Best of Nepal and Bhutan Tour

Welcome to Nepal! Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be warmly welcomed by a representative of Himalayan Dream Team and transferred to your hotel by private vehicle.

After check-in, the rest of the day is yours to relax after your journey or take a leisurely walk around the lively streets near your hotel to experience your first glimpse of Nepal's vibrant capital.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional Nepali welcome dinner at one of Kathmandu's finest local restaurants. This is the perfect opportunity to sample authentic Nepali cuisine, meet your guide, receive a briefing about the adventure ahead, and experience the warm hospitality that Nepal is famous for.

Start your day with a delicious breakfast before exploring the cultural and spiritual highlights of Kathmandu, home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple): Begin your sightseeing at the ancient hilltop stupa of Swayambhunath, one of Nepal's oldest Buddhist monuments. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views over the Kathmandu Valley while learning about this sacred site, revered by both Buddhists and Hindus.

Pashupatinath Temple: Continue to Nepal's most sacred Hindu temple, located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Observe traditional Hindu cremation ceremonies, meet the colourful Sadhus (holy men), and gain a deeper understanding of Nepal's rich spiritual traditions.

Kathmandu Durbar Square: After lunch, visit the historic royal palace complex of Kathmandu Durbar Square. Admire centuries-old temples, courtyards, and beautifully carved Newari architecture while discovering the fascinating history of Nepal's former royal kingdom.

Local Markets: End the day by exploring Kathmandu's lively spice, vegetable, and local markets. Wander through the narrow streets, experience the vibrant atmosphere, and enjoy an authentic glimpse into everyday life in Nepal.

After sightseeing, return to your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening. You may wish to explore the vibrant streets of Thamel, browse local handicraft shops, or simply rest before tomorrow's spectacular flight to Bhutan, where the next chapter of your Himalayan adventure begins.

Today your Bhutan adventure begins with one of the world's most spectacular Himalayan flights. Fly from Kathmandu to Paro (approximately 1 hour), enjoying breathtaking views of snow-capped Himalayan peaks, including Mount Everest, before landing in the beautiful Paro Valley. After meeting your experienced Bhutanese guide, enjoy a scenic drive to Thimphu, the peaceful capital of Bhutan.

In the afternoon, begin exploring some of Thimphu's most famous landmarks, including the National Memorial Chorten, the magnificent Buddha Dordenma (Buddha Point), and the impressive Tashichho Dzong, the administrative and religious heart of Bhutan. If time permits, take a leisurely stroll through Thimphu's charming town centre, where you can browse local handicraft shops, cafés, and traditional Bhutanese markets before enjoying dinner at your hotel.

After breakfast, enjoy a full day exploring the cultural and historical highlights of Thimphu, Bhutan's peaceful capital and the only capital city in the world without traffic lights.

Begin your sightseeing at Sangaygang Viewpoint (BBS Tower), where panoramic views of the Thimphu Valley await. If you're lucky, you may even spot Bhutan's national animal, the Takin, grazing on the surrounding hillsides.

Continue to Dechen Phodrang Monastic School, one of Bhutan's oldest religious institutions, where hundreds of young monks receive traditional Buddhist education. Afterwards, visit Simply Bhutan, an interactive living museum that offers a fascinating introduction to Bhutanese traditions, local customs, architecture, and daily life.

Your final stop is Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress-monastery in Bhutan, built in 1629 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. This historic landmark is renowned for its beautiful architecture, ancient murals, and intricate wood carvings. After sightseeing, return to your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening in Thimphu.

After breakfast, leave Thimphu and enjoy one of Bhutan's most scenic drives towards the beautiful Punakha Valley. The journey takes you over the famous Dochula Pass (3,100 m), where, on a clear day, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the eastern Himalayas. Here you'll also visit the iconic 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens and the beautiful Druk Wangyal Lhakhang.

Descending into the fertile Punakha Valley, visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, considered one of Bhutan's most beautiful fortress-monasteries. Situated at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu Rivers, the dzong is an architectural masterpiece and an important religious and historical landmark.

Before checking into your hotel, take a short walk across the impressive Pho Chhu Suspension Bridge, the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan, offering spectacular views of the river valley and Punakha Dzong.

After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive back to Paro, passing through picturesque valleys, forests, and traditional Bhutanese villages.

Upon arrival, visit the sacred Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest and most revered temples, dating back to the 7th century. According to legend, it is one of 108 temples built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo to promote Buddhism throughout the Himalayas.

Continue to the impressive Paro Rinpung Dzong, an outstanding example of traditional Bhutanese architecture that serves as both a monastery and administrative centre. Your sightseeing concludes at Ta Dzong (National Museum), where you can explore fascinating collections of ancient religious artefacts, traditional textiles, thangka paintings, weapons, and Bhutanese cultural treasures.

Today is one of the highlights of your journey through Bhutan. After breakfast, drive to the trailhead and begin the unforgettable hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery (Taktsang Monastery), Bhutan's most iconic landmark.

Perched dramatically on a cliff nearly 900 metres above the Paro Valley, Tiger's Nest is one of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the Himalayas. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) flew here on the back of a tigress and meditated in a cave, bringing Buddhism to Bhutan.

The trail winds through fragrant pine forests decorated with colourful prayer flags before reaching spectacular viewpoints overlooking the monastery. After exploring this remarkable spiritual site and admiring the breathtaking scenery, hike back to Paro and enjoy a relaxing evening at your hotel.

After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for your scenic flight back to Kathmandu. Weather permitting, enjoy one final opportunity to admire the spectacular Himalayan range, including views of Mount Everest and several other snow-capped peaks.

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, meet your Nepalese guide and visit the magnificent Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk alongside pilgrims spinning prayer wheels, observe monks chanting prayers, and soak up the peaceful spiritual atmosphere.

Enjoy lunch at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the stupa before transferring to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax, explore nearby cafés and shops, or simply reflect on your unforgettable journey through Nepal and Bhutan.

After breakfast, enjoy a full-day cultural tour of two of the Kathmandu Valley's finest UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Begin with a visit to Patan Durbar Square, located in the historic city of Lalitpur, renowned for its exquisite Newari architecture, beautifully carved temples, ancient courtyards, and rich artistic heritage.

Explore the magnificent Golden Temple (Hiranya Varna Mahavihar), visit the fascinating Patan Museum, and stroll through the lively streets where traditional metalworkers, woodcarvers, and artisans continue centuries-old craftsmanship.

In the afternoon, continue to the beautifully preserved medieval city of Bhaktapur, often regarded as Nepal's cultural gem. Discover the impressive Bhaktapur Durbar Square, admire the famous 55-Window Palace, pass through the ornate Golden Gate, and visit the lively Pottery Square, where local artisans continue traditional pottery-making techniques.

After sightseeing, return to your hotel or enjoy some free time exploring the vibrant streets of Thamel, perfect for last-minute shopping, cafés, or celebrating the final evening of your unforgettable Nepal and Bhutan adventure.

After breakfast, your Best of Nepal & Bhutan Tour comes to an end. At the appropriate time, a representative from Himalayan Dream Team will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight.

If your flight departs later in the day, you may have time for some last-minute shopping or a relaxing visit to one of Kathmandu's cafés before heading to the airport. If you wish to extend your holiday, we would be delighted to arrange additional sightseeing, wildlife safaris, or trekking adventures in Nepal.

Thank you for travelling with Himalayan Dream Team Treks & Tours. We hope to welcome you back to the Himalayas for another unforgettable journey in the future.