Embarking on a combined tour of Nepal and Bhutan from the United Kingdom offers a unique opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes of these two Himalayan nations. Here's a comprehensive guide to assist UK travelers in planning such a journey:
Your Time In Kathmandu, Nepal
You will spend three full days in Kathmandu before flying to Paro. During your three days, one of our friendly tour guides will take you to different historical sites around the city. You will explore Monkey Temple, Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhnath Stupa, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, and Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Likewise, you will also visit Nagarkot for a night stay. It is a popular hill station near Kathmandu. Here, you will spend some peaceful time relishing nature.From Nagarkot, you will also see a gorgeous sunrise and Himalayan motions, including Mount Everest. Your tour in Kathmandu is not just a sightseeing trip but a journey of learning about Nepalese lifestyle and rich cultural heritage. You'll delve into Nepali history, art, architecture, and traditions, gaining a deeper understanding of this fascinating culture. You'll also have the opportunity to explore local markets and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere.
Is the Nepal-Bhutan tour suitable for you?
Tourists looking for a tour package in South Asia can consider this tour program. The tour starts in Kathmandu, Nepal, and takes you to Bhutan. It is one of the best cross-country tour packages from Nepal.This tour is open to all age groups and does not require extreme physical fitness. While there are no strenuous activities, please note that some light walking around monuments and historical sites is involved.The Nepal-Bhutan tour is designed to be enjoyable for everyone, whether you are a first-time traveler to Asia or a seasoned explorer. You will be accompanied by local guides in both countries. They will ensure your safety and comfort.Our representatives in both countries will help you with airport transport and also travel with you to various historical sites, making the tour informative.
Places you will visit in Bhutan
On the fifth day of the tour, you will fly to Paro, Bhutan, from Kathmandu. It will be a scenic one-hour flight. As per the weather conditions, you will witness many Himalayan mountains during the flight, such as Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Kanchenjunga, etc. Our team in Bhutan will welcome you to Paro Airport and transfer you to the hotel in Thimphu in a comfortable vehicle. In Paro, you may visit places like Ta Dzong Museum and Rimpong Dzong. The next day starts early with a delicious breakfast. You will spend more than half the day visiting places in Thimphu, such as Tashichho Dzong, Buddha Dordenma Statue, Changangkha Lhakhang, Simtokha Dzong, the National Folk Heritage Museum, the Royal Textile Academy of Bhutan, etc. From here, drive to Punakha, crossing Dochula Pass (3,200 m). In Punakha, you will visit Chimi Lhakhang Temple, Punakha Dzong, and Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. Later in the day, drive back to Paro to spend the night. On your last day in Paro, you will hike to Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger's Nest Monastery. If you cannot walk uphill, you can ride a horse. The breathtaking view of the monastery during the hike is breathtaking.Then, visit Taktsang Monastery, Drukgyel Dzong ruins, Kyichu Lhakhang, Drukgyel Dzong, Dungtse Lhakhang, and the Farmhouses in Paro Valley. The following day, fly back to Kathmandu.
Visa and flight
You will need a Nepal travel visa and a Bhutan travel visa to do this tour. Our Nepal Bhutan tour package includes Bhutan travel visa fees, but you must pay the Nepal travel visa fees yourself. Tourists from many countries can obtain a Nepal travel visa upon landing at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu or any land border. Make sure your visa fee and required documents are ready on hand for a quick process. Similarly, our team will help you obtain a Bhutan travel visa, so you do not have to worry about it. Regarding international flights, our Nepal Bhutan tour cost includes Kathmandu to Paro and Paro to Kathmandu flight costs, but it does not cover internal flights to/from Kathmandu.
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 springtime, when flowers bloom 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 coldness 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.
Charging and internet
You will get free WiFi in your hotels and most public places, such as cafes, restaurants, and shops. While visiting the historical sites, you can use cellular data to stay online. Buy tourist sims with ample data upon arriving in both countries. You can ask our team to help you obtain a tourist sim. Similarly, charging facilities are available everywhere. Make sure to bring a Universal adapter to connect your chargers. Also, carry a power bank because tours will be long, and you may not get a chance to recharge your device once you are out exploring.
Why do this cross-country tour with Odea Services?
Odea Services has been providing cross-country tours from Nepal for more than 19 years. We have a strong network in all countries where we offer tours. Our partners and representatives there ensure the safety and satisfaction of our guests. You will get the best price for all tours with top-notch services.Likewise, we are also flexible when it comes to organizing tours. We also organize private tours, allowing you to tailor the Nepal Bhutan tour itinerary and services during the tour as you require. Not only that, but you will not encounter any hidden charges with us.Bookings are open for Nepal Bhutan tour 2024/2025 departures. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us anytime.
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.
From the high Himalayas to the lush green foothills, from arid plateaus to shimmering glaciers, Nepal offers an incomparable array of hiking trails. If there's a better – and easier – place to trek anywhere in the world, we've yet to find it.Many of Nepal's most celebrated treks pass through national parks or protected areas, but permits and national park fees are mostly inexpensive. Teahouses and trekking lodges are commonplace along most of the popular trails, but some routes involve camping, and many treks that pass close to internal borders can only be attempted as an organized trek arranged through an approved trekking agency.Whether you fancy a short, relaxed hike on a fleeting visit to the mountains, or a challenging multi-week expedition over high passes, Nepal has treks for all levels of fitness and experience. Here are 10 of the best hikes in Nepal.Everest Base CampBest for Everest views130km (80.7 miles); 14–20 days; hardThe most famous trek in Nepal – if not the world – is the two-week trip to Everest Base Camp, which draws thousands of trekkers every year. Starting and finishing at the precariously balanced airstrip in Lukla, this high-altitude epic provides some fascinating insights into the Sherpa culture of the Solu Khumbu region, and the chance to gaze on the tallest mountain on Earth – known as Sagarmatha in Nepal, and Chomolungma in neighboring Tibet.High-quality lodges line the entire route, but the trails can get very busy, particularly during the October–November high season, though few who complete the two- to three-week route are disappointed by the experience. If you want a calmer trek, consider some of the less crowded routes that snake through the foothills around Everest, including the stunning trek to Gokyo and the Three Passes Trek.Get more travel inspiration, tips and exclusive offers sent straight to your inbox with our weekly newsletter.Annapurna CircuitBest for diverse scenery160–230km (99.4–142.9 miles); 10–17 days; hardThe most popular trek in Nepal, the Annapurna Circuit is stunningly varied. As you walk, you'll encounter plunging valleys, deep gorges, rivers, lakes, glaciers and snow-topped peaks, as well as Gurung, Manangi and Thakali villages. Accessed from Pokhara, the route is dotted with comfortable lodges and important Buddhist and Hindu pilgrimage sites. Its high point – literally and figuratively – is the 5,416m (17,768ft) Thorung La, a mountain pass that transports you from the green foothills to the arid Trans-Himalayan plateau. Best walked counter-clockwise, this trail has numerous options for extensions and side trips, such as the highly rewarding week-long trek to the villages of Nar and Phu. Note that the Annapurna Circuit gets very busy in the peak season. Because of road building, some sections are more developed than you might expect, and the route gets shorter every year as the road reaches new villages.Manaslu CircuitBest alternative to the Annapurna CircuitAround 180km (111.8 miles); 16 days; hardTravelers seeking a quieter trail than the renowned Annapurna Circuit but a similar range of dramatic scenery should try the Manaslu Circuit, which lies to the east of the Annapurna massif. An excellent all-rounder, this teahouse trek is centered around the eponymous Manaslu, the world’s eighth-tallest peak at 8,163m (26,781ft).The Manaslu Circuit trek covers everything from steamy jungles to breathless mountain passes, natural hot springs and tranquil villages. En route, you'll cross gorges on precipitous suspension bridges and hike through emerald-green foothills lined with rice paddies.Annapurna SanctuaryBest for mountain sceneryAround 115km (71.4 miles); 10–14 days; moderate-hardFew sights in the Himalayas compare with the magnificent Annapurna Sanctuary, an elevated, amphitheater-like plateau north of Pokhara, encircled by a crown of looming glaciers and sky-piercing mountains. This lofty basin is the centerpiece of an enjoyable teahouse trek, which showcases some of the finest mountain vistas in Nepal. Along the trail, you'll pass Gurung villages, terraced rice fields, natural hot springs and densely forested hills. Just bear in mind that the Annapurna Sanctuary is a popular route, so don’t expect to have the trails to yourself.Ghandruk LoopBest short trek25km (15.5 miles); 3 days; easyIf you’re a novice hiker or simply pressed for time, head to Pokhara, the starting point for several short but rewarding treks in the foothills of the Annapurnas. One of the standout routes is the Ghandruk Loop, which takes you through rice paddies, forests of rhododendron trees – which bloom spectacularly in the spring – and Gurung villages, where accommodation ranges from simple teahouses to well-equipped lodges.The first day mirrors the opening section of the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek, and there are superb mountain views all along this relatively steep route, which can be comfortably hiked in the winter, as well as in fall and spring, thanks to its low altitude.Suspension bridge above a river canyon on the Gosainkunda routeThe trek from the Langtang Valley to Gosainkunda is one of Nepal's loveliest trails © Subbotsky / Getty ImagesLangtang ValleyBest one-week trekAround 65–80km (40.3–49.7miles); 7–8 days; moderateThe popular trekking route through the gorgeous Langtang Valley, which resembles a super-charged version of the Alps and lies close to the Tibetan border, packs in a lot of trekking wonders over the course of a week. It's also conveniently close to Kathmandu and accessible by public bus, reducing your carbon footprint.From the trailhead at Syabrubesi, this teahouse trek takes you from pastureland, bamboo groves and waterfalls to soaring mountains and creaking glaciers. If you have a few extra days to spare, it's well worth extending the trek to the sacred lakes at Gosainkunda, ringed by ice-capped mountains at an altitude of 4,400m (14,436ft).Tamang Heritage TrailBest cultural trekAround 55km (34.1 miles); 6 days; moderateNepal’s trekking routes are renowned for immersing travelers in jaw-dropping Himalayan scenery, but the Tamang Heritage Trail is focused on rich cultural insights – though the views are pretty spectacular too. The trek starts at Syabrubesi and loops through the hills to the north, linking a series of traditional Tamang villages.Many of these villages have homestay accommodation, offering a chance to learn more about Tamang Buddhist culture, which has its origins across the border in Tibet, and the lives of the people who thrive in this far-flung region. There are also beautiful Buddhist temples, monuments and sacred sites to visit along the way.Kanchenjunga Base CampBest for escaping the crowdsAround 220km (136.7 miles); 14–28 days; hardIf you are looking to escape the crowds that throng the Everest Base Camp and Annapurna trails during the high season, the little-visited foothills of 8,586m (28,169ft) Kanchenjunga in the far east of Nepal fit the bill perfectly. This wild, remote corner of the country sees just a handful of trekkers every season, and it can only be visited on an organized trek. Two tough but spectacular trails lead to the northern and southern base camps used by mountaineers climbing the world’s third-tallest peak. Along the way, you’ll camp or stay in rustic teahouses in isolated villages and climb through empty valleys, pastures and mountain forests. There are plenty of high passes to cross before you bask in front of majestic views of Kanchenjunga, and you'll rarely have to share the experience with a crowd.Village with terraced fields above Nagarkot, NepalThe villages fringing the Kathmandu Valley are just as interesting as the high mountain passes © Getty Images / Moment OpenNagarkot to DhulikhelBest day hike20km (12.4 miles); one day; easyThe fringes of the Kathmandu Valley are ribboned with easily accessible trails that are ideal for half- or full-day hikes – and most are accessible by local bus or taxi from Kathmandu. One of the best trails links the ridge-top village of Nagarkot with the pretty Newari town of Dhulikhel, both famous for their glorious views of the Himalayas, especially at sunrise.Part of the longer Kathmandu Valley Cultural Trekking Trail, this route can be augmented with worthwhile side trips to Panauti, one of Nepal’s oldest towns, and the Buddhist center of Namobuddha. Best of all, no permits or national park fees are required.Great Himalayan TrailBest epic adventure2,500km (1,553.4 miles); 50–160 days; hardFor travelers with lots of time, a big budget, boundless energy and a giant sense of adventure, the Great Himalayan Trail is the ultimate challenge. Running the length of the Nepali Himalayas, this once-in-a-lifetime route was designed to encourage trekkers to get off the beaten path and spread the financial benefits of tourism to a wider range of communities.Crossing the country from Kanchenjunga all the way to the far west of Nepal, this trek is as much a logistical puzzle as a physical feat, not least because you have to arrange a number of time-limited trekking permits in advance. Rather than doing the trail in one go, a more attainable goal is to break it up into segments and complete it over several years.Text : Lonely Planet
