Days 1–3
Kathmandu
Durbar Square, Swayambhunath and Boudhanath at dusk. A day in Patan and Bhaktapur, the old royal cities of the valley.
3 nights in Kathmandu
Nepal and Bhutan · Sample journey
Nepal and Bhutan: two Himalayan kingdoms
The temples and stupas of the Kathmandu valley, a night at a hilltop monastery, then the flight to Paro along the Himalaya and a week in Bhutan.
- Length
- 11 nights
- Best time
- October to November, and March to April
- Price
- On request
Taktsang, the Tiger's Nest, Paro
The journey
From the busiest valley to the quietest
Kathmandu and Bhutan share the Himalaya and Buddhism, and very little else. The Kathmandu valley is crowded, colourful and full of life; Bhutan is calm, green and carefully protected, with a daily fee for visitors that keeps numbers low.
The flight between them is one of the most spectacular in the world: on a clear day you see Everest and Kanchenjunga from the window before the plane drops into the Paro valley.
Route: Kathmandu · Namobuddha · Paro · Thimphu · Punakha · Paro
Day by day
How the days run
A sample plan. Driving times are approximate.
Day 4
Namobuddha
Drive to the hills east of the valley. Walk to the monastery at Namobuddha and stay in a quiet lodge with Himalayan views.
1 night near Namobuddha
Days 5–6
Paro and Thimphu
Fly to Paro and drive to Thimphu, the capital. The giant Buddha, the weekend market, the textile museum and a traditional arts school.
2 nights in Thimphu
Days 7–8
Punakha
Over the Dochu La pass to Punakha. The dzong at the meeting of two rivers, and a walk through rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang.
2 nights in Punakha
Days 9–11
Paro
Back to Paro. The walk up to the Tiger's Nest, the Rinpung dzong, and a farmhouse dinner with a hot stone bath.
3 nights in Paro
Day 12
Departure
Fly from Paro to Kathmandu, Delhi or Bangkok for your connection.
Included
- All hotels in the room category you choose, with breakfast
- A private air-conditioned car and driver for the whole trip
- English-speaking local guides for the sightseeing in the itinerary
- Entrance fees for guided visits
- Airport meet and greet, and all transfers
- A contact who knows your trip, reachable day and night
Not included
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance (essential)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Tips for guides and drivers
Make it yours
- Add the Bumthang valley in central Bhutan (3 nights)
- Add Pokhara and the Annapurnas (3 nights)
- Time it for a tshechu festival in Bhutan
- Begin in India with Varanasi or Delhi
The destination
Before you go
Best time to visit, visas, money and local customs.
Plan my journey
Request a quote for this journey
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