Short Nepal Bhutan Trip is not just a tour, it's a journey of discovery. You'll delve into the rich history, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, and marvel at the unique art and architecture of these two Himalayan nations. The itinerary, meticulously crafted and tested, ensures a seamless and unforgettable experience.
Short Nepal Bhutan Tour
Short Nepal Bhutan Tour Overview
As the package's name suggests, the short Nepal Bhutan Tour is an 8-day program that lets you explore Kathmandu, Nepal's capital, and Paro and Thimphu, Bhutan's capital. During the short Nepal-Bhutan Holidays, our dedicated Nepal team and Bhutan representatives will be with you every step of the way. Your safety and comfort are our top priorities, so you can relax and enjoy the Tour with peace of mind.
If you're looking for a more extended adventure, we also offer a 13-day Nepal Bhutan tour and a 19-day Nepal Tibet Bhutan Tour.
But remember, this is your journey. You have the power to custom-design the Short Nepal-Bhutan Tour itinerary with us, tailoring it to your preferences and interests. For more information, kindly contact us.The 8-day Short Nepal Bhutan tour begins upon your arrival in Kathmandu, Nepal. The following day, you will visit the city's historical monuments. Throughout the Tour, we will be traveling by private tourist vehicle.
One of our amiable and professional tour guides will take you on a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu. You will visit Boudhanth Stupa, Swayambhunath Temple, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. On the third day of the short Nepal-Bhutan tour, we will fly to Paro. We will drive to Thimphu on the same day and visit Ta Dzong Museum, Rimpong Dzong, and Pachu River.
The following day, we have a full-day tour in Thimphu. We will explore tourist sites like the National Memorial Chorten, Changangkha Temple, Drubthob Monastery, School of Arts and Crafts, National Library, Traditional Paper Factory, Folk Heritage Museum, and Thimphu Market.
Day 5 is our last full day in Paro. Before we drive back, we will visit the famous Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger's Nest Monastery. Later, we will visit the ruins of the 17th-century Drukgyel Dzong, from which we may see the stunning view of Mount Jomolhari (7,314 m). We will then drive back to Paro, stopping at Kyichu Lhakhang Gompa. On the sixth and seventh days of the short Nepal-Bhutan tour, we will spend time in Kathmandu. Before returning to Kathmandu, we will spend a night in Nagarkot and explore the Bhaktapur Durbar Square.
Short Nepal Bhutan Tour Highlights
- Explore two beautiful Himalayan nations- Nepal and Bhutan during this Tour
- It is a perfect short tour for families and people of all ages
- Explore the capital of Nepal, Kathmandu, and Paro and Thimphu in Bhutan
- Learn about both countries' history, culture, art, and architecture.
- Go on guided sightseeing in Kathmandu and visit Boudhanth Stupa, Swayambhunath Temple, Kathmandu Durbar Square, and Bhaktapur Durbar Square.
- Have a peaceful time in Nagarkot in Kathmandu
- Enjoy a fantastic flight from Kathmandu to Paro, Bhutan
- Visit tourist sites like Ta Dzong Museum, Rimpong Dzong, and Pachu River on the way to Thimphu
- Explore the National Memorial Chorten, Changangkha Temple, Drubthob Monastery, School of Arts and Crafts, National Library, Traditional Paper Factory, Folk Heritage Museum, and Thimphu Market in Thimphu
- Visit the famous Taktsang Monastery, Tiger's Nest Monastery, Drukgyel Dzong, and Kyichu Lhakhang Gompa
The Attractions of 8 Days Short Nepal Bhutan Tour
The Kathmandu, Nepal
Boudhanath Stupa
- One of the largest stupas in the world, located in Kathmandu
- It is considered a significant site for Buddhists
- Many prayer flags and prayer wheels are around the stupa
- A popular destination for both locals and tourists
- Visitors can observe the daily rituals and ceremonies performed by Buddhist monks and nuns
Swayambhunath Temple
- A Buddhist temple located on a hilltop in Kathmandu
- It is also known as the Monkey Temple due to the large number of monkeys in the area
- Visitors can climb the stairs to the top of the temple and enjoy the panoramic views of the city
- Many prayer flags, prayer wheels, and statues of Buddha are around the temple
Kathmandu Durbar Square
- Formerly the royal palace of the Malla and Shah kings of Nepal
- Many beautiful temples, palaces, and courtyards are in the square
- The Kumari House, where the living goddess Kumari resides, is also located in the square
- A popular destination for both locals and tourists
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
- Formerly the royal palace of the Malla kings of Bhaktapur
- Famous for 55 Window Palace, Golden Gate, Nyatapola Temple, Bhairavnath Temple, and the National Art Gallery
- The Nyatapola Temple, one of the tallest temples in Nepal, is located in the square
- Bustling local market around the monument
- Famous for pottery
Nagarkot:
Nagarkot is a small hill station about 32 kilometers east of Kathmandu, Nepal's capital city. The village sits at an elevation of 2,195 meters above sea level on the northeastern rim of the Kathmandu Valley. Nagarkot is famous for its stunning panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain range.
Lush green hills and forests surround Nagarkot, offering a peaceful and serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Visitors enjoy breathtaking sunrise and sunset views from the hilltop and the Himalayan mountains. On clear days, they can see the Annapurna mountain range in the west.
Bhutan- Paro and Thimphu
Ta Dzong Museum
Ta Dzong Museum is in a former watchtower. The museum exhibits Bhutanese history and culture. Visitors can learn about traditional Bhutanese clothing, weapons, and artifacts and view a collection of Bhutanese stamps.
Rimpong Dzong
This fortress is in the heart of the Paro Valley. It is one of the most iconic landmarks in Bhutan. The dzong is a government and monastery building with stunning architecture and artwork.
National Memorial Chorten
This stunning white stupa is in the center of Thimphu. It is dedicated to the memory of Bhutan's third king. The chorten is a popular destination for locals and tourists to offer prayers and seek blessings. It features intricate carvings and beautiful paintings.
Changangkha Temple
Changangkha is an ancient temple located on a hilltop overlooking Thimphu. It is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. The temple is a popular destination and features beautiful traditional Bhutanese architecture.
Drubthob monastery
Drubthob Monastery is on a hilltop just outside Thimphu. From here, you can see stunning views of the city and surrounding hills. The monastery is a popular destination for meditation, contemplation, and beautiful Buddhist artwork and architecture.
School of Arts and Crafts
This school offers traditional Bhutanese arts and crafts classes, including painting, sculpture, and weaving. Visitors can watch students at work and purchase beautiful handmade items as souvenirs.
National Library
This impressive library houses a vast collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts and texts, as well as modern books and publications. Visitors can browse the collection and learn about Bhutanese literature and culture.
Traditional Paper Factory
Traditional Paper Factory produces handmade paper using conventional Bhutanese methods. They use local plants and natural dyes. Visitors can watch the paper-making process and purchase beautiful handmade paper products.
Folk Heritage Museum
This museum offers a glimpse into traditional Bhutanese life & culture and displays traditional dress, architecture, and daily life.
Thimphu Market
Thimphu market offers a wide variety of local handicrafts, textiles, souvenirs, fresh produce, and local snacks. Visitors can bargain with vendors and sample traditional Bhutanese foods like momos (dumplings) and ema Datshi (spicy cheese stew).
Taktsang Monastery
Also known as the Tiger's Nest, this iconic monastery is perched on a cliffside in the Paro Valley. Visitors must hike up a steep trail to reach it.
Drukgyel Dzong
Drukgyel Dzong is a fortress built in the 17th century to protect Bhutan from invading Tibetan forces. Although a fire in the 1950s destroyed the dzong, visitors can still explore the ruins and learn about the site's history.
Kyichu Lhakhang Gompa
This ancient temple is one of the oldest and most sacred in Bhutan. It is believed to have been built in the 7th century.
- Day 01: Arrive at Kathmandu airport and transfer to the hotel
- Day 02: Full-day sightseeing tour in Kathmandu
- Day 03: Fly to Bhutan (Paro) and transfer to Thimpu
- Day 04: Thimphu Tour and return to Paro
- Day 05: Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery and Paro Tour
- Day 06: Fly from Bhutan to Nepal and transfer to Nagarkot
- Day 07: Nagarkot-Bhaktapur – Kathmandu
- Day 08: Transfer to the international airport for your flight home
The short Nepal-Bhutan tour begins with your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal. Our team will pick you up from the airport and drop you off at the hotel. If you land early in the day, you will have free time.
This day begins with an early breakfast and a guided sightseeing tour. The tour guide will pick you up from your hotel. Our tour guides are amiable and professional. The sightseeing tour takes you to some of the most famous and significant historical sites in Kathmandu Valley.
The Tour begins with a visit to the Monkey Temple, located on a hilltop called Swayambhunath in Nepali. From here, we will visit Boudhnath Stupa and Kathmandu Durbar Square. The Boudhanath Stupa is built on an ancient trade route. Amidst Kathmandu's chaotic and bustling parts, Boudhanath offers peace and tranquility.
The last part of this Tour is Kathmandu Durbar Square. It was a royal residence with palaces, shrines, and courtyards. Now, it is an open museum and is one of the most popular places for local and foreign tourists.
We will fly to Paro today. Trust us; this will be the most spectacular flight of your life. The varying sceneries with a jaw-dropping aerial panorama of the Himalayas make the Kathmandu Paro flight phenomenal.
Our team will drop you off at the Tribhuvan International Airport at your flight departure time. Likewise, our representatives will pick you up from Paro Airport upon landing. After lunch, we will visit the Ta Dzong Museum, which houses numerous religious relics, arts, and handicrafts. We will learn much about Bhutan's culture, history, and beliefs during the Tour.
The Tour then takes us to Rimpong Dzong, where we will see a painting of the great saint Milarepa. The Bhutanese know him as the master of meditation and believe he attained enlightenment. We'll continue the Tour to Thimphu, followed by the Pachu River, where we will spend the night.
Today, we have a full-day tour in Thimphu before we return to Paro. After a delicious breakfast, we will begin the Tour by visiting the National Memorial Chorten. The third king started this temple construction to protect the country from modern negativity, and the monument was established as a source of world peace. After he died in 1972, the royal queen's mother completed the structure as a memorial stupa for the third king.
We will continue the Tour to Changangkha Temple, built in the 12th century, and Drubthob Monastery, housing the Zilukha nunnery. From here, we will visit the School of Arts and Crafts, where the students are taught 13 types of Bhutanese art.
After that, we will stop by the National Library, which stores a vast collection of Bhutanese scriptures dating back to the 8th century. Later, we will also see how Bhutanese paper is made while visiting the Traditional Paper Factory and exploring the Folk Heritage Museum, which showcases replicas of medieval farmhouses.
We end the Tour by strolling through the Thimphu Market, where we can try various Bhutanese dishes, before returning to Paro to spend the night.
Today, we will drive back to Paro but visit some monuments before that. After breakfast, we will hike to Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger's Nest Monastery. The trail is well made and involves 2 hours of ascending above the Paro Valley floor. If you can't hike, we can arrange a horse for you. During the hike, you can see the magical view of Taktsang monastery, built on a vertical cliff 900 meters above the valley floor.
Taktsang monastery is one of the most significant pilgrimage sites for Buddhists. According to the locals, the renowned Guru Rimpoche is believed to have flown here on the back of a tigress. He brought the teachings of Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th century. He is believed to have meditated in the cave for three months, where the Taktsang monastery was later built.
Later, we will visit the ruins of the 17th-century Drukgyel Dzong. This historical monument was built by Shabdrung to commemorate his victory against invading Tibetans in 1644. On a clear day, we can see Mount Jomolhari (7,314 m) from here. On our way to Paro, we will stop at Kyichu Lhakhang Gompa, built in the 7th century. It is one of the 108 temples the Tibetan king Songtse Gampo constructed.
We fly back to Kathmandu today. The return flight will be as mesmerizing as before. Upon landing at Kathmandu airport, our team will welcome you again and drop you at the hotel in Nagarkot.
Nagarkot is a hill station located near Kathmandu. It is famous for its beautiful sunrise and sunset and superb views of the Himalayan range. You will have a serene time here.
After a delicious breakfast, we will leave the hotel. On the way to Kathmandu, we will take a short break to explore Bhaktapur Durbar Square, one of the three Durbar squares in the Kathmandu Valley.
We will visit the famous 55 Window Palace, Golden Gate, Nyatapola Temple, Bhairavnath Temple, and the National Art Gallery. Bhaktapur Durbar Square showcases the Newari culture, art, and architecture. Before driving to our hotel, we will explore Pottery Square and taste local delicacies.
The remaining day is free. You can rest and shop. We will meet you in the late evening during the farewell dinner.
The Tour has ended. We hope you had a good time with us. Please let us know if you want to extend your Tour in Nepal and join our other trip. Otherwise, our airport team will drop you at the international airport terminal gate and bid you our last goodbye.
- Airport transfers
- All ground transportation by private vehicles
- All the Accommodation: 7 nights (4 nights in Nepal and three nights in Bhutan)
- Sightseeing in Nepal and Bhutan by an experienced English-speaking local tour guide
- Government taxes, permits, sightseeing entrance fees for museums and monuments
- Meals (Daily breakfast, three lunches, and four dinners)
- Bhutanese visa fee
- Flight from Kathmandu - Bhutan - Kathmandu
- Service charge and Tax
- International flights to and from Nepal
- Nepalese visa fee
- All personal expenses (personal gear, telephone calls, beverages, internet, laundry)
- Meals (lunch and dinner) While you are in Nepal
- Travel Insurance
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Anything not mentioned in the included section
Tips for Nepal Bhutan tour
Plan ahead
Start planning your trip early to ensure the availability of accommodations, transportation, and other travel arrangements. We, Outfitter Himalaya, take care of our guests' travel arrangements. Check the weather: Be sure to pack appropriately for the weather conditions in each country.
Respect local customs and traditions
Nepal and Bhutan have unique cultures and traditions that visitors should respect and abide by.
Stay hydrated
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated during the Tour.
Bring appropriate clothing
Pack comfortable and appropriate clothing for the activities you plan to do. For example, if you plan to visit religious sites, dress modestly.
Exchange currency
Exchange currency before your trip or withdraw from ATMs once you arrive in each country.
Learn some basic phrases
Learn some basic phrases in the local language, such as greetings, thank you, and please, which can significantly show respect for the local culture.
Be flexible: Be prepared to be flexible with your itinerary, as unforeseen circumstances, such as weather conditions or transportation delays, can impact your plans.
Short Nepal Bhutan Tour Difficulty
The Short Nepal Bhutan tour is leisurely. You do not need prior trekking/hiking experience, and the Tour mostly takes place in cities. It is a family- and children-friendly Tour.
Best time to go on the Short Nepal Bhutan Tour
You can go on the Nepal Bhutan Short Tour throughout the year. However, the mild, pleasant weather prefers March to May and September to December.
Hotels on Nepal Bhutan Tour
We provide 3-star hotels on the short Nepal Bhutan Tour, and you get all kinds of modern facilities and services in these hotels. You can book a single or double/twin room. This Tour also includes luxury 4–5-star hotels. If you want to upgrade your hotels, let us know.
Meals on Short Nepal Bhutan Tour
Fourteen meals (7 breakfasts, three lunches, and four dinners) are served on the Short Nepal Bhutan tour. The meals are served according to the hotel's menu.
Visa for Short Nepal Bhutan Tour
Nepal Tourist Visa
The Nepal visa is separate from the tour price. You can easily apply for a Nepal tourist visa upon arrival at the airport. Alternatively, you can apply for a Nepal visa from the Nepal embassy/consulate office in your home country or region before you arrive in Nepal.
Bhutan Tourist Visa
The Bhutan visa is included in the tour price, and we (Outfitter Himalaya) apply and get it, as you need to travel only through a travel agency. Only a guided tour is available in Bhutan.
Mode of Transport on Short Nepal Bhutan Tour
The mode of transportation on the Nepal Bhutan Short Tour is by private tourist vehicles from airport to airport and from your arrival to departure.