Experience the charm of Nepal and Bhutan in just 7 days with the Kathmandu Bhutan wonderful tour. This cultural journey offers a glimpse into the beauty of both South Asian countries. Starting from Kathmandu, the Nepal Bhutan Tour Package allows you to explore the enchanting Himalayan regions in a week.
Upon arrival at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), you will receive a warm meet and greet before being transferred to your hotel. If you arrive early, we can organize exciting activities such as city sightseeing or a cooking class to make the most of your time in Kathmandu. Rest and relax overnight at your hotel.
Our expert guide will fetch you at your hotel and offer transportation for that day’s sightseeing in Kathmandu. Once we have had breakfast, we will embark on a tour of the four main attractions in the city: Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swoyambhunath (Monkey Temple), and Kathmandu Durbar Square.
Swoyambhunath Temple (Monkey Temple)
We start with a visit to Swoyambhunath, or Monkey Temple. Known as the Radiant Lotus of the Valley, this 2500-year-old icon is an ancient relic. The place is also important for Buddhists and is on top of a beautiful hill in Kathmandu Valley. From here you get panoramic views of the entire valley. Watch for the monkeys, which live in the area and give the temple its nickname.
Boudhanath Stupa
We will take a drive to Boudhanath Stupa after wandering around the Monkey Temple. This famed stupa was restored after the 2015 mega-earthquake. It is the largest stupa in the world. It depicts Tibetan Buddhist culture in Nepal, representing Tibetan Buddhism in its indigenous context in the region of Nepal. Antique shops offering numerous items of Tibetan culture and lifestyle surround the stupa.
Pashupatinath Temple
Next, we are going to Pashupatinath Temple near the sacred Bagmati River. This temple is of enormous spiritual worth to Hindus and has numerous devotees all over the world who flock to it year after year. Hundreds of thousands of Hindus form a congregative crowd on the auspicious day of Shiva Ratri, and their Sadhus come here to pay their respects.
Kathmandu Durbar Square
At the very end of the day, we go to the ancient royal residential area of Hanuman Dhoka, Mahadev Parvati Temple, and the house of Kumari, the Living Goddess. Walk the local bazaar before returning to your hotel. Relax and unwind overnight at your hotel in Kathmandu, thinking about all the sights you have already seen.
You also get the most awesome mountain experience of your life, where from the comfort of your airplane window you get the view of the highest peaks of the world. Fittingly, the pilot will announce the names of the majestic peaks as you approach from the Indian plains, provided the weather is clear.
Up towards the high mountains, you shall be taken by this glorious valley of Paro which is covered with alpine woods, monasteries, temples, and delightful farm dwellings. Just before landing, see the fertile valley, the Paro Dzong (Fortress), and the flowing Paro Chu (River). There is also our representative to welcome and assist you upon arrival. After lunch in Paro, head off into the beautiful city of Thimphu, Bhutan – the capital which is truly a treat. Be prepared for surprise as you will journey into the city that does not have traffic lights but traffic police in line with British-Indian colonial tradition. As you head toward night-fall, you can wander the city on strolls around Clock Tower Square or for a get-together to shop.
For early arrivals, we can arrange a tour through some of Paro and Thimphu’s most famous landmarks. Get comfortable for a night at the hotel in Thimphu, enjoying the glorious day.
Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, offers a selection of sights and attractions to explore. Here are some highlights of Thimphu sightseeing:
Tashichho Dzong:
Tashichho Dzong is one of the most magnificent fortress-like structures in the world. It serves as the seat for the government of Bhutan and at its center is also its official monastic site. With beautifully painted walls, golden roofs, and detailed woodwork, it marks magnificent architectural triumphs—a reminder that the nation’s rich heritage still lives on in modern times. Visitors can watch the changing of the guard ceremony outside the dzong.
Buddha Dordenma:
Atop a hill looking out over Thimphu, is Buddha Dordenma, a colossal bronze statue of Buddha Shakyamuni. Standing at a height of 51.5 meters (169 feet), it is one of the world’s largest statues of Buddha. Thimphu City, as well as the mountains that encompass it, can be seen from the site.
Memorial Chorten:
The Memorial Chorten, sometimes called the Thimphu Chorten, is a sacred shrine constructed in honor of Bhutan’s third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. It is a place of worship for the residents who walk around the chorten and pray. The location provides insight into Bhutanese religious and spiritual practices.
Folk Heritage Museum:
This museum displays traditional Bhutanese rural life and culture. The site features a range of artifacts, tools, and cultural objects that illustrate the country’s significant heritage. Visitors can explore a typical Bhutanese farmhouse and learn about traditional Bhutanese customs, costumes, and practices.
National Textile Museum:
Bhutan has its own array of textiles and colourful designs on display. Visitors get insight into the techniques, symbolism, and significance of Bhutanese textiles.
Changangkha Lhakhang:
A hilltop temple overlooking Thimphu. It’s a popular pilgrimage site for Bhutanese parents to receive blessings for their newborns. The temple offers panoramic views of Thimphu City and the surrounding valleys.
Craft Bazaar:
A lively market with local artisans and craftsmen in Thimphu who sell handmade goods to visitors. Bhutanese craftsmanship is visible here in a rich array of traditional handicrafts, textiles, paintings, and souvenirs from their country.
The things you discover and encounter that Thimphu offers are just an example of those. The city also has numerous monasteries, temples, markets, and restaurants where you can explore all that is Bhutanese in terms of culture, food, and lifestyle.
Return to Paro by drive in the afternoon.
Tiger’s Nest (also known as Taktsang Monastery)
Day Visits is an absolutely unforgettable and well celebrated day in Bhutan. These are times when you should expect a daily hike in the heart of The Giant Tiger’s Nest:
The beginning of the trek: from the very bottom of the mountain, near Paro. You will also be able to see the magnificent Taktsang Monastery perched on its cliff. One of Bhutan’s greatest sacred locations, the monastery holds the cultural and religious importance we all deserve. The hike also offers me a variety of wonderful scenic views, such as green valleys along the way, cascading waterfalls, or the Paro Valley you take in below. There will be many chances to take a simple photograph and take a photo of the natural beauty of Bhutan.
Prayer Wheels and Mani Walls: along the trail you can see colorful prayer wheels and mani walls carved into stone with Buddhist mantras. Local people and pilgrims spin the prayer wheels and pray as they head to Tiger’s Nest.
Cafeteria: Halfway through hiking there’s a cafeteria that offers a little break, something to drink and the view from which to look out the window. It’s a very interesting place to relax and get some rest and enjoy the beauty in the world.
Tiger’s Nest Monastery: The most exhilarating part of the hike is getting to Tiger’s Nest. Envisioned as an architectural masterpiece, the monastery stands dramatically up against a sheer cliff. It is legend that Guru Rinpoche, the originator of Bhutanese Buddhism, meditated here in the 8th century in a cave. Visitors can explore the monastery complex, which incorporates its temples, shrines and meditation halls.
Caves: Among the many caves at this complex in Tiger’s Nest there are several where Guru Rinpoche is said to have meditated. Dedicated cave sites have spiritual significance that is sacred. If there are sacred caves nearby, you might get to see them. It’s a moderately steep hike to Tiger’s Nest, climbing upwards by about 900 meters (2,950 feet) for a total elevation gain. The day trip can take from 4 to 6 hours to make up for your slow pace and time traveled and also to check out the monastery.
Note: Use comfortable pairings, appropriate boots, dress with layers as the weather can change and bring water and snacks with you. Keep in mind to adhere to the monastery’s regulations and rituals, which includes removing your shoes and covering your shoulders and knees once inside. As this makes you rich with natural beauty, cultural heritage, and spiritual significance in one wonderful place, you will be able to enjoy an engaging hike to Tiger’s Nest, which should be memorable. You will spend time experiencing such places after hiking to Tiger’s Nest until the time permits:
PARO RINPUNG DZONG — An amazing fortress-monastery located in Paro. Administrative offices, religious shrines and artfully painted murals are included. Visitors will stroll in the courtyards and explore the spiritual atmosphere. National Museum of Bhutan: Situated on a vintage watchtower, the National Museum has various perspectives on Bhutanese history, culture, and art. The museum contains a huge collection of artifacts, including traditional costumes, religious paintings, weapons and ancient manuscripts.
Kyichu Lhakhang: A temple of ages, this one is one of the oldest and the most sacred one that Bhutan has to offer. Traditionally, it was constructed in the 7th century under the rule of the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo. Kyichu Lhakhang is associated with spirituality and quiet environment.
Drukgyel Dzong: Drukgyel Dzong is a long-buried historical reminder: A previously fortified, Drukgyel Dzong retains its significance as a fortress defending Tibetan incursions although it would have now faded into the dustbin of history. It is in the upper Paro Valley where you get a taste of Bhutan’s military history.
Paro Town: Spend some time browsing the heartland of Paro Town. It was at a time when traditional Bhutanese architecture, colorful shops and local markets were in abundance. You can browse for handicrafts plus textiles and souvenirs from anywhere in the country to immerse yourself in the local atmosphere.
Farmhouses: Paro Valley is teeming with traditional farmhouses; many offer homestay experiences. You can see something of rural life, participate in traditional activities and Bhutanese hospitality. If you like, the traditional dinner at the farmhouse might be a treat in addition.
After an early morning breakfast or a packed breakfast, you will make your way to Paro International Airport for your return flight to Kathmandu. If possible, request a right-side window seat during the flight to enjoy the breathtaking panoramic view of the mountains, including the magnificent Mount Everest.
At this point, the tour comes to an end. I hope you had a wonderful time exploring Bhutan and experiencing its unique culture, landscapes, and traditions. Safe travels back to Kathmandu!
Note: You can also choose to depart to other destinations from Bhutan such as Delhi, Bangladesh, Bangkok, Singapore, etc.
We will provide a transfer service on the last day to the Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure flight back home.