This 11 Nights combined adventure in Nepal and Bhutan, you'll visit some of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in and around Kathmandu city, drive to Pokhara and spend one full day taking in the beautiful sights & sounds including grand views of Anapurna mountain range before you fly back to Kathmandu.
On Day 6, you'll take a flight to Paro, the only International Airport in Bhutan. You'll have 6 nights of stay in Bhutan where you'll enjoy immersive cultural experiences, go on nature hikes connecting with the pristine environment while still hitting the popular sites including the famous Tiger's Nest (Taktsang Monastery) precariously perched on the 800m rock cliff, meet with local people and enjoy unique home-cooked local cuisines to your heart's content.
On arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you'll be received by our representative and then transfer to your hotel. You can spend the rest of the day leisurely in the neighbourhood of your hotel.
Kathmandu altitude 1350m.
Meals: No
Overnight at Swotha Traditional Homes or similar
Start point
Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) त्रिभुवन विमानस्थल, त्रिभुवन विमानस्थल, Kathmandu, Bagmati, Nepal
After breakfast at the hotel, you will visit unique historical sites most of which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Swayambhunath: Located in close proximity to your hotel, Swayambunath is a Buddhist Stupa said to be around 2000 years old. It is located on a hilltop presenting you with a view of the Kathmandu valley. This stupa is known as Pha Pa Shing Kun in Tibetan Buddhism which means "Sublime Trees of All".
Boudhanath Temple: Situated at about 7km from the hotel, Boudhanath is a Buddhist temple built in the shape of a stupa in the 14th century and it is surrounded by residences of Lamas and shops. The stupa is called Jarung Khashor in Tibetan Buddhism. It is the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Pashupatinath Temple: Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and located on the bank of the Bagmati River, Pashupatinath is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the main gods in the Hindu world.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square: Durbar Square is the living heritage, an epitome of ancient architecture and ethnicity o Nepal. You'll see many stone-carved figures and ornate temples. Some of the major attractions are 55 Windows Palace, Golden Gate, the statue of King Bhupatindra Malla.
Patan (Lalitpur): It is the oldest city in Kathmandu and as the name suggests is home to Nepalese architecture, art, traditions and crafts. The four corners of the city are marked by stupas believed to be erected by Ashoka, The Great. This place is for art lovers and enthusiasts. Durbar Square is packed with Temples. Durbar Square: Listed as a world heritage site, the former royal palace situated in the heart of the city is like its counterpart in Kathmandu. Patan Durbar square is an enchanting mélange of ancient palaces, Pagoda temples, shrines and captivating courtyards. The remarkable structure of the square is a 17th-century temple of Lord Krishna built entirely and is supposed to be the first specimen of Shikhara style of architecture in Nepal.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight at Swotha Traditional Homes or similar
After breakfast, pick up from the hotel and transfer to Kathmandu Domestic Airport.
Pick up from Pokhara Airport and drive to hotel
En route visit the International Mountain Museum
Check into hotel
Begin the sightseeing in Pokhara by visiting Devi’s Fall, Gupteshwar Mahadev Cave, World Peace Pagoda and Pumdikot Shiva Statue
Return to hotel.
Flight time 25 minutes, Pokhara Altitude (823m)
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight at Pokhara Batika Hotel or similar
Early morning drive to Sarangkot for sunrise & mountain views of the mid-western Himalaya including Annapurnas & Machapuchare.
Return to hotel & after breakfast drive to Gurkha Memorial Museum, Seti River Gorge
Visit Bindhyabasini temple & Old Bazaar
Drive to Lakeside, take boat & visit Tal Barahi Temple
Drive back to the hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight at Pokhara Batika Hotel or similar
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to airport and fly to Kathmandu.
Pickup from Kathmandu Domestic Airport and transfer to the hotel.
After a quick refreshment, drive to Bungumati- one of the oldest Newari settlements of Kathmandu valley that is still comparatively least explored & Khokana is known to be a village which produces mustard oil and supplies to Kahtmandu valley.
Flight time 30 min
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight at Hotel Kantipur Village or similar
After breakfast at the hotel, you'll be transferred to Kathmandu International Airport for your onward journey to Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon. You'll fly by either of the only two international airlines that connect Bhutan to the outside world - Drukair (National Flag Carrier) or Bhutan Airlines (Private Airline).
On arrival at Paro, the only International Airport in Bhutan, you'll be received by our guide and driver and then you will be on your way to the first adventure in the Kingdom of Bhutan.
Visit the National Museum of Bhutan housed in the 17th-century watchtower called Ta Dzong. The collection at the National Museum preserves a snapshot of the rich cultural traditions and history of Bhutan. From there, transfer to the capital city Thimphu home to about 115,000 residents. This bustling little city is the main centre of commerce, religion and government in the country.
On arrival in Thimphu, visit the majestic 169ft tall Buddha Dordhenma Statue at Kuensel Phodrang overlooking the Thimphu valley. If time permits, visit Weaving Center to get insights into the art of weaving which is an integral part of Bhutanese culture & tradition. You will see both men women at work weaving simple plain textiles to one of the most intricate designs and patterns.
Driving distance from Paro to Thimphu 55km, Driving time 1.5-hours, Thimphu altitude 2334m
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Overnight at Khuenphen Rabten Resort or Hotel Amodhara
After breakfast at the hotel, drive to the northern outskirts of Thimphu and do the hike to one of the important religious center in Bhutan and spend the rest of the day in Thimphu.
One of the very important religious centers in Bhutan, Tango Monastery is located on the mountainside north of Thimphu. There is also a monastery called Cheri located on a neighbourhood mountainside. Hiking to Tango is much easier as most part of the footpath is paved and the uphill ascent is not as steep. Following the trail through the forests, the round trip hike takes about 3-4 hours at a slow pace.
After the hike, drive back to Thimphu for a traditional lunch at Folk Heritage Museum or at a similar traditional restaurant. After lunch, visit the National Institute of Traditional Arts & Crafts (Zorig Chusum) where you will see youth learning the 13 arts & crafts of Bhutan and then visit the nearby National Library of Bhutan. The National Library is considered as the national treasure and fundamental source of Bhutanese history, religion, medicine, arts and culture. Both Library and art school remain opened during working weekdays & on Saturdays 10am – noon.
From there drive to visit the Centenary Farmers’ Market to learn about the food preference and culture in Bhutanese society. Farmers from all over the country bring their farm produce to sell. The market opens from Friday – Sunday. We then drive to Changlimithang Archery Range and witness the game of archery if the match is in progress. You'll see archers dancing and singing each time they hit the target from a whopping distance of 145m. Archery is the national sport of Bhutan.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight at Khuenphen Rabten Resort or Hotel Amodhara
After breakfast, we drive to Punakha valley via a sacred mountain pass Dochula at an altitude of 3150m. On a clear day, you can see the view of some of the highest snow-capped mountains for Bhutan. Continue driving towards Punakha and gradually descend to a subtropical valley within an hour. Just about 11km before reaching Punakha town, visit the famous 15th-century Chimi Lhakhang popularly known among tourists as “Temple of Fertility”. A gentle walk through the terraced rice fields and traditional farmhouses painted with phalluses will give you a unique experience. Walk and explore the village.
After lunch at a nearby hotel, drive to Punakha town and visit the most beautiful 17th-century Punakha Dzong which displays fine Bhutanese arts and craftsmanship that continues to influence Bhutanese architecture to this day. You will spend some time appreciating the intricate woodworks and sacred wall paintings. If interested, walk to Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge that runs across the glacial-fed Phochu river. Punakha Dzong is flanked by two glacial-fed rivers - Phochu (male) and Mochu (female) rivers.
If time permits, drive to Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Buddhist College for Nuns located on a quiet and peaceful hilltop overlooking partial Punakha Valley and the neighboring district of Wangdue Phodrang. You will have an opportunity to meet and mingle with nuns and spend some peaceful moments.
Driving distance from Thimphu to Punakha valley 74km, Driving time 2.5 hours, Punakha altitude 1200m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight at Meri Puensum Resort or Hotel Lobesa
Following a hearty breakfast at the hotel, hike to the picturesque Khamsum Yuellay Namgyel Chorten on a peaceful hilltop and enjoy a nice view of the fertile Punakha valley. After lunch transfer to Phobjikha valley and then venture out on Gangtey Nature Hike through the pristine valley.
Khamsum Yuellay Namgyel Chorten is located on a serene hilltop overlooking the fertile Punakha valley with glacial fed Mochu river meandering through the valley. The hike leads through the terraced rice fields and takes about 2.5-3 hours round trip for most visitors. Retrace your footstep back to the roadhead and drive back to the town for lunch.
If we have 4 or more participants in the group, we can arrange a picnic lunch by the bank of the Mochu river.
After lunch, transfer to Phobjikha valley in Gangtey (3-hours driving time). Phobjikha is a vast U-shaped glacial valley at an elevation of about 3,000m/9,840ft and it is a winter home for endangered Black Necked Crane from November to March and migrates back to Tibetan Plateau.. As part of the conservation effort, Phobjikha valley has been declared as a protected area.
Upon arrival in Phobjikha valley, you will go on an exciting Gangtey Nature Hike. The trail is about 5km and takes approximately 3 hours through the woods surrounded by splendid nature all around, wonderful meadows, beautiful traditional village houses, farmlands and crystalline streams. This short nature trail gives you a great feeling of the valley and an understanding of the livelihood of the people living there. Lots of opportunities to take beautiful pictures!
Driving distance from Punakha to Phobjikha valley 80km, Phobjikha altitude 8000m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight at Yue-Loki Guesthouse or Dewachen Hotel & Spa
After breakfast, visit one of the largest monasteries in Bhutan – Gangtey Goenpa and then you will be transferred back to Paro.
The 17th-century Gangtey Monastery popularly known as Gangtey Goenpa is one of the largest monasteries in Bhutan. Gangtey literally means “Hilltop” and Goenpa “remote place” and is usually a place of religious significance. You will meet peace-loving monks who study Buddhist Philosophy.
Then drive back to Paro valley. Lunch will be served on the way. Upon arrival in Paro and if time permits, visit one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang which is believed to have been built overnight by the Tibetan Kind Songtsen Gampo in his mission to subdue an evil spirit of a demoness that was causing harm to the propagation of Buddhism in the region.
Leisure time in Paro town. Driving distance from Phobjikha to Paro 175km, Driving time 5-5.5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight at Khangkhu Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort
After early breakfast at the hotel, you will hike to the famous Paro Taktsang popularly known as Tiger's Nest. Later in the evening, a traditional dinner will be arranged at one of the farmhouses.
Taktsang monastery is located on a rock cliff that plunges some 800-meter rock cliff in Paro. It is the most popular tourist attraction in Bhutan. Taktsang which literally translates to ‘Tiger’s Nest’, is regarded as one of the most important monasteries in Bhutan. The round-trip hike usually takes about 4-5-hours.
Oneway horse riding is available on your way up to midpoint (Taktsang View Point Cafeteria) for about $20 per horse. Horse riding is not recommended on your way down as the trail is steep giving way to accidents quite often.
After lunch at the Taktsang Cafeteria, descend back to the base and drive to Paro town where you will spend some leisurely afternoon.
Later in the evening, visit a beautiful farmhouse for authentic home-cooked local cuisine. You can participate in preparing some of the popular local dishes. If interested in a relaxing home spa, you can soak in a traditional hot stone bath believed to have therapeutic, revitalizing benefits for an additional fee of about $15 per person, as charged by the owner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight at Khangkhu Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort
After breakfast, depending on your flight departure time you'll be transferred to Paro International Airport for your onward journey.
Meals: Breakfast
End point
Paro, Bhutan
UPDATED 5TH MARCH 2024
The visa fee of US$40 per person is non-refundable once the visa application is submitted. Below is the new policy:
Tour once booked can be postponed to any future date. You just have to let us know at least a month before the departure date.
The visa fee of US$40 per person is non-refundable once the visa application is submitted.
Free cancellation for up to 30 days before the departure date except the visa fee in non-refundable.
20% will be charged if cancelled 29 days before the departure date.
30% will be charged if cancelled 15 days before the departure date.
50% will be charged if cancelled 7 days before the departure date.
No refund will be available if No Show or cancelled 2 days before the departure date because by then we would have made 100% payment to the hotels and other ground logistics.
Airlines have their own cancellation policies. Usually, the airlines will refund you 90% of the airfare if the cancellation notice is received more than 30 days before the date of departure.
If we have to cancel the tour due to travel restrictions imposed by the Royal Government of Bhutan preventing you from entering the country, 100% of the tour cost will be refunded or the trip can be postponed to any future date. In this case, you’ll also receive a full refund of your air ticket, or you can have your flight rescheduled.
UPDATED 1ST AUGUST 2022
UPDATED 10TH FEB 2022
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have revised our cancellation & refund
policy and made it flexible as below:
1. Tour once booked can be postponed to any future date. You just have to
let us know at least a month before the departure date.
2. Free cancellation for up to 30 days before the departure date
3. 20% will be charged if cancelled 29 days before the departure date
4. 30% will be charged if cancelled 15 days before the departure date
5. 50% will be charged if cancelled 7 days before the departure date
6. No refund will be available if No Show or cancelled 2 days before the
departure date because by then we would have made 100% payment to
the hotels and other ground logistics.
7. Airlines have their own cancellation policies. Usually, the airlines will
refund you 90% of the airfare if the cancellation notice is received more
than 30 days before the date of departure.
8. If we have to cancel the tour due to travel restrictions imposed by the
Royal Government of Bhutan preventing you from entering the country,
100% of the tour cost will be refunded or the trip can be postponed to
any future date. In this case, you’ll also receive a full refund of your air
ticket or you can have your flight rescheduled.
PRIOR TO 10TH FEB 2022
Below is the schedule of cancellation fee:
The price includes standard twin sharing accommodation at 3-star hotels. Our partner hotels are handpicked based on the recommendations and good experiences from our past guests. You will be informed of where you will stay at each destination before your arrival.
While in Bhutan, you'll also have an option to stay at a village homestay/farmhouse at few destinations to get insight into the local culture and feast on delicious local cuisine and take part in preparing some of the popular dishes of Bhutan.
All ground transportations including airport transfers. We provide:
Luxury SUV for 1-2 person
Luxury Minivan for a group of 3-8 person
Luxury bus/coach for a group of 9 people and above
Our fleet of transport vehicles are highly maintained and chauffeured by specially licensed professionals to drive tourists.
Bhutan Visa Fee is included. Visa will be arranged for you. Nepal Visa is NOT INCLUDED.
Bottled mineral water in the car
Domestic flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu INCLUDED
International Flights NOT INCLUDED. We can help arrange your flights to/from Bhutan. The flight tends to get fully booked months ahead especially during the peak season. We highly recommend you to book flights a few months ahead of your departure date.
There are only two airlines operating in and out of Bhutan:
1. Drukair, the national flag carrier of Bhutan (www.drukair.com.bt) operates from/to these cities/International Airports: Bangkok, Bagdogra, Bodhgaya, Dhaka, Delhi, Guwahati, Kathmandu, Kolkata, Singapore.
2. Bhutan Airlines, a private airline introduced in 2011 (www.bhutanairlines.bt) operates from/to these cities/International Airport: Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata, Kathmandu.
You will have an opportunity to try our Bhutanese traditional archery and dart throwing.
A set of national costumes (Gho for men and Kira for women) will be provided. The costumes should be returned to the guide at the end of the tour.
BHUTAN Tourist SIM Card. You must let us know in advance if you need one. SIM cards in Bhutan will work only on unlocked GSM phones.
Nepal Visa is not included
Lunch & Dinner not included during Nepal tour
Entrance fees to parks, museums and other national monuments
Emergency evacuation including helicopter services
Alcoholic beverages, bar bills
Laundry services, telephone call charges
Premium accommodation in a 4-Star and above hotel
Cultural shows that require an advance arrangement
Tips to guides and drivers
Any other expense of personal nature
Nepal tours - Only Breakfast INCLUDED
Bhutan tours - All meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) INCLUDED. Breakfast & Dinner will be usually served at your hotel. Lunches will be served at local restaurants, farmhouses, homestays, while some can be arranged as a picnic.
All tours are accompanied by our experienced and licensed English-speaking guide (both cultural & trekking). Guides speaking other major languages can be arranged at an additional fee.
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