12 Days Nepal Bhutan Leisure Vacation Tour
- Duration
- 12 Days / 11 Nights
- Pace
- Moderate
- Group size
- 3–8 travellers
- Best season
- April to October
The trip at a glance
This is the ultimate Himalayan vacation. You will enjoy the unparalleled natural beauty as well as the exotic cultures of two of the greatest Himalayan Kingdoms — Nepal and Bhutan. From the chaotic energy of Kathmandu to the serene mountain kingdom of Bhutan, this is a truly exceptional journey.
- Kathmandu
Pokhara (Nepal)
Paro (Bhutan)
Tiger's Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang)
Thimphu
Punakha Dzong
Himalayan flights
Where you go, and how high you sleep
The route, stop by stop
Kathmandu → Pokhara (Nepal) → Paro (Bhutan) → Tiger's Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang) → Thimphu → Punakha Dzong → Himalayan flights
- Arrive Kathmandu — Hotel Check-inDay 1
- Kathmandu — Boudhanath, Pashupatinath, Durbar SquareDay 2
- Kathmandu — Swayambhunath and Patan Day TripDay 3
- Fly Kathmandu to Pokhara — RestDay 4
- Pokhara — Phewa Lake, Sarangkot Sunrise, Peace StupaDay 5
- Fly Pokhara to Kathmandu — Then Fly Paro (Bhutan)Day 6
- Paro — Tiger's Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang)Day 7
- Paro — Punakha Dzong via Dochula PassDay 8
- Punakha — Thimphu (Bhutan's Capital)Day 9
- Thimphu — City Exploration and Takin ReserveDay 10
- Thimphu — ParoDay 11
- Paro DepartureDay 12
Day by day
Days 1–3 · Kathmandu hotel
Arrive Kathmandu — Hotel Check-in
Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel. Evening orientation walk through Thamel.
Kathmandu — Boudhanath, Pashupatinath, Durbar Square
Full day sightseeing in Kathmandu: Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple and the historic Durbar Square — all UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Kathmandu — Swayambhunath and Patan Day Trip
Visit the Monkey Temple and explore Patan — one of the finest medieval cities in the Kathmandu Valley with its stunning Durbar Square.
Fly Kathmandu to Pokhara — Rest
Fly to Pokhara — Nepal's most beautiful city set beside Phewa Lake with spectacular views of the Annapurna range.
Pokhara — Phewa Lake, Sarangkot Sunrise, Peace Stupa
Sunrise views of the Annapurna range from Sarangkot. Explore Phewa Lake and the World Peace Pagoda with extraordinary mountain panoramas.
Fly Pokhara to Kathmandu — Then Fly Paro (Bhutan)
Fly back to Kathmandu and then on to Paro, Bhutan. The flight over the Himalayas offers extraordinary views. Arrive in the pristine mountain kingdom of Bhutan.
Paro — Tiger's Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang)
Hike to the legendary Tiger's Nest Monastery — one of the most photographed buildings in the world, perched on a cliff face at 3,120m. A profoundly spiritual and physically rewarding experience.
Paro — Punakha Dzong via Dochula Pass
Drive over the Dochula Pass (3,100m) with views of 108 chortens and snow-capped Himalayan peaks. Visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong at the confluence of two rivers.
Punakha — Thimphu (Bhutan's Capital)
Drive to Thimphu — the world's only capital city without traffic lights. Visit the giant Buddha statue, the Folk Heritage Museum and the vibrant weekend market.
Thimphu — City Exploration and Takin Reserve
Explore the Memorial Chorten, the National Library, traditional weaving centres and the Takin Reserve (Bhutan's national animal). Thimphu is a unique blend of tradition and modernity.
Thimphu — Paro
Drive back to Paro. Final afternoon free to explore the Paro valley and its ancient farmhouses.
Paro Departure
Transfer to Paro International Airport for your departure. End of your Nepal-Bhutan Himalayan vacation.
What is included
Included
- Tibet Entry Permit and Alien's Travel Permit
- Nepal and/or Bhutan entry visa assistance
- All entrance fees for tourist sites listed in the itinerary
- Professional English-speaking tour guide throughout
- All ground transportation as listed
- All accommodation listed in the itinerary
- Tourist accident/casualty insurance
- Oxygen cylinders in the vehicle throughout the trip
Not included
- Single room supplement — free of charge for any group booking 5 rooms or travelling with 10 or more.
- International flights
- Meals not specified in the itinerary (lunch and dinner unless specified)
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Personal expenses (laundry, snacks, optional activities)
- Visa fees for China, Nepal or Bhutan
Photos from this route
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How large will my group be?
Join-in groups are 3 to 8 travellers (3–8 pax), and every departure is guaranteed to run. Not sure how many will join your date? Ask us. You choose the departure date, the starting point and the itinerary length that suits you; guests on different day counts travel together on the shared legs, and each group leaves when their own itinerary ends. If you prefer, this route can also run as a private tour for your own party only.
Which permits does this tour need?
We arrange every permit this trip needs as part of your booking — you only need a valid passport. This route needs two: the Tibet Travel Permit, which every foreign visitor needs to enter Tibet and the Border Defence Permit, for the Everest and border areas. All of them are included in your quote.
How do I get to the starting point of the tour?
The tour starts in Kathmandu. Fly into Tribhuvan International Airport — your guide meets you on arrival and your transfer is included. We are happy to advise on flights as part of your booking.
Can this tour be customized?
Yes — every tour on this site can also run as a private departure with your own dates and pace, arranged by our own office in Lhasa. Send us your dates, group size and interests and we will adapt the itinerary around you.
