Nepal & Bhutan Combination

The best time to visit Bhutan is from March to May, September and November. Nepal is a year-round destination except for the summer months.

Welcome to Nepal! When you land at Kathmandu International Airport, a member of our partner agency will pick you up in the arrivals hall and take you to your hotel.

After settling into your room, you are free to choose how you want to spend the rest of your day. Whether you choose to relax at the hotel or explore a couple of the surrounding cultural sites, make sure to recover from your arrival and adjust to the new climate. If you wish to discover parts of the city, go to Pashupatinath, a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, or Boudhanath, one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal.

Travel time: Airport - Hotel Kathmandu, 4 km / approx. 15 minutes

1 night at Traditional Comfort Hotel**** with breakfast in a standard room, Kathmandu, Nepal

Wake up to the smell of fresh coffee and a warm breakfast before you get ready to head off on a 2-hour rafting adventure on the Trishuli River in Charaudi! With your guide, you will receive all the necessary equipment and will be familiarized with the safety precautions. Let the adventure begin! On the wild waters, rush along the riverbanks and discover a variety of flora and fauna and even spot an exotic animal if you're lucky!

After an adrenaline-filled afternoon, return to your car and set off for your next accommodation, the Barauli Community Homestay. Greeted with a traditional drink by the Tharu tribe, drop your things off in your hut and then hop on a bike for a sunset ride along the Narayani River. End the evening with an introduction about the Chitwan National Park.

Travel time: Kathmandu – Chitwan National Park, 190 km / approx. 6 hours

3 nights at Barauli Community Homestay with breakfast, lunch and dinner in a hut, Chitwan National Park, Nepal

Ready for a day packed with unforgettable moments? Yes? Then get to know Tharu tribe's village! Together with a member of the tribe, you will learn about their unique culture and receive exciting insights into their everyday lives.

After a traditional Tharu lunch, jump into your jeep safari! Don't forget your charged camera because you will have close encounters with native rhinoceroses, elephants, and monkeys! With a bit of luck, you may even catch a glimpse of the rare Bengali tiger.

When the sun has set, and your bellies begin to grumble, join the Tharu tribe for a special dinner. Genuinely understand the Nepalese culture through a freshly prepared curry made from local ingredients. In this relaxed ambiance, you can savor in the delicious flavors while reminiscing about the day's discoveries.

Set your alarms early for an adventure of a lifetime! During sunrise, head out into the park and hop into canoes for a different perspective of this natural paradise. Experience how nature slowly comes to life as the first sun rays hit the trees, and listen to the sound of the 450 bird species sing their morning songs.

In the afternoon, return to your homestay for relaxation under the Nepalese sun. Don't ruin your appetite because, in the evening, you will immerse yourself in the world of Nepalese cuisine during a cooking class! Take home traditional techniques you can't learn anywhere else.

Today is a new day of cultural experiences and unforgettable memories. Say goodbye to the Tharu tribe and head back to the bustling city of Kathmandu.

The rest of the day is up to you! Jump into the hustle and bustle of the busy streets and visit sites of the city you still want to see. Don't forget to try the famous street food dishes, like momos, that you can find along most of the streets in the city center.

Travel time: Chitwan National Park - Kathmandu, 190 km / approx. 6 hours

1 night at Traditional Comfort**** with breakfast in a standard room, Kathmandu, Nepal

Welcome to Bhutan! This beautiful landlocked country is a Buddhist kingdom on the Himalayas’ eastern edge. It's known for its fortresses (or “dzongs”), monasteries and richly varied landscapes - from subtropical plains to steep mountains and valleys.

From Kathmandu, you will fly with Druk Air to the city of Paro; admire the remarkable views as you soar over Mount Everest and the Himalayas. When you land in Paro, you will receive a warm welcome by your new guide and head to your next destination, Thimphu.

Thimphu, Bhutan's capital, is nestled in a valley on the west and known for its breathtaking Buddhist sites. Drop off your things at the hotel, freshen up, then head out into the city for a sightseeing tour. Visit the Memorial Chorten, a whitewashed structure with a gold spire that is a revered Buddhist shrine dedicated to Bhutan’s third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Continue the tour to Buddha Dordenma, a gigantic Shakyamuni Buddha statue in the mountains of Bhutan celebrating the 60th anniversary of fourth king Jigme Singye Wangchuck.

The next stop on your journey is the Zilukha Nunnery, a small, friendly nunnery on the hillside above Trashi Chho Dzong. Afterward, drive to Tashichho Dzong, a Buddhist monastery and fortress on the northern edge of the city. It is the country's most famous and most stunning monastery fortress and also home to the country's seat of government and the king's throne room.

itravel Tip: When you visit Bhutan in the fall, you must attend the Thimphu Tshechu Festival! The entire city gathers in the city for three days for prayers, rituals, and masked dances to call upon the gods.

Travel time (by plane): Kathmandu – Paro, approx. 1 hour

2 nights at Hotel Osel*** or similar with full board in a standard room, Thimphu, Bhutan

After a gorgeous breakfast, grab your hiking boots and sense of adventure for another sightseeing tour! First stop: Tango Monastery. The 13th-century Buddhist monastery is located 14 kilometers north of the capital and near Cheri Mountain. It is one of the most important training centers for Buddhist philosophy and meditation in the country. There are also several small temples, the main temple, and halls where students learn all about Buddhism.

Continue today's adventure to the local art school, National Institue for Zorig Chusum. Students specialize in painting (of both furniture and thangkas – painted religious pictures, usually on canvas), woodcarving (masks, statues, bowls), embroidery (hangings, boots, clothes) or statue-making (clay). Afterward, visit the textile museum to see exhibitions of traditional clothing from the past and present. Later, head to Simply Bhutan Museum, a museum resembling a Bhutanese village, featuring traditional cuisine, demonstrations & performances. Try on local clothing and take memorable pictures in front of painted backgrounds.

On your way to Punakha, climb an altitude of 3116 meters before finally arriving at the Dochula Pass. The mountain pass is nestled in the snow-covered Himalayas where 108 memorial chortens or stupas known as "Druk Wangyal Chortens" have been built. From here, embark on a two-hour hike to Lungchutse Monastery, a well worth the trek for a full view of the Himalayas on a clear day.

You also have the option to visit the Chimi Lhakhang, a famous temple where many women and young couples pray for fertility.

Travel time: Thimphu - Punakha, 74 km / approx. 3 hours

1 night at Zhingkham Resort*** or similar with full board in a standard room, Punakha, Bhutan

Wake up and begin your day with a sightseeing tour through Punakha! Visit the Punakha Dzong, which was built in 1637 and is one of the best-preserved monastery fortresses in the country. Continue to Khamsum Chorten, a traditional building dedicated to the welfare of the Kingdom of Bhutan and all living creatures. itravel tip: Head up to the roof terrace for fantastic views of the Punakha Valley.

In the afternoon, drive toward Paro, home for the next three nights. Your guide will lead you to Rinpung Dzong, also known as Dzong of Paro, home to the Ta Dzong National Museum. Besides works of art and stamps, you can also admire traditional Bhutan weapons.

Travel time: Punakha – Paro, 117 km / approx. 4 hours

3 nights at Rema Resort*** or similar with full board in a standard room, Paro, Bhutan

Put on your hiking boots and eat a hearty breakfast because today's adventure is to the Drakarpo Monastery! From the small village, Shaba, embark on a journey to a viewpoint boasting spectacular views of the Paro Valley. Visit the main altar in the monastery and learn about Guru Rinpoche, the founder of Buddhism.

Back in the Paro Valley, enjoy a local lunch and visit Sangchen Choekhor Monastery. This monastery sits at an altitude of 2,800 m above the Paro Valley and is an important training center for Buddhist monks.

Ready for the highlight of every Bhutan trip? Taktsang Monastery, also known as the Tiger's Nest, lies on a steep mountain slope about 700 m above the Paro Valley and is particularly sacred due to the location's complicated access. Your guide will lead you through the lush forest, where the silence has never sounded more beautiful. Take a break at the small tea house before embarking on the final climb to the monastery. Once you finally reach the top, the views are unlike anything you'd ever imagine. Views over Paro Valley and surrounding mountains create a stunning contrast you will never forget.

To end the exciting day, visit another Buddhist temple, Kyichu Lhakhang. Going back as far to the 7th century, it is one of the oldest Bhutanese temples in the kingdom.

Say goodbye to the beauty of Bhutan and hop on a plane back to Kathmandu for the final evening. Your guide awaits your arrival and takes you for one last adventure to the town of Panauti, a UNESCO site. Experience one of the country's oldest towns first hand, and learn about the ancient culture.

Flight time: Paro – Kathmandu, approx. 1 hour

1 night at Traditional Comfort Hotel**** with breakfast in a standard room, Kathmandu, Nepal

Today is the end of your exciting journey through Nepal and Bhutan. After breakfast in your hotel, pack your suitcases and head to the Kathmandu International Airport.

Want to stay longer in Bhutan or Nepal? Let us know, and we will be happy to arrange your dream holiday!

itravel – for that moment.

Traditional Comfort Hotel*****, Kathmandu, Nepal

This eco-friendly, boutique hotel is centrally located in Kathmandu and is an ideal starting point for exploring the city's attractions. The 37 rooms are comfortably decorated in warm woods and natural brick clay for the perfect ambiance. Each room has a bathroom with a shower, a flat-screen TV, and a kettle. The restaurant serves continental breakfast as well as delicious drinks and cocktails. You will also find several restaurants and cafés in the immediate vicinity.

3 nights

Barauli Community Homestay, Chitwan Nationalpark, Nepal

The Barauli Community Homestay in Chitwan merely is authentic. Nestled near the national park, immerse yourself in a whole new world. Get to know the Tharu culture and experience their everyday life. Stay in one of the 12 small huts, each including their own bathroom and all amenities. In the center of the village, find a community house where you can eat together and drink some schnapps.

3 nights

Hotel Osel***, Thimphu, Bhutan

Located in the heart of the Bhutanese capital of Thimphu, the modern building offers 35 spacious rooms that are comfortably furnished and equipped with private bathrooms. The view of Tashicho Dzong or the gigantic Buddha Dordenma statue is just breathtaking. The in-house restaurant serves international delicacies and seasonal dishes.

2 nights

Zhingkham Resort***, Punakha, Bhutan

During your stay at Zhingkham Resort, enjoy the magnificent views of the Punakha Valley. Stay in a modern room with a balcony, private bathroom, and air conditioning. Coffee and tea supplies are also available. The in-house restaurant offers local and international dishes, and the bar is an inviting place to relax.

1 night

Rema Resort***, Paro, Bhutan

About two kilometers from Paro’s city center, the Rema Resort welcomes you in traditional Bhutanese style. Surrounded by green meadows and picturesque fruit trees, the Rema Resort is the perfect place to relax. The hotel has a total of 16 rooms, all equipped with luxurious amenities. Here you will find a minibar, a private bathroom with bathtub and shower, as well as coffee and tea facilities. From your own room, spoil yourself with a great view of the Paro Valley. Specialties of Bhutanese, Indian, Chinese, and continental cuisine can be enjoyed at the hotel's restaurant. Other hotel amenities include a bar, souvenir shop, and a spa area.

3 nights

Duration of the trip: 13 Days / 12 Nights

Including

Nepal

• 6 nights in the mentioned hotels or similar
• Food according to the program (6x breakfast, 3x lunch and 3x dinner)
• Private transfers
• Group rafting tour
• Group activities in Chitwan National Park
• Local guide in Panauti

Bhutan

• 6 nights incl. full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as coffee, tea and small snacks) in the mentioned hotels or similar
• Private transfers
• Continuous supervision by a local, English-speaking driver guide with sightseeing and hiking tours on request.
• Entrance fees and all necessary permits to enter the Dzongs, monasteries and monuments
• Visa fee and Tourism Development Fund

Excluding

• International flights
• Roundtrip flight from Kathmandu to Paro
• Entrance fees and excursions not included in the scope of services
• Meals and drinks not included in the scope of services
• Personal expenses, such as the minibar and tips
• Insurance
• Visa