rests a two-story building atop which sits the hotel's restaurant where guests can enjoy an array of local, Indian, Chinese, and Continental dishes while taking in a panorama of the surrounding environment.

In the bustling border town of Bhutan lies Samdrup Jongkhar, a first stop for merchants and tourists entering Eastern Bhutan by land, a mixing pot of Bhutanese and Indian culture, and home to such gems as the country’s oldest cinema and Zangdopelri Monastery. Among the town’s tumult lies the Menjong Hotel, a haven for tourists seeking to gain their footing in this remote corner of the Earth. Offering 15 rooms and 2 suites, the hotel provides comfortable lodging along with such modern amenities as high-speed internet and air-conditioning. The hotel is also equipped with a well-stocked bar and restaurant. Maintained by a diligent staff, the Hotel Menjong is an excellent choice for visitors of Samdrup Jongkhar.