Nepal Bhutan Tour – 10 days
TOP
SELLER
SELLER
Budget
Difficulty
Moderate
Duration
2-16 People
Duration
10 Days
Accommodation
Hotel
Best Time
Mar-May, Sep-Nov
Max Alt
3,120m (10,236ft)
Need Help?
Talk to
trip expert
Trek Overview
There are two unique and enigmatic Himalayan lands in the world: Nepal and Bhutan. What if we tell you that you can combine both these breathtaking destinations into your short holiday trip? Prime Holidays Travels and Tours welcomes you to its Nepal Bhutan tour.
It is a trip to the two beautiful paradises of pristine nature, imposing Himalayas, Hindu and Buddhist cultures, and, of course, their incredibly hospitable people.
During this combined Nepal Bhutan tour, you will enjoy the comfort of your own private driver, vehicle, guide, and excellent hotels. And the best part? Bhutan is easily accessible with a short direct flight from Nepal. So why not merge both Nepal and Bhutan and take the adventure of a lifetime?
Nepal, the land of Everest and home to 14 Himalayas over 8000 m, lies between India and China. Bhutan, the land of the Thunder Dragon and the kingdom of Happiness, also lies between Tibet and India.
Both mountain nations have beautifully blended modernity with tradition preserved for centuries. This is what our Nepal Bhutan tour will offer you: the major highlights, culture, and nature of the two enchanting realms.
Your short Nepal Bhutan tour starts in lively Kathmandu, where, with our capable Nepali driver and guide, you will visit the three medieval palace squares of the Valley: Bhaktapur, Patan, and Kathmandu.
You will also explore the self-originated Swayambhunath Stupa, one of the tallest stupas in the world, Boudhanath, and the fascinating spectacle of open-air cremation at Pashupatinath.
Next, our Nepal Bhutan tour will take you to Paro in Bhutan. Then, accompanied by our assigned Bhutanese guide and driver, you will proceed to the youthful capital of Thimphu.
Here, you will explore some of the magnificent sights, including the National Memorial Chorten, the Tashichho Dzong, the Simply Bhutan Museum, and the towering 51.5 m Buddha Dordenma statue at Kuensel Phodrang.
Then, our Nepal Bhutan tour will ascend you over 3100 m Dochula Pass, where you can see the amazing Himalayan spectacle of Jejegangphugang (7,158 m), Tsendagang (6,960 m), Zongphugang (7,060 m), Masagang (7,158 m), Terigang (7,060 m), Kangphugang (7,170 m), and Gangkhar Puensum (7,570 m).
You will then arrive at the ancient winter capital of Punakha Valley, where again some of its magical monuments await your glance, such as Chimi Lhakhang Fertility Temple, Punakha Dzong, and the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang.
Our Nepal Bhutan tour will then near its conclusion with your travel back to Paro, where you will hike to an iconic location of Tiger Nest Monastery. Giving a fitting conclusion, you will then take an air travel back to Kathmandu.
Both Nepal and Bhutan offer a charming and festive atmosphere in the spring and autumn. Our Nepal Bhutan tour is also made for any individual, irrespective of their age and fitness abilities.
Trip Highlights
- A fascinating tour through the two mystical nations of Nepal and Bhutan
- Discovery of all the famous highlights of Kathmandu, Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha
- Enjoy the authentic Hindu and Buddhist culture, monasteries, mystical valleys, and colorful towns
- Special encounter with the inhabitants of Nepal and Bhutan
- Unforgettable richer experience in just nine days
- Perfect to combine with the Tibet tour
Trek Gallery
Day-by-Day Itinerary
01
Welcome to the magical Himalayan land of Nepal. Upon your arrival at TIA, Prime Holidays’ representative will be waiting for you at the arrival gate.
Your transfer will then begin to your appointed hotel in the characteristic center of Kathmandu. No activity has been planned for you today, so rest and enjoy your first simple walk in the neighborhood on your own, and try out your first Nepali Royal dinner.
In the evening, you will get the details of our Nepal Bhutan tour from our guide.
Activity: Arrival
Max. Altitude: 1,350m/4,429ft. (Kathmandu)
Accommodation: Hotel
02
We have scheduled a full-day exploration in Kathmandu for you on our Nepal Bhutan tour. After breakfast, our guide will take you to the Pashupatinath Temple Complex.
It is the Hindu Temple of Lord Shiva/Mahadev, where you can see the Hindu open-air cremation rites at the Aryaghat. Then, you will head to the 14th-century-built colorful pagoda, stupa, and mandala of the Boudhanath Stupa.
After lunch at Boudhanath, our guide will lead you to Bhaktapur City. Its Durbar Square and pottery square will be the main focus, where you will be enchanted by the ancient Newari arts on Nyatapola Temple, 55 Window Palace, Golden Gate, and Vatsala Temple with its Taleju Bell.
Treat yourself with Juju Dhau/King Curd of Nepal and some delicious Newari food.
Activity: Sightseeing
Max. Altitude: 1,350m/4,429ft. (Kathmandu)
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
03
Today, Kathmandu will show us its Swayambhunath Temple, self-originated high above the 1406 m green hill. The encircling sight of the Kathmandu Valley will be particularly interesting, along with the company of some monkeys and a cosmic Buddhist stupa.
Then, we will set out to explore the Patan Durbar Square, where the Krishna Temple, Golden Temple, Sundari Chowk, Ashok Pillars, Mahabuddha Temples, Rudra Varna Mahavihar, and Red Machhindranath Temple will exhibit the true Newari heritage.
We have one more site left to see, the third and most interesting Durbar Square of Kathmandu. The Taleju Bhawani Temple, Hanuman Dhoka, the Museum, Kumari Ghar, Makkhan Mahadev Temple, and plenty of statues will certainly steal our gaze.
Activity: Sightseeing
Max. Altitude: 1,350m/4,429ft. (Kathmandu)
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
04
Early morning, our guide will be at your doorstep to take you to TIA for boarding an engaging flight to Paro to begin the second leg of our Nepal Bhutan tour.
Passing above Everest, Kanchenjunga, and Makalu, soon enough, the Jomolhari Peak will catch our glance, indicating we are in Paro. After clearing the customs formalities, we will find our guide and driver patiently waiting for us at the Arrival Gate.
After a short meet and greet, we will begin to drive along the 1985 made asphalt highway of Bhutan to Thimphu. En route, we will reach the converging point of the Paro and Thimphu rivers at Chunzom.
We may stop at the 15th-century Tachog Lhakhang Monastery made by Gyalpo Thangthong on the way. The Bhutanese, Tibetan, and Nepalese architecture can be seen clearly here.
The road will then climb us up gently along the Simtokha Dzong (2250 m), where we can see 300 intricate bas-reliefs. Shortly after, we will be in Thimphu’s comfortable hotel.
Activity: Flight 1 hour and Drive 1-2 hours
Max. Altitude: 2,400m/7,874ft. (Thimphu)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
05
On our Nepal Bhutan tour, we will have an entire day to spend in Thimphu. In a peaceful environment with no honking and city noise, we will explore the Clocktower and the archery stadium.
Then, we will take a small tour of the Zangto Pelri Lhakhang temple. A beautiful 1990 creation by the national anthem composer of Bhutan, Dasho Aku Tongmi.
If you desire, we can also stop at the National Post Office to make some customized stamps. Then, we will proceed to the Tashichho Dzong, which has been the formal center of Bhutan administration since 1952.
Then, we may also check out the BBS Tower and stand below the 51.5 m tall Buddha Dordenma statue at Kuensel Phodrang. Close by is the National Memorial Chorten, where the lifelike Samantabhadra Buddha will be a truly fascinating sight.
We can also visit the Simply Bhutan museum, Crafts Emporium, Folk Heritage Museum, National Textile Museum, and Takin Reserve.
Activity: Sightseeing
Max. Altitude: 2,400m/7,874ft. (Thimphu)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
06
As a continuation of our Nepal Bhutan tour, we will travel to the breathtaking, fertile valley of Punakha. Starting from Thimphu, our route will lead us east to the local brewery town of Hongtso (2850 m).
Now, the road will ascend to the 3100 m altitude of the Dochula Pass that offers the fabulous views of the Jejegangphugang (7,158 m), Tsendagang (6,960 m), Zongphugang (7,060 m), Masagang (7,158 m), Terigang (7,060 m), Kangphugang (7,170 m), and Gangkhar Puensum (7570 m).
Here, we can also see the 108 stupas, collectively called Druk Wangyel Chorten. It stands as a memorial for those who fought in the 2003 battle against the Assamese and secured the victory for Bhutan.
We will now drive down through the ancient humid forest of rhododendron and arrive at Punakha. After settling down, we will venture out to see what Punakha hides in its bosom.
We will go to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten erected in 2004, which offers a 360-degree spectacle of the entire Punakha Valley. We will also visit the Chimi Lhakhang fertility temple, which has existed since 1499, honoring Drukpa Kunley, a madman and poet of Bhutan.
And, of course, how can we miss Punakha Dzong, which has been standing tall since 1637/38 as a protective fortress and a palace of great joy. Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal built it as a palace and political seat that operated till the mid of 1950s.
Then, the 2008-built Druk Wangyal Lhakhang Temple is also a site worth exploring. It stands as a testament to Jigme Singye Wangchuck, Bhutan’s fourth king’s success over the Indian rebels.
The Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup nunnery is also an excellent site to learn about the Buddhist teachings.
Activity: Drive and Sightseeing 2-3 hours
Max. Altitude: 1,200m/3,937ft. (Punakha)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
07
We are now slowly bringing an end to our Nepal Bhutan tour by traveling back to Paro. Crossing the Dochula Pass once again, we will travel via Cho, Chuzon, and Paro Chu to arrive at Paro.
After recharging for a while, we will now explore the Paro Valley. We will ascend to Ta Dzong, the former watchtower and now a National Museum since 1967.
It has an exquisite collection of thangkas, silverware and jewelry, engraved religious slabs, statuary, weapons, ritual objects and musical instruments, household objects and utensils, and seals. It also contains a magnificent shrine.
We will now cross the small bridge and access the Paro or Rinpung Dzong, built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawan Namgyal. Its interior is decorated with polychrome and carved wood.
It has several prayer and study halls, a refectory, temples, a library, and dormitories for the monks, in addition to the district government offices.
Activity: Drive and Sightseeing 2-3 hours
Max. Altitude: 2,200m/7,218ft. (Paro)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
08
An astounding uphill ascent to Taktsang Lhakhang, known as the Tiger’s Nest, awaits us today on our Nepal Bhutan tour itinerary. This significant Bhutanese monastery is dramatically situated on an overhanging cliff, around 1000 m above the Paro Valley.
Legend says Guru Rinpoche flew here on a tigress in the 8th century, meditated for three months, and established Tantric Buddhism. The ascent to this landmark will take around 3 hours and the descent 2 hours.
Horseback riding can also be an option for an extra $15 to $20 per person. First, we will drive to the parking lot of the monastery, then hike through the pine bushes with a small stop at Taktsang Cafe for lunch.
After that, we will climb 700 stone steps to the monastery grounds. Inside, we can see the famous tigress statue, the Hall of Thousand Buddhas, and some caves with sacred texts.
After this visit, we will now head back down to Paro and explore some more time at Kyichu Lhakhang, a 7th-century monument built by royal orders of King Songtsen Gampo.
Then, we may also go to the 1649 monument of Drukgyel Dzong that commemorates Bhutan’s triumph over Tibet. The marvelous ending in evening can be given with a hot traditional herbal bath in the traditional farm of Paro.
Activity: Hikking 4-5 hours
Max. Altitude: 3,120m/10,236ft. (Tiger’s Nest Monastery)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
09
In the early morning, our guide and driver will bring us back to Paro Airport for our travel back to Kathmandu. Once we are in Kathmandu, we will offer you a hotel transfer, after which you can explore Kathmandu as you like.
Activity: Flight
Max. Altitude: 1,350m/4,429ft. (Kathmandu)
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
10
Today is the final day of our Nepal Bhutan tour. We hope you have an even deeper appreciation for both countries after this tour. Our appointed driver will take you to TIA for your departure.
Activity: Departure
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
Note:
If you have a private group and prefer a personalized experience, we can organize a custom trip tailored to your requirements and group size, running it any day you choose.
Trip Information
Climate and Best Season
Although the climate in Nepal and Bhutan changes with elevation, Kathmandu, Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha experience a temperate continental climate.
They have warm winters, a brief monsoon, and soothing summers. Therefore, all four seasons are ideal for our Nepal Bhutan tour; the best would be spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November).
Spring and autumn offer pleasant daytime temperatures of 20 to 25 degrees Celsius, stunning visibility, colorful landscapes, and a festive atmosphere.
In October, you will get to witness the celebration of Dasain and Tihar in Nepal and the Tshechu in Bhutan.
Who is the short Nepal Bhutan Tour made for?
Our Nepal and Bhutan tour is a very easy level 1 natural and cultural trip in two very gorgeous countries. It has a very affordable budget, a short travel itinerary, and contains only manageable walking tours.
Plus, our Nepal Bhutan tour is also facilitated with excellent accommodations and travel options, along with comfortable altitudes. Thus, this tour is accessible to all travelers irrespective of their age, group size, gender, fitness level, profession, or interests.
Even if you have moderate health issues, you can safely engage in our Nepal Bhutan tour with your doctor’s approval.
Health and Safety
We assure you that our short Nepal Bhutan tour will be the safest international journey of your life. Both Nepal and Bhutan are recognized as the safest tourist destinations in the world with low crime rates, high educational standards, and friendly locals who are always ready to help their international visitors.
From our side, we will provide you with our best guides and drivers, well-maintained vehicles, and well-managed logistics so you have a secure and enjoyable experience.
Additionally, our chosen overnight destinations are well below 3000 m, thus minimizing altitude sickness. Plus, no vaccinations are required for the Nepal Bhutan tour, although we recommend vaccinations for typhoid, hepatitis, tetanus, and yellow fever.
Altitude Sickness or Acute Mountain Sickness/AMS
We can assure you that the threat of altitude sickness during our Nepal Bhutan tour will be very minimal. However, we cannot guarantee its complete absence due to the rapid elevation changes that occur in our tour.
Plus, the flight and drive format of the tour can also be one of the causes for the AMS because of the short amount of time available to adjust to the new environment and altitude.
Also, the height of the Dochula Pass and Tiger’s Nest Monastery can be a slight problem for some of our guests. Some may therefore experience mild headache, nausea, and dizziness, which will improve with immediate rest and hydration.
Please inform our guide of any discomfort, and get enough rest and stay hydrated. The option of taking Diamox in Kathmandu is available, but it will not be necessary for our Nepal Bhutan tour.
Training and Preparation
Our Nepal Bhutan tour doesn’t need thorough physical training or preparation, but a consistent, simple exercise routine will help you manage the walking tours and ascent of the Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
Therefore, we suggest you engage in walking, jogging, running, and stair climbing as a way to improve your cardiovascular health. Try to use different terrain from grassland, hills, to forest.
More important for our Nepal Bhutan tour is bringing the right clothing, which should include a down jacket, trousers, layered clothing, and modest body covering clothes (for visiting monasteries and temples).
Accommodation, Food, Drinks, and Transport
During our Nepal Bhutan tour, we will book you into a very nice and reputable three-star hotel in Kathmandu and Bhutan. You will get a room with free WiFi, an in-room bath, and constantly hot and cold running water.
We will cover your breakfast in Kathmandu, while you will be responsible for lunch and dinner. Budget around USD 25 to USD 30 for your drinks and meals in Kathmandu.
In Bhutan, we will provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner along with daily bottled water while touring.
For travel, we will use only private 4-wheel vehicles for overland excursions, intercity travels, and airport transfers. We will also arrange for you a Kathmandu-Paro-Kathmandu flight.
Mobile Network and Internet/WiFi
More likely, you can activate the roaming function in your phone network for our Nepal Bhutan tour. However, the inexpensive option would be to acquire the prepaid SIM Cards of the respective countries.
In Nepal, you can easily get the Ncell or Namaste prepaid SIM Card, and in Bhutan, you can choose between Bhutan Telecom and Tashi Cell. As for mobile internet connectivity, you will be able to use the 4G service in Nepal.
In Bhutan, 5G service is available through Bhutan Telecom and 4G through Tashi Cell.
As for WiFi, almost all hotels and public places in Nepal and Bhutan offer free Wi-Fi access.
Currency Exchange, Credit Cards, and Online Payment Options
The Nepali Rupee (NPR) and Ngultrum (BTN) have been the official currencies of Nepal and Bhutan. The foreign money in US Dollars, Euros, and Indian Rupees up to 100 can also be used.
Since Prime Holidays will be picking you up immediately upon your arrival at TIA, you can exchange your money later through the larger banks for better rates.
Such trustworthy banks in Kathmandu include SBI Bank, Nepal Bank Limited, Standard Chartered Bank, Rastriya Banijya Bank, Nabil Bank, and Himalayan Bank, which allow money exchange between 10 AM and 2:30 PM.
In Bhutan, you can convert your money at Paro Airport or through banks such as Citibank, Bank of Bhutan Limited, Druk PNB, Tashi Bank, Bhutan National Bank, and Bank of Thimphu.
Keep your money conversion receipt safe, as it will be needed to change any leftover money while returning from Bhutan.
If you are carrying US Dollars, remember, you don’t have to declare US Dollars 5000 in Nepal or US Dollars 10,000 in Bhutan at customs.
There are plenty of ATMS in Kathmandu, Paro, and Thimphu, but they may charge a hefty sum for each transaction. Likewise, you can now use major credit cards (Diners, Visa, and MasterCard) for payment in larger stores and hotels in Kathmandu, Paro, and Thimphu.
As for online QR payments, it is on the rise in Kathmandu. The local digital wallets like Esewa, Khalti, and IME will allow you to load your money from your bank account and make the payment easily.
As for international applications, Indian citizens can use Apple Pay, Google Pay, PhonePe, or the BHIM App in both Nepal and Bhutan. Tourists from Mongolia, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, China, Macau, South Korea, Italy, and the Philippines, on the other hand, can also use their local bank app for payment in Nepal.
Additionally, you can also pay using your cryptocurrency in Bhutan.
Entry Procedure in Nepal and Bhutan
Nepal is a sovereign country that doesn’t implement strict regulations on its visitors. It also welcomes an unlimited number of international travelers through its land and air borders.
To enter Nepal, all you need is a Nepal tourist visa, which you can easily get upon your arrival at your point of entry (air or land). Once you have a Nepal tourist visa, you can independently explore Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan.
Only if you plan to hike to remote mountains, there is a need for permits or organized tours. However, Bhutan has some strict tourism protocols, which are as follows:
- Traveling alone in Bhutan is not allowed.
- For any trip or tour in Bhutan, you must book an organized guided tour like our Nepal Bhutan tour via a government-approved travel agency.
- All tourists, with the exception of those from India, the Maldives, and Bangladesh, must obtain a tourist visa for Bhutan.
- Western tourists can apply for their visas online.
- The visa will not be issued in advance but will be stamped only at Paro Airport after the payment of a one-time fee of USD 40 per person.
- All tourists must also pay a daily Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of $100 per tourist in Bhutan.
- Children aged 6 to 12 get a 50% discount on the SDF, while those under 6 can enter for free.
Prime Holidays will take care of your Bhutan visa and SDF fees during the Nepal Bhutan tour, while Nepal Visa will be on your own.
How to get the Nepal tourist visa and the Bhutan Visa?
To get the Nepal tourist visa for our Nepal Bhutan tour, please follow the guidelines below:
- Open the webpage of Nepal Immigration https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np/
- Upload a digital color copy of your passport that has the validity period of 6 months beyond your Nepal Bhutan tour date
- Upload the digital-colored copy of your passport-sized photo
- Complete the application form, submit it, and get the personal barcode
- Print the filled application form and barcode
- Present it at the immigration counter at TIA or your other point of entry
- Pay the related amount and get a visa stamped on your passport
- You can get the 15-day visa for USD 30 per person
- Children below ten will get the Gratis Visa for free (not for the US)
Process to get the Bhutan Tourist Visa
We will go through the following procedure to get the Bhutan tourist visa on your behalf:
- After you confirm our Nepal Bhutan tour, we will ask for a color digital copy of your passport and two recent passport-sized photos in JPEG format.
- We will then pass them to our affiliated Bhutanese tour and travel agency, which in turn will submit them to the tourism department of Bhutan.
- After they approve, we will have the invitation letter (Visa Clearance Form), which we will send to you.
- Please keep this letter safe and show it to officials at Paro Airport.
After we pay USD 40 per person, you will get your visa.
Note:
We will try to speed up the process for the Visa application, but still, you will have to give us at least 4 weeks of advance time, as the Bhutan visa will take around 15 office days to process.
Thus, we request you not to wait for last-minute booking and confirm our Nepal Bhutan tour one month ahead of your selected departure date.
Entrance Permits
To visit different heritage monuments of Nepal and Bhutan, a specific entrance permit fee is needed. Prime Holidays will pay all these fees that are already part of our total Nepal Bhutan tour cost.
Travel Insurance
We advise all our guests to get an active international travel insurance plan for our Nepal Bhutan tour. Your travel insurance policy must have coverage for the emergency air ambulance service from an altitude of 3000 m, along with medical assistance.
Likewise, do not forget to also include financial protection against theft, loss of luggage, tour delays, potential added stays, international flight cancellations, etc.
TOP
SELLER
SELLER
Difficulty
Moderate
Duration
2-16 People
Duration
10 Days
Accommodation
Hotel
Best Time
Mar-May, Sep-Nov
Max Alt
3,120m (10,236ft)
Got questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Nepal Bhutan tour is a very short yet flavorful tour of Kathmandu and the western parts of Bhutan. You will see the major highlights of Kathmandu Valley, Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha during this tour.
Certainly, you can also receive a luxury upgrade to our Nepal Bhutan tour, for which you can contact us via WhatsApp, email, or phone. Please note that the luxury upgrade will incur a surcharge.
We suggest you buy in Nepal as many of the Tibetan and Buddhist arts that you find in Bhutan are from Nepal, where they sell at quite a higher price.
Yes, bargaining is like an unspoken custom both in Nepal and Bhutan, so you should learn to negotiate for the right price.
Yes, the infrastructure for disabled tourists in Nepal and Bhutan has been improving now, and the local community is also very helpful and will lend a hand whenever needed.
For this, you will have to go through some government rules both in Nepal and Bhutan. You can visit the official websites of the BAFRA (Bhutan Agriculture and Food Regulatory Authority) in Bhutan and the Department of Livestock Services in Nepal. It will be quite a tedious process, so it will be better if you leave your pets at home for a few days.
