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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
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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)

Ready for the adventure
of lifetime?