Discover Nepali and Bhutanese culture, beauty and spiritual essence on the Nepal Bhutan Highlights tour. Experience the many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, local marketplaces, and well-known temples in the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal before travelling to Bhutan to explore the natural beauty of the Paro Valley and the surrounding majestic Himalayan mountain ranges.
In Paro, there are many important historical sites such as Drukgyel Dzong (a former royal fortress where you can see panoramic views of the mountains), Kyichu Lhakhang (one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred temples), and the National Museum, which contains exhibitions about Bhutanese art, culture, and history. Travel from Thimphu to Paro via scenic drive provides you with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to view Mount Chomolhari and its snow-capped peaks and valleys.
Although it may be a short trip to Bhutan, you will gain insight into how the Bhutanese people follow their traditional Buddhist culture, how breathtaking the scenery is, and how friendly they are. You may also choose when to travel and how long to stay on this unique itinerary, allowing for the perfect vacation experience tailored to you!
Highlights of the tour:
This tour combines all three aspects of Culture, Adventure, and Spirituality in an easy-to-navigate format and creates memories in the Himalayas.
Welcome! To Kathmandu, Nepal. You will be welcomed by an Asian Heritage Travel representative with a nameplate upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, and you will then be taken to your hotel located within the busy tourist district known as Thamel in Kathmandu. You will see some of the highlights of the city while traveling to the hotel, including Pashupatinath Temple, Narayanhiti Royal Palace Museum, and the peaceful Garden of Dreams.
Once you arrive at your hotel, a representative will meet you to discuss your itinerary and answer any questions you might have about it. After you check into your hotel, the rest of the day is yours to explore the busy streets, cafés, and shops of Thamel or relax at your hotel.
Includes: Private transport and an overnight accommodation at Yatri Suites and Spa or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
Start your sightseeing excursion by meeting your guide and climbing into your private vehicle. Your first stop will be Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you will walk among centuries-old royal palaces, intricate carvings on countless temples, and traditional courtyard-style buildings indicative of the venerable history of ancient Kathmandu.
Your next destination on your journey is Swayambhunath, commonly referred to as the Monkey Temple. Swayambhunath is a sacred stupa located atop a hill that contains both Buddhist and Hindu cultural influences, and provides fabulous views of the Kathmandu Valley and the distant peaks of the Himalayas.
The next stop on your tour is Pashupatinath Temple, one of the premier Hindu pilgrimage destinations in Southeast Asia. Pashupatinath Temple is built on the banks of the Bagmati River, where you will get a glimpse of the open-air cremation ceremonies and experience the spiritual practices surrounding the temple complex.
The last stop of the day is the incredible Boudhanath Stupa (another UNESCO World Heritage Site), which is one of the largest stupas in the world. The stupa dates back to approximately 600 A.D. and represents the center of Tibetan Buddhist culture, surrounded by local life, monasteries, and prayer wheels.
After an amazing day of cultural experiences, you will head back to your accommodation to rest and relax.
Includes: Breakfast, Private Transport, English-speaking Tour guide, and an overnight accommodation at Yatri Suites and Spa or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
Your guide will give you a warm welcome this morning, then accompany you on your journey from Kathmandu to Patan. The first stop in Patan will be an exploration of the historic sites, particularly the Krishna Temple and Patan Durbar Square. The extraordinary craftsmanship and architecture of these structures are a testament to the culture and heritage of the people of Patan. In addition, visitors can visit the Patan Museum to learn about the royal past, the art, and the culture of Patan.
After you visit Patan, you will visit Bhaktapur, another city with preserved architecture. During your visit to Bhaktapur, you will explore the old city and see the wood-carved buildings, old squares, and temples. At Nyatapola Temple (the largest pagoda temple in Nepal), you will witness the grandeur and craftsmanship of Newari architecture. In Pottery Square, visitors can participate in the pottery-making process, where local artisans will guide them on how to create their own pot and decorate it with beautiful designs and inscriptions. This is a unique cultural experience!
Includes: Breakfast, Private Transport, English-speaking Tour guide, and an overnight accommodation at Yatri Suites and Spa or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
Your adventure begins by soaring through the skies of the majestic Himalayas before arriving at Paro Valley, one of the most scenic places on earth, and it will be one of your most amazing flights. You will have sweeping views of the highest, most magnificent mountains in the world and their surrounding lush mountainous forests, monastic complexes, and terraced fields dotted throughout the tranquillity of the mountain valleys.
Once you land at Paro International Airport, your Bhutan Visa will be placed in your passport. Your Bhutanese guide will meet you when you clear customs and immigration, then take you to Thimphu, the Capital City of Bhutan.
After lunch, you will visit Tashichhodzong, also referred to as “The Fortress of Glorious Religion.” Originally constructed in 1641 and rebuilt by His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, Third King of Bhutan, in 1965, the dzong is the Administrative and Religious centre of Bhutan. Tashichhodzong contains a throne room for His Majesty the King, several government ministries, the largest Monastery in Bhutan, the residence for His Holiness the Je Khenpo, and the headquarters for the monk body. Located right next door is the National Assembly Hall and, across the river from Tashichhodzong, the modern Parliament House, pursuant to Bhutan’s unique mix of tradition and governance.
In the evening, enjoy free time in Thimphu town, exploring its shops, cafes, and local culture at your own pace.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Airfare, Private transport, an English-speaking guide and an overnight accommodation at Hotel Migmar or a similar hotel in Thimpu.
After breakfast, drive to Punakha (4298 ft) / Wangdue, with beautiful scenery along the route through the lush valleys of Bhutan. This is where we will stop at Dochula Pass (3150 m) to see panoramic views of the higher peaks of the Himalayas and their surrounding landscape.
Once you arrive in Punakha, check into your hotel and have some time to relax.
In the afternoon, we will visit Punakha Dzong, which was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Punakha Dzong is the historic dzong and is officially called Druk Pungtang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness), and was used for the seat of government for many years before being moved to Thimphu in the second king’s reign. The dzong is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo today and was the site of King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck’s first National Assembly in 1952.
After our time spent in the dzong, we will begin our short and easy walk to the Punakha Suspension Bridge, which is one of the longest bridges in Bhutan, and enjoy breathtaking views of the river and its surroundings. The rest of the evening is for your leisure. You can relax after your day’s activities or take the time to explore the town at your own pace.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Private transport, English speaking tour guide and Overnight accommodation at Hotel Zangto Pelri or a similar hotel in Punakha.
The Next destination after breakfast is the magnificent Paro at a height of 7483 feet. Once you have arrived at your hotel and checked in, it will be time to relax. Later in the day, your guide will take you to see Ta Dzong, the national museum, home to a vast array of Bhutanese artworks, historical relics and sacred religious thangkas, all showcasing the country’s incredible cultural and historical past.
After visiting the museum, it’s now time to visit Rinpung Dzong, also known as “Fortress of the Heap of Jewels,” which is a significant historical site located within Paro. This dzong acts as both the administrative hub for the district and the judicial court, as well as being an active monastery. The rest of the evening will be free time for leisure activities such as wandering through Paro or enjoying the peaceful surroundings of Paro.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Private transport, an English-speaking guide and an overnight accommodation at Metta Resort or a similar hotel in Paro.
After you’ve had breakfast, you and your family will be headed to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktshang) — an important holy site to many Buddhists and one of Bhutan’s most visited tourist destinations — for a scenic hike. On a mountain, 900 metres above the Paro Valley, this sacred building seems to hang — almost magically — off the side of the mountain. As legend has it, Guru Rinpoche flew on a Tiger to this location, where he meditated for three months, turning the area into a famous pilgrimage place for Buddhists from both Bhutan as well as neighbouring countries.
As you make your way up to the monastery, admire the views of the valley with its pine trees and faraway mountains. From there, you will be able to visit the various halls, shrines, and courtyards inside the monastery and feel the spiritual energy that surrounds the site. Also, take time to enjoy lunch in the cafeteria at Taktshang Monastery and soak in the breathtaking views of the monastery and surrounding cliffs before heading back down to Paro and spending your evening at leisure.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Private transport, an English-speaking guide, and an overnight accommodation at Metta Resort or a similar hotel in Paro.
The end of your Bhutan travel is today. Our representatives will pick you up at Paro International Airport as per your flight schedule and drive you there in a private car about three hours before leaving for Kathmandu.
The representatives will meet you at the airport in Kathmandu as well and provide you a transfer to your hotel, where you will check in and have some time to relax after a long trip. The Bhutan segment of your travel concludes, and you will have the opportunity to rest and think back about the many things you saw on your trip to the Himalayas.
Includes: Breakfast, Airfare, Private transport, an English-speaking guide and an overnight accommodation at Yatri Suites & Spa or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
After a nice breakfast, your journey will continue from Kathmandu to Pokhara on a beautiful drive with the Himalayas in view. When arriving in Pokhara, upon checking into your comfortable hotel, you will relax after the trip.
While at your hotel, you will enjoy some great views of Phewa Lake and the Annapurna Range. In the afternoon, you have time to walk along the peaceful lakeside, embrace the peacefulness, and discover the unique shops, restaurants, and local cafes that provide you with an extraordinary combination of nature and relaxed city living.
Includes: Breakfast, Private transport, an English-speaking guide and an overnight accommodation at Hotel Crystal Palace or a similar hotel in Pokhara.
The experience begins with an early morning start and a drive to Sarangkot to experience the beauty of sunrise over Pokhara and the first rays of sunlight reflecting off the majestic Himalaya mountain range. Enjoy the panoramic views of the Annapurna range, Machapuchhre (Fishtail), Dhaulagiri, and the surrounding mountain ranges from this spectacular vantage point.
Once you have taken in the spectacular views, you will then return to your hotel in Pokhara for your breakfast. Your day will then continue with a sightseeing tour where you will visit David Falls, Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, International Mountain Museum, and the final stop of the day will be World Peace Stupa to take in the breathtaking views of Phewa Lake and the surrounding mountain ranges.
Includes: Breakfast, private transport, and an overnight accommodation at Hotel Crystal Palace or a similar hotel in Pokhara.
Following your breakfast, you will begin driving to Lumbini, which is located roughly 180 kilometres from where you are staying. You will enjoy the beautiful scenery while driving on roadways that are smooth enough to allow for a comfortable and enjoyable 6 to 7 drive through the hills of Nepal and around small villages that give you an idea of what it is like to live there.
When you reach Lumbini, which is the birthplace of the Buddha, you will check into your hotel. Once checked in, you can relax and recover from your day-long journey and prepare yourself for tomorrow’s discovery of this holy place.
Includes: Breakfast, Private transport and an overnight accommodation at Buddha Maya Garden or a similar hotel in Lumbini.
During your visit to Lumbini, you will learn about the importance of this sacred site in Buddhism and its many monasteries and temples. Lumbini is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most significant pilgrimage locations for Buddhists around the world.
Once you finish with the exploration of Lumbini, it is about a five-hour drive to Chitwan National Park, depending on the road conditions; however, you will be able to enjoy the countryside scenery while traveling through traditional villages and landscapes.
Once you reach Chitwan, you can check into the hotel, and then, in the late afternoon, you will get a chance to explore the Tharu village, experience their cultural dance, and taste the tea made by them from clay pots. The evening will include watching the dances (Tharu Stick Dance and Dhaan Naach Dance) that are specific to the Tharu Community and enjoying the beautiful setting of the river, where you can view some of the local wildlife while the sun goes down.
Includes: Breakfast, Dinner, Private transport, an English-speaking guide, and an overnight accommodation at Hotel Rainforest or a similar hotel in Chitwan.
Today, you will start your day with an exciting jungle safari by Jeep. Go into the community forest to look for wildlife, such as the one-horned rhino, deer, wild boar, leopards, and more. Crossing the Rapti River takes you into the heart of Chitwan National Park, where, if you’re lucky, you may see the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger hidden among the tall grasses. Watch for wild elephants and other interesting species along the way. The day’s safari will conclude with a delectable lunch back at the hotel.
You will see what a Tharu Village is like through the eyes of a local by taking a guided tour in the afternoon, gaining first-hand insight into all aspects of the local culture that these indigenous people have preserved for centuries. After this cultural experience, you will get back out onto the Rapti River by growing your own paddle as you canoe down and watch Marsh Mugger and Gharial Crocodile sunbathing along the riverbank. Following your adventurous cultural experience, you will return to the hotel to unwind other working hard!
Includes: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, private transport, a guided sightseeing tour in English, and an overnight accommodation at Hotel Rainforest or a similar hotel in Chitwan.
Today, after having your breakfast, we will drive back to Kathmandu. While in Kathmandu, you can enjoy walking along the busy streets of Thamel to shop for presents or mementos to give to family and friends after returning home from this trip. If this interests you, you could also rest at your hotel and pack your bags in preparation for your next travel destination.
Your time in Nepal and Bhutan has come to an end for this trip, but the experiences you had while visiting both countries will stay with you as part of your journey in life.
Includes: Breakfast, Private transport, and an overnight accommodation at Hotel Yatri Suites and Spa or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
Today is the last day of your journey. Three hours before your scheduled departure back to your home or another location, our representative will pick you up in a private vehicle after breakfast and drop you off at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport.
We hope you travel safely and look forward to seeing you again soon.
Includes: Breakfast and private Transport.
Getting to Nepal as an international visitor is easy with the availability of an easy-to-use Visa on Arrival service at Tribhuvan International Airport and almost all the land border crossings into Nepal. Upon arrival at the airport, you will complete the visa form, submit the necessary documents, pay the applicable visa fee online, and then you will be given your visa within a very short time.
With several different types of Nepali visas available for various duration periods, visitors have the choice of whether they want to stay for a few days or months; however, some nationalities must obtain their visa in advance of travelling, so you must check the current visa requirements.
Learn more about visa guidelines and requirements: Tourist Visa Information
Nepal offers a wide variety of accommodation to meet the varying requirements of travelers at every budget level and personal comfort preferences.
Luxury Accommodation
Enjoy the luxury and the comfort of a highly rated hotel, and are looking for a high-end experience. You will find many luxury hotels in Nepal with an array of modern conveniences, such as spa treatments, fine dining, beautiful locations, breathtaking views of the Himalayas, and individual attention from the staff. These types of hotels are perfect for people who want to relax, unwind, and experience luxurious facilities while traveling throughout Nepal.
Budget Accommodation
Travelers who want to experience Nepal without breaking the bank will be happy to know that there are also many inexpensive accommodation options, including guesthouses, boutique lodges, and homestays, which are all clean, friendly, and very good value. Budget accommodation allows a traveler to stay within their budget while experiencing the generosity of local hospitality.
We ensure that your accommodation matches your preference, whether you seek luxury or convenience.
Explore available accommodation categories: Accommodations in Nepal.
Nepal has a lot to offer with its incredible natural beauty, rich culture, and warm hospitality. Travelling can also come with risks, which is why anyone visiting Nepal needs to consider purchasing travel insurance, particularly those involved in adventure activities or trekking, as well as those who will be travelling to remote areas of Nepal. A well-rounded insurance policy can provide peace of mind through protection against the following:
Many trekking routes in Nepal are over 3000 meters (9842 ft); therefore, your policy should specifically state that high altitude travel is part of your Insurance plan, as well as the option to be evacuated in the event of an emergency. Choosing the right policy will help you receive the best possible care in your time of need.
Find out more about travel insurance for Nepal: Travel Insurance in Nepal
For hikers traveling to the Nepalese Himalayas, it’s essential to have the correct trekking equipment. Depending on what elevation you’re at, the weather might change drastically, so it’s crucial to use and carry the proper clothing and equipment in order to enjoy a safe and comfortable trip.
If you don’t want to travel with your own equipment, there are plenty of places in Nepal where you can rent or purchase what you need (particularly in Thamel, Kathmandu’s main shopping district). There are also locations within the city where you can find stores that offer a variety of high-quality trekking apparel and equipment at very reasonable prices.
See the complete trekking gear guide: Trekking Gear
