⭐ Highlights
- Explore Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Wangdue, and Phobjikha Valley in Bhutan
- Hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang Monastery) at 3,048 m
- Visit Phobjikha Valley, home of the rare Black-Necked Crane
- Experience authentic Bhutanese culture, villages, markets, and cuisine
- Visit Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu Durbar Square
- Pay homage to the Living Goddess Kumari in Kathmandu
- Witness Himalayan peaks including Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Gaurishankar & Bhutanese Himalayas
- Visit sacred monasteries, fortresses (Dzongs), and ancient temples across Bhutan
🗺️ Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350 m)
Day 02: Kathmandu sightseeing (Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Durbar Square)
Day 03: Fly Kathmandu → Paro → Drive to Thimphu
Day 04: Thimphu sightseeing
Day 05: Thimphu → Punakha via Dochula Pass
Day 06: Punakha → Phobjikha Valley via Gangtey Monastery
Day 07: Phobjikha → Paro (via Wangdue & Simtokha Dzong)
Day 08: Paro valley sightseeing
Day 09: Tiger’s Nest hike (Taktsang Monastery)
Day 10: Fly Paro → Kathmandu + farewell dinner
Day 11: Departure from Kathmandu
📖 Overview
The Best of Bhutan Tour with Kathmandu is a complete Himalayan cultural journey designed to explore two of the most spiritually rich destinations in South Asia—Nepal and Bhutan.
The journey begins in Kathmandu, a city of ancient temples, stupas, and royal heritage sites. Visitors explore UNESCO World Heritage landmarks such as Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Kathmandu Durbar Square, along with a unique visit to the Living Goddess Kumari.
From Kathmandu, a scenic Himalayan flight takes you to Paro, Bhutan, offering breathtaking views of the world’s tallest peaks including Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga.
The journey continues through Bhutan’s cultural heartlands—Thimphu, Punakha, Wangdue, and Phobjikha Valley. Each destination reveals Bhutan’s deep Buddhist traditions, preserved architecture, and peaceful way of life.
A highlight of the tour is the pristine Phobjikha Valley, a glacial valley famous as the winter home of the endangered Black-Necked Crane, symbolizing Bhutan’s commitment to environmental conservation.
In Punakha, travelers visit the majestic Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most beautiful fortresses, located at the confluence of two rivers. The journey continues through lush valleys, traditional villages, and sacred monasteries.
In Paro, travelers explore ancient sites like Kyichu Lhakhang, National Museum, and Rinpung Dzong, before embarking on the unforgettable hike to the legendary Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang), dramatically perched on a cliff at 3,048 meters.
This tour perfectly blends spiritual discovery, Himalayan landscapes, cultural immersion, wildlife conservation, and ancient Buddhist heritage, making it one of the most complete Bhutan travel experiences.
🧭 Detailed Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350 m)
Arrival at Kathmandu International Airport. Transfer to hotel and welcome briefing. Evening cultural dinner program introducing Nepalese traditions.
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: Dinner
Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing
Visit Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. Explore ancient palaces, temples, and the Kumari (Living Goddess) Temple.
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast
Day 03: Fly to Paro → Drive to Thimphu
Scenic flight over the Himalayas. Drive to Thimphu and visit Tachogang Temple and Tashichho Dzong.
Accommodation: Hotel in Thimphu
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 04: Thimphu Sightseeing
Visit Buddha Dordenma Statue, Memorial Chorten, National Library, Painting School, Traditional Medicine Institute, Takin Preserve, handicraft centers, and archery ground.
Accommodation: Hotel in Thimphu
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 05: Thimphu → Punakha via Dochula Pass
Cross Dochula Pass (3,050 m) with Himalayan views and 108 chortens. Visit Chimi Lhakhang Temple and Punakha Dzong.
Accommodation: Hotel in Punakha
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 06: Punakha → Phobjikha Valley
Drive through Wangdue and visit Gangtey Monastery. Explore Phobjikha Valley, home of the Black-Necked Crane.
Accommodation: Hotel in Phobjikha
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 07: Phobjikha → Paro
Drive via Wangdue and Simtokha Dzong back to Paro. Evening at leisure.
Accommodation: Hotel in Paro
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 08: Paro Sightseeing
Visit Drukgyel Dzong, Kyichu Lhakhang, National Museum, and Rinpung Dzong. Explore Paro town and local culture.
Accommodation: Hotel in Paro
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 09: Tiger’s Nest Hike (Taktsang Monastery)
Hike to the sacred Tiger’s Nest Monastery (3,048 m). Explore meditation caves and cliffside monastery views.
Accommodation: Hotel in Paro
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 10: Fly Paro → Kathmandu
Return to Kathmandu. Free time or optional sightseeing. Evening farewell dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
Day 11: Departure
Transfer to airport for final departure.
Meals: Breakfast
💰 Cost Information
✔️ Cost Includes:
- Airport transfers in Kathmandu
- 3 nights hotel in Kathmandu (BB plan)
- 7 nights accommodation in Bhutan (all meals included)
- Bhutan visa and permits
- Kathmandu–Paro–Kathmandu airfare
- All sightseeing and transfers
- English-speaking guides in Nepal & Bhutan
- Entrance fees to monuments and sites
- Welcome & farewell dinners in Kathmandu
- Bottled water during tours
- 24/7 assistance
❌ Cost Excludes:
- International airfare
- Nepal visa fee (USD 30 for 15 days)
- Personal expenses (tips, laundry, drinks, etc.)
- Travel insurance
- Monastery donations
- Costs due to delays, weather, or emergencies
- Anything not mentioned in inclusions