Bhutan🇧🇹 and Kathmandu🇳🇵 Tour 14 Days
fromExplore the enchanting landscapes of Bhutan and Nepal on this 14-day tour. Immerse yourself in the rich culture, stunning Himalayan scenery, and ancient heritage of these two Himalayan kingdoms.
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Vacation Style Holiday TypeCulture, Discovery, Family, Guided Tours, History, Wildlife
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Activity Level Leisurely
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Group Size Small Group
Traveling around Bhutan is an unforgettable experience, offering a glimpse into a land of rich culture, stunning landscapes, and deeply-rooted traditions. As one of the world’s last remaining Buddhist kingdoms, Bhutan offers travelers a unique and authentic experience unlike any other.
The journey through Bhutan is a feast for the senses, with each region offering its own distinct charm. From the bustling streets of Thimphu, the capital city, to the serene beauty of Paro Valley, there’s something to captivate every traveler.
One of the highlights of any trip to Bhutan is a visit to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched precariously on the edge of a cliff. The hike to reach this sacred site is challenging but incredibly rewarding, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
In Punakha, travelers can visit the majestic Punakha Dzong, a stunning fortress located at the confluence of two rivers. The intricate woodwork and beautiful murals inside the dzong are a testament to Bhutan’s rich artistic heritage.
For nature lovers, Bhutan offers endless opportunities for exploration. From the lush forests of Phobjikha Valley, home to endangered black-necked cranes, to the towering peaks of the Himalayas, there’s no shortage of natural beauty to discover.
Bhutan is also known for its vibrant festivals, or tshechus, which are celebrated throughout the year. These colorful events feature masked dances, traditional music, and religious rituals, providing insight into Bhutan’s unique cultural heritage.
Traveling around Bhutan is made easy by the country’s well-maintained roads and efficient transportation system. Visitors can choose from a variety of accommodations, ranging from cozy guesthouses to luxurious resorts, ensuring a comfortable stay throughout their journey.
Whether you’re exploring ancient monasteries, hiking through pristine forests, or immersing yourself in Bhutanese culture, a trip to Bhutan promises to be an unforgettable adventure.
- All airport and hotel transportation by private vehicle as per the suggested itinerary.
- Deluxe twin-sharing accommodation with breakfast.
- Welcome & Farewell dinner (Alcoholic beverages excluded).
- Private transportation for sightseeing.
- Kathmandu to Bhutan and Bhutan to Kathmandu by flight.
- Travel guide in Kathmandu for sightseeing.
- Government Registered guide (English speaking, First Aid, and Eco trained).
- All necessary paperwork, entry fees, and permits for sightseeing.
- Exclusive medical kit bag with first aid supplies.
- All government and local taxes.
- Government SDF (Sustainable Development Fee) per night halt.
- VISA FEE – $40 per person.
- Tours specified in the itinerary.
- Good hotel accommodation (3-star hotels).
- All Meals in Bhutan (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Tea/coffee with snacks).
- Breakfast in Kathmandu.
- Transport within Bhutan.
- Services of experienced English-speaking guides.
- Mineral Water in Bhutan.
- All necessary permits and fees at monuments.
- Visa fees for Nepal
- International airfare to and from Kathmandu from native country
- Any extra night accommodations due to early arrival, late departure, or early return from the tour (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary plan
- Travel and rescue insurance
- Personal expenses e.g. phone calls, laundry, bar bills, bottled or boiled water
- Tips for drivers, guides, and porters cost arising out of landslides, road blockade, and rescue of any form or reasons beyond our control
- Any extending trips
- Any other expenses not mentioned in Price Includes section.
- Day 01 Arrival in Kathmandu
- Day 02 Kathmandu -Paro - Thimphu
- Day 3 Thimphu Valley Sightseeing
- Day 4 Thimphu - Punakha
- Day 5 Punakha Valley Sightseeing - Gangtey
- Day 6 Gangtey Valley Sightseeing
- Day 7 Gangtey to Paro with a Stop at Wangdue Phodrang Dzong
- Day 8 Explore more of Paro valley hike to tigers nest
- Day 9 Departure to Kathmandu
- Day 10 Sightseeing in Kathmandu
- Day 11 Sightseeing in Bhaktapur and Lalitpur
- Day 12 Travel to Dhulikhel & Overnight
- Day 13 Return to Kathmandu
- Day 14 Departure from Kathmandu
Officially known as the Kingdom of Bhutan, this Himalayan nation is nestled between Tibet to the north and India to the east, west, and south. Surrounded by the majestic Himalayas, Bhutan is a small country located east of Nepal and north of Bangladesh. Its northern border meets the Chumbi Valley in China’s Tibet Autonomous Region. To the west, Bhutan shares borders with Sikkim and West Bengal, while portions of West Bengal, Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh form its southern and eastern boundaries.
Certainly! Yes, witnessing violence or resistance against the government is rare in Bhutan, ensuring a stable political environment. With over 70% forest cover, Bhutan stands as the world’s only carbon-negative country, reducing the likelihood of natural disasters, though exceptions occur during the monsoon season. The well-operated transportation system contributes to a low rate of traffic accidents, with Bhutan being the only country without traffic lights.
Bhutan is notably safe for female travelers, supported by the helpful and gentle nature of the local people. Crime is extremely uncommon, with negligible rates reported. Incidences such as muggings, robberies, terrorism, and violent crimes are exceptionally rare. The absence of pushy shopkeepers, tourist traps, and commercialized sites adds to the country’s safety. Moreover, beggars are non-existent throughout Bhutan.
Despite its safety, travelers should remain vigilant, particularly regarding:
- High altitude issues during trekking or hiking.
- Weather-related concerns and natural calamities, especially landslides and roadblocks during the rainy season, particularly in eastern Bhutan.
- Aggressive stray dogs, especially at night.
- Snowfall disrupting road trips in early winter.
- Wildlife encounters off the beaten trails.
- Accidents at hairpin bends, urging caution during road trips, cycling, or motorbiking, especially at night.
Bhutan’s unit currency is the Ngultrum (symbolized as Nu), with the currency code BTN. It holds equal value to the Indian rupee, and notably, Indian currency is widely accepted in Bhutan, excluding the recently introduced 500 and 1000 rupee notes. Conversely, Bhutanese currency isn’t accepted in India. The Ngultrum serves as the official and locally recognized currency in Bhutan, facilitating both national and international economic transactions.
The small Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, often referred to as the “Thunder Dragon,” boasts numerous distinguishing features. Foremost among these is its groundbreaking Gross National Happiness (GNH) index, a unique measurement tool aimed at fostering policies that prioritize the well-being of its citizens. Additionally, Bhutan stands out as the world’s only carbon-negative country, largely due to its extensive forest cover, comprising 70% of its territory.
Among other notable attributes, Bhutan is renowned for:
- Its breathtaking natural beauty and commitment to forest conservation
- Vibrant local traditions and festivals, such as the annual Black-Necked Crane Festival
- A rich and diverse cuisine, highlighted by dishes like Ema Datshi
- Traditional archery tournaments, vibrant prayer flags, and picturesque rural farmhouses
- Iconic Himalayan treks like the Druk Path Trek and Jumolhari Trek
- Unique wildlife habitats like the Phobjikha Valley and Motithang Takin Preserve
- The country’s rich artistic heritage, showcased in its arts and crafts, as well as its stunning Dzongs and monasteries, including the Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory, Taktshang Palphug (Tiger’s Nest), and Punakha Dzong, among others.
One of the defining characteristics of Bhutanese cuisine is its fiery spiciness, with chilies playing a central role in almost every dish. From the national favorite Ema Datshi—a spicy blend of chilies and cheese—to Momos, Tibetan-style dumplings stuffed with pork, beef, or veggies, Bhutanese dishes offer a tantalizing array of flavors. Phaksha Paa features pork cooked with red chilies, while Yaksha Shakam showcases dried yak meat with fermented cheese. Hoentoe presents pungent buckwheat dumplings, while Jasha Maru offers spicy minced chicken with tomatoes. Red Rice, akin to brown rice, is a staple, and Goep (Tripe) remains a cherished meat dish. Jaju, a milk and vegetable soup, adds a soothing balance to the heat. Beverage options are equally diverse, making Bhutanese cuisine a true culinary adventure.
Nepal is renowned for its majestic Mount Everest, the tallest peak globally, and for being the birthplace of Lord Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. Among the world’s 14 eight-thousanders, eight grace this naturally stunning nation. Nepal has also been a focal point for remarkable achievements in peak climbing expeditions, boasting over a thousand peaks exceeding 6,000 meters. Trekking through the Everest region offers breathtaking mountain vistas, insights into world heritage sites, encounters with diverse Himalayan flora and fauna, and visits to the highest Buddhist monasteries worldwide. Above all, Nepal is celebrated for its warm hospitality, with locals embracing the mantra “Atithi Deba Bhaba” (Guests are gods).
Nepal offers a plethora of souvenirs to suit every preference. Renowned for its handicrafts, pashmina, and traditional art, the country also showcases unique Nepali musical instruments such as the Madal and Banshuri. Tourists flock to purchase Nepali carpets, highly regarded for their quality. For the best shopping experience, head to the bustling Thamel area, where a vibrant array of shops awaits.