11 days Nepal, Bhutan Highlight Tour Overview
- Trip Code: CT-10078
- Package: 11 days Nepal, Bhutan Highlight Tour
- Duration: 11 Day(s)
- Max Alt.: 3,750 M./12,300 Ft. (Tiger Nest )
- Trip Level:
BeginnerRequires no prior experience and fits for people with basic physical ability
- Start At: Kathmandu
- Ends At: Kathmandu
- Transportation: Private Vehicle | Domestic Flight
- Accommodation: Hotels
- Best Season: March- April- May- Aug- Sep- Oct- Nov.
- Trip Route: Kathmandu, Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Paro, Tiger-nest, Kathmandu, Pokhara & Bhaktapur
Trip Highlights
- Sightseeing of UNESCO Cultural Heritage Sites in Kathmandu
- Delicious Nepali cuisine and local foods
- Panoramic view and sunrise at Sarangkot
- Exploration of beautiful Thimpu city
- Unique Bhutanese culture, art, handicraft, and architecture
- Historical museums in Thimpu and Punakha
- Hike to Taktsang Goempa (The Tiger’s Nest Monastery)
Introducing Nepal-Bhutan Highlight Tour from CoreTreks. The highlight tour is exactly what the name suggests, a trip to some of the most demanded destinations inside Nepal and Bhutan respectively. The 11-day tour starts from Kathmandu, Nepal and continues till you explore Bhutan and its unique culture. Both the countries are landlocked and blessed with the Himalayas, making them an ideal destination for trekking and sightseeing.
To start the tour, we will be visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu which includes Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, and Swayambhunath. After visiting these sites, you will have an overall understanding of Hinduism and Buddhism in Nepal and its significance. Nepal is diverse in terms of culture and religion. You will be able to get a feel of harmony regardless of which religion people follow in the country. All the sites are situated inside the Kathmandu valley and do not require long drives to reach, so we need not more than a day to complete touring Kathmandu.
Then we fly to Bhutan. The country is relatively closer to Nepal so traveling to Bhutan will not consume much time of yours. Upon landing at Paro International Airport, we will prepare for the Bhutan highlight tour. The tour will include two of the major cities in Bhutan which are Thimpu and Paro. It is designed for the exploration of Bhutan’s culture, art, handicraft, and architectural styles which somewhat resembles Nepal. One can feel that the country shares similarities when it comes to Buddhism.
Thimpu is the capital city of Bhutan with the only international airport while Paro is a historic town within the city that carries many sacred sites and buildings scattered throughout the whole town. Bhutan is rich in Buddhist culture and of course, undoubtedly one the most beautiful destination on earth to visit once in a lifetime. The country contains beautiful Buddhist shrines reflecting peace and prosperity among the people, exotic land of high mountains, green lush valleys, and fascinating springs.
While the country has remained mysterious to the outer world for years, it is now finally open but for limited visitors. We as a touring company, are more than excited to announce you this and welcome you to experience Nepal & Bhutan all at once. Enjoy your tour with CoreTreks, and feel free to hit us up for any further inquiries regarding the cost of Nepal Bhutan Highlight tour. We also offer tailored trips if according to one's preferences.
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Altitude |
|---|---|---|
| Day 01 | Arrival in Kathmandu | 1,350m/ 4,428 ft. (Kathmandu) |
| Day 2 | Sightseeing in Kathmandu (Kathmandu Durbar square, Pashupatinath, Boudhanath) | 1,350m/ 4,428 ft. (Kathmandu) |
| Day 03 | Departure Paro & Drive to Thimphu | 2,200m/7,216 ft. (Paro)/ 2,334m/7,655 ft. (Thimpu) |
| Day 04 | Thimphu Tour (2,334m) and Drive to Punakha (1,242m) | 1,243 m./ 4,077 ft. (Punakha ) |
| Day 05 | Wangdue & Punakha Sightseeing and Drive to Paro | 2,200 m./ 7,216 ft. (paro) |
| Day 06 | Hike to Taktsang Ghoempa (The Tiger’s Nest Monastery | 3,750 m./12,300 ft. (Tiger Nest ) |
| Day 07 | Paro to Kathmandu | 1,350m/ 4,428 ft. (Kathmandu) |
| Day 08 | Flight to Pokhara from Kathmandu & Afternoon sightseeing around Pokhara. | 830m/ 2,722 ft (Pokhara) |
| Day 09 | Drive to Sarangkot and back to Hotel, after lunch back to Kathmandu by flight. | 1,350m/ 4,428 ft. (Kathmandu) |
| Day 10 | Sightseeing in Bhaktapur Durbar Square & Patan Durbar Square | 1,350m/ 4,428 ft. (Kathmandu) |
| Day 11 | Departure Day |
11 days Nepal, Bhutan Highlight Tour Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu
Our representative from CoreTreks will pick you up from the airport and take you to a hotel. The hotels are three-star or above based on your preference. We will have a brief session about our trek and a little bit of sightseeing or shopping around the streets of Thamel. The overnight stay will be at the hotel.
Sightseeing in Kathmandu (Kathmandu Durbar square, Pashupatinath, Boudhanath)
Early after breakfast, we head towards Kathmandu Durbar Square, an old royal palace of former Kathmandu Kingdom. The palace is listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites as the square is surrounded with spectacular architecture and showcases the skills of Newari artists and craftsmen from centuries ago.
Then we drive to the famous Pashupatinath temple. Located at 3km northwest of Kathmandu, Pashupatinath is one of the eight UNESCO Cultural Heritage Sites of Kathmandu Valley. The temple reflects cultural, religious, and spiritual belief of the Hindu religion. People from all over the world come to get blessings from Pashupatinath.
After successful visit to Pashupatinath, we head towards Boudhanth Stupa. Rich in Buddhist symbolism, the stupa is considered the largest stupa in Nepal. It is located on the eastern side of Kathmandu. The place is an important pilgrimage for Tibetan Buddhists as well as local people. Then we head back to hotel to spend the night after such a long and tiring day.
Departure Paro & Drive to Thimphu
Upon landing at Paro Airport, one of our representative will pick you from the airport and drive you down towards the town. After reaching the city, we will be exploring some of the Bhutanese farm houses, Kyichu Temple, Rinpung Dzong and stroll around some of the handicraft stores. Then we will be driving towards Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. The drive will be of approximately one and a half hours. On our way, we will be scope some of the beautiful landscape and scenery of Bhutan. Overnight stay at Thimphu.
Thimphu Tour (2,334m) and Drive to Punakha (1,242m)
After having our breakfast, we will visit the following sties in Thimpu:
- Bhutan Postal Museum: The Bhutan Postal Museum consists of all the achievements and evolutions that Bhutan has made in communication and postal sector. Here, you will be able to print postage stamps with the photo of your choice and send it to our loved ones.
- National Textile Museum: The National Textile Museum preserves a collection of ancient colored textile and traditional art of waving. The exhibits are exquisitely waved by locals.
- Traditional Arts and Crafts Painting School: The Traditional Arts and Crafts Painting School is where students are taught painting for six years on 13 different traditional arts and crafts.
- Folk Heritage Museum: The Folk Heritage Museum holds the primitive living philosophy which is preserved well by the modern Bhutanese people. The museum provides the architectural style from 19th century.
To end the day, we will visit Tango Monastery, a religious site in Thimpu which is the home of highly revered Buddhist monks who brought the Drukpa Kagyupa School of Buddhism to Bhutan. The monastery is situated as such one can enjoy a spectacular view from it. Once we are done exploring the monastery, we will drive to Punakha. Our overnight stay will be at a hotel in Punakha.
Wangdue & Punakha Sightseeing and Drive to Paro
Today, after breakfast, we will be exploring Punakha. The place is regarded as one of the most beautiful destination in Bhutan which had also been the capital of Bhutan once. We will be visiting to Devine Madman’s Monastery – Chhimi Lhakhang. The monastery has been regarded as the fertility shrine from a long time and one can receive efficacious fertility blessings there.
Then visit to Wangdue which shares its name with Punakha Dzong, an island of Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River) in order to appreciate the highest state of wood crafts. Furthermore, we will drive to upper Punakha valley, for an hour hike to beautiful Bhutan characteristic Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Lhakhang (Temple) built by Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck (The Queen Mother of Bhutan for peace and stability. After touring the temple we will drive to Paro. Our overnight stay will be at a hotel in Paro.
Hike to Taktsang Ghoempa (The Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Today we start early. After having our breakfast, we will prepare for the hike to Taktsang Goempa. The climb up to the viewpoint serves a stunning view of the monastery clinging to the side of the sheer vertical cliff. After a short refreshment rest at the view point at 3,140m, we continue to ascend higher to Taktsang Goempa also known as The Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
The monastery offers an amazing overlook of the sceneries underneath. The principal Lhakhang (monastery) of the monastic complex was built on 1692 originally. Taktsang has been renovated completely after it was damaged severely by fire in 1998. To end the day, we will then visit a farm house in Paro valley in order to experience the farmer’s lifestyle in Bhutan. Our overnight stay will be at a hotel in Paro.
Paro to Kathmandu
On this day after breakfast, we will catch a flight from Paro to Kathmandu. The Bhutan tour ends and we get ready for another tour in Nepal that includes Pokhara, Sarangkot, Bhaktapur Durbar Square and more. Upon landing Kathmandu, we will drive to a hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel in Kathmandu.
Flight to Pokhara from Kathmandu & Afternoon sightseeing around Pokhara.
Today we start early since we have to catch a flight to Pokhara. After having our breakfast we drive to Tribhuvan International Airport. The short flight to Pokhara will take about 25 minutes. Upon landing, we will prepare for the tour.
Pokhara contains numerous tourism destination which are widely famous among the locals. Devis Fall, Gupteshwor, Bat Cave, Bindabashini Temple, World Peace Stupa and Tibetan Refugee Camp are some of the major destination whithin Pokhara that we will be exploring on this day. Our overnight stay will be at the hotel.
Drive to Sarangkot and back to Hotel, after lunch back to Kathmandu by flight.
Early morning drive to Sarangkot from the hotel in order to see the sunrise. The driving is approximately 45 minutes to reach Sarangkot. After enjoying our morning with beautiful panoramic view of the mountains we get to our bus back to Kathmandu. Our overnight stay will be at Kathmandu.
Sightseeing in Bhaktapur Durbar Square & Patan Durbar Square
On this day we will drive towards Bhaktapur which is considered to be one the oldest religious destination that conserves the art and culture of Newar community in Nepal. We will visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square, explore some of the finest architectures. As the city carries historical significane, it is considered to be an inspiration for modern arts and achitechture.
Then we drive for around an hour to Patan Durbar Square. The square is situated at the center of the city of Lalitpur. The palace is an attraction to many due to the fact that royal Malla Kings used to reside there. Besides that, the square is also a marvel of Newar architecture. Krishna Mandir, Bhimsen Temple, Bhimsen Temple, etcetera are some of the temples that we will be visiting.
Since this is the last day of touring, we will be hosting a delightful farewell dinner. The dinner will include delicious Nepali cuisine followed by calming melodies during the night.
Departure Day
The Nepal Bhutan Highlight Tour has finally come to an end. After bidding our goodbyes a representative from CoreTreks will transport you to Tribhuvan International Airport around 3 hours before your flight departure. Since, it might take some time for you to board a plane, we make sure that there is enough time for all the procedures at the airport.
11 days Nepal, Bhutan Highlight Tour Cost Mentions
Trip Includes
In Bhutan
- Accommodation under twin sharing with breakfast.
- Lunch and Dinner in local restaurants and hotels.
- Experienced English Speaking Tour Guide licensed by Tourism Council of Bhutan.
- Private transport within Bhutan (Toyota coach / Tucson / Santafe / Land cruiser / Prado) as per itinerary.
- Museum & Monuments entrance fee.
- Bottled water during the tour.
- Government Royalty
- Personal Care and Attention.
In Nepal
- Airport transport Pick up & Drop.
- Standard twin- sharing accommodation in a three starts hotel in Kathmandu, breakfast included. (5 Nights).
- Standard twin- sharing accommodation in a three starts hotel in Pokhara, breakfast included. (1 Night).
- All entrance fee as itinerary, Temple, Monasteries & Historical sites.
- All Ground Transportation by Private Tourist Vehicle with experienced a driver.
- Kathmandu – Pokhara – Kathmandu by domestic airplane tickets.
- Daily breakfast & farewell dinner a typical Nepali restaurant with cultural dance.
- Bottled water during the tour.
- Government Royalty
- Personal Care and Attention.
- Seasonable fruits.
Trip Excludes
- Visa Fee of US$40 per person (Bhutan) & US$ 30 per person (Nepal)
- Air ticket (flight fare) both International. & Kathmandu- Paro – Kathmandu air tickets.
- Travel Insurance.
- Gratuities, bar bills, telephone bills, personal expenses, and laundry.
- Any additional cost due to natural calamities and unforeseen circumstance.
Additional Information
Equipment And Gears
To prepare for your trek in Nepal, it's essential to consider both the specific route and the time of year. Here is a Nepal trekking packing list to help you pack wisely. Here’s our Nepal Trekking packing list.
11 days Nepal, Bhutan Highlight Tour Reviews
Almost Perfect
From: Poland | On: 01 Jan, 1970
I and my friends had been planning this trip for a month now and I’m glad that I got a chance to experience to scope the Himalayas with my bare eyes.
Even though the trek was very difficult, the humorous stories of our guide Narendra Bhatta kept our mind busy and had a really enjoyable time.
