52 Places to Go in 2024
18 Jan 2024
Highlights
Overview
Set your mind for a brash over ten-day-long tour which will take you to the enchanting countries of Nepal and Bhutan which rest in the lap of the great Himalayas. The tourism, hospitality and culture of the two amazing countries is bound to leave you spellbound. Learn how the Nepalese and Bhutanese people live their lives and how we serve them. This is the best holiday plan to either do alone or with family and friends in the Nepal and Bhutan tour program. While Nepal is internationally well known for its tall mountains and lovely trekking routes, in this specific Nepal Bhutan tour, you will get the profound cultural experience of visiting world heritage site palaces, temples, stupas, and Nagarkot. Nagarkot is a hill station which is adjacent to Kathmandu and is famous for its fabulous view of Everest and not many are fortunate enough to see if from Nagarkot. Aside from Nepal, Bhutan is also part of the tour.
The Land of Dragons will cuddle you up with love and tenderness. Spend a few days in Punakha, Thimphu, and Paro to explore ancient monasteries, temples, and dzongs, and appreciate the scenic drive from city to city exalting the alps of the Himalayan mountains. This would without a doubt be a memorable, joyful, and ecstatic experience.
The elegance of sutras, temples, and monasteries fits perfectly into the astonishing wonders of nature. For megacity travelers, Bhutan and Nepal would almost feel like they stepped into the pages of a storybook. Everything from exquisitely detailed architecture, breathtaking nature, and beautiful traditions will leave wanderers in awe during the ten-day Nepal Bhutan tour.
Your Time In Kathmandu, Nepal
Prior to flying to Paro, you will have a chance to enjoy Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal for 3 full days. One of our friendly tour guides will prepare the day-to-day program which includes visits to most of the historical sites the city has. Some of the places which you will be taken to see include Monkey Temple, Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhnath Stupa, Kathamandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar, and Bhaktapur durbar squares. Moreover, you will also be going to Nagarkot for an overnight trip as well. It is one of the most renowned hill stations situated a bit far from Kathmandu. Here you will enjoy absolute peace of nature at its best. You will also see stunning views of the sunrise and sunset from Nagarkot and the great himalayas and mount Everest. Excursion is not going to be just another simple sightseeing tour but rather an astonishing experience as you will not only have a glimpse into the daily life of the locals, Nepali people, but richer still their culture, history, art, architecture and traditions of Nepal. Aside from this, you will be provided the chance to shop at the darling local markets and capture the feeling that is alive in the marketplace
Is the Nepal-Bhutan tour suitable for you?
This may be useful for any traveler coming from South Asia who is looking forward to sightseeing or would want to experience guided tours. This tour starts from Kathmandu, capital city in Nepal, and it ends in Bhutan. This is one of the most economical options amongst cross-border tours from Nepal. All age requirements enable people from all ages to travel in the tour and hence there are no such requirements in Nepal. Even though no physically enduring activities are included in these tours, some light walking around the monuments and/or historic places is almost always a given. Whether you wish to dive into the alluring attractions in Asia or you’ve already crossed off yet another hundred countries, this Nepal-Bhutan tour is designed for you. You will most certainly have an amazing time on this tour Bhutan and Nepal. Local guides will support and take care of you in both countries. Our agents will meet you directly at the airport or other major tourist destinations so that for your convenience, you are ensured guidance while moving around the historical places.
Places you will visit in Bhutan
You can take an hour long flight from Kathmandu to Paro, Bhutan after five days, which you certainly won't be able to wait for. On the way, you will pass jaw-dropping sites such as the Everest, Lhotse, Kanchenjunga, Makalu and many more from the Himalayan range. Our staff members will be waiting for you at Paro Airport which will then take you in a comfortable vehicle to the hotel located at Thimpu. If time permits, you can visit the Rimpong Dzong and Ta Dzong Museum as well. The next morning you will have a per-determined energising breakfast and after stepping out for the day, you will visit Tashichho Dzong where you will be able to see The Buddha Dordenma Statue, Changangkha Lhakhang, Simtokha Dzong, National Folklore Heritage Heritage Museum, Royal Textile Academy of Bhutan and possibly some other places in Thimphu. After that, you will continue travelling to Phuntsholing, stopping first at Dochula Pass 3200m, Chimi Lhakhang Temple, Punakha Dzong and Khamsum Yulley Nanygal Chorten. Afterwards you will travel to Paro for an overnight stay.
As you are finishing your travel plans, mark your calendar to also do the trek to Tiger's Nest Monastery, Taktsang Monastery. They do allow horse riding at the base of the hill but the rest of the journey has to be on foot.The path heading to the monastery is beautiful. The places to visit in Paro Valley are the ruins of Druksuper Dzong and Drukger Dzong, Kyichu Lhakhang, Dungste Lhakhang, and of course the incomparable Taktsang Monastery. If these places are visited, then you would be able to catch a flight to Kathmandu by the next day.
Visa and flight
For this tour, a visa of Nepal and another one for Bhutan are required. Our package does include costs for payment of permits, however, permits do not include the Nepal visa fee. A Nepalese visa can be obtained either at the International Airport of Nepal or at any land border. Fasting the processing of the visa, I must have all supporting documents ready and in order for the fee. On a similar note, my team will handle the permits so there's no need to fret about that. Our package does include and exclude international flights and the flight from Paro to Kathmandu, whereas, the domestick flight to or from Kathmandu is not included.
The best time to do the Nepal Bhutan tour
Nepal Bhutan tour is possible throughout the year. You will have a different experience in every season. December to February is the coldest time of the year. However, both countries look exceptionally breathtaking in winter because of snowfall and winter vegetation. March to May is a springseason, when flowers are all over the Himalayan foothills in Nepal and Bhutan. The weather is stable, and the climate is neither too hot nor too cold. You will enjoy stunning mountain views in spring. June to August is the summer/rainy season. The weather is very unpredictable, and frequent rainfall may affect your cross-flights and overall tour. If you do not mind rain and love enjoying hot/humid weather, we highly recommend a Nepal-Bhutan tour in the summer/monsoon season. September to November is the second-best time of the year for this tour. The weather and climate are similar to spring; however, you can feel the cold in the air instead of warmth. The days are bright and clear. You will witness wonderful landscapes. It is also the festival season.
Accommodation and meals during the tour
During the tour, we will book three-star hotels or tourist-standard hotels for our guests in Nepal and Bhutan. You will get a private single or shared room of your choice. The rooms will have all the modern amenities, such as an ensuite washroom, TV, AC, and WiFi. You can also upgrade to a luxury hotel based on your budget.In Kathmandu, you will only get breakfast, which is covered in your room cost. You can buy lunch, dinners, snacks, and beverages on your own. We recommend budgeting USD 8 to USD 15 for a decent meal per person.In Bhutan, you will get three meals a day. We will choose multi-cuisine restaurants where you can try local Bhutanese dishes and have access to Western and other cuisines. Apart from these three meals, you can buy snacks and drinks on your own.
Unravel the Cultural Treasures of Nepal and Bhutan
Nepal and Bhutan boast of rich cultural heritage representations of their age-old history, spiritual beliefs, and traditional lifestyle. In Nepal, one can visit the various ancient temples, monasteries, and stupas, such as Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, and Swayambhunath, that give an overview of the country's Hindu and Buddhist practices. These festivals, music, and other forms of traditional art add to the vibrancy of Nepalese culture, making it really one of the most fascinating countries to travel to for any culturally curious traveler.
Bhutan has become known as the "Land of the Thunder Dragon," where centuries-old Buddhist traditions are maintained intact, untouched by influences from outside its borders. The finest of dzongs or fortresses and other monasteries dot its landscape, such as the Paro Taktsang, popularly known as Tiger's Nest, and Punakha Dzong, standing tall to represent Bhutan's rich spiritual and cultural heritage. With festivals like Tsechu, which details traditional dances and rituals, Bhutan offers travelers an immersive cultural experience, blending spirituality with centuries-old traditions.
Majestic Mountain Views and Scenic Flights in Nepal and Bhutan
Both Nepal and Bhutan boast of their panoramic Himalayan vistas, therefore promising their visitors a host of breathtaking views right from the snow-crowned peaks down to the rivers in their full flow. Nepal boasts of the world's highest peak, Mount Everest, and provides excellent opportunities for mountain flights that give one the bird's-eye view of the Himalayas. Popular trekking routes such as the Annapurna and Everest Base Camp treks also allow adventurers to behold awesome views of towering peaks and picture-postcard landscapes.
Equally impressive mountain vistas are on display in Bhutan, while flights into Paro offer stunning glimpses of Mount Everest, Kangchenjunga, and other Himalayan giants. The Druk Path trek and routes leading to Jomolhari offer some of the best panoramic views in the country-a blend of scenic beauty and peaceful treks through Bhutan's pristine wilderness. By air or on foot, Nepal and Bhutan are sure to combine for an unforgettable nature and adventure experience.
Visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Nepal and Bhutan
UNESCO has listed a number of World Heritage Sites in Nepal that are basically mirror reflections of the historical and cultural importance of the nation. Alone in the UNESCO listing are seven sites from the Kathmandu Valley, including Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, and Swayambhunath Stupa. The latter reflects Nepal's unique amalgamation of Hindu and Buddhist architecture, ancient traditions, and historic importance. Centuries-old palaces, temples, and courtyards make Nepal a haven for history enthusiasts and culture lovers.
Although Bhutan does not have any UNESCO World Heritage Sites yet, it has a wide array of well-preserved cultural and natural attractions. The monasteries at Paro Taktsang and Bumthang Valley, along with the protected natural beauty of Jigme Dorji National Park, demonstrate Bhutan's respect for both its spiritual and environmental heritage. Until Bhutan achieves UNESCO status, the cultural and natural landscapes can be found in their purest forms; therefore, developing a uniquely unparalleled experience for the traveler.
Adventure and Serenity: A Perfect Nepal and Bhutan Tour
Nepal and Bhutan both offer a perfect blend of adventure with serenity. Some of the best treks in the world, such as the Annapurna Circuit and Everest Base Camp, white-water rafting, paragliding, and jungle safaris in Chitwan National Park-all these make Nepal an ultimate dream destination for an adrenaline junkie. From experienced adventurers to newbie starters looking at an exciting experience, Nepal can disappoint nobody, as it offers everything from thrilling adventure sports to quiet walking at the Himalayan foothills.
Bhutan is a place of calmness and serenity in nature, therefore ideal for rest and spiritual rejuvenation. Though Bhutan also has places for hiking and trekking, the pace is very slow, where meditation, mindfulness, and nature are considered paramount. This serenity in the environment, coupled with monasteries dotting the scenic valleys, gives one a sense of tranquility and balance; hence, Bhutan is a perfect complement to Nepal's adventurous spirit.
Explore Rich History and Traditions of Nepal and Bhutan
The historical background of Nepal goes back thousands of years, with relics of ancient civilizations and dynasties building up its cultural contours. Medieval Bhaktapur City and the royal palaces of Kathmandu and Patan are living memories carrying aristocratic traditions of the Malla and Shah dynasties. The festivals, like Dashain and Tihar, for example, are highly representative of the long-standing cultural heritage of Nepal, together with traditional music and dances for an authentic experience of the history of this country.Smaller in size, Bhutan nonetheless possesses an equally extensive history. Centuries have passed with this kingdom maintaining its distinctive culture and traditions, almost unscathed by outside influences. The history of Bhutan is closely related to Buddhism, whereby dzongs and monasteries signify one of the most religious, political, and social aspects of Bhutan. Every region holds festivals like the Tsechu, which reveal sacred masked dances passed down for centuries, showing how deep Bhutan is in both spiritual and historical aspects. Guests will be engrossed in the more-than-legendary traditions of this Himalayan monarchy.
Most Visited Places in Nepal and Bhutan
Nepal teems with must-see places, from the busy, pulsating roads of Kathmandu to the tranquil lake city of Pokhara. Its capital, Kathmandu, is filled with old temples, stupas, and palaces. Besides being a gateway to many trek routes, one can see the really overwhelming vista of the Annapurna range from here. Next in the list for visitors seeking spiritual and natural beauty are Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, and Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Not-to-be-missed destinations in Bhutan are Paro, housing the iconic Paro Taktsang monastery; Thimphu, the modern capital with coexistent tradition; Punakha Dzong, the magnificent fort surrounded by two rivers; and the scenic valleys of Bumthang-all reflecting in its glorious history and natural splendor. Due to the preserved landscape and cultural heritage, Bhutan is a tranquil and enriching destination for all its visitors.
Experience the Unique Festivals and Traditions of Nepal and Bhutan
Festivals are a significant part of Nepalese and Bhutanese culture. The visitor gains a unique insight into the traditional celebrations at festivals such as Dashain and Tihar, celebrated in pomp with ritual music and feasting, uniting the families and communities together. These festivals, steeped in Hindu mythology, also provide a great insight into Nepal's religious practices and cultural values. Join or observe these colorful activities to further enhance your travel experience.
Festivals in Bhutan are, foremost, the Tsechu, which tends to be deeply spiritual and very closely attached to its Buddhist heritage. The Tsechu Festival is a masked dance performed by monks and laypeople as an event of respect to Guru Rinpoche-the founder of Bhutanese Buddhism. These festivals are not just religious ceremonies but also social events where communities come together in celebration. Visitors traveling in Bhutan during these festivals get colorful displays of culture, spirituality, and tradition, thus making it an immersive experience.
Nature, Culture, and Adventure: Highlights of Nepal and Bhutan
Nepal promises a plethora of nature, culture, and adventure-adequate reasons for travelers to make it their destination. Ranging from the towering peaks of the Himalayas to the jungles of Chitwan, nature lovers will find endless beauty and adventure in Nepal. Trekking, rafting, and safaris provide a view into the natural spectacles of Nepal, while its cultural sites give a glimpse of the history and spirituality. From the loud markets of Kathmandu to the tranquil trails of the Annapurna area, Nepal indeed provides a multi-faceted and unforgettable experience.
Prune natural landscapes, well-preserved cultural traditions, and serene spiritual experiences are the main themes in Bhutan. The most protected natural environment of Bhutan acts as a haven for trekkers, while the monasteries and dzongs give a peep into the deeply spiritual culture. In Bhutan, nature and culture are in the right mix and combine to work out a retreat from modernity and a trek backward into nature and life. As a combination, Nepal and Bhutan yield an integrated travel experience that successfully amalgamates adventure with culture and serenity.
Why a Tour to Nepal and Bhutan Should Be in Your Bucket List
A Nepal Bhutan tour should top the list of all travelers for a unique meld of nature, culture, and spirit. Nepal is a country that offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas, exciting trekking tours, and a lively cultural atmosphere-a dream destination that can satisfy the inner desires of an adventurous traveler as well as an enthusiast of history. The hustle and bustle of its markets, ancient temples, and its people welcome travelers from around the globe.
Bhutan, however, is far more introspective with its peaceful monasteries, unspoiled landscapes, and its people's precious lifestyle of happiness and wellbeing. The country's commitment to preserving its traditions and environment offers a truly unique destination against the pace of today's world. A tour combining both Nepal and Bhutan offers the best in both.
