Bhutan 2026 - Dragon Path of Presence
The Dragon Path of Presence is not about becoming someone new, but about remembering how to walk in awareness, one step, one breath, one moment at a time.

November 5th - November 19th / 22nd
This journey is an invitation to walk differently — with presence rather than pursuit. Through sacred sites, shared experience, and daily reflection with the Dragon’s Gift Oracle, outer travel becomes inner inquiry. The path is not something to achieve, but to enter.

“If Bhutan calls you, I invite you to join me for a journey shaped by more than two decades of personal connection to this remarkable kingdom. What began over twenty years ago as travel has grown into lasting friendships, people I now call family, and it is through these relationships that our journey unfolds.
Alongside my collaboration with Bhutanese communities, I have initiated mentorship programs with emerging artists and designers, and continue to support creative voices rooted in tradition and innovation. My long-standing involvement with the Nuns Foundation and sustainable building initiatives reflects this ongoing commitment.
This year, we have the rare opportunity to attend the Black-Necked Crane Festival at Gangtey Monastery, a living celebration of migration, ritual, and community in the Phobjikha Valley.
Through years of returning, working, and listening, stories and friendships have taken root. It is through these relationships that our journey unfolds, shaped by cultural understanding, environmental awareness, and mutual respect. From the iconic Tiger’s Nest to tranquil dzongs and village homes, we experience Bhutan not as visitors passing through, but as welcomed guests.
Our group remains intentionally small, allowing for meaningful exchange and depth. If you feel drawn to the landscapes, philosophy, and living traditions of the Himalayas, I welcome you to walk this path with me.”
“Kutira brought her own history and all her unique contacts, so we met people we couldn’t possibly have met in a million years. We got to see the country from many points of view, and that was really exceptional. It made the country feel like our own.” – Karen Pensak
With Druk Air as our sole gateway to this secluded paradise, I urge you to book promptly; their gracious cancellation policy is a safety net for your plans.
IF BHUTAN IS ON YOUR BUCKET LIST … THIS IS YOUR CALLING!



Itinerary
This itinerary is subject to subtle changes, as embracing the flow of events is what truly shapes an adventure. Bhutan defies description: its beauty must be experienced firsthand, from the breathtaking landscapes to the incredible warmth of its people. This journey is thoughtfully designed to foster an inward voyage as you immerse yourself in new cultures and forge connections with new friends.
*** This is a rough itinerary, with details still being finalized. Check this page frequently for updates. We will hold sharing circles and meditations throughout the journey to deepen our experience.

Thursday, November 5
Scenic Himalayan arrival, flying past forested hills and mountain valleys (possible Mount Everest views from Kathmandu)
Warm welcome at Paro International Airport by our local team
Gentle walk through Paro town and time to settle after travel
Opening circle and shared dinner to begin our journey together
Overnight: Himalayan Keys Forest Resort, Paro

Friday, November 6
Short mountain flight to Bumthang through narrow Himalayan valleys
Settle into Kaila’s family guesthouse known for sincere hospitality
Visit Jakar Dzong and Wangdichhoeling Palace, central to Bumthang’s history
Traditional home-cooked Bhutanese dinner
Overnight: Kaila Guesthouse, Bumthang

Saturday, November 7
- Scenic drive to Tang Valley with a stop at Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake)
- Quiet time walking near this sacred pilgrimage site
- Stay at Ogyen Chöling Palace Museum, a preserved noble residence
- Evening of traditional Bumthang cuisine in a historic home
- Overnight: Ogyen Chöling Heritage House, Tang Valley

Sunday, November 8
Visit Pema Chöling Nunnery, home to more than one hundred nuns
Learn about their study, debate, and daily monastic rhythm
Visit the local school and experience valley life
Time for reflection and gentle walks in the surrounding landscape
Overnight: Ogyen Chöling Heritage House, Tang Valley
Monday, November 9
Explore Jambay Lhakhang, temple founded in the 7th century
Visit Kurjey Lhakhang and Guru Rinpoche’s sacred imprint
Discover Tamshing Lhakhang with ancient murals and statues
Evening Swiss-Bhutanese fondue gathering
Overnight: Wangdicholing Resort, Bumthang

Tuesday, November 10
- Mountain drive over Yutong La Pass through forests and deep valleys
- Lunch in Trongsa, ancestral seat of Bhutan’s monarchy
- Continue to Phobjikha and into the remote highland valley of Gogona
- Quiet meadows, village life, pastoral beauty, and a sanctuary for yaks
- Glamping in a remote valley near the yak sanctuary

Wednesday, November 11
Drive across Pele La Pass into the wide Phobjikha Valley
Attend the Black-Necked Crane Festival at Gangtey Monastery
Watch crane dances, masked performances, and local celebrations
Continue scenic drive toward Punakha
Overnight: Khuru Resort, Punakha


Thursday, November 12
Hike through rice fields to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
Cross a suspension bridge over the Mo Chhu River
Enjoy valley views from the chorten rooftop
Visit Punakha Dzong at the meeting of two rivers
Overnight: Khuru Resort, Punakha



Friday, November 13
Continue to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital city
Walk through fields to Chimi Lhakhang, the Fertility Temple
Stop at Dochula Pass with its 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens
Clear-day views of the Himalayan range
Overnight: Himalayan Keys Forest Resort, Thimphu

Saturday, November 14
Visit the Textile Museum and learn about Bhutanese weaving traditions
Explore VAST (Voluntary Artists’ Studio, Thimphu) and contemporary Bhutanese art
Observe traditional arts at Choki Traditional Art School
Free time for markets, cafés, and city exploration
Overnight: Himalayan Keys Forest Resort, Thimphu

Sunday, November 15
Visit Buddha Dordenma overlooking Thimphu Valley
Tour the Nuns Training Center founded under royal patronage
Learn about education, leadership, and spiritual training for nuns
Time for quiet reflection and discussion
Overnight: Himalayan Keys Forest Resort, Thimphu

Monday, November 16
Cross Chele La Pass with views toward Mount Jomolhari (weather permitting)
Descend into the traditional and less-visited Haa Valley
Visit Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple)
Settle into the valley’s calm atmosphere
Overnight: Risum Resort, Haa Valley
Tuesday, November 17
Visit Chundu Lhakhang, protector temple of Haa
Hike 40–60 minutes to Juneydrak Hermitage in rhododendron forest
Visit Kila Gompa, cliffside retreat above Paro Valley
Cross Chele La Pass on return to Paro
Overnight: Himalayan Keys Forest Resort, Paro

Wednesday, November 18
Hike through pine forest to iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Steady ascent with rest stops and panoramic valley views
Explore sacred temples built into the cliff face
Closing circle and celebratory dinner
Overnight: Himalayan Keys Forest Resort, Paro


Thursday, November 19
Airport transfers for departing guests
Drive to Thimphu for Immersion participants
Traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath with heated river stones
Quiet evening to rest and integrate the journey
Overnight: Himalayan Keys Forest Resort, Thimphu

Special Immersion:

These 3 days are devoted to an intimate Immersion experience within a smaller circle, offering deeper spiritual inquiry, cultural exchange, and reflective practice. This is not an add-on, but an invitation to slow down, integrate the journey, and enter more fully into Bhutan’s living spiritual fabric.
Friday, November 20
Program is TBA
Friday, November 21
Program is TBA
Friday, November 22
- Departure for Special Immersion participants (18 days)


