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EPIC NEPAL AND BHUTAN
11 Days Epic Nepal Bhutan Tour
Kathmandu (3N) – Pokhara(3N) – Kathmandu – Thimphu (1N) - Punakha (1N) - Paro (2N)
The 10 nights 11 days Nepal Bhutan tour takes you to explorer deeply the fruitful religious tradition and culture of the Himalayan countries as well as the peaceful and calm scenery that helps you relax and feel the harmony between human and the nature. The first half of your trip will be in Nepal and the rest half in Bhutan. In Nepal, you can experience the Hinduism culture and visit a variety of historical architectures with marvelous arts and heritage crafts. You can also visit some famous scenery sites in Nepal to explorer further of the local traditions and daily life. In Bhutan, you will visit several signature monasteries and enjoy the wonderful view of the well-preserved nature and wild animals. As the schedule is very flexible and relaxing, you will have enough time to rest and enjoy the stunning views of the Himalaya ranges. This epic cultural and religious tour will give you an unforgettable experience of the precious heritages of the Himalayan countries.
- Suitable for All Year Round
- Leisure Sightseeing
- Private Tour for One and More
Highlights
- Visit famous Kathmandu Durbar Square, Boudhanath Stupa, and Dubar Square.
- Explore the fantastic views of the Himalayan ranges, the virgin landscapes and diverse fauna and flora of Bhutan.
- Take a tour to the Phewa Lake and visit the temple in the middle of the lake in Punakha.
- Experience the Himalayan sunrise in Sarangkot.
- Visit famous Paro Rinpung Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang.
- Tour the landmarks in Thimphu, including National Memorial Chorten, National Folk Heritage Museum, Traditional Paper Making Factory etc.
- Hike to the holiest temple of the country, Taksang Lhakhang (Tiger’s Nest).
Itinerary
Day 2: Kathmandu Full-day Sightseeing
Highlight: Visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa and Patan Durbar Square.
Today, we will enjoy a full day valley sightseeing in Kathmandu. Visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, the place of the Malla and then the Shah Kings of Nepal, visiting Kumari Temple, house of the virgin goddess, visiting Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), a stupa on the top of hill - from here you can overlook the scenery of Kathmandu, Visiting Patan Durbar Square, the second largest town in the valley, with Krishna Mandir, Golden Temple etc.
Stay overnight in Kathmandu.
Swayambhunath Stupa
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Day 3: Kathmandu Full-day Sightseeing
Highlight: Visit Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath and Bhaktapur's Durbar Square.
In the morning, we will take you a glimpse of half day sightseeing tour in Kathmandu Valley. Visit the famous Pashupatinath Temple, one of the most important Hindu temples in Nepal. Then go for a walk to see the huge stupa of Buddha, also known as Boudhanath, the largest stupa in Nepal. Afterward taking a ride to Bhaktapur, a fascinating town, visit Bhaktapur's Durbar Square featuring the Victorian illustrations style with temples and temples complex.
Stay overnight in Kathmandu.
Visiting Kathmandu Durbar Square
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Day 4: Kathmandu to Pokhara
Highlight: Enjoy relaxing boating on Phewa Lake.
In the early morning after breakfast, your local representatives will take you to Pokhara through around 6-hour drive.
In the afternoon, we will drive to Phewa Lake and visit Barahi temple, which is built in a small island in the middle of the lake. You will reach the temple via peddle boat while enjoy the beautiful view of the lake as well as the peaceful atmosphere around.
Stay overnight in Pokhara.
Phewa Lake
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Day 5: Pokhara City Sightseeing
Highlight: Sightseeing besides Phewa Lake and visit Seti River gorge.
After breakfast, we will first enjoy a half day sightseeing of Pokhara city, the most popular destination in Nepal after Kathmandu. Enjoy the morning trip along the bank of Phewa Lake, you can admire the stunning view of the Fish Tail's Peak reflected in the silver surface of the water. You can also see the wonderful Annapurna panorama forms a superb backdrop to Pokhara from the lake.
After sightseeing in Phewa Lake, we keep visiting the Seti River gorge - one of the best places to see, Mahendra Gufa, used to be well-known for its stalactites.
In the evening, you can walk around Lakeside Market.
Stay overnight in Pokhara.
Pokhara city
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Day 7: Kathmandu to Paro; Transfer to Thimphu
Highlight: Arrive in Paro and visit Tschogang Lhakhang, Tashichho Dzong and King's Memorial Chorten in Thimphu.
Upon your arrival in Paro by Druk Air, Bhutan’s national carrier, you will be picked up by your tour guide at the airport and then you will be transferred to Thimphu (2,350m), the capital city of Bhutan. Covering a total distance of nearly 54 kilometers, it will take you about 1 hour to get to Thimphu from Paro (2,250m).
Then, you will be transferred to Thimphu (2,350m), the capital city of Bhutan. Covering a total distance of nearly 54 kilometers, it will take you about 1 hour to get to Thimphu from Paro (2,250m).
After arriving at Thimphu, your guide will help you check in the hotel. And you can have a brief rest at your hotel if you need. Later, you will pay a visit to Tashichho Dzong, the eminent fortress where the national government and central monastic body are located. In addition, here sits the summer residence of Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot of Bhutan.
After that, you will head to visit the King's Memorial Chorten (National Memorial Chorten), a stupa built in memory of the third king in 1974. The display inside shows good statues of tantric Buddhist and its philosophy.
Stay overnight in Thimphu.
Thimphu National Memorial Chorten
Meals Included
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 8: Thimphu to Punakha
Highlights: Cross the Dochula Pass to Punakha and visit the famous Punakha Dzong and Chimi Lhakhang.
Today, you will drive from Thimphu to Punakha (1,242m). The distance between Thimphu to Punakha is 71 kilometers, and it will take you 3 hours to get there. One the way, you will have an excellent opportunity to enjoy the panoramic view of the solemn Bhutan Himalaya Ranges and even take photos at the impressive collection of 108 chortens at Dochula Pass (3,140m).
After arriving at Punakha, your guide will help you check in the hotel. In the afternoon, you will head to visit the Punakha Dzong. Standing by the riverside of Pho Chu and Mo Chu, Punakha Dzong is one of the most impressive buildings and one of the top favorite attractions in Bhutan. Moreover, the rectangular shape fortress is also an honorable treasury where preserves numerous Buddhist relics and historical legacies.
After witnessing the superb Punakha Dzong, you will have a 20-minute hike to Chimi Lhakhang, also known as Chime Monastery. The monastery is a beautiful Buddhist monastery located in the Punakha District of Bhutan. It stands on a small round hillock close to the village of Lobesa and was built in 1499 by the 14th Drukpa hierarch, Ngawang Choegyel.
Stay overnight in Punakha.
Punakha Dzong
Meals Included
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 9: Punakha to Paro
Highlights: Back to Paro to visit the famous Paro Rinpung Dzong, Ta Dzong and Drukgyel Dzong in Paro.
After breakfast, you will drive back to Paro. It will take you about 4 hours 20 minutes for the 125 kilometers. On the way, you will encounter the Simtokha Dzong en route. Built in 1629 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, Simtokha Dzong is often said to be the first dzong in Bhutan.
After arriving at Paro, you will visit Bhutan National Museum - Ta Dzong. The museum houses a large number of valuable collections. A visit to the National Museum will deepen your understanding of this country in a whole and broaden your eyes with numerous pieces of Bhutan treasures.
Next, you will head to explore Paro Rinpung Dzong (also named as Paro Dzong), a fortress once built to defend the valley from invasions. However, it now serves as an administration center and school for monks.
Later, driving to the north of Paro valley, it will bring you to the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong. It was built in 1647 by the great Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, father, and unifier of medieval Bhutan. Unfortunately, it was destroyed by an accidental fire and left in ruins as an evocative reminder of the great victories. Nowadays, Drukgyel Dzong becomes a popular attraction in Paro, Bhutan.
In the evening, you can freely explore Paro to experience its unique lifestyle here.
Stay overnight in Paro.
Bhutan National Museum
Meals Included
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 10: Trek to Taksang Lhakhang (Tiger’s Nest)
Highlight: Enjoy the wonderful trekking to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Today, you will go to enjoy the exciting trek to the Taktshang Goemba, also known as Tiger's Nest. Standing incredibly on the side of a sheer cliff 900m above the Paro Valley, Taktshang Goemba (3210m) is the landmark of Bhutan and also the holiest temple of the country. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava (also known as Guru Rinpoche) had flied here on the back of a tigress and meditated in the caves on the cliffside for three months. The temple has therefore become the holy site worshipped by all Bhutanese devotees, and known as one of the world’s top ten temples.
The rest of the day at leisure. You could also take a stroll around the valley to explorer more about the local lifestyle.
Stay overnight in Paro.
Trek to Taktshang Monastery
Meals Included
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Tour Price
Add-on Activities
The general travel itineraries in Bhutan are usually leisure and relaxing. To make the most your time in Bhutan, you can choose to have more activities as you like, such as light hiking around the town or a featured culture experience.
Here we offer you the most popular travel ideas that most of our travelers choose to experience as an add-on activity during their trips in Bhutan. For more available activities or anything you want to add on to your trip in Bhutan, just feel free to contact us.
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Bhutan Hot Stone Bath
The popular Hot Stone Bath, a traditional healing process in Bhutan, is a great experience for you to relax and refresh yourself after one-day hiking or trekking. Different from hot spring, it is a kind of hot water bath offered in a traditional way with a wooden tub and herbs in the water. You can experience it in a local farmhouse or in a resort.
Please notice that you need to pay additional fees for the hot stone bath (usually within 30 minutes).
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Sightseeing Hiking
Even you don't take the trekking tour in Bhutan, you can also experience pleasant hiking on your travel days. Especially during your trips in western and central Bhutan, like in Gangtey, Bumthang, and Trongsa, there are some easy hiking and trekking trails around the town. You can take light hiking for 1 to 2 hours after general daily sightseeing. Just feel free to tell your guide if you are interested in an extra hiking experience.
Generally, you don't need to pay extra money for the hours' hiking.
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Cultural Exploration
Bhutan is a place that rich in culture and handicraft. If you want to experience more local culture and the real life of the locals, you can ask for more activities, such as a visit to a local weekend market, a class of traditional Bhutan archery or traditional weaving in Bhutan. Just feel free to let us know want you are looking for and want to experience during your Bhutan tour, we will help you find the best options to do.
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Farmhouse Homestay
All of our tour packages cover the accommodation from 3-star hotels to 5-star hotels and resorts. But if you want to get closer to the local Bhutanese' life, it is suggested to take one night stay in a farmhouse. It will be an unforgettable experience to eat ordinary food and dishes and live in the typical Bhutanese house just like a Bhutanese does.
Since the accommodation is required to be arranged in advance, if you are keen on a homestay in Bhutan, please tell us as early as possible.
Food and Drinks
For your tour in Bhutan, all the meals are included in the package. And for your stay in Nepal, only the breakfast offered by the hotel is included in the package. This means your lunches and dinners in Nepal are not included in the quote we offer.
You can ask your guide to suggest some good local restaurants for you. If you have any requirements on food, such as vegetarian, please feel free to tell your travel consultant or your local guide. The following are the general food and drinks you can have in an ordinary Nepal Bhutan tour.
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Local Food
Most of your meals are in local restaurants, which offers typicla Nepalese food or Bhutanese food.
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Western Food
Besides the traditional dishes, you can also have western buffet or breakfast in some hotels.
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Water and Drinks
For every day trip, we offer one bottle of water for each tourist. For other soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, you need to pay by yourself.
Bhutan Tour Planning FAQs
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