A trip to the mountains remains the dream for many. However, when it comes to choosing a place, dilemmas set in. Visiting the mountains does not always come with the arduous task of climbing, hiking and trekking.
If you are looking for a perfect family trip where you can enjoy the serenity of the surrounding nature, feel a little spiritually uplifted and try your limits walking the well-trodden trails to reach the top of the hillocks, a Nepal- Bhutan trip would be ideal for you.
Even for solo travelers and those who love to travel with friends, this itinerary could be an excellent pick. From beholding the breathtaking view of Mount Everest from its top to experiencing the positive energy that every sacred place offers, this itinerary has something for everyone.
No matter if you are a soul searcher at heart or an adventurer, an 11-day- 10-night Bhutan-Nepal trip will help you unwind perfectly. To get out of the city bustle and to get mingled with the tranquility of nature, take this trip for your next holiday.
We offer the best assistance throughout the journey to make it a memorable one for you. You can book special visits and rides additionally to make your trip more eventful and exciting.
Day 1: Paro-Thimphu by Car
After you arrive at Paro International Airport, our guide will welcome you and take you for a 1-hour long drive along the valley of Paro and Thimphu Rivers. Your destination for the day will be Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital city.
On your way, you can stop by Tamchhog Lhakhang, a heritage place in Bhutan. Locals worship and pay offerings to the builder of the iron bridge here. Spend the night at Thimphu.
Day 2: Thimphu
The next day morning, explore Thimphu’s tourist attractions like National Memorial Chorten, the National Painting School, The National Library, Changangkha Temple and Buddha Point. You can also pay a visit to the Folk Museum and the National Textile Museum to witness the heritage weaving patterns of Bhutan.
Day 3: Thimphu-Punakha
On the third day morning, you will start for a picturesque valley known for its unparalleled beauty – Punakha Valley. In old times, this place had its fame as the winter capital of the country. On your way to Punakha valley, stop at Dochu La Pass.
From this place, you can catch a glimpse of Gangkar Punsum, Bhutan’s highest mountain. After beholding the unforgettable beauty of the lofty Himalayas, descend to the valley. The path to the valley passes through a lush green forest until you reach Punakha valley.
After some refreshments, get ready to visit Punakha Dzong, a medieval temple that undoubtedly impresses every visitor. The strategic location of this temple at the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu rivers offers this structure an additional dose of splendor.
You can also visit the small town of Khuruthang if your timings allow you. Stay in Punakha for the night.
Day-4: Punakha to Wangdue Excursion
The fourth day morning will begin with a visit to the Chimi Lhakhang, the fertility temple. The entire day’s itinerary will cover a complete tour of Wangdue. According to legends, the famous lama Drukpa Kunley subdued Dochu La Demoness with the help of his wisdom’s magic thunderbolt.
In Chimi Lhakhang, you will see Drukpa Kunley’s wooden effigy. Childless women visit this temple to get blessings. Reaching here is not an arduous task. It takes around 20 minutes on foot if you walk across the rice fields adjacent to Sopsokha road.
Your scenic path to the temple will cross a quaint village called Pana. You will find the prayer wheels and a few magnificent slate carvings in the temple. Before driving back to Punakha in the evening, you can visit the Wangduephordang to admire the well-maintained fortress.
Day-5: Punakha- Paro
On the fifth day, you will start your journey to Paro after breakfast. On your way, you can take pictures of the beautiful surroundings. Your journey will come to a short halt for lunch at a good restaurant before reaching Paro. After reaching Paro, you can explore the nearby markets, roads, farmhouses, villages and more to get acquainted with the place.
Day-6: Paro Full Day sightseeing
The sixth day of your Bhutan itinerary will include a visit to the famous e National Museum and Paro Rinpung Dzong. After lunch, visit Drukgyel Dzong, also known as the fortress of victory and a sacred temple named Kyichu Lhakhang. Your night stay will be at Paro.
Day-7: Paro-Tiger Nest-Paro
A hike up the steep cliffs of the hill atop which sits the famous monastery, Tiger’s Nest will be your seventh day’s first spot to visit. The hiking can be a little taxing but the magnificent vistas the place offers takes away every trace of tiredness you gather hiking.
When you return, you may stop at the Dumtse Lhakhang. Thangthong Gyalpo, known as the builder of the iron bridge in Bhutan, built this temple. Stay in Paro overnight.
Day-8: Paro – Kathmandu (Nepal) By Druk Air / Bhutan Airlines
On the eighth day morning, you will depart for Paro International Airport to catch your flight to Nepal’s Kathmandu. Once you reach Kathmandu, our guide will take you to the hotel and after lunch, you can visit the local market and the sacred Hindu temple.
Day-9: Kathmandu ( Nepal)
The next day morning, your tour in Kathmandu will begin with a visit to Kathmandu Durbar Square in the older part of the city. This historical place houses the Royal palace the royal family once used as their residence and a few temples boasting medieval architecture.
After visiting Kumari house, a temple in Nepal that the locals believe to be the abode of Nepal’s living Goddess, you will reach the Swayambhunath Stupa perched on a hillock. In the afternoon, our guide will take you to Patan, one of the primary principalities of the medieval era.
Known as the city of art and craft, this place will undoubtedly take you to a forgotten time. A visit to Golden Temple, Mahaboudha Temple, Kumbheshwar Temple, and Macchindranath Temple will also remain included in the day’s itinerary.
If you love the mountains and wish to catch a glimpse of the mighty Mt. Everest from a helicopter flying over it, you need to book the ride in advance. The cost per passenger would be around $205 and the ride will last for an hour.
Day-10: Kathmandu ( Nepal)
The tenth day morning will begin with a visit to the sacred and famous Pashupatinath Temple. The temple sits on the banks of the river Bagmati which flows southwards to finally meet the Ganges. The ancients Ghats, the three-layered roof, and the meditating ascetics of the temple will instantly offer a spiritual vibe clubbed with a sense of peace.
One of the most sacred Hindu temples, Pashupatinath allows only Hindus to enter its inner precincts. After paying your offerings at Pashupatinath, you will reach Boudhanath, a fourteen hundred years old Stupa.
It is the largest Stupa in Nepal and attracts several Buddhists around the year. It has a large white stone encircled by 108 Buddha statues. Many pilgrims come to this place to pay their offerings to Lord Buddha and spin the prayer wheels as they circumambulate the dome-shaped Stupa.
After the morning’s spiritual lift, start your afternoon with a visit to Bhaktapur City. One of the well-preserved Malla dynasty principalities, you will find Durbar Square with Golden Gates, Royal Bath, a number of other temples, and the Palace of the 55 Windows here.
The intricate woodcarvings on these structures demand attention and admiration for sure. You will also find the extraordinary structure of Nyatapola Temple, which, even the 1934 earthquake could not shatter.
The next destination would be Dutratraya Temple followed by the Pujarimath complex featuring its signature east-end peacock window. After experiencing the medieval charm of Bhaktapur City, you will visit Pottery Square and Taumadhi Square.
Day-11: Kathmandu- Departure Transfer to
On the eleventh day morning, our guide will help you reach Kathmandu Airport to catch your flight home.