Overview
This 7-day tour takes you on a cultural journey through the stunning landscapes of Nepal and Bhutan. Starting in Kathmandu, you’ll explore vibrant cities, sacred temples, and majestic mountains. Then, you’ll fly to Bhutan to continue your journey through serene valleys and historic sites, making unforgettable memories.
Trip Highlights
- Experience the charm and beauty of both Nepal and Bhutan in just 7 days.
- Enjoy a scenic flight with stunning views of the Himalayan peaks, including Mount Everest.
- Explore Kathmandu’s iconic landmarks: Swoyambhunath (Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, and Kathmandu Durbar Square.
- Discover the unique culture and heritage of Thimphu, including Tashichho Dzong, Buddha Dordenma, and the Memorial Chorten.
- Hike to the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched on a cliffside, with breathtaking valley views.
- Visit historical sites in Paro such as Paro Rinpung Dzong, the National Museum of Bhutan, and Kyichu Lhakhang.
- Immerse yourself in the rich traditions and local lifestyle of Bhutan through its craft bazaars and museums.
- Savour the flavours of traditional Nepalese and Bhutanese cuisines throughout the journey.
Itinerary
Welcome to Kathmandu! Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you'll receive a warm welcome and be transferred to your hotel. If you arrive early, there are fun activities like city sightseeing or a cooking class available. Use this day to relax and get ready for the exciting journey ahead. Enjoy the vibrant city life and take in the first glimpses of Kathmandu.
⦿ Views & Places: Initial views of Kathmandu city and possibly some local attractions.
⦿ Level of Difficulty: Easy
Today is all about exploring Kathmandu! After a delicious breakfast, your guide will take you to some of the city's most famous spots. Start at Swoyambhunath (Monkey Temple) for panoramic views of the valley. Then, visit the impressive Boudhanath Stupa and the sacred Pashupatinath Temple. End your day at Kathmandu Durbar Square, where you can explore historical palaces and temples. This day is packed with cultural and spiritual experiences.
⦿ Views & Places: Swoyambhunath (Monkey Temple) with panoramic valley views, Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, and Kathmandu Durbar Square.
⦿ Level of Difficulty: Easy
Get ready for a scenic flight to Bhutan! The flight from Kathmandu to Paro offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Upon landing, you'll have lunch in Paro and then drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. The drive is a treat, with beautiful landscapes, including alpine forests and traditional farmhouses. Once in Thimphu, you can explore the unique city that has no traffic lights and enjoy a stroll around Clock Tower Square.
⦿ Views & Places: Aerial views of the Himalayas, Paro Valley, alpine forests, monasteries, and charming farmhouses. In Thimphu, explore Clock Tower Square.
⦿ Level of Difficulty: Easy
Discover Thimphu's cultural and historical treasures today. Visit Tashichho Dzong, the seat of Bhutan’s government, and marvel at the massive Buddha Dordenma statue. Explore the Memorial Chorten, a popular place of worship, and learn about Bhutanese traditions at the Folk Heritage Museum and National Textile Museum. Visit the ancient Changangkha Lhakhang temple and shop for handicrafts at the Craft Bazaar. In the afternoon, you'll drive back to Paro.
⦿ Views & Places: Tashichho Dzong, Buddha Dordenma, Memorial Chorten, Folk Heritage Museum, National Textile Museum, Changangkha Lhakhang, and Craft Bazaar.
⦿ Level of Difficulty: Easy
Today, you'll hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched on a cliffside. The trail offers stunning views of lush valleys and waterfalls. Along the way, you'll see colorful prayer wheels and mani walls. After reaching the monastery, explore its temples and meditation halls. In the afternoon, visit Paro Rinpung Dzong, the National Museum of Bhutan, Kyichu Lhakhang, and Drukgyel Dzong. End the day with a leisurely stroll through Paro Town.
⦿ Views & Places: Stunning mountain and valley views, prayer wheels, mani walls, Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Paro Rinpung Dzong, National Museum of Bhutan, Kyichu Lhakhang, Drukgyel Dzong, and Paro Town.
⦿ Level of Difficulty: Moderate
After a hearty breakfast, you'll catch our morning flight back to Kathmandu. The flight offers spectacular views of the Himalayan peaks, including Mount Everest. Once back in Kathmandu, you have the rest of the day free to explore more of the city, do some last-minute shopping, or relax at your hotel. Reflect on your journey through Bhutan and get ready for your departure the next day.
⦿ Views & Places: Aerial views of Mount Everest and other peaks.
⦿ Level of Difficulty: Easy
It's time to say goodbye. On your final day, we'll transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure flight. Take this time to reminisce about the incredible experiences and sights you’ve encountered on your tour. Whether you are heading home or continuing to another destination, the memories of Nepal and Bhutan will stay with you forever.
⦿ View & Places: Final views of Kathmandu city.
⦿ Level of Difficulty: Easy
FAQs for the Nepal Bhutan Tour
Bhutan is a small country in the eastern Himalayas, between China and India. It has plains and forests in the south and snowy mountains in the north. Bhutan is mostly a Buddhist country and is known as the last stronghold of Mahayana Buddhism.
Yes, you must use a licensed Bhutanese tour operator or one of their international partners to book your tour to Bhutan.
A tour guide is essential in Bhutan because roads can be hard to navigate, GPS is rarely used, and understanding the local customs, culture, and temple symbols can be challenging without one. Many activities, like visiting monasteries and temples, require special permission that a guide can arrange.
Yes, all foreign tourists need a visa arranged through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator or their international partners. Your tour operator will obtain a visa clearance for you. Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian citizens can get a visa on arrival.
The visa fee for foreign travelers is $40. This can be paid in advance to your tour operator. There is no cost for Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian citizens. Tourists, except for Indians, must also pay a Sustainable Development Fee of $200 per night. Indian citizens pay INR 1200 per night.
You can fly into Bhutan from several airports, including those in Thailand, Nepal, Singapore, and various cities in India and Bangladesh. Druk Air and Tashi Air are the two airlines that operate flights to Bhutan. You can also enter Bhutan by land from India through three border crossings: Phuentsholing, Gelephu, and Samdrup Jongkhar. Travel arrangements must be made through a local tour operator or their international partners.
The currency in Bhutan is the Ngultrum, which is tied to the Indian Rupee. Indian notes of 500 and 1000 are not accepted everywhere.
There is no limit to the number of tourists who visit Bhutan each year. However, Bhutan follows a “High Value, Low Impact Tourism” policy to protect its culture and environment. This policy ensures that tourists have a memorable and respectful experience.
Bhutan has many traditional festivals throughout the year that reflect its culture and spirituality. These festivals feature unique dances and are a great way to experience Bhutan’s traditions. Check the Bhutan Tourism Council website for festival dates.
- Breathtaking Scenic Flight: You’ll experience a scenic flight with stunning views of the Himalayan peaks, including the magnificent Mount Everest.
- Rich Cultural Exploration: You’ll explore Kathmandu’s iconic landmarks: Swoyambhunath (Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, and Kathmandu Durbar Square.
- Unique Heritage Sites: You’ll discover the unique culture and heritage of Thimphu, including Tashichho Dzong, Buddha Dordenma, and the Memorial Chorten.
- Iconic Hike: You’ll hike to the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched on a cliffside, offering breathtaking valley views.
- Historical Visits: You’ll visit historical sites in Paro such as Paro Rinpung Dzong, the National Museum of Bhutan, and Kyichu Lhakhang.
- Local Traditions: You’ll immerse yourself in the rich traditions and local lifestyle of Bhutan through its craft bazaars and museums.
- Delicious Cuisines: You’ll savour the flavours of traditional Nepalese and Bhutanese cuisines throughout the journey.
- Memorable Adventures: You’ll enjoy a perfectly balanced itinerary that combines cultural discovery, spiritual encounters, and natural beauty.
