Nature Lover's 7-Day Itinerary in Bhutan

1. Day 1: Paro Valley
   10 minutes (6.8 km) from Paro International Airport

   Hike to Taktsang Monastery, a prominent Buddhist sacred site, perched high on a cliff. Enjoy stunning views of the valley.

2. Day 2: Punakha and Wangdue
   2 hours 50 minutes (128 km) from Paro Valley

   Visit the sacred Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 and home to the winter residence of the Bhutanese spiritual leader. Take a scenic drive to Wangdue and hike to Chimi Lhakhang, a temple built in honor of divine Madman.

3. Day 3: Phobjikha Valley
   2 hours 50 minutes (132 km) from Wangdue

   Take a leisurely walk in the stunning valley. Spot the endangered Black-necked Cranes and visit the Gangtey Monastery, the largest Nyingma monastery in western Bhutan.

4. Day 4: Bumthang Valley
   6 hours (267 km) from Phobjikha

   Explore the spiritual heartland of Bhutan - Bumthang. Visit Jambay Lhakhang temple, the auspicious Tamzhing Lhündrup lhakhang monastery, and Kurjey Lhakhang, an important holy site.

5. Day 5: Haa Valley
   9 hours (328 km) from Bumthang

   Take a scenic drive through the Chelela Pass to reach Haa Valley. Visit the Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple).

6. Day 6: Thimphu
   2 hours 50 minutes (108 km) from Haa Valley

   Visit the Memorial Chorten, Buddha Dordenma Statue, Tashichhoe Dzong and Folk Heritage Museum.

7. Day 7: Dochula Pass and Paro Valley
   2 hours 25 minutes (96 km) from Thimphu

   Take a scenic drive to Paro Valley via Dochula Pass. Visit the Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan and end the trip with a visit to Rinpung Dzong, a 17th-century fortress.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Taktsang Monastery (5 hours, Nu. 500)
• Punakha Dzong (2 hours, Nu. 300), Chimi Lhakhang (1 hour, Nu. 100)
• Gangtey Monastery (2 hours, free)
• Jambay Lhakhang temple (1 hour, Nu. 200), Tamzhing Lhündrup Lhakhang monastery (1 hour, Nu. 150), Kurjey Lhakhang (1 hour, Nu. 250)
• Lhakhang Karpo and Lhakhang Nagpo (1 hour, Nu. 250)
• Memorial Chorten (1 hour, free), Buddha Dordenma Statue (1 hour, Nu. 500), Tashichhoe Dzong (1 hour, free), Folk Heritage Museum (2 hours, Nu. 150)
• Kyichu Lhakhang (1 hour, free), Rinpung Dzong (1 hour, Nu. 300)
Total Estimated Costs (excluding accommodation): Nu. 2250

Useful Tips

If you have more time, plan a visit to the Himalayan National Park in central Bhutan. For a shorter trip, skip Haa Valley and add a day to explore Thimphu. Remember to respect local customs, dress appropriately, and purchase a local SIM card for easy communication.