Nature Lovers 6-day Bhutan Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Paro Valley
    1 hour (31 km) from Paro International Airport

    Explore the Tiger's Nest Monastery perched on a cliff 3000 feet above the Paro Valley. Hike the scenic trails around the town. Visit the National Museum to learn about Bhutan's rich cultural heritage housed in a medieval watchtower.

  2. Day 2: Thimphu
    1 hour 20 minutes (54.5 km) from Paro Valley

    Take an early drive through the scenic mountainous terrain of Dochula Pass to Thimphu. Visit the Folk Heritage Museum, which displays Bhutanese rural artifacts, the Tashichho Dzong Monastery, a beautiful fortress with a blend of traditional and modern architecture, and the National Memorial Chorten, a Tibetan-style stupa with golden spires.

  3. Day 3: Punakha
    2 hours (85.1 km) from Thimphu

    Drive to Punakha, the ancient winter capital, where you will visit the Punakha Dzong Monastery, the country's second oldest and most impressive dzong, situated at the confluence of two rivers. Hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a beautiful Buddhist temple set on a hill with stunning views of the valley.

  4. Day 4: Gangtey
    3 hours 20 minutes (133 km) from Punakha

    Visit the Gangtey Monastery, the largest Nyingma monastery in Bhutan, located in the beautiful Phobjikha Valley, and the Black Necked Crane Information Center, where you can learn about the endangered crane species that visit the valley every winter. Go on a nature hike in the valley surrounded by beautiful landscapes.

  5. Day 5: Bumthang
    6 hours (268 km) from Gangtey

    Take a scenic drive to Bumthang, the spiritual heartland of Bhutan, and visit the Jambay Lhakhang Monastery, one of the most ancient temples of Bhutan. Go hiking in the Bumthang Valley, and visit the mystical Burning Lake, which is believed to be blessed by Guru Rinpoche, who is said to have discovered terma (treasures) hidden beneath the waters.

  6. Day 6: Haa Valley
    5 hours 20 minutes (199 km) from Bumthang

    Take a picturesque drive to the Haa Valley and go on a nature hike to the stunning Chele La Pass, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Visit the Lhakhang Karpo (white temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo (black temple), two ancient temples that have been beautifully renovated.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Tiger's Nest Monastery (4-6 hours, Nu 500-1000)
  • National Museum (1-2 hours, Nu 150-300)
  • Folk Heritage Museum (1-2 hours, Nu 100-200)
  • Tashichho Dzong Monastery (1 hour, free)
  • National Memorial Chorten (30 minutes, free)
  • Punakha Dzong Monastery (2-3 hours, Nu 300-500)
  • Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten (1-2 hours, Nu 300-500)
  • Gangtey Monastery (2-3 hours, free)
  • Black Necked Crane Information Center (1 hour, free)
  • Jambay Lhakhang Monastery (1-2 hours, Nu 150-300)
  • Burning Lake (3-4 hours, Nu 200-400)
  • Chele La Pass (3-4 hours, free)
  • Lhakhang Karpo (1 hour, free)
  • Lhakhang Nagpo (1 hour, free)

  • Total Estimated Costs: Nu 2,200-4,400 per person

Useful Tips

If you have more time, add a visit to the Phobjikha Valley and the Kila Goemba Monastery, and go on a wildlife trek in the Jigme Dorji National Park. If you have less time, consider skipping the Haa Valley and spending more time exploring Thimphu or Punakha.

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