Legends of the Dragon Kingdom

Through mountain passes and whispered myths — a pilgrimage to Bhutan’s quiet heart.

Bhutan doesn’t ask to be explored. It asks you to listen. This journey begins in Paro, where valleys fold like silk scarves and peaks rise through mist, as if exhaled by prayer. From here, the road leads east — not toward distance, but into Bhutan’s breath-held heart.

In Thimphu, the kingdom’s quiet capital, you walk among carved facades and flickering butter lamps. Monasteries hum with ritual. Courtyards echo with soft-footed devotion. And in artisan workshops, stories pass not by words, but by hands.

The path to Gangtey climbs through misted forests and high passes, then opens into Phobjikha’s hush — winter home of the black-necked crane. Here, time loosens its grip. Walk forest trails through prayer-flag meadows. Share tea at the monastery. Let the silence settle.

From Gangtey, the land turns lush and warm — and you follow it west toward Punakha, where whitewashed dzongs stand between two rivers like poems in stone. Watch the light shift over the valley, wander temple paths, and breathe in the quiet weight of living history.

Finally, return to Paro. Hike the trail to Taktsang — the Tiger’s Nest — a temple clinging to cloud and cliff. It’s not just a viewpoint. It’s a threshold.

This is not a journey defined by distance. It’s shaped by devotion — to the land, the silence, and the myths that still ride the wind.

This is where mystery is not explained, but felt.

Traditional Bhutanese welcome at Paro airport with Drukair plane in background.

Day 1

Arrive in Paro and travel by road to Thimphu, Bhutan’s serene capital nestled in a wooded valley. As the landscape shifts from countryside to city, you’ll settle gently into the rhythm of the kingdom. The day is yours to rest, acclimate, or wander quietly through artisan quarters, where incense drifts through carved windows and time flows softly.

Day 2

Begin your immersion into Bhutanese heritage. Walk the quiet courtyards of Tashichho Dzong, the seat of royalty and monastic order, then join locals circling the National Memorial Chorten in gentle prayer. At the Folk Heritage Museum, glimpse preserved pieces of rural life — from woven baskets to ancestral tools — revealing Bhutan’s enduring ties to the land.

A monk walks past golden statues at the grand Tashichho Dzong in Thimphu.

Gangtey Monastery perched on a hill in Bhutan’s serene alpine Gangtey Valley.

Day 3

The road to Gangtey winds through alpine forests and dramatic high passes before opening into the wide bowl of Phobjikha Valley. At its heart stands Gangtey Monastery, poised above the landscape like a quiet sentinel. Settle into your retreat and feel time stretch — here, presence replaces pace.

Day 4

Step into nature’s rhythm on a guided walk through Black Mountain National Park. Pine groves and open meadows line the trail, while prayer flags shift softly in the wind. Black-necked cranes return here each season, drawn to the valley’s stillness — and so are you. The air is crisp, the silence spacious — a day measured by breath, not by clock.

A hiker walking through mossy trail in Bhutan’s lush Black Mountain National Park.

Endangered black-necked cranes in flight over scenic Bhutanese countryside.

Day 5

A full day in Gangtey invites slow discovery. Trace quiet trails to hillside villages, visit tucked-away temples, or simply watch the light shift across the valley from your lodge. This is Bhutan in its purest form — still, soulful, and deeply grounding.

Day 6

Travel west toward Punakha, where the landscape unfolds into lush terraces and warm river air greets you like an invitation. Settle along the banks of the Mo Chhu at a riverside retreat where time stretches wide. The afternoon is yours — to exhale, reflect, or simply let the valley hold you.

Punakha valley panorama featuring traditional homes, farmland, and a flowing river.

Scenic view of Punakha’s green landscape with layered fields and distant mountain peaks.

Day 7

Visit the majestic Punakha Dzong, where whitewashed walls and golden spires rise between two rivers. Wander the courtyards, cross creaking bridges, and feel the pulse of Bhutan’s history echo in its quietest corners. Later, walk along the riverside — a moment to let it all settle.

Day 8

Return to Paro by road, stopping at Simtokha Dzong — Bhutan’s oldest fortress, built where three valleys converge. In the afternoon, visit the National Museum, where ancient relics and sacred masks tell the kingdom’s story in silence and symbol. Evening brings rest beneath Paro’s twilight hills.

Young Bhutanese monks chant prayers inside a vibrantly decorated monastery hall.

Cliffside view of the sacred Tiger's Nest Monastery high above Bhutan's Paro Valley.

Day 9

Hike to Taktsang, the legendary Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched high on a sheer cliff. The trail winds through forest and mist, past fluttering prayer flags and murmuring pines, until the monastery reveals itself — a quiet act of devotion suspended in stone. After your descent, the afternoon is yours to rest and reflect.

Day 10

Spend a final morning in Paro at your own rhythm. Browse for handwoven treasures, take a short walk, or simply sit with the view — allowing the stillness of Bhutan to settle within you before your journey onward.

Bhutanese performers in traditional attire dancing during a cultural performance in Paro.

Discover Bhutan on a private guided luxury tour

Experience the legends of Bhutan — the Dragon Kingdom — on an exquisitely curated private guided luxury tour by Jetsetters. Designed for the discerning traveller, this immersive journey unveils the kingdom’s most iconic and scenic landscapes, sacred sites, and cultural treasures—all seamlessly blended with refined service and exclusive experiences. From majestic fortresses, beautiful dzongs and cliffside monasteries to tranquil valleys and immersive local encounters, this itinerary promises both spiritual awakening and elevated comfort.

Cultural immersion in Thimphu and Paro

Begin your journey in Thimphu, Bhutan’s vibrant capital, where ancient traditions meet contemporary charm. Explore cultural landmarks such as the majestic Tashichho Dzong and the spiritual National Memorial Chorten, offering a glimpse into Bhutan’s deep-rooted heritage. In Paro, visit the iconic Rinpung Dzong and delve into the nation's history at the National Museum. Your journey culminates with a spectacular hike to the legendary Tiger’s Nest Monastery—an unforgettable highlight of the Himalayan experience.

Nature and tranquillity in the Gangtey Valley

Escape to the pristine beauty of Gangtey Valley, where nature takes center stage. Nestled in a peaceful alpine setting, the valley offers soul-soothing nature walks, visits to traditional villages, and a spiritual visit to the revered Gangtey Monastery. Here, you’ll stay at Gangtey Lodge, an award-winning sanctuary that blends rustic Bhutanese charm with modern luxury, complete with panoramic views and heartfelt hospitality.

Timeless elegance in Punakha

Journey to Punakha, the former capital, and explore one of Bhutan’s most architecturally striking fortresses—Punakha Dzong, majestically positioned at the confluence of two rivers. Discover the region’s lush subtropical landscapes, ideal for river walks and cultural excursions. During your stay, retreat to the elegant Amankora Punakha Lodge, a secluded riverside haven offering refined service, serene surroundings, and deep relaxation.

Wellness and reflection in Paro

Conclude your journey with moments of reflection and rejuvenation in Paro at the serene Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary. Tucked away in the Neyphu Valley, this luxury wellness retreat invites you to restore body and soul with holistic therapies, mindfulness sessions, and panoramic mountain views. It’s the perfect place to absorb the profound beauty of Bhutan before your departure.

Royal Mountain Journey curated by Jetsetters

This bespoke Bhutan itinerary has been thoughtfully designed by our expert luxury travel advisors, ensuring every detail—from private transfers to immersive excursions—is flawlessly executed. Whether you seek spiritual depth, cultural discovery, trekking or serene natural beauty, your private guided luxury tour with Jetsetters offers an extraordinary way to experience the Kingdom of Bhutan in unmatched style and comfort.