Nepal and Bhutan Tour

Trip at a Glance

  • Trip Name: Nepal and Bhutan Tour
  • Trip Code:
  • Trip Duration: 9 days
  • Trip Grade: Moderate
  • Activities: City tour with culture exploration/farm house visit
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Transportation: Flight/Private Vehicle
  • Best Season: Sept - Dec and Mar - May
  • Country: Nepal
  • Max Altitude: 3200m
  • Group size: 2-14

Trip Overview

Nepal and Bhutan Tour

Nepal-Bhutan Tour is an admirable offer to explore the cultural, historical, architectural, and natural diversities of both nations. God has gifted immense natural wonders to both lands. Being the neighboring countries, it is easier for travelers to opt for this multi-country tour. There are several packages designed based on convenience, budget, and time restrictions. Nepal is a unique Hindu kingdom in the lap of mighty snow-capped Himalayan ranges where religious tolerance still exists with peace and harmony. Out of the 10 highest mountains in the world, 8 of them lie in the lands of Nepal. Being the 2nd richest country for water resources in the world, the natural beauty of Nepal is immensely mesmerizing. Also known as the “Land of Temples”, every part of the country possesses several temples, stupas, and monasteries that display Hinduism and Buddhism at the topmost. Likewise, Bhutan is a beautiful kingdom situated at the base of the gigantic snowy Himalayas which is famous as the “Land of Thunder Dragons”. Buddhism is the main religion followed by the Bhutanese; hence, there are numbers of monasteries and monuments that reflect Buddhism and their simple lifestyles. In short, this Nepal-Bhutan tour is a complete relishing package to quench the thirst for discovering and exploring the amazing pearls of both countries.

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft)

You will arrive at the Tribhuwan International Airport and then the representative from Step On Himalaya will direct you to the hotel in private transport. After freshening up, you can either rest or wander around, if you arrive at the day time. You also can visit the office of Step On Himalaya. You can taste the Nepalese cuisine with traditional food items in the evening. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Accommodation: Hotel

Meal: Dinner

Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu to the World Heritage sites

After having breakfast, you will be escorted in a private vehicle for the sightseeing tour in the Kathmandu valley. You will be taken to the UNESCO World Heritage sites of the Kathmandu. Starting from Kathmandu Durbar Square, it used to be a gathering place in earlier times where different festivals were celebrated. You can see the Nepalese artworks and architectures around here. Pashupatinath Temple is the next site worthy to visit. It is the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, built near the bank of the holy river of Bagmati. Many statues of other gods and goddesses can be seen around the temple area. This is also the place for creating. Boudhanath and Swayambhunath Stupa are symbols for the Lord Buddha. The domes with the golden shrine with 4 pairs of eyes embossed are marvelous. It is believed that the eyes are keeping an eye on us to maintain the peace and prosperity in the nation. Visiting these 4 places will end the tour and now you will be taken back to the hotel. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Accommodation: Hotel

Meal: Breakfast

Day 03: Flight from Kathmandu to Paro (2,250m/7,382ft): 1 hour flight then sightseeing tour of the city

You will fly today from Kathmandu to Paro. You can see the striking view of the Himalayan ranges including Jichu Drake and Chomolhari peaks. After arriving at the airport in Bhutan, you will be welcomed by the representative of Step On Himalaya and will take you to the hotel. Enjoying the lunch, you will then visit the Rinpung Dzong literally means “Fortress of the stack of jewels”. The next stop is Kichu Lhakhang which is the oldest temple of the country. You will visit the Drugyal Dzong also known as Bhutan Victory Fort. This fort was built in 1646 in the memory of the victory of Bhutan over the Tibetan invaders during the 1600s. You can also view the Mount Chomolhari, the second-highest mountain at an elevation of 7314 meters. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Accommodation: Hotel/Lodge

Meal: Breakfast,Lunch, Dinner

Day 04: Drive from Paro to Thimphu (2,320m/7,610ft) then Hike to Taktsang Monastery

You will drive from Paro to Thimphu after having breakfast. From Thimphu, you will start hiking to Taktsang monastery (Tiger’s Nest) situated at the height of 3180m. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche fly here for meditation on the tigress’s back. You will take lunch in a restaurant that is located at the half on the mountain. The Taktsang Monastery is rested on the edge of a cliff at about 900m above the Paro valley. Spending some time here, you will walk down to the valley and go back to Thimphu. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Accommodation: Hotel/Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 05: Hike to Wangditse Gompa then Guided Sightseeing in Thimphu

You will drive in the early morning to BBS Tower and from there you can hike to Wangditse Gompa for about an hour. The view of Samtenling palace from here is simply awesome. This is the home to the Fourth King and Dorje Drak meditation on the hillside. After paying a visit to the Gompa, you will be back to Thimphu and visit the mini zoo on the way to see the national animal of Bhutan i.e. the Takin. You will stop by for lunch and then visit the King’s Memorial Chorten built as a memory of the Third King of Bhutan who ruled from 1952 – 1972. Then you will visit the nunnery temple, the National Library, the National Institute of Traditional Medicine, the Handicraft Emporium, the Textile Museum, the Tashiccho Dzong and the traditional paper factory. After the sightseeing tour, you will be taken back to the hotel. In the evening time, you can just walk around enjoying the living style of the local people. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Accommodation: Hotel/Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 06: Drive from Thimphu to Punakha (1,250m/4,100ft) and Hike to Lungchutse Monastery

Today’s destination is Punakha. You will drive from Thimphu for about 2 – 3 hours to Dochu La pass situated at the elevation of 3100m. If you are lucky to have a clear sky, you can see the majestic views of the Tibetan Himalayas. From there, you will hike up to Lungchutse Monastery from the 108 chortens. Continuing the hike, you will pass through the rhododendron forests and arrive at the high ridges. There are the colorful prayer flags all around the ridges and offers the spectacular view of the valleys at the base of gigantic Himalayas. Now hiking back to Dochu La pass, you will stop by for lunch and then drive downhill through the dense forests of fir, hemlock, and rhododendron. You will walk for about 20 minutes to the Chimi Lhakhang at Metshina village and passing through the rice fields. It is believed to be the fertility temple and dedicated to the Lama Drukpa Kuenley or Divine Madman. Overnight at the hotel in Punakha. 

Accommodation: Hotel/Lodge

Meal: breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 07: Drive from Punakha to Paro and Hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten

You will drive at dawn today about 12 km towards the north of Punakha and then start the hike to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. This chorten is situated on the small hill called Ngezergang where you can see many beautiful paintings of the old sect of Buddhism. You will hike further to Punakha. While returning, you will visit the Punakha Dzong built-in 1637. This Dzong is the second largest and the second oldest Dzong in Bhutan. You will then return to Paro. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Accommodation: Hotel/Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 08: Flight from Paro to Kathmandu; Sightseeing tour in Patan and Bhaktapur; Sunset views from the Nagarkot (2195m/7,201ft)

Today you will fly back to Kathmandu. The representative of Step On Himalaya will be waiting for your arrival at the gate. Upon the arrival, you will be taken to the hotel. After being fresh, you will be escorted in a private vehicle for the Sightseeing tour in Patan and Bhaktapur. Patan Durbar Square reflects the pure Newari arts and architectures. Similarly, Bhaktapur Durbar Square also displays the unique historical and cultural monuments. After wandering around Patan and Bhaktapur Durbar Squares, you will drive to Nagarkot to view the mesmerizing sunset among the snowy peaks. Overnight at the hotel in Nagarkot.

Accommodation: Hotel/Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 09: Final departure

The final day of Nepal-Bhutan tour. After breakfast, you can just roam around for shopping or else just relax at the hotel and get ready to go to the airport. The representative from Step On Himalaya will accompany you to the Tribhuvan International Airport at least 3 hours before the scheduled flight.

Accommodation: N/A

Meal: Breakfast

Service Includes

  • 2 - way flights from Kathmandu to Paro - Kathmandu
  • Both ways Airport Transfer – pick up and drop services in a private vehicle
  • Necessary Ground Transportation in a private vehicle
  • All 3 meals during the tour
  • Twin-sharing basis accommodation in the hotel of Nepal and Bhutan
  • Guided Sightseeing tour in Nepal and Bhutan
  • English speaking, experienced, local tour guide
  • Entrance fees to the monuments and museums, permits
  • Local and government taxes
  • Visa Fee to Bhutan

Service Excludes

  • International ticket fares from your place to Kathmandu and return
  • Entry Visa Fee to Nepal
  • Personal expenses like Telephone calls, internet service, bar bills, beverages, laundry, personal gears and equipment, etc
  • Medical and Travel Insurances
  • Services that are not mentioned in “Included in the Cost” section
  • Tips for the staff