Embark on an unforgettable Nepal and Bhutan tour that combines cultural exploration, stunning landscapes, and Himalayan adventures. Your journey begins with a blissful flight offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas, an experience of awe and wonder as you soar above some of the world’s highest peaks.
In Nepal, start with a visit to Patan Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its artistic and architectural brilliance. Patan, with a history dating back to the 4th century BC, features four stupas at its corners believed to have been built by Emperor Ashoka. The palace square is a showcase of medieval Hindu and Buddhist architecture, comprising three main courtyards – Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk, and Keshav Narayan. Sundari Chowk is home to the exquisite Royal Bath (Tushahity), a masterpiece of stone architecture. Other highlights include the Golden Temple (Hiranya Varna Maha Vihar), Patan Museum, Krishna Temple, and Mahaboudha (Temple of a Thousand Buddhas).
After exploring Nepal, continue your journey to Bhutan, the Dragon Kingdom, a land of rich cultural diversity, vibrant traditions, and stunning landscapes. Bhutan, with a population of just over half a million, is home to 19 different dialects and several major languages, yet remains harmonized by the shared values of Buddhism.
On this cultural tour, you will explore Bhutan’s major destinations, including Thimphu Valley (the capital), Punakha, and Paro. Each town features a historic dzong (fortress) dating back to the 1600s, along with old temples and monasteries. The Punakha Tshechu festival is a cultural highlight, offering a rare glimpse into Bhutanese traditions, religious rituals, and vibrant celebrations.
Return to Nepal to visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square, an open-air museum showcasing the medieval arts and architecture of the Kathmandu Valley. The square is adorned with multi-tiered pagoda-style temples, stone monuments, and intricate carvings, providing a fascinating insight into the region’s Newar culture and heritage.
This Nepal and Bhutan tour is perfect for travelers seeking cultural immersion, historical exploration, and breathtaking Himalayan scenery in one unforgettable journey.
Outline Itinerary
Price Details.
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Detail Itinerary.
Upon arrival at the airport you will be welcomed by our office representative who will then transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu.
Rest of the day at leisure
Morning: Mountain Flight by Fixed-Wing Aircraft (45 minutes)
Begin your day early with a mountain flight from Kathmandu, offering a breathtaking aerial view of the majestic Himalayas. This flight provides a rare opportunity to experience the towering peaks of the world from a bird’s-eye perspective.
Highlights of the flight include stunning views of:
Langtang Range
Mount Zishapangma (8,013 m), Dorje Lhakpa (6,966 m), Gaurishankar (7,134 m), Melungtse (7,623 m)
Eight-thousanders: Mount Cho Oyu (8,201 m), Mount Pumori (7,161 m), Mount Everest (8,848 m)
Additional peaks on the return flight: Mount Nuptse (7,861 m), Mount Lhotse (8,516 m), Mount Ama Dablam (6,812 m)
The scenic flight departs early from Tribhuvan International Airport to capture the best morning light. Passengers are guaranteed a window seat, with pilot narration highlighting the peaks, glaciers, and Himalayan villages. After the flight, receive a special certificate from the airline commemorating your Everest flight experience.
Optional: Upgrade to a 3-hour helicopter tour for a closer encounter with Mount Everest and surrounding peaks. This tour includes an aerial view of Sherpa villages, gompas (monasteries), emerald lakes, glaciers, and iconic mountains such as Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kantega, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Kala Patthar (5,545 m). During climbing season, you may spot expedition camps set up on Everest’s slopes.
Mid-Morning: Breakfast at the Hotel
Late Morning – Afternoon: Half-Day Sightseeing of Patan Durbar Square
Explore Patan Durbar Square, also known as Lalitpur, one of the oldest and most culturally rich cities in the Kathmandu Valley. The square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of Newari architecture, showcasing centuries of artistry and craftsmanship.
Highlights of Patan Durbar Square include:
Three main courtyards: Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk, and Keshav Narayan Chowk
Temples and monuments: Krishna Temple, Bhimsen Temple, and the Golden Temple (Hiranya Varna Mahavihar)
Patan Museum: Home to bronze statues and religious artifacts dating back to the 11th century
The square is filled with pagoda-style temples, stone baths, Hindu and Buddhist statues, and intricate bronze carvings, offering a vivid glimpse into Nepal’s medieval culture and heritage. The surrounding Patan marketplace adds to the experience with local shops and traditional crafts.
Rest of the day at leisure to relax, explore Kathmandu at your own pace, or enjoy optional activities.
Your flight to Bhutan offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks, soaring above snow-capped mountains and verdant valleys. The journey concludes at Paro Airport, famously perched at an altitude of 2,200 meters (7,217 ft.), often referred to as the Dragon Kingdom’s cloud-scraping airstrip. The flight duration from Kathmandu to Paro is approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Upon arrival, your Bhutanese escort will warmly greet you and drive you through the scenic Paro Valley to your hotel. After settling in and enjoying refreshments, take a leisurely stroll around the charming town of Paro, exploring its quaint streets, local shops, and vibrant culture.
Paro offers a serene introduction to Bhutan, blending traditional architecture, lush landscapes, and a calm Himalayan ambiance that sets the tone for your cultural journey in the Dragon Kingdom.
Morning: Drukgyel Dzong & Ta Dzong National Museum
Begin your day with a visit to Drukgyel Dzong, located about 14 km from Paro (approximately 45 minutes drive). The name ‘Drukgyel’ combines “Druk” (Bhutan) and “Gyel” (Victory), commemorating Bhutanese forces who successfully repelled Tibetan invaders in 1644. From the Dzong’s ramparts, enjoy awe-inspiring views of Chomolhari (24,000 ft.), the sacred “Mountain of the Goddess,” on a clear day.
After returning to Paro for lunch, head to Ta Dzong, the National Museum of Bhutan. Housed in a historic watchtower, the museum showcases a remarkable collection of ancient Thangkas, paintings, textiles, weapons, and artifacts, offering an in-depth look into Bhutanese culture and history. The drive to Ta Dzong takes about 1 hour.
Afternoon – Evening: Drive to Thimphu & Zimtokha Dzong
In the afternoon, embark on a scenic 2-hour drive (approximately 50 km) from Paro to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, situated at an altitude of 2,300 meters (7,500 ft.). Along the way, visit Zimtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress in Thimphu Valley. Built in 1627 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, Zimtokha Dzong once guarded the valley and now serves as a religious university.
This route through the Paro and Thimphu valleys offers stunning views of lush landscapes, traditional villages, and the serene Himalayan backdrop, making the journey as memorable as the sights themselves.
Spend a full day exploring Thimphu, Bhutan’s serene capital, and immerse yourself in its rich cultural, artistic, and spiritual heritage.
Morning: Cultural and Artistic Highlights
Begin with a visit to the National Library, home to a vast collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts that offer insight into Bhutan’s religious and literary history. Continue to the School of Thangka Painting, where you can observe the meticulous creation of these sacred Buddhist artworks, and then to the Traditional Medicine Institute, where centuries-old healing practices are still taught and applied.
Next, explore the Handicrafts Emporium, showcasing Bhutanese traditional crafts and textiles. Stroll through the nearby streets for a little shopping and cultural immersion, picking up souvenirs and handcrafted goods.
Afternoon: Memorial Chorten & Dechencholing
After lunch, visit the Memorial Chorten, built in honor of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, known as the Father of Modern Bhutan. The stupa is a symbol of peace and compassion and is an integral part of daily life for the local people, who gather here for prayers and rituals.
A short 15-minute drive takes you to Dechencholing Palace, where you can witness skilled gold and silver smiths at work, creating traditional jewelry and artifacts using age-old techniques.
Evening: Tashichhodzong
Conclude the day with a visit to Tashichhodzong, also known as the Fortress of the Glorious Reign. Built in 1641 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and reconstructed in 1961 under the guidance of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck using traditional construction methods without nails, plans, or paper, Tashichhodzong is a striking example of Bhutanese architecture and continues to serve as the seat of government and a religious center.
This day provides a deep dive into Bhutanese culture, art, spirituality, and craftsmanship, offering unforgettable insights into the country’s rich heritage.
Morning: Drive to Punakha & Punakha Dzong
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive from Thimphu to Punakha, approximately 73 km (2.5 hours) through lush valleys and picturesque landscapes.
Visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, a historical and spiritual landmark that serves as the winter residence of the religious head of Bhutan, Je Khenpo. Built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the Dzong is strategically located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (male) and Mo Chhu (female) rivers. Punakha Dzong has historically served as both a religious and administrative center and, despite suffering four major fires and an earthquake, it has been fully restored. Visitors can explore its grand courtyards, ornate halls, and rich Buddhist art, particularly during the Punakha Festival or when the monk body departs for Thimphu in the summer.
Afternoon: Drive to Paro via Dochula Pass
After exploring Punakha, continue your journey back to Paro via the Dochula Pass, situated at 3,200 meters (10,496 ft.). The pass offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Bhutanese Himalayas, with the snow-capped peaks of the eastern ranges visible on clear days. The drive from Punakha to Paro covers approximately 114 km and takes around 4 hours.
This route showcases Bhutan’s stunning mountain landscapes, dense forests, and traditional villages, making the drive a memorable part of your journey.
Upon arrival in Paro, check in at your hotel and relax for the evening.
Early morning after having breakfast at the Hotel, you will be driven to the airport to board the flight. Your escort will assist you with departure formalities and bid you farewell.
Upon arrival you will be driven to your respective hotel in Kathmandu.
Morning: Bhaktapur Durbar Square
After breakfast at the hotel, embark on a half-day sightseeing tour of Bhaktapur City from 09:30 to 12:30 HRZ.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square, one of the most charming architectural showpieces of the Kathmandu Valley, highlights the finest medieval arts and craftsmanship of Nepal. The square is a delightful mix of Pagoda and Shikhara-style temples grouped around the Fifty-Five Windowed Palace, built from brick and wood. Every corner of the square tells a story through stone monoliths, guardian deity statues, and intricately carved wooden struts, lintels, tympanums, gateways, and windows, creating a harmonious symphony of art and architecture.
Highlights of Bhaktapur Durbar Square:
Lion Gate and Golden Gate, the latter built by King Ranjit Malla as the entrance to the main courtyard of the Fifty-Five Windowed Palace
Statues of ancient kings perched atop stone monoliths
Traditional medieval industries: pottery, weaving, painting, carving, masonry, bronze casting, and jewellery
Bhaktapur continues to preserve its cultural heritage and architectural beauty, offering visitors a chance to experience ancient Hindu and Buddhist religious sites, palaces, and courtyards. The city is perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in the traditions and culture of the Newar people.
Afternoon: Rest of the day at leisure to explore Bhaktapur at your own pace or return to Kathmandu city.
Breakfast at the hotel in Kathmandu
Leisure till departure
Our representative will escort you to the International Airport for onward destination.