Trip Duration
10 Days
Trip Difficulty
Easy
Max. Altitude
3,400m / 11,155ft.
Activity
Sightseeing
Destination
Bhutan
Group Size
2-16 People Pax
Accommodation
3 star Hotel
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
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The Nepal Bhutan Tour is a ten-day journey in South Asia that will take you across the two captivating Himalayan countries, which are known for their stunning natural beauty, spirituality, and rich traditions. This combined adventure will let you explore lifestyles and discover both their differences and similarities.
The starting point of this 10-day Nepal Bhutan Tour itinerary will be Nepal’s capital city, Kathmandu. You will stay three nights in Kathmandu before flying to Bhutan to begin the next adventure. Your travel in Nepal will mostly be a cultural heritage tour, which will give you a lifetime opportunity to witness timeless art, sculpture, and unique architecture.
You will visit the significant sights of Kathmandu City, which are the different World Heritage sites, recognized by UNESCO, for instance, Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu Durbar Square, etc. All of these places are the heritage of ancient times and carry the spirituality of the ages.
In the same way, you will also stroll the medieval streets of Bhaktapur and Patan. Both places feature beautiful palaces, temples, and carvings of wood and stone. To end the adventure in Kathmandu Valley, you will drive to Nagarkot to catch the wonderful sunset views over the majestic Himalayas.
Meanwhile, the next day, you will fly to Paro City in Bhutan, enjoying the aerial views of Everest, Kanchenjunga, Jomolhari, etc., and spend your half day sightseeing in this beautiful city. You will visit Dzong (National Museum), Kyichu Lhakhang, and Paro Rinpung Dzong. Similarly, hiking to Taktsang Monastery, which is perched on the hillside, will be one of the highlights of your Nepal Bhutan Tour package.
Moving on, at the capital of Bhutan, you will travel to Kuenselphodrang (Big Buddha Point), Takin Reserve, and Memorial Chorten. Upon exploration of Thimpu, your journey will take you toward Punakha, where you will explore Druk Wangyal Lhakhang, Chimi Lhakhang, and Lungchutse Monastery.
Finally, on this journey, your last visit will be to Gangtey Valley in the Wangdue region. Then, you will return to Kathmandu via flight from Paro to conclude the 10-day Nepal Bhutan Tour itinerary. This tour is more than sightseeing; it’s an immersion into the heart of two nations that treasure their nature and culture.
Book your trip with Sherpa Discovery for a comfortable and hassle-free experience. You’ll have knowledgeable guides, wonderful accommodations, and an absolutely fantastic tour! There is no doubt that you will have an amazing trip to Bhutan and Nepal and make lifelong memories.
The first day of your Nepal Bhutan Tour package begins when you arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal. Our Sherpa Discovery team will be waiting for you in the airport terminal, where there will be a sign with your name. They will wrap a garland of flowers around your neck to greet you warmly.
After that, you will be driven to the hotel, passing through the busy traffic of Kathmandu as per your arrival time, located in the bustling street of Thamel. Then, check into your hotel room and relax until you feel rejuvenated. In the late afternoon or evening, you can step out from your hotel and explore the Thamel area.
Similarly, don’t forget to drop by our office so that our guide will give you info about the 10-day Nepal Bhutan Tour itinerary. If you got any questions, we will gladly answer your concerns to make your journey more enjoyable and unforgettable.
On the second day of the Nepal Bhutan Tour Package, you will have a full-day tour of Kathmandu, taking in the city’s rich past. After enjoying a delicious breakfast, your tour with us will begin with our car picking you up from the hotel. Then, Boudhanath Stupa, the first stop of the tour, will be taken by our vehicle to you.
Being at the stupa, you will experience a calm atmosphere and a reconnection with your spiritual side. After that, you will visit the Pashupatinath Temple, which is one of the most respected holy shrines in Nepal. This temple is within a 15-minute drive from the stupa. You will also witness the cremation rituals on the banks of the Bagmati Khola River.
Moving on, your tour will continue to Patan Durbar Square, which features metal carvings, intricate wood, and stone structures. The main highlights of this Durbar Square are Krishna Mandir, the museum inside the palace, Hiranya Varna Mahavihar, and so on. Finally, your guided tour in Kathmandu city will end in Basantapur.
Like Patan Durbar Square, this durbar square also showcases several holy temples, such as Hanuman Dhoka Palace Complex, Taleju Temple, Kasthamandap, etc. Afterward, you will be driven back to your hotel on this Nepal Bhutan tour package.
Today, you will travel to Bhaktapur City, which is also known as the “Living Heritage,” after a hearty breakfast in the hotel. This city is located 13 kilometers east of Kathmandu, which will take around 40 minutes to reach from Thamel. Once you get in the city, you can start exploring this well-known UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The main highlights of this city are the Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Nyatapola Temple (five-storied pagoda temple), Dattatreya Square, Pottery Square, and many more. All these temples have a timeless architecture that reflects the rich history of the past during the rule of the Malla Kings in the city.
Before leaving the city, you can also try the famous locally made dish, Juju Dhau (curd). Similarly, consider having a Newari dish, Samaya Baji, for lunch to make your journey in Bhaktapur even more mesmerizing and meaningful. Then, in the afternoon, you will drive to Nagarkot.
After reaching Nagarkot, you can settle in the hotel. Then, in the evening, you can go to Nagarkot View Tower to witness the gorgeous sunset views over the Himalayas. From the top, you can also see the sweeping vistas of the Kathmandu Valley. Tomorrow on this Nepal Bhutan tour adventure, you will finally fly to Bhutan.
On this fourth day, you will rise early and get ready for the drive to Tribhuvan Airport, followed by a substantial breakfast. After that, you will be transferred to the airport, where our staff will assist you with the check-in process to fly to Bhutan. The flight to Bhutan takes about one hour and fifteen minutes.
On this flight, you will be treated to the aerial vistas of towering snow-covered mountains like Jichu Drakem, Kanchenjunga, Everest, and more. Once you arrive in Paro, you will be taken to your accommodation for an overnight stay. You can take your time to unwind and then get ready for sightseeing in Paro.
The first stop will be at the National Museum of Bhutan (Ta Dzong), which houses over 3000 items from the country’s rich culture, art, and history. Afterward, you will go to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples.
Your final stop for today’s 10-day Nepal Bhutan Tour itinerary will be the 17th-century fortress, Paro Rinpung Dzong. Then you’ll return to your hotel for some well-deserved rest and a nice night’s sleep.
We will leave the hotel in the morning after a delicious breakfast and a hot cup of coffee or tea to begin our journey to Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest Monastery. It sits on a cliffside at an elevation of 3120 meters above sea level. You will start the hike at the base of the pine forest and make your way up steadily.
You will see the stunning views of Paro Valley unfolding below as you ascend. From the base of the trailhead, you will reach Tiger’s Nest Monastery in around two to three hours. It is one of the revered sites of Bhutan, where it is believed that Guru Rinpoche meditated here in a cave for 3 months in the eighth century.
Inside the monastery, you will witness sacred temples, caves, and beautiful murals, including the Hall of a Thousand Buddhas. From there, you can also enjoy sweeping views of the Himalayan foothills and Paro Valley before descending along the trail back to your hotel.
After coming back to the hotel, you can rest and have lunch before continuing your journey to Thimphu. The drive to the capital of Bhutan, Thimphu, takes about one to one and a half hours. Upon arrival in Thimphu, you will spend two nights in this city as part of the 10-day Nepal Bhutan Tour itinerary.
On this sixth day of the Nepal Bhutan Tour package, your whole day will be dedicated to the exploration of the capital of Bhutan, Thimphu City, after a mouthwatering breakfast in the hotel. It is also the biggest city in Bhutan. You will kick off your tour starting from Kuensel Phodrang, where you can witness a towering statue of Lord Buddha.
Following that, you will visit Motithang Takin Preserve to see the goat-antelope hybrid that is Bhutan’s national animal. Next, you’ll drive to the Memorial Chorten. It is a Tibetan-style stupa that serves as a significant spiritual landmark for the local community.
Your next stop will be the National Textile Museum, where you may learn about Bhutan’s unique weaving techniques and culture. A stunning collection of traditional textiles with exquisite colors and elaborate patterns is also on display at the museum.
The last stop will be the traditional handmade paper factory, where you can see Bhutan’s oldest crafts. After that, you will return to the hotel. You can utilize your evening time strolling the streets of the city and soak in the local atmosphere on this Nepal and Bhutan tour for 10 days journey.
Today, your journey continues toward Punakha City from Thimphu after a hearty breakfast. The drive to Punakha takes about three hours from the capital. On the way, you will cross the Dochula Pass, where 108 memorial chortens stand, and you can also explore the beautiful Druk Wangyal Lhakhang, a temple rich in artistry and history.
If time permits, you may take an optional short hike to Lungchutse Monastery (3600 m), passing through juniper, fir, and hemlock forests, with rewarding views of Bhutan’s eastern Himalayan peaks like Gangkar Puensum and Jomolhari.
Later, you will continue your drive toward Punakha, stopping at Chimi Lhakhang (the Fertility Temple), which offers a peaceful setting amid rice fields. From here, Punakha is about 10 kilometers away, where you will spend the night on this 10-day Nepal Bhutan Tour.
You will depart from Punakha in the morning after having a substantial first meal of the day. The drive to Gangtey Valley from Punakha can take about six to seven hours. Gangtey Valley, also known as Phobjikha Valley, lies in Bhutan’s Wangdue Phodrang region. It is also one of the biggest and most picture-perfect valleys in the country.
Here, you will be treated to the surrounding gigantic snow-blanketed mountains and verdant green hills. Moreover, it is also popular for its diverse flora and fauna and is a true home to rare black-necked cranes, which migrate here in the wintertime. Apart from this, you can also visit Gangtey Monastery, which was built in the 17th century.
Then, you will have lunch in Gangtey Valley. Afterward, you will continue your drive to Paro on this Nepal Bhutan tour. The drive could take about 4 to 5 hours to reach Paro. Tomorrow, you will head back to Kathmandu, Nepal, to conclude your 10-day thrilling adventure exploring different striking destinations in two countries.
On this ninth day of the Nepal Bhutan Tour package, you will say your final goodbye to this beautiful Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan after a hearty breakfast with a hot tea or coffee in the hotel. As you fly high, you can enjoy the aerial sweeping views of some of the earth’s popular mountains, like Everest and Jomolhari.
After landing at Tribhuvan Airport, our Sherpa Discovery team will pick you up and take you back to the hotel in Thamel. You can use the remainder of today’s time in Nepal exploring the bustling streets and markets of Thamel. Tomorrow, your trip ends in Nepal as you fly back to your home.
On this last day in Nepal, you will have your breakfast in the hotel and prepare for your departure. We will transfer you to the airport to bid farewell and help with the airport check-in process. We, the Sherpa Discovery team, are delighted to have you choose us for this Nepal Bhutan Tour package adventure. We hope we cross paths again in the future for more thrilling trips in Nepal.
The best time to book the 10-day Nepal Bhutan Tour itinerary is during the spring and autumn seasons. The reason is that during these seasons the weather is very pleasing, the skies are clear blue, and the landscapes are at their most vibrant. The following are the best seasons, described briefly below:
Spring (March–May): During this season, the valleys in Bhutan burst into bloom with rhododendrons and fresh greenery. Similarly, the cool temperature in Nepal creates a pleasant environment for exploring the various UNESCO-listed World Heritage sites in Kathmandu Valley.
Besides this, you can experience colorful festivals like Paro Tshechu in Bhutan, which will allow you to immerse yourself in cultural aspects, along with nature exploration. However, this season brings more crowds, so it is best to book in advance to travel on the Nepal Bhutan tour.
Autumn (September-November): During this season, the skies are bright, the air is crisp, and the landscape scenery is genuinely remarkable. In Nepal, this is the season for festivals and cultural events, making your travel more pleasurable and thrilling. You can have a great time with locals and get deep insights into their culture.
Likewise, in Bhutan, this season offers the best weather and travel experience for the hiking adventure. As you hike to Taktsang Monastery in Paro and Lungchutse Monastery (3600 m) in Punakha, you will be treated with unobstructed views of natural panoramas.
Summer (June-August): During summer, Nepal undergoes heavy rainfall, which causes occasional landslides. However, you are only traveling in Kathmandu Valley in Nepal, so it would not be a problem. However, you should carry a raincoat and an umbrella. In Bhutan, trekking can be challenging due to slippery paths in the rain. Nonetheless, there will be crowds compared to other seasons.
Winter (December-February): If you love solitude and fewer visitors, booking the Nepal Bhutan tour in winter is also favorable. This season is ideal for cultural sightseeing in Kathmandu, as the temperature is lower than at higher altitudes in the city. You can go for low-altitude trekking in Bhutan to avoid the cold temperature.
On this 10-day Nepal Bhutan Tour itinerary, you will start your exciting trip from Kathmandu, which sits at a height of about 1400 meters. You will reach Nagarkot View Tower at 2175 meters to witness the lovely sunset. The highest point that you will go on this adventure is Tiger’s Nest Monastery, situated at a height of 3120 meters.
You will also explore Gangtey Valley, which lies approximately at a height of 3000 meters. Besides this, you will ride about a total of 50 to 60 kilometers while visiting different destinations in Kathmandu Valley. Likewise, in Bhutan, you will travel around 371 kilometers, or 231 miles, in a comfortable vehicle while visiting Thimphu, Punakha, and Phobjikha Valley.
Moreover, you will trek approximately 13-14 kilometers (8-9 miles) on the Lungchutse Monastery Hike and the Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) Hike, both of which are round-trip. In Nepal, you will have to walk only a short distance while sightseeing at different temples.
The Nepal Bhutan Tour package is a combination of cultural sightseeing and light physical activity, and hence it is suitable for travelers of average fitness level. Visiting Kathmandu and Bhutan on foot generally involves walking through religious places, royal palaces, markets, and well-maintained paths, thus making it quite convenient for people of all ages to partake in the journey.
The most physically challenging activity will be hiking to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, which takes about four to five hours on a round trip. The trail to the monastery is uphill with some rest stops, which is suitable even for beginners to walk at their own pace.
It is moderate altitude (max 3,120 m). Altitude sickness is very unlikely but staying hydrated is still recommended. Since you will not be reaching extreme heights during travel, most visitors experience no altitude sickness. Nonetheless, it is always crucial to stay hydrated.
On this 10-day Nepal Bhutan tour itinerary, the walking time hours depend on the activities. Most sightseeing in Kathmandu and Bhutan involves one to two hours of walking at a relaxed pace through temples, cultural sites, and markets.
However, the maximum walking time is 4 to 5 hours round trip on the fifth day when you hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Overall, the walking hour is minimal on most of the days, which can be walked at your relaxed pace, taking in the moments at your fullest.
During this Nepal Bhutan travel package, you will stay in a tourist-standard accommodation in Nepal and Bhutan. Your stay will be in Thamel in Kathmandu, which is close to many cafes, restaurants, shops, and nearby attractions. In Bhutan, you’ll stay at a hotel with traditional Bhutanese architecture.
Some hotels in Bhutan even have mountain views, which could enrich your travel experience. Both accommodations in Nepal and Bhutan will provide you with the required amenities and ensure a comfortable stay. Your package only includes breakfast in Nepal, so you have to pay for other meals by yourself.
Nepal offers a diverse range of traditional cuisines such as dal bhat, momo, sel roti, noodles, and western dishes. You can also try the Newari dish and Juju Dhau in Bhaktapur, which will be a one-of-a-kind experience.
In Bhutan, ema datshi, a dish made of a combination of cheese and chili, which is also a national dish, is served with red rice. The foods here are spicy and very flavorful, made with locally available ingredients. Apart from this, food and drink options are not included in the Nepal Bhutan Tour package.
The Nepal Bhutan tour package does not include flights from abroad to Nepal; therefore, passengers must arrange their own airfare. Some other personal expenses that are not covered by the package include travel insurance, phone and internet usage, and laundry. Besides breakfast, if you want to have lunch or dinner, you have to pay for yourself in Kathmandu.
The travelers should reserve some money for tips, personal drinks, or snacks. There are specific fees, such as airport taxes and a visa for Nepal, which are not included in the package. If you plan for these payments in advance, you will have a journey without problems and worries.
This 10-day Nepal Bhutan tour itinerary is perfect for families, kids, adults, and seniors with average fitness levels. They will be able to discover the diverse culture, the past, and the beautiful nature of both Nepal and Bhutan. The tour is also great for people who like to visit the sights, do a little walking, and hike the Tiger Nest Monastery, for instance.
No matter if you are traveling on your own, as a couple, with a group of friends, or with your family, the program is made to be comfortable, to give you a taste of the culture, and to keep you up to moderate physical activity, which makes it accessible and delightful for most people.
While visiting Nepal, you should acquire a tourist visa, which is available on arrival at Tribhuvan Airport. The amazing part is that you will not need any trekking permits, as this package solely focuses on city tours and cultural sites. However, entry fees to UNESCO sites are not included in the package and must be paid by travelers.
For Bhutan, nationals of the Maldives, India, or Bangladesh do not require a visa. But, apart from these nations, all international visitors should obtain a Bhutan visa, which our Bhutanese travel partner arranges. The Bhutan’s SDF (Sustainable Development Fee, currently USD 100 per night per person) is included in the Nepal Bhutan tour cost package, except for entry ticket fees in cultural sites.
Sherpa Discovery handles all your transportation during the 10-day Nepal Bhutan tour itinerary. Upon your arrival in Nepal, you will be transferred to your hotel from the airport. All your sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley will be done in our company’s private car. On the fourth day, you will fly to Bhutan from Kathmandu, which will also be covered by the package.
The only flight not covered on this tour is the international flight for arrival and departure from Nepal. When you are in Bhutan, you will travel in a car with a local driver to reach the different destinations in the nation. All your transportation will be comfortable and fun.
On a Nepal Bhutan tour trip, a typical day usually starts with a tasty breakfast at your hotel, which will provide you the energy required to go sightseeing or light hiking. The morning activities typically involve temple, monastery, or palace visits, or a walk to the beautiful viewpoints, allowing you to familiarize yourself with the culture and the land.
Approximately at noon, you will take lunch at a local restaurant or a hotel, where you will taste dishes that are typical of the area. After this, the afternoon is given to further discovery, on foot or by car, visiting the neighboring places of interest. The evenings are often relaxed, with dinner at the hotel or a neighborhood eatery, followed by free time to relax, go for a quick stroll in the neighborhood market, or just soak in the peace and quiet before going to bed.
This 10-day trip to Nepal and Bhutan allows you to really see these two Himalayan countries, which are both natural beauties and steeped in tradition and spirituality. The Kathmandu Valley region is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Swayambhunath Stupa, Boudhanath Stupa, and Kathmandu Durbar Square.
You can also explore the ancient towns of Bhaktapur and Patan, renowned for their intricate palaces, temples, and carvings. Experience the incredible sunset over the foothills of the Himalayas at Nagarkot. You will see the magnificent snowcapped peaks during the flight to Bhutan before you get started with the historic places of Paro, including Paro Rinpung Dzong, Kyichu Lhakhang, and the hike to the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
You will visit the Thimphu, Punakha, and Gangtey Valley monasteries, as well as the Buddha Dordenma and Taktsang. This amazing trip has been simply put together to be a great mix of the rich and ancient culture, spirituality, a thrilling experience with eye-catching Himalayan landscapes. Therefore, you can anticipate having a sightseeing filled with exciting culture and the untamed beauty of nature.
The best time can be spring, which spans from March to May, and fall (autumn), which spans from September to November, when you can enjoy stable weather and clear views.
The highest point of this tour is Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest Monastery) in Paro, Bhutan, sitting on the cliffside of a hill at 3120 meters above sea level.
The hike can be moderately strenuous, taking approximately four to five hours for a round trip. If you are too exhausted while hiking, there are also horses available at the halfway point for extra support.
Yes, you will need a Bhutan visa, which our firm, Sherpa Discovery, will arrange and cover the cost of.
In Nepal, you will travel in our company’s private vehicle while sightseeing and on airport transfers. Similarly, in Bhutan, you will travel in comfortable car with a local driver.
Of course, the basic etiquette will enhance your traveling experience drastically. You can use “Namaste” in Nepal when starting communication with the Nepalese people, whereas in Bhutan, you can show respect at religious sites and dress modestly.
Don’t forget to pack warm, comfortable clothes and a pair of strong hiking shoes. Also, don’t forget to pack your sunglasses and a first-aid kit.
Yes, our package covers only breakfast, with the exception of dinner and lunch in Kathmandu. While you are in Bhutan, you will be served with all three meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Although not compulsory, having insurance is highly advised, as it could cover your unexpected expenses, such as medical emergencies, delays, or cancellations.
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