8-Day Nature Itinerary in Bhutan

1. Day 1: Paro Valley
   9.2 km (20 minutes) from Paro International Airport

   Explore the stunning Paro Valley, home to the famous Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest) and other holy sites.

2. Day 2: Thimphu
   54.5 km (1 hour 30 minutes) from Paro Valley

   Visit the charming capital city of Bhutan and see the magnificent Buddha Dordenma, the largest Buddha statue in the world.

3. Day 3: Punakha
   77.9 km (2 hours 30 minutes) from Thimphu

   Explore the scenic Punakha valley, visit the Punakha Dzong fortress and hike to the beautiful Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten temple.

4. Day 4: Gangtey
   98.2 km (3 hours) from Punakha

   Enjoy the beauty of Gangtey valley, take a scenic hike to the Gangtey Monastery and see the black-necked cranes at the Phobjikha Valley.

5. Day 5: Trongsa
   85.2 km (3 hours) from Gangtey

   Visit the impressive Trongsa Dzong fortress and its attached museum, learn about Bhutan's history and enjoy the scenic views.

6. Day 6: Bumthang
   68 km (2 hours 30 minutes) from Trongsa

   Explore the religious heart of Bhutan, visit the Jakar Dzong fortress and the Jambey Lhakhang temple, and try the local Red Panda beer.

7. Day 7: Phobjikha Valley
   111 km (3 hours 30 minutes) from Bumthang

   Watch the black-necked cranes at the Phobjikha Valley, visit the Gangtey Monastery for an afternoon hike and learn about the local conservation efforts.

8. Day 8: Paro
   130 km (4 hours) from Phobjikha Valley

   Visit the National Museum of Bhutan to learn about the country's art and history, and then end the day with a hot stone bath in a local village.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Taktsang Monastery (3 hours, 500 BTN)
• Buddha Dordenma (1 hour, 300 BTN)
• Punakha Dzong (2 hours, 300 BTN)
• Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten (4-5 hours, 300 BTN)
• Gangtey Monastery (1-2 hours, 500 BTN)
• Trongsa Dzong and museum (2-3 hours, 350 BTN)
• Jakar Dzong and Jambey Lhakhang temple (3-4 hours, 300 BTN)
• National Museum of Bhutan (1.5-2 hours, 300 BTN)
• Hot Stone Bath (1.5-2.5 hours, 500-1000 BTN)
Total Estimated Costs: 3,150-3,750 BTN

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can add a trek to the Himalayas or explore the Haa Valley. If you have less time, skip Trongsa or Bumthang and add an extra day to Paro or Thimphu. Remember to respect Bhutan's customs and dress modestly when visiting sacred places.