Nepal and Bhutan Tour packages is a combination of two gorgeous Himalayan Kingdoms in one magical excursion. This 6 days package is a specially prepared itinerary for the travel enthusiasts with less time but immense concern in the heritage attractions. Visit the serene and religious lands, and fulfill your desire of having a cultural insight into Nepal and Bhutan without much effort. With sightseeing of UNESCO heritage sites in Kathmandu valley and one night stay in Nagarkot, this tour proceeds to visit the best ancient treasures of Paro, Thimphu and Punakha in Bhutan.
The trip's price depends on the type of services chosen by our clients and the group size. The cost of each trip we organize is different because we see travelers as individuals having their own particular needs and preferences.
Get ready for an incredible journey tailored to your interests and preferences, whether you're looking for a budget-friendly adventure or a luxurious getaway. Leave the planning to us as we take care of all the details, ensuring your dream trip becomes a reality. You can relax and focus on creating unforgettable memories that will stay with you forever.
Day | Highlights |
---|---|
Day 1 | Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m/4,592ft) - Transfer to Hotel and Sightseeing |
Day 2 | Sightseeing in Kathmandu and Bhaktapur, Drive to Nagarkot |
Day 3 | Fly Paro, drive to Thimphu and Thimphu Sightseeing - 1 hour flight and 1:30 hours (55km) drive |
Day 4 | Drive to Punakha Visit Dochula Pass (3,100m/10,200ft) en route, Punakha Sightseeing - 2 to 3 hours (85km) drive |
Day 5 | Drive to Paro, Hike to Taktsang Monastery (3180m/10433ft) - 3 to 4 hours (125km) drive and 5 to 6 hours hike |
Day 6 | Final Departure |
Nepal Bhutan Tour Package 6 days is an opportunity to learn about both nations' rich histories and gems. The tour mainly involves flights, sightseeing, scenic drives, and short hikes to Nepal and Bhutan's famous tourist attractions. From the vibrancy of prayer flags in Nepal to the traditional Bhutanese dress, these fascinating lands do not fail to captivate. Immersing in Nepal and Bhutan’s attractive riches is sure to bring you peace and lessen your stress.
Every structure of the heritages mirrors the Nepalese and Bhutanese cultures through its architecture, paintings and crafts. The ancient properties of Nepal and Bhutan symbolically advise social values and moral lessons through cultural means. For example, the nose mark that looks like the number ‘one’ below pierced eyes of Swayambhunath denotes unity. And the statues of Bodhisattva suggest a person follow the path of compassion in life.
Your short tour begins with sightseeing of UNESCO world heritage sites in Kathmandu. Be amazed by the surrounding of Pashupatinath- the oldest Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Spin the prayer wheels fixed around the dome of Stupa as you walk around Boudhanath- a serene pilgrimage, especially for Buddhists. Visit another beautiful heritage, Swayambhunath- a faith center for both Hindus and Buddhists and relish the panoramic view of Kathmandu valley.
Visit the ancient Royal plazas of Kathmandu Valley; Patan Durbar Square and Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Both these artistic heritages date back to the 12th century’s Malla period supremacy. These architectural heritages formed by the Malla King’s stronghold signifies Nepal’s medieval age culture and tradition. It seems as if the Malla rulers in these kingdoms were on an art war to make their squares the best one.
Enjoy a scenic drive to Nagarkot, a beautiful hill station at Kathmandu Valley’s east end. Nagarkot was also used as a fort to defend the possible attacks in Kathmandu valley from other kingdoms of Nepal. Watch the sun slowly hiding behind those hills from the view tower and also savor the beauty of Himalayan ranges twinkling in the golden rays.
Soar above the Himalayan marvels and gaze at the snowcaps while traveling from Nepal to Bhutan. Your guided tour then takes place in various heritages of Bhutan. As you travel from one location to other, you take pleasure in scenic drives through the roads of three cities; Paro, Thimphu and Punakha.
The major attractions in these three cities of Bhutan are the strategically built Dzongs (fortresses). Numerous Dzongs decorate this land of happiness that holds historical significance from 12 to 16th century. The emperors of Bhutan used these fortresses to keep an eye on the foreign kingdom’s invasion activities.
Become spell bounded to learn about Bhutan's ancient treasures, Lhakhangs (temples) and Goenpas (monasteries). There is a belief that these temples are even older than the Dzongs, some dating back to the 7th century. With these religious sites present in almost all villages and mountain tops, the count of temples in Bhutan as a whole exceeds over 2000 numbers.
Apart from being used for religious purposes, cultural rituals and social ceremonies like purifications, marriages and funerals are also conducted in these historical temples. Bhutanese lifestyle asserts much value when it comes to performing rituals. So, you might have a good chance of being a part of their social event while visiting the temples there.
Hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), and experience this highly rewarding journey. Descending back from the hike, visit Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong), a 15th-century fort that contains 14 shrines and chapels. Later in the evening, wander around Paro town and engage in some shopping. You might as well notice a few archery acts in the market.
Finally, your 6 days tour ends as you take off from Paro Airport back to your destination.
You arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. One representative from Third Rock Adventures will pick you up and take you to the hotel. You may quickly freshen up and place some snacks order before heading out.
Firstly, visit Boudhanath Stupa- one of the largest Stupa in the world. The massive earthquake in April 2015 damaged Boudhanath’s spire. And Boudhanath Area Development Committee managed to renovate it within six months. Surprisingly, the repair was possible with personal funds from some Buddhist groups and volunteers without the government’s support. This act proves the dedication of Nepalese with regards to their heritage.
Your guided tour again heads to Pashupatinath temple- the holiest shrine for Hindus. You may observe the cremation rituals of a few dead bodies in Bagmati Riverbank. Later, the guide drives you to Swayambhnath Temple- a monument situated at the Kathmandu valley’s west hill.
In case we become unable to visit all sites as per plan due to your late arrival, we can compensate for it the following day. Overnight in Kathmandu.
You visit Patan Durbar Square- the primeval royal asset where the Malla monarchs of Lalitpur ruled once upon a time. This Square has flooring tiled with red bricks, many architectural temples and idols with beautiful artwork. Patan Durbar is also the least affected by the earthquake among three Durbar Squares of Kathmandu valley.
Your next visit is at Bhaktapur Durbar Square, the indigenous Newari settlement of Khwopa, 12.4 km away from Patan via a 30 mins ride. The famous masterpieces in Bhaktapur square are the 55-window palace, Statue of King Bhupatindra Malla, Lion's Gate, Golden Gate, Nyatapola, Taleju Bhawani, Mini Pashupatinath and Bhairava Nath Temples. Besides, also be surprised by the unexpected numbers of more small temples and idols in the surroundings.
Your last destination for the day is Nagarkot that is 12.5 km away from Bhaktapur square via a 35 minutes road ride. From the view tower in Nagarkot hill, a beautiful sunset sight along with the Himalayan ranges, Kathmandu valley and Shivapuri National Park are visible on a clear day. Your day ends when you get back to your hotel Overnight in Nagarkot.
You fly to Paro above the Nepalese and Bhutanese mountains on a one-hour scenic flight. Upon reaching Paro airport, our Bhutanese guide will receive you there and drive you to Thimphu. In Thimphu, you visit Memorial Chorten, a memorial stupa designed with Tibetan style to honor King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. Bhutanese celebrate a Great Prayer Festival (Monlam) here in the 1st month of Tibetan Buddhism on the 4th to 11th day.
You visit a 13th-century temple named Changangkha Lhakhang decorated with giant prayer wheels and unbelievably huge sacred scriptures. It also has a thousand-armed Avalokiteśvara (Padmapani) statue. Padmapani is a compassionate person who is on a path to Buddhahood.
The Statue of Buddha is another part of your tour from where a full-fledged view of Thimphu valley is visible. This 51 m (169 ft) tall steel made and gold glided Buddha’s statue is one of the biggest in the world. Your Thimphu sightseeing ends with a visit to Tashichho Dzong, a 12th-century fortress with thirty chapels, temples and shrines inside it. Overnight in Thimphu.
En-route to Punakha from Thimphu, you visit a mountain pass, Dochula. Dochula is the perfect spot that offers a scenic view of the Great Himalayas and houses a monastery named Druk Wangyal Lhakhang. Besides, 108 numbers of memorial stupas also reside in Dochula pass, known as Druk Wangyal Chortens. In the mountain passes open yard, the Royal Bhutan Army performs to celebrate the Druk Wangyel Festival on the 13th of December every year.
Walk for about 20 minutes through muddy and dusty agricultural fields of mustards and rice to arrive at Chimi Lakhang, the temple of fertility. Visit a pagoda-like stupa, Khamsum Yulley Namgyal monastery decorated by mandalas with four stories of deities’ images.
You also step at Punakha Dzong, a 17th-century fortress tactically made at the convergence of two rivers; Mo Chhu and Pho Chuu. This fortress is one great example of Bhutanese architectural skills. In this fort, the Domche festival looks amazing when celebrated during spring while Jacaranda flowers bloom at its best. Overnight in Punakha
You hike up to Taktsang Monastery today. If you want, you can also ascend in the back of the horse halfway through. Tiger's Nest Monastery is the pride of Bhutanese that dates back to the 7th-century. It is extraordinarily balanced in a tall cliff, 900m above the Paro valley. The monastery has amazed all its visitors with its history, architectural properties and paintings. From the top, a 360- degree view of Paro valley looks magical.
Later, you visit Rinpung Dzong, a 15th-century fortress that is now an office for Paro government administration and the district Monastic Body at present. An old, round watchtower named Ta Dzong stands above the fort. The tower serves as a National Museum with numerous collections and information about Bhutan's cultural heritage. Few scenes of a movie Little Buddha (1993) are from this fort.
In the evening, you may leisurely walk around the Paro town market and buy some Bhutanese antique pieces to decorate your home. Overnight in Paro.
Your departure day has arrived. Our Bhutanese guide will drop you at the Paro airport in favor of your flight schedule. Then, you fly back to your destination with a delightful heart.
If you want, please remember that Third Rock Adventures will be more than happy to work on your tour extension in Bhutan or other countries as well; Nepal, Tibet and India.
Also, if this short itinerary is not what you are looking for, do go through our other longer Bhutan Tour packages from Kathmandu
Nepal Bhutan tour is doable in all seasons. However, spring (March-May) and autumn (September to November) are the best time to tour these countries. The weather in these months offers a clear view of natural landscapes and sceneries.
Besides, Nepalese and Bhutanese celebrate most of the festivals during autumn and spring. So, these seasons are also a great chance to observe and enjoy festivals in both countries. These festivals are sure to be a deep insight into Nepal’s and Bhutan’s culture.
Though it is cold during Winter (December to February), this season as well offers a clear view of the scenery. Summer (June to August) is also suitable to do this tour. But, summer experiences a high chance of rainfall in both Nepal and Bhutan. So, we cannot assure an unobstructed view of natural sceneries like sunset, mountains and valleys during unfavorable weather conditions.