After recent events, Nepal is back to normal and ready to share its cultural and natural wonders with you.

8 days Nepal Bhutan Tour

Explore the wonders of Nepal and Bhutan in 8 days. You will visit Kathmandu’s UNESCO sites and hike to the Tiger’s Nest in Bhutan. Enjoy the rich cultures and beautiful landscapes of both countries. A perfect blend of adventure, history, and unforgettable moments in two Himalayan kingdoms is what this trip provides to travellers.

Duration

08 Days

Difficulty

Beginner

Requires no prior experience and fits for people with basic physical ability

Best Season

March- April- May- Aug- Sep- Oct- Nov.

Max. elevation

3,750 M./12,300 Ft. (Tiger Nest )

Trip Code

CT-10078

Destination

Multi Country Tour

Activity

CoreTreks Special

Start / End Point

Kathmandu / Kathmandu

Accommodation

Guest House | Hotel

Transportation

Private Vehicle | Domestic Flight

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
  • Sunrise at Sarangkot offers wide views of the surroundings
  • 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)

8 days Nepal Bhutan Tour Overview

Introducing the Nepal-Bhutan Tour from CoreTreks. The highlight and guided tour is exactly what the name suggests: a trip to some of the most demanded destinations in these two Himalayan kingdoms. The 8-day Nepal, Bhutan tour starts from Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, and continues till you explore Bhutan and its unique culture. Both countries are landlocked and blessed with the Himalayas, making them an ideal destination for trekking and sightseeing.

Bhutan is relatively closer to Nepal, so traveling to Bhutan will only consume a little of your time. We will prepare for the Bhutan tour upon landing at Paro International Airport. The tour will include two major cities in Bhutan, Thimpu and Paro. It is designed to explore Bhutan’s culture, art, handicrafts, and architectural styles, which somewhat resemble Nepal. One can feel that the country shares similarities when it comes to Buddhism.

Thimpu is the capital city of Bhutan. At the same time, 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 is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful destinations on earth to visit once in a lifetime. The country contains some of the most beautiful shrines in the world, reflecting peace and prosperity among the people. The trip to Bhutan also provides a glimpse of its exotic land of high mountains, lush green valleys, and fascinating springs.

After touring Bhutan, we will fly back to Kathmandu. We will visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, and Swayambhunath. After visiting these sacred sites in Nepal, you will understand the significance of Hinduism and Buddhism in Nepal. We will also drive to Nagarkot to relax for a day and watch the early sunrise. We will take a short excursion to Tilkot from Nagarkot.

Nepal is diverse in terms of culture and religion. You will feel a sense of harmony and spirituality. All the sites are situated inside the Valley and do not require long drives to reach, so we do not need more than a day to complete the capital city tour.

At a time, Bhutan had remained mysterious to the outside world for years, but it is now finally open to limited visitors. The country and Nepal have a long-standing friendship. As a touring company, we are excited to announce this and welcome you to experience Nepal and Bhutan simultaneously. Enjoy the best tour with CoreTreks, and feel free to contact us for any further inquiries regarding the cost or travel dates of the Nepal-Bhutan tour. We also offer tailored trips according to one's preferences.

Best Time for the Tour

Nepal and Bhutan are two countries that experience identical seasons as they have similar geography and topography. The best time to travel to both countries is during spring and autumn. Here are why these two seasons are the best:

Spring (March to May)

Spring is one of the best times for Bhutan and Nepal tours. The weather is pleasant with warm temperatures. The blooming rhododendrons and colorful Himalayan wildflowers bring the Himalayan trails to life. Likewise, the flora and fauna of both countries are active. Due to the colorful landscapes, it is a great time for sightseeing and touring.

There is minimal chance of rainfall in Nepal and Bhutan during springtime. The temperature of Nepal’s mountainous region is between 10 and 12 degrees Celsius, while the southern region is around 20 degrees Celsius.

Meanwhile, the temperature of Bhutan’s northern mountain region is 8 to 10 degrees Celsius, and the subtropical region is 20 to 21 degrees Celsius.

Autumn (September to November)

The autumn season brings clear skies and stable weather conditions in Nepal and Bhutan. There can be little rainfall at the beginning of the season, which will cease as the season progresses. You can witness the glorious snow-capped vistas. The landscapes are lush and vibrant, while the visibility is excellent.

The temperature in the southern region of Nepal is around 20 degrees Celsius, and in the northern Himalayan region, it ranges from 8 to 12 degrees Celsius. The biggest Nepalese festivals, Dashain and Tihar, also fall in autumn.

Meanwhile, the temperature in the northern part of Bhutan ranges from 4 to 12 degrees Celsius, and the southern region is around 22 degrees Celsius. Bhutan also celebrates autumn festivals (Tsechu) like Tamzhing Phala Choepa, Thangbi Mani, and Thimphu.

Why Choose CoreTreks?

CoreTreks is a government-registered tour operator in Nepal that offers numerous great tours and trek services. We specialize in creating unforgettable memories and enriching experiences. But there are other reasons why you should choose CoreTreks for your trip to Nepal and Bhutan. Here are a few more reasons why you should travel with us:

  • Experience and expertise: We have over 15 years of experience operating tours and travels in Nepal. Our guides have knowledge and expertise about the various regions of the country and their unique culture, history, and traditions.
  • Safety and reliability: CoreTreks guarantees reliable tour services and ensures client safety. We strictly abide by Nepal's tourism laws and guarantee our clients 100% satisfaction.
  • Customizable itinerary: You can easily customize the trek packages to meet your budget, time constraints, and preferences. We will work closely with you to create the perfect plan that suits you.
  • Lifetime deposit: With CoreTreks, you will have a lifetime deposit even after the trip is canceled. You will lose no money and can use the same scheme for the same or another trip.
  • High-quality and comfortable accommodation: During the trek and tour, we will provide high-quality, safe, hygienic accommodation facilities.
  • Sustainable Tourism: We follow the sustainable development policy and practice responsible tourism. CoreTreks strives to preserve natural beauty and culture while contributing to the well-being of local communities.

Accommodation

CoreTreks will arrange your accommodation in three-star hotels in Nepal and Bhutan. You will stay in the standard twin-sharing rooms with Western-style attached bathrooms. If you prefer to stay in a single room, please let us know during the booking period. We will make arrangements accordingly.

The government of Bhutan approves and classifies the hotels in their country as grades A, B, and C. We will arrange your stay in government-approved hotels with grades equivalent to those of a 3-star hotel.

Meals in Nepal and Bhutan

Our CoreTreks’ 8-day Nepal Bhutan Tour includes daily breakfast in Kathmandu. There are many restaurants, including international ones, around the city where you can try local or Western cuisine. You must try the staple Nepali dish, Dal Bhat. Similarly, you can taste numerous other regional delicacies. At the end of the trek, we will host a farewell dinner at a Nepali restaurant with cultural programs.

dal bhat tarkari
Dal Bhat Tarkari

Meanwhile, we provide lunch and dinner in local restaurants and hotels in Bhutan. You will get to taste a variety of Bhutanese, Chinese, Tibetan, and other continental cuisines. Food in Bhutan is spicy. Bhutanese locals eat a lot of spicy food, including meat, mushrooms, and cheese. In Bhutan, you must try their national dish, Ema Datsi, where “Ema” means “chili” and “Datsi” means “cheese.”

Permit and Documents

You will need a visa from the respective country to travel to Bhutan and Nepal. You can get the visa on arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Note that your passport must have at least six valid months before expiry. The cost will vary depending on the duration of your stay, which is USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days, and USD 125 for 90 days.

You can acquire a visa for Bhutan through a travel agency while booking your trip. The entry fee is USD 40. Additionally, the Sustainable Development Fee may cost around USD 200. You must research all the travel document requirements before travel day.

Travelers must pay for visas and travel documents themselves. CoreTreks’ 8-day Nepal and Bhutan Trip package includes entrance fees for museums, monuments, temples, monasteries, and historical sites.

Religion significances of Nepal and Bhutan

Nepal has harmonious landscapes of different religions and ethnic communities. Most citizens are Hindus (approximately 81% of the population), followed by Bhiddism, Islam, Kirati, Christianity, and other indigenous religions. Until 2008, the country was a Hindu Kingdom and later became secular. There are over 123 ethnic communities in Nepal, each with its unique traditions, language, and attires. It is among the most diverse country in the world.

Bhutan is a Buddhist country, and religion massively influences its culture and lifestyle. Most citizens wear their traditional attires, “Gho” and “Kira,” daily and speak in their native tongue, Dzongkha. Civil servants must wear the traditional attire compulsorily during working hours.

Citizens of both countries take their religion, culture, and tradition very seriously. Their society is still conservative. So, please respect their culture and religion and dress modestly while visiting religious sites.

8 Days Nepal Bhutan Tour Itinerary

Day 01

Arrival In Kathmandu

Highest Altitude

1,350 m

Welcome to Nepal! Our representative from CoreTreks will pick you up from the airport and take you to your hotel. The hotels are three-star or as per your preference. We will have a brief session about our tour and a little bit of sightseeing or shopping around the streets of Thamel. Then, you can retire for the day or explore as you please.

Hotel

Day 02

Kathmandu To Paro Flight & Drive To Thimphu

Flight Hours

1 hour 20 min

Drive Hours

1 ½ hrs

Highest Altitude

2,334 m

You will take an early flight to Bhutan. Upon landing at Paro Airport, one of our representatives will pick you up from the airport and drive you down towards the town. After reaching the city, we will explore some Bhutanese farmhouses, Kyichu Temple, and Rinpung Dzong. We will also stroll around some of the handicraft stores.

Then, we will take an hour and a half drive towards Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. Along the way, we will see some stunning landscapes and scenery. We will stay overnight in Thimphu.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Hotel

Day 03

Sightseeing In Thimphu And Drive To Punakha

Drive Hours

2 ½ hrs

Highest Altitude

2,334 m

After having our breakfast, we will visit the following sites in Thimpu:

  1. Bhutan Postal Museum: The Bhutan Postal Museum consists of all the achievements and evolutions that Bhutan has made in the communication and postal sector. Here, you can print postage stamps with the photo of your choice and send it to your loved ones.
  2. National Textile Museum: The National Textile Museum preserves a collection of ancient colored textiles and the traditional art of waving. Locals exquisitely wave the exhibits.
  3. Traditional Arts and Crafts Painting School: At the Traditional Arts and Crafts Painting School, students are taught to paint for six years on 13 different traditional arts and crafts.
  4. Folk Heritage Museum: The Folk Heritage Museum preserves the primitive living philosophy of the modern Bhutanese people and features an architectural style from the 19th century.

To end the day, we will visit Tango Monastery, a religious site in Thimpu, home of highly revered Buddhist monks who brought the Drukpa Kagyupa School of Buddhism to Bhutan. The monastery is situated so one can enjoy a spectacular scenic view. Then, we will drive to Punakha, where we will stay overnight.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Hotel

Day 04

Punakha Sightseeing And Drive To Paro

Drive Hours

3½ hrs

Highest Altitude

2,200 m

Today, after breakfast, we will explore Punakha. It is one of the most beautiful destinations in Bhutan and was once the capital city. We will visit Devine Madman’s Monastery—Chhimi Lhakhang. It has been regarded as a fertility shrine for a long time, and one can receive efficacious fertility blessings there.

Then, we will visit Wangdue, which shares its name with Punakha Dzong, an island of Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River), to appreciate the highest state of wood crafts. Furthermore, we will drive to the upper Punakha valley for an hour’s hike to the beautiful Bhutan characteristic Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Lhakhang (Temple) built by Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck (The Queen Mother of Bhutan for peace and stability. After the tour, we will drive to Paro. Our overnight stay will be at a hotel in Paro.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Hotel

Day 05

Hike To Taktsang Ghoempa (The Tiger’s Nest Monastery)

Trek Distance

4-5 km

Trek Duration

5 hours

Drive Hours

1 hour

Highest Altitude

3,750 m

Today, we will start our day early and prepare for the hike to Taktsang Goempa. The climb up to the viewpoint gives amazing views. It clings to the side of a sheer vertical cliff. After a short refreshment rest at the viewpoint at 3,140m, we will continue to ascend higher to the monastery, also known as The Tiger’s Nest Monastery.

The monastery gives great views of the area below. The monastic complex’s principal Lhakhang (monastery) was originally built in 1692. After a fire severely damaged the monastery in 1998, it has since been renovated. For the final tour, we will visit the Paro Valley farmhouse and experience the farmer’s lifestyle in Bhutan. Our overnight stay will be at a hotel in Paro.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Hotel

Day 06

Paro To Kathmandu and UNESCO Heritage Places Sightseeing In Kathmandu & Bhaktapur, Overnight Stay In Nagarkot

Trek Duration

5 hours

Flight Hours

1 hour 20 min

Drive Hours

3-4 hours total

Highest Altitude

2,175 m

The Bhutan tour ends here, and we will catch an early flight from Paro to Kathmandu. Then, we prepare for another tour in Nepal, the Kathmandu and Bhaktapur sightseeing tours. These tours offer insights and knowledge about the rich culture of Nepal.

Upon reaching the capital, we will drive to the famous Pashupatinath temple, 3km northwest of the city. The temple is one of the valley’s eight UNESCO Cultural Heritage Sites. It reflects the Hindu religion’s cultural, religious, and spiritual beliefs. People from all over the world come to get blessings from Pashupatinath.

After a successful visit to Pashupatinath, we head towards Boudhanth Stupa on the east. Rich in Buddhist symbolism, the stupa is considered the largest in Nepal. It is a crucial pilgrimage site for Tibetan Buddhists and locals.

Then, we will drive towards one of Nepal’s oldest cities, Bhaktapur. The city still conserves the ancient Newar community’s art and culture. We will visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square and gain insight into the city’s history and culture. It is also inspiring to see the city’s historical architecture. These ancient arts influence the modern art and architecture of Nepal.

After the trip, we will drive to Nagarkot for an overnight stay, where the calm atmosphere is perfect for relaxing.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Hotel

Day 07

Hike To Tilkot & Drive To Kathmandu, Sightseeing In Kathmandu

Trek Distance

4 Km

Drive Hours

1 hour

Highest Altitude

1,350 m

Our day begins early as we wake up to witness our hotel’s sunrise view. After breakfast, we will take a short hike to Tilkot. Then, we will drive back to the capital city.

We will visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, an old royal palace. The palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It shows the architectural skills of Newari artists from centuries ago.

For our final part of the tour, we will head towards Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple’s history dates 200 years back and is religiously significant to Hindus and Buddhists. Its complex holds various temples and shrines.

Since this is the last day of touring, we will host a delightful farewell dinner. The dinner will include delicious Nepali cuisine, followed by traditional performances in the evening.

Breakfast, Lunch & Farewell Dinner

Hotel

Day 08

Departure

Highest Altitude

1,350 m

The Nepal Bhutan 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 departs. Since it might take some time for you to board a plane, we will ensure enough time for all the procedures at the airport.

Not satisfied with this itinerary?

CoreTreks offers a customized itinerary option that allows you to personalize your trek according to your preferences and requirements.

Altitude Chart

Altitude in:

Trip Includes

In Bhutan

  • Accommodation under 3-star twin sharing with breakfast.
  • Lunch and Dinner in local restaurants and hotels.
  • Experienced English Speaking Tour Guide licensed by the Tourism Council of Bhutan.
  • As per the itinerary, private transport within Bhutan (Toyota coach / Tucson / Santafe / Land cruiser / Prado).
  • Museum & Monuments entrance fee.
  • Bottled water during the tour.
  • Government Royalty
  • Personal Care and Attention.

In Nepal

 

  • Airport transport Pickup & Drop.
  • Standard twin-sharing accommodation in a three-star hotel in Kathmandu, breakfast included. (5 Nights).
  • Standard twin-sharing accommodation in a three-star hotel in Pokhara, breakfast included. (1 Night).
  • All entrance fees as itinerary, Temple, Monasteries & Historical sites.
  • All ground transportation is by private tourist vehicle with an experienced driver.
  • Kathmandu – Pokhara – Kathmandu by domestic airplane tickets.
  • Daily breakfast  & farewell dinner at 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 tickets (flight fare) are 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 circumstances.

8 days Nepal Bhutan Tour Additional Information

Nepal And Bhutan Tour Plan

If you want to visit Nepal or travel to Bhutan, this is a wonderful tour package. The tour allows you to explore some of the best places in the kingdoms of Nepal and Bhutan. You will take a memorable sightseeing tour while immersing yourself in their unique culture. During the tour, you will witness the rich heritage, religious sites, and stunning landscapes.

The tour begins with your arrival in Kathmandu. Then, you will fly from Nepal to Bhutan and land at the Paro International Airport. We will take sightseeing tours in Bhutan’s famous cities, such as Thimpu, Wangdue, and Punakha. We will also hike to the famous Taktsang Ghoempa.

While in Nepal, we will take a sightseeing tour of UNESCO World Heritage Sites around the capital. It allows the perfect opportunity to explore Nepal. These two ancient cities have historical, cultural, and religious significance. We will also stay at Nagarkot and enjoy a gorgeous sunrise view. The tour also includes a short hike to Tilkot.

Weather

Nepal and Bhutan have similar geography and topography. Hence, both countries’ weather and climatic conditions are identical except for the southern part of Nepal. The seasons influence the weather in both countries. Each country experiences four distinct seasons, i.e., spring, summer, autumn, and winter. As you move to the higher altitude regions, the weather changes rapidly despite the season.

The average temperature in Nepal and Bhutan in different seasons are as follows:

Seasons Average Temperature in Nepal Average Temperature in Bhutan
Spring (March to May) 8 – 29°C (46 -84°F) 4- 23°C (39-84°F)
Summer (June to August) 17 – 29°C (62-84°F) 15-25°C (59-77°F)
Autumn (September to November) 7 – 19°C (44-66F) 5-23°C (41-73°F)
Winter (December to February) 2 – 11°C (35-51°F) 3-15°C (37-59°F)

Health And Safety

Our clients’ health and safety are our number one priority. Hence, we will arrange high-quality accommodation and meals during the tour. All your accommodations will be in 3-star hotels with clean beds and bathrooms.

The package includes only daily breakfast in Nepal. Meanwhile, the package includes lunch and dinner in Bhutan at the local restaurants and hotels. The meals will be hygienic and fresh. Our guides are trained professionals who will take your care and attention. If you fall sick, they will have the decision-making power to ensure your safety.

Transportation

Our 8-day Nepal—Bhutan Tour package covers all ground transportation by private vehicle in both countries. While in Nepal, we will arrange private vehicles with experienced drivers for airport transfers and sightseeing tours. The vehicle can be a small minivan or a tourist bus, depending on the group size.

Similarly, you will also travel by private vehicle within Bhutan. CoreTreks will arrange your vehicle (Toyota coach/ Tucson/ Santafe/ Land Cruiser/ Prado) according to your itinerary.

Arrangements Of Tour Guides

You can hire a local guide or roam around yourself in Kathmandu. The guides help to make your tour experience more enriching and efficient. They have local expertise and will provide valuable insights into the place’s historical, cultural, and religious significance. Likewise, they will get you the necessary entry permits for visiting sites and museums. Guides also help you to bridge the gap between you and the locals. They will also answer any queries you have.

However, you can only take a guided tour in Bhutan. A guide must accompany you from entering Bhutan until you depart. Hence, the tour leader in traditional Bhutanese attire will guide you throughout the tour period.  The guide must have a proper license from the Tourism Council of Bhutan and speak fluent English.

Money Exchange

Nepal’s official currency is the Nepalese rupee (NPR), and Bhutan’s is Ngultrum Bhutan (NU). The tour requires you to carry local currency for personal expenses. You can exchange the currency at International airports, local banks, and exchange centers.

ATM facilities are also easily available in major cities of both countries. You can use valid credit cards such as Visa, Union Pay, and Master cards to withdraw money in local currency. However, small cities may not have proper ATM facilities. Hotels, restaurants, and shops charge a surcharge of up to 4% when you pay by a credit card.

In larger cities, the local banks in Nepal operate from Sunday to Friday from 10 AM to 3 PM. Saturday is a public holiday, but some banks temporarily open their counters for deposits. Banks in Bhutan operate from Monday to Friday from 10 AM to 3 PM, but they have evening counters until 6-7 PM.

Group/Single

We can arrange a group or single Nepal and Bhutan Tour. Group tours cost less, and you are also eligible for group discounts. We also do small group tours, but the larger the group, the more discounts you qualify for. We provide licensed and experienced tour guides and drivers for a fantastic tour program.

Bhutanese And Nepalese Outdoor Activities

Nepal has some of the best trekking destinations in the world, including the Everest Base Camp Trek, which takes you close to the roof of the world, Mount Everest. You can take a peaceful trip into the Himalayan kingdoms of Nepal and see some of the world’s highest mountains. You can take sightseeing tours in historic cities, a safari tour to Chitwan National Park, visit the birthplace of Lord Buddha in Lumbini, and more. For thrill-seekers, they can participate in paragliding, rafting, bungee jumping, mountain bike tours, and more.

Bhutan is also famous for its trekking and sightseeing tours. Similarly, you can take tours to Paro Valley, Memorial Chorten, Phunesoling, Taktsang Ghoempa, Tashichho Dzong, Taktsang Monastery, and more. You can participate in archery, a popular sport in Bhutan, and get first-hand experience. The other outdoor activities include mountain biking, rafting, and cultural and festive tours.

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Plan your private Trip

If these dates do not suit your plans, please contact us to request alternative dates. We are more than happy to customise the itinerary and schedule to better fit your needs.

There is no additional cost on the private trip. Group discount will be applied on checkout.

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