Best of Nepal and Bhutan

Experience the essence of Nepal and Bhutan on this 13-day journey through both Himalayan nations. Begin in Kathmandu, where you’ll explore significant cultural and historical sites, including sacred temples, ancient palaces, and lively streets. Travel to Pokhara, a picturesque city known for its tranquil lakes and stunning mountain scenery. Enjoy a sunrise view from Sarangkot, visit local caves and waterfalls, and take a peaceful boat ride on Phewa Lake. Continue to Chitwan National Park, where you’ll engage in wildlife safaris, canoe rides, and cultural experiences with the Tharu community. After returning to Kathmandu for a relaxed day, fly to Bhutan, a country rich in tradition and spiritual heritage. In Bhutan, begin in Thimphu, where monasteries and cultural sites reflect the country’s deep-rooted traditions. Travel through mountain landscapes to Punakha, home to the impressive Punakha Dzong. Conclude your journey in Paro, where you’ll hike to the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery, an important spiritual site perched on a cliffside. Finally, return to Kathmandu, marking the end of your Himalayan exploration.

Trip Facts

Duration 13 Days
Trip Mode Overland
Level of difficulty Medium
Max. Altitude: 3120m
Accommodation 3 star Hotels
Start/End Kathmandu

Important Note Regarding Best of Nepal and Bhutan

Trip Highlights

  • Visit historical and religious landmarks in Kathmandu, including Pashupatinath and Boudhanath
  • Sunrise view from Sarangkot, sightseeing at Phewa Lake, Davis Falls, and Gupteshwor Cave
  • Wildlife safari, canoeing, and cultural performances in Chitwan National Park
  • Explore Bhutan’s key destinations: Thimphu, Punakha, and Paro
  • Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Bhutan’s most iconic site
  • Comfortable accommodations, guided tours, and smooth transfers throughout the trip

Itinerary

Upon landing at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be greeted by our representative, who will assist with the transfer to your hotel. After check-in and some rest, take the opportunity to explore Thamel, Kathmandu’s lively tourist hub. This area is known for its bustling streets, souvenir shops, and vibrant cafés, making it a great introduction to the city’s atmosphere. In the evening, enjoy welcome dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant with us and spend the night in Kathmandu.

Location: Kathmandu
Meal: -
Altitude Different: 1400m

Start the day with breakfast before setting out on a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu’s key landmarks. Visit Pashupatinath Temple, one of the holiest Hindu shrines, where you can observe religious rituals along the Bagmati River. Continue to Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world, before heading to Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing Nepal’s historic architecture. Other stop includes Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), an ancient hilltop stupa with panoramic valley views. The evening is free for personal exploration.

Location: Kathmandu
Meal: Breakfast
Altitude Different: 1400m

After breakfast, begin the scenic journey to Pokhara, a beautiful city surrounded by the Annapurna mountain range. Along the way, there will be an optional visit to Manakamana Temple, accessible via a cable car ride (ticket not included). Upon arrival in Pokhara, check into the hotel and take some time to relax. You can stroll along Lakeside, a charming area by Phewa Lake, lined with cafés and shops.

Location: Pokhara
Duration: Drive: 6-7 Hours
Meal: Breakfast
Altitude Different: 822m

Early in the morning, drive to Sarangkot, a famous viewpoint offering a spectacular sunrise over the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) mountains. After returning to the hotel for breakfast, embark on a full-day sightseeing tour. Visit Davis Falls, a waterfall that disappears into an underground tunnel, and explore Gupteshwor Cave, a limestone cave with a sacred Shiva temple. Other stops include the Seti River Gorge, known for its deep, narrow canyon, and Bindabasini Temple, dedicated to Goddess Durga. End the day with a boat ride on Phewa Lake, visiting Tal Barahi Temple, situated on a small island. Return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Location: Pokhara
Meal: Breakfast
Altitude Different: 1600m

After breakfast, set off for Chitwan National Park, Nepal’s premier wildlife sanctuary and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The drive offers scenic views of hills, rivers, and rural villages. Upon arrival, check into the resort and relax before the evening’s Tharu Cultural Dance Show, performed by the indigenous Tharu community. This performance provides insight into their traditions and way of life. Dinner will be served at the resort, followed by an overnight stay in Chitwan.

Location: Chitwan
Duration: Drive: 5-6 Hrs
Meal: Lunch, Dinner
Altitude Different: 822m

The day starts early with a jungle walk, perfect for spotting birds and wildlife. After breakfast, embark on a jeep safari through the dense forests of Chitwan, where you might see one-horned rhinoceroses, deer, wild boars, and possibly Bengal tigers. Following lunch, take a canoe ride along the Rapti River, where you can observe crocodiles and exotic bird species. After a day of adventure, return to the resort for dinner and an overnight stay.

Location: Chitwan
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Altitude Different: 415m

After breakfast, check out and drive back to Kathmandu, enjoying scenic views along the way. Upon arrival, check into the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. You can explore more of Thamel, shop for souvenirs, or relax at a local café.

Location: Kathmandu
Duration: Drive 6-7 Hrs
Meal: Breakfast
Altitude Different: 1400m

Early morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Bhutan. Upon landing at Paro International Airport, complete immigration procedures and meet your local guide. From here, take a one-hour drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, passing through lush landscapes and rivers. After checking into the hotel, take some time to relax. If you have energy, explore Thimphu’s markets and handicraft shops. In the evening, enjoy a dinner featuring Bhutanese cuisine before resting for the night.

Location: Thimpu
Duration: Drive: 1-2 Hrs
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Altitude Different: 2400m

After breakfast, explore Thimphu’s cultural landmarks. Start at the National Memorial Chorten, a sacred stupa, followed by a visit to the Buddha Dordenma, a massive golden Buddha statue with panoramic valley views. Continue to the Folk Heritage Museum, which showcases Bhutanese rural traditions, and visit Tashichho Dzong, a fortress that houses government offices and monastic institutions.

Location: Punakha
Duration: Drive: 3 to 4 hrs
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Altitude Different: 2400m

Begin the day with a visit to Punakha Dzong, a stunning fortress at the confluence of two rivers. Next, take a short walk to the Punakha Suspension Bridge, offering scenic views. Later, visit Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility), known for its unique blessings.

After lunch, return to Paro, a five-hour drive, with a stop at Simtokha Dzong, Bhutan’s oldest fortress. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and unwind before dinner and an overnight stay in Paro.

Location: Paro
Duration: Drive: 5-6 hrs
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Altitude Different: 2200m

Start early with breakfast before driving to the base of Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang). The 3-4-hour uphill hike takes you through forests and offers stunning valley views. Upon reaching the monastery, explore its temples and learn about its spiritual importance. After descending (3-4hrs hike), stop at a café for lunch before returning to Paro.

In the afternoon, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, and Rinpung Dzong, an important religious and administrative site. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at the hotel before resting for the night.

Location: Paro
Duration: Hike: 6-7 hrs
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Altitude Different: 3,120m

After breakfast, check out and transfer to Paro International Airport for your flight back to Nepal. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you’ll have some free time to visit local markets, relax at a café, or do last-minute shopping before concluding your journey.

Location: Kathmandu
Meal: Breakfast
Altitude Different: 2200m

On the final day, enjoy breakfast before checking out. Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure, taking with you unforgettable memories of Nepal and Bhutan’s rich culture, landscapes, and warm hospitality.

Location: Kathmandu
Meal: Breakfast
Altitude Different: 1400m
If the above Best of Nepal and Bhutan does not meet your needs, we can design individualized travel plans based on your preferences and specifications.

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