Discover Bhutan and Nepal
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In this 11 Nights combined adventure to discover Bhutan and Nepal, you’ll visit some of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in and around Kathmandu city, drive to Pokhara and spend one full day taking in the beautiful sights & sounds including grand views of the Anapurna mountain range before you fly back to Kathmandu. On Day 6, you’ll take a flight to Paro, the only International Airport in Bhutan. You’ll have 6 nights of stay in Bhutan where you’ll enjoy immersive cultural experiences, go on nature hikes connecting with the pristine environment while still hitting the popular sites including the famous Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang Monastery) precariously perched on the 800m rock cliff, meet with local people and enjoy unique home-cooked local cuisines to your heart’s content.
🏁 Tour Itinerary: Discover Bhutan and Nepal
Day 1: Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu
On arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you’ll be received by our representative and then transfer to your hotel. You can spend the rest of the day leisurely in the neighborhood of your hotel.
Kathmandu altitude 1350m
🏚️Accommodation: Overnight at Hotel Arts International Guesthouse or similar.
Day 2: Sightseeing in and Around Kathmandu (B)
After breakfast at the hotel, you will visit unique historical sites most of which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Swayambhunath: Located in close proximity to your hotel, Swayambunath is a Buddhist Stupa said to be around 2000 years old. It is located on a hilltop presenting you with a view of the Kathmandu valley. This stupa is known as Pha Pa Shing Kun in Tibetan Buddhism which means “Sublime Trees of All”.
Boudhanath Temple: Situated at about 7km from the hotel, Boudhanath is a Buddhist temple built in the shape of a stupa in the 14th century and it is surrounded by residences of Lamas and shops. The stupa is called Jarung Khashor in Tibetan Buddhism. It is the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Pashupatinath Temple: Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and located on the bank of the Bagmati River, Pashupatinath is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the main gods in the Hindu world.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square: Durbar Square is the living heritage, an epitome of ancient architecture and ethnicity o Nepal. You’ll see many stone-carved figures and ornate temples. Some of the major attractions are 55 Windows Palace, Golden Gate, the statue of King Bhupatindra Malla.
Patan (Lalitpur): It is the oldest city in Kathmandu and as the name suggests is home to Nepalese architecture, art, traditions, and crafts. The four corners of the city are marked by stupas believed to be erected by Ashoka, The Great. This place is for art lovers and enthusiasts. Durbar Square is packed with Temples. Durbar Square: Listed as a world heritage site, the former royal palace situated in the heart of the city is like its counterpart in Kathmandu. Patan Durbar square is an enchanting mélange of ancient palaces, Pagoda temples, shrines, and captivating courtyards. The remarkable structure of the square is a 17th-century temple of Lord Krishna built entirely and is supposed to be the first specimen of Shikhara’s style of architecture in Nepal.
🏚️Accommodation: Overnight at Hotel Arts International Guesthouse or similar.
Day 3: Kathmandu / Transfer to Pokhara & Sightseeing (B)
After early breakfast at the hotel, we drive to Pokhara city. En route stop at Kurintar and take a cable car ride to Manakamana temple (The Wish-Fulfilling Goddess). After visiting the temple, ride the cable car back to Kurintar and continue driving to Pokhara.
Manakamana Temple: Manakamana Temple lies 12 km south of historic town Gorkha and is located on a prominent ridge [1302m] overlooking the river valleys of Trisuli [South] & Marshyandi [West]. The unique location of the place is dramatized during winter when the ridge appears as an island above the sea of morning mist. People believe the Goddess here, fulfills the wishes of her devotees, thus she is regarded as Manakmana, the wish-fulfilling deity then continues driving to Pokhara. In the evening if time permits, you can take a leisure stroll by Lake Phewa.
Total driving distance 200km, Driving time 5-6 hours, Pokhara Altitude (823m)
🏚️Accommodation: Overnight at Hotel Iceland or Temple Tree Resort.
Day 4: Sightseeing in Pokhara City (B)
After breakfast at the hotel, take a short walk up to the World Peace Pagoda on the mound from where you can see (weather permitting) the entire Annapurna mountain range including the Machhapuchhre (Fish Tail Mountain). You spend some time enjoying the grand panoramic views of the mountain ranges and walk down back to the road and drive to visit the following major attractions in Pokhara.
Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave: The cave is about 3km long and said to have been discovered in the 16th century. There are several shrines located within the cave and the main shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the main gods in Hinduism.
Devi’s Falls: Just across the Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave is Devi’s Water Fall created by Pardi stream flowing out from Phewa Lake. The waterfall plunges about 100ft below the ground level and flows through a naturally formed 500m tunnel.
Bindhyabasini Temple: The oldest temple in Pokhara and is dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Bindhyabasini. From this temple, you can see a view of Pokhara city and the Himalayan mountain ranges. Mahendra Pul: The financial hub and the busiest marketplace in Pokhara city. If interested you can buy souvenirs at this marketplace. We then drive back to the hotel overnight.
🏚️Accommodation: Overnight at Hotel Iceland or Temple Tree Resort.
Day 5: Pokhara / Domestic Flight to Kathmandu (B)
Today you’ll do half-day sightseeing and then transfer back to Kathmandu by domestic flight. After breakfast, you can go boating on the freshwater Lake Phewa. You may also visit the Barahi temple in the middle of the lake dedicated to the water goddess. If interested, you can visit the International Mountain Museum.
After completing the morning activities, you will fly to Kathmandu and drive to the hotel. If there is enough t time, you can take a walk and explore the tourist area Thamel. Later in the evening, farewell dinner in a traditional restaurant will be arranged.
Flight time 30 min
🏚️Accommodation: Overnight at Hotel Arts International Guesthouse or similar.
✈️ Oneway flight ticket from Pokhara to Kathmandu is included.
Day 6: Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight to Bhutan / Thimphu (B, L, D)
After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll be transferred to Kathmandu International Airport for your onward journey to Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon. You’ll fly by either of the only two international airlines that connect Bhutan to the outside world – Drukair (National Flag Carrier) or Bhutan Airlines (Private Airline). On arrival at Paro, the only International Airport in Bhutan, you’ll be received by our guide and driver and then you will be on your way to the first adventure in the Kingdom of Bhutan.
Visit the National Museum of Bhutan housed in the 17th-century watchtower called Ta Dzong. The collection at the National Museum preserves a snapshot of the rich cultural traditions and history of Bhutan. From there, transfer to the capital city Thimphu home to about 115,000 residents. This bustling little city is the main center of commerce, religion, and government in the country.
On arrival in Thimphu, visit the majestic 169ft tall Buddha Dordhenma Statue at Kuensel Phodrang overlooking the Thimphu valley. If time permits, visit Weaving Center to get insights into the art of weaving which is an integral part of Bhutanese culture & tradition. You will see both men women at work weaving simple plain textiles to one of the most intricate designs and patterns.
Driving distance from Paro to Thimphu 55km, Driving time 1.5-hours, Thimphu altitude 2334m
🏚️Accommodation: Overnight at Khuenphen Rabten Resort or Hotel Amodhara.
Day 7: Hike to Tango Monastery & Sightseeing in Thimphu (B, L, D)
After breakfast at the hotel, drive to the northern outskirts of Thimphu and do the hike to one of the important religious centers in Bhutan and spend the rest of the day in Thimphu.
One of the very important religious centers in Bhutan, Tango Monastery is located on the mountainside north of Thimphu. There is also a monastery called Cheri located on a neighborhood mountainside. Hiking to Tango is much easier as most part of the footpath is paved and the uphill ascent is not as steep. Following the trail through the forests, the round trip hike takes about 3-4 hours at a slow pace.
After the hike, drive back to Thimphu for a traditional lunch at Folk Heritage Museum or at a similar traditional restaurant. After lunch, visit the National Institute of Traditional Arts & Crafts (Zorig Chusum) where you will see youth learning the 13 arts & crafts of Bhutan, and then visit the nearby National Library of Bhutan. The National Library is considered the national treasure and fundamental source of Bhutanese history, religion, medicine, arts, and culture. Both Library and art school remain opened during working weekdays & on Saturdays, 10 am-noon.
From there drive to visit the Centenary Farmers’ Market to learn about the food preference and culture in Bhutanese society. Farmers from all over the country bring their farm produce to sell. The market opens from Friday – Sunday. We then drive to Changlimithang Archery Range and witness the game of archery if the match is in progress. You’ll see archers dancing and singing each time they hit the target from a whopping distance of 145m. Archery is the national sport of Bhutan.
🏚️Accommodation: Overnight at Khuenphen Rabten Resort or Hotel Amodhara.
Day 8: Thimphu / Transfer to Punakha Valley
After breakfast, we drive to Punakha valley via a sacred mountain pass Dochula at an altitude of 3150m. On a clear day, you can see the view of some of the highest snow-capped mountains for Bhutan. Continue driving towards Punakha and gradually descend to a subtropical valley within an hour. Just about 11km before reaching Punakha town, visit the famous 15th-century Chimi Lhakhang popularly known among tourists as “Temple of Fertility”. A gentle walk through the terraced rice fields and traditional farmhouses painted with phalluses will give you a unique experience. Walk and explore the village.
After lunch at a nearby hotel, drive to Punakha town and visit the most beautiful 17th century Punakha Dzong which displays fine Bhutanese arts and craftsmanship that continues to influence Bhutanese architecture to this day. You will spend some time appreciating the intricate woodworks and sacred wall paintings. If interested, walk to Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge that runs across the glacial-fed Phochu river. Punakha Dzong is flanked by two glacial-fed rivers – Phochu (male) and Mochu (female) rivers.
If time permits, drive to Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Buddhist College for Nuns located on a quiet and peaceful hilltop overlooking partial Punakha Valley and the neighboring district of Wangdue Phodrang. You will have an opportunity to meet and mingle with nuns and spend some peaceful moments.
Driving distance from Thimphu to Punakha valley 74km, Driving time 2.5 hours, Punakha altitude 1200m
🏚️Accommodation: Overnight at Meri Puensum Resort or Hotel Lobesa.
Day 9: Punakha / Transfer to Phobjikha Valley in Gangtey (B, L, D)
Following a hearty breakfast at the hotel, hike to the picturesque Khamsum Yuellay Namgyel Chorten on a peaceful hilltop and enjoy a nice view of the fertile Punakha valley. After lunch transfer to Phobjikha valley and then venture out on Gangtey Nature Hike through the pristine valley.
Khamsum Yuellay Namgyel Chorten is located on a serene hilltop overlooking the fertile Punakha valley with glacial fed Mochu river meandering through the valley. The hike leads through the terraced rice fields and takes about 2.5-3 hours round trip for most visitors. Retrace your footstep back to the road-head and drive back to the town for lunch. If we have 4 or more participants in the group, we can arrange a picnic lunch by the bank of the Mochu river.
After lunch, transferred to Phobjikha valley in Gangtey (3-hours driving time). Phobjikha is a vast U-shaped glacial valley at an elevation of about 3,000m/9,840ft and it is a winter home for endangered Black Necked Crane from November to March and migrates back to Tibetan Plateau.. As part of the conservation effort, Phobjikha valley has been declared a protected area.
Upon arrival in Phobjikha valley, you will go on an exciting Gangtey Nature Hike. The trail is about 5km and takes approximately 3 hours through the woods surrounded by splendid nature all around, wonderful meadows, beautiful traditional village houses, farmlands, and crystalline streams. This short nature trail gives you a great feeling of the valley and an understanding of the livelihood of the people living there. Lots of opportunities to take beautiful pictures!
Driving distance from Punakha to Phobjikha valley 80km, Phobjikha altitude 8000m
🏚️Accommodation: Overnight at Yue-Loki Guesthouse or Dewachen Hotel & Spa.
Day 10: Phobjikha Valley / Transfer to back ParoValley (B, L, D)
After breakfast, visit one of the largest monasteries in Bhutan – Gangtey Goenpa and then you will be transferred back to Paro. The 17th-century Gangtey Monastery popularly known as Gangtey Goenpa is one of the largest monasteries in Bhutan. Gangtey literally means “Hilltop” and Goenpa “remote place” and is usually a place of religious significance. You will meet peace-loving monks who study Buddhist Philosophy.
Then drive back to Paro valley. Lunch will be served on the way. Upon arrival in Paro and if time permits, visit one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang which is believed to have been built overnight by the Tibetan Kind Songtsen Gampo in his mission to subdue an evil spirit of a demoness that was causing harm to the propagation of Buddhism in the region. Leisure time in Paro town.
Driving distance from Phobjikha to Paro 175km, Driving time 5-5.5 hours
🏚️Accommodation: Overnight at Khangkhu Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort.
Day 11: Hike to Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) – (B, L, D)
After early breakfast at the hotel, you will hike to the famous Paro Taktsang popularly known as Tiger’s Nest. Later in the evening, a traditional dinner will be arranged at one of the farmhouses.
Taktsang monastery is located on a rock cliff that plunges some 800-meter rock cliff in Paro. It is the most popular tourist attraction in Bhutan. Taktsang which literally translates to ‘Tiger’s Nest’, is regarded as one of the most important monasteries in Bhutan. The round-trip hike usually takes about 4-5-hours.
Oneway horse riding is available on your way up to midpoint (Taktsang View Point Cafeteria) for about $20 per horse. Horse riding is not recommended on your way down as the trail is steep giving way to accidents quite often.
After lunch at the Taktsang Cafeteria, descend back to the base and drive to Paro town where you will spend some leisurely afternoon. Later in the evening, visit a beautiful farmhouse for authentic home-cooked local cuisine. You can participate in preparing some of the popular local dishes. If interested in a relaxing home spa, you can soak in a traditional hot stone bath believed to have therapeutic, revitalizing benefits for an additional fee of about $15 per person, as charged by the owner.
🏚️Accommodation: Overnight at Khangkhu Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort.
Day 12: Transfer to Paro International Airport for Departure (B)
After breakfast, depending on your flight departure time you’ll be transferred to Paro International Airport for your onward journey.
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Terms & Conditions
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation for up to 30 days prior to departure date
- 20% will be charged if cancelled 16-29 days prior to departure date
- 30% will be charged if cancelled 08-15 days prior to departure date
- 50% will be charged if cancelled 03-07 days prior to departure date
- No refund will be available if No Show or cancelled 0-02 days prior to departure date
Flights
The flight tends to get fully booked months ahead especially during the peak season. We highly recommend you book flights a few months ahead of your departure date. We can help with the arrangement of flights to and from Bhutan. There are only two airlines operating in and out of Bhutan:
- Drukair, the national flag carrier of Bhutan (www.drukair.com.bt) operates from and to these cities/International Airports: Bangkok, Bagdogra, Bodhgaya, Dhaka, Delhi, Guwahati, Kathmandu, Kolkata, Singapore.
- Bhutan Airlines, a private airline introduced in 2011 (www.bhutanairlines.bt) operates from and to these cities/International Airport: Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata, Kathmandu
Other Important Information
- Airport pick-up and drop-off time will be coordinated depending on your flight timings
- For the purpose of processing a visa, you must send us a clear passport copy of all the participants after you book the tour. A whole biodata page including the machine-readable zone must be seen clearly. It can be either scanned or just a mobile photo shot as long as it is clear and legible. Passports should have a validity of at least SIX MONTHS from the day you depart from Bhutan.
- You’ll receive a copy of your approved e-Visa Clearance letter in PDF format within 3-4 business days from the day the visa application is submitted. You MUST print a copy of this letter and present it at the check-in counter of the airline flying into Bhutan. Without the proof of an e-Visa Clearance letter, you may be denied boarding the flight to Bhutan. The actual visa will be stamped on your passport on arrival at the Paro International Airport.
- Child(ren) below 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult
- All participants between the age of 13 – 18 years old must send us a valid copy of the Student Photo ID Card/document after booking the tour.
- All our tour guides speak very fluent English. Guides speaking other major languages (Chinese, Japanese, French & German) can be arranged at an additional fee of $120 per day.
- You must let us know prior to your arrival if you have any dietary restrictions/preference.
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