Immerse yourself in the rich colors and cultures of Nepal before journeying into the peaceful and pristine landscapes of Bhutan. This 18-day Nepal and Bhutan trip takes you from bustling cities and sacred temples to remote mountain towns and lush national parks. Experience authentic local life, explore ancient heritage sites, and enjoy breathtaking Himalayan scenery. From the energy of Kathmandu to the wildlife of Chitwan National Park, and onward to Bhutan’s tranquil valleys and monasteries, this journey offers a perfect balance of culture, nature, and adventure.
General Information
Start / End: Kathmandu / Paro
Duration: 18 Days / 17 Nights
Tour Route: Kathmandu – Pokhara – Bandipur – Chitwan – Bhaktapur – Kathmandu – Paro – Thimphu – Punakha – Paro
Tour Customizable: Definitely
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Kathmandu
Day 2: Kathmandu
Day 3: Pokhara
Day 4: Pokhara
Day 5: Bandipur
Day 6: Bandipur
Day 7: Chitwan National Park
Day 8: Chitwan National Park
Day 9: Bhaktapur
Day 10: Kathmandu
Day 11: Kathmandu (Free Day)
Day 12: Kathmandu – Paro – Thimphu
Day 13: Thimphu
Day 14: Punakha
Day 15: Punakha
Day 16: Paro
Day 17: Paro – Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Day 18: Paro Departure
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal - Start of Nepal and Bhutan Trip
Namaste! Welcome to Nepal. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, enjoy your complimentary airport transfer to the hotel. Your adventure officially begins with a welcome meeting at 6:00 pm, where you’ll meet your trip leader and fellow travellers. After the meeting, the evening is free for you to explore the vibrant streets of Kathmandu. This fascinating city blends ancient temples and traditional architecture with modern life, creating a unique atmosphere filled with bustling markets, narrow alleys, holy men, monks, incense, bicycles, goats, and sacred cows wandering freely. You may choose to join your leader and the group for an optional dinner at one of Kathmandu’s excellent Nepali restaurants.
Day 2: Kathmandu City Tour
Weather permitting, you have the option to take a scenic mountain flight over Mount Everest this morning (USD 240). This unforgettable flight takes you soaring above Sagarmatha National Park and offers breathtaking close-up views of the world’s highest peaks.
After breakfast, explore Kathmandu’s highlights with visits to:
- Pashupatinath Temple – Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple on the banks of the holy Bagmati River, where you may see sadhus (holy men) meditating, pilgrims bathing, and traditional funeral pyres.
- Boudhanath Stupa – One of the largest and most important Buddhist stupas in the world, surrounded by monasteries where monks pray.
- Kathmandu Durbar Square – The historic heart of the old royal palace, featuring stunning temples and lively market stalls.
The rest of the evening is free to explore the city at your own pace.
Included Activities: Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa & Monastery, Durbar Square
Optional Activity: Everest scenic flight
Day 3: Kathmandu – Pokhara
Today you’ll take a short flight to Pokhara (approx. 1 hour). On a clear day, you may enjoy stunning views of the Himalayan range during the flight.
Upon arrival, take a relaxing scenic boat ride across Phewa Tal, Nepal’s second-largest lake. You can visit the tiny Taal Barahi Temple on the island or simply enjoy the beautiful mountain reflections on the water. The evening is free — your leader can recommend great lakeside restaurants for dinner.
Included Activity: Phewa Tal Lake boat trip
Day 4: Pokhara Exploration
Rise early (optional) for a spectacular sunrise at Sarangkot Hill, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Annapurna range and the iconic fishtail peak, Machhapuchhre.
Later, visit the International Mountain Museum to learn about the triumphs and tragedies of Himalayan mountaineering expeditions. For lunch, you’ll head to a local Tibetan Refugee Camp, where you’ll hear inspiring stories of their journey from Tibet, experience daily life in the community, and take part in a traditional momo-making (steamed dumpling) cooking demonstration. Enjoy the delicious momos you helped prepare for lunch.
Included Activities: Sunrise at Sarangkot Hill, International Mountain Museum, Tibetan community visit with momo lunch
Day 5: Pokhara – Bandipur
After breakfast, travel by private vehicle to the charming hilltop town of Bandipur (approx. 3 hours). This traditional Newari town was once an important stop on the ancient trade route to Tibet. Its beautifully preserved main street is lined with historic merchant houses that showcase classic Nepali architecture. You’ll spend a peaceful night in this tranquil, rural setting.
Day 6: Bandipur
Enjoy a full free day in Bandipur. You can hike through the surrounding hills, passing tribal villages and ancient hilltop shrines (some once used as fortresses), or simply relax with a coffee while soaking in the breathtaking Himalayan panorama. You may also choose to visit local temples or wander the peaceful streets at your own pace.
Included Activity: Bandipur day exploration
Day 7: Bandipur – Chitwan National Park
After breakfast, drive to Chitwan National Park (approx. 4 hours). Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed by the camp staff and naturalists who will brief you on the exciting activities ahead. In the early evening, enjoy a traditional cultural performance by the local Tharu dance troupe. Dinner will be served at the lodge, followed by a relaxing evening — perhaps sharing wildlife stories or listening to the sounds of the jungle.
Included Activity: Village tour, sunset view & Tharu cultural stick dance show
Day 8: Chitwan National Park Safari
Start your day with an early-morning jeep safari (timing may vary depending on lodge schedule) in search of the greater one-horned rhino, deer, and rich birdlife. After breakfast, enjoy a peaceful dugout canoe ride along the Rapti River, where you may spot marsh mugger crocodiles and various riverbank birds. The rest of the day will include additional park activities, such as another jeep safari or a village visit.
Included Activity: Canoe ride & Jeep safari in Chitwan National Park
Day 9: Chitwan – Bhaktapur
(Optional early-morning birdwatching safari available for wildlife enthusiasts.) After breakfast, drive along the scenic Trisuli River to Bhaktapur (approx. 5.5 hours), stopping for lunch along the riverbank. Once the capital of the Malla Kingdom, Bhaktapur is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its well-preserved temples, traditional architecture, and rich artisanal heritage. Spend the evening exploring the charming streets, relaxing at a café, or unwinding at your hotel.
Included Activity: Chitwan NP – Bird watching tour (optional)
Day 10: Bhaktapur – Kathmandu
This morning, take a guided walking tour of Bhaktapur’s highlights, including the stunning Durbar Square (considered one of Nepal’s most beautiful architectural treasures), the Lion Gate, Golden Gate, and the Yakcheswor Mahadev Temple (a replica of Pashupatinath). In the afternoon, drive back to Kathmandu (approx. 1 hour). The evening is free — your group may choose to enjoy a farewell dinner together.
Included Activity: Leader-led walking tour of Bhaktapur
Day 11: Kathmandu Free Day
Enjoy a full free day in Kathmandu. You may like to explore the bustling Thamel district with its shops, cafés, and vibrant street life, or join a language, craft, or cooking class at Seven Women – a wonderful local social enterprise supporting women in Nepal. Your leader will be happy to offer recommendations and help arrange any additional activities.
Day 12: Kathmandu – Paro – Thimphu
This morning, take a short flight to Bhutan (unescorted). For the best Himalayan views, request a seat on the left side of the plane. Upon arrival at Paro Airport, complete immigration and customs, then meet your Bhutanese guide and driver. Drive through scenic mountain landscapes and red rice fields to Thimphu, Bhutan’s charming capital (approx. 2 hours).
Depending on your arrival time, you’ll either enjoy lunch followed by sightseeing (visiting the Nado Poizokhang Incense Factory and Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Centre) or join the group in the evening for a welcome meeting and dinner. End the day with a stroll through Thimphu — the only capital city in the world without traffic lights!
Included Activities: Nado Poizokhang Incense Factory, Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Centre
Important Note: Travel in Bhutan is strictly regulated. All travellers must follow the official group tour schedule. Independent travel outside the tour dates is not permitted.
Day 13: Thimphu Exploration
Begin the day with a scenic hike (approx. 2 hours / 3.5 km) through paddy fields, forests, and a Tibetan village up to the historic Cheri Dorji Dhen Monastery (built in 1620). Those who prefer not to hike can opt out.
Back in Thimphu, enjoy panoramic views from Buddha Dordenma (Buddha Point), visit Simply Bhutan (a living museum showcasing traditional Bhutanese life and culture — try archery!), the National Memorial Chorten, the institute teaching Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts, the National Textile Museum, and the National Handicrafts Emporium.
Included Activities: Village walk to Cheri Dorji Dhen, Buddha Dordenma, Simply Bhutan, National Memorial Chorten, National Textile Museum
Day 14: Thimphu – Punakha
Drive to Punakha, the ancient winter capital of Bhutan (approx. 2.5 hours). Stop at the scenic Dochula Pass for stunning views of the eastern Himalayas, including Bhutan’s highest peak, Gangkhar Puensum. Enjoy an optional short walk to the fertility temple Chimi Lhakhang (built in 1499).
Included Activity: Chimi Lhakhang visit
Optional walk: Approx. 30 minutes
Day 15: Punakha
After breakfast, take a beautiful 1.5-hour hike to the striking Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. Later, admire the majestic Punakha Dzong (the second-largest dzong in Bhutan) and the cantilever bridge at the confluence of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. Continue to the peaceful Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery for more spectacular views.
Included Activities: Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten hike, Punakha Dzong photo stop, Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery
Day 16: Punakha – Paro
Drive back over Dochula Pass to Thimphu and continue to the beautiful Paro Valley (total approx. 5 hours). On arrival, you may take a gentle wander around town. Rest well tonight — tomorrow is an exciting and active day!
Day 17: Paro – Tiger’s Nest Monastery
After an early breakfast, drive to the starting point for the iconic hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), Bhutan’s most famous landmark. The monastery clings dramatically to a cliff 900 metres above the valley. After about 1 hour of uphill hiking, reach a teahouse with panoramic views - the perfect spot for lunch. Those who wish can continue another 45–60 minutes (each way) for a closer view of the monastery.
In the evening, enjoy a warm traditional Bhutanese dinner at a local farmhouse. You can also opt for a relaxing hot stone bath - a traditional Bhutanese healing experience using river stones, herbs, and fresh water.
Included Activities: Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery hike, Home-cooked farmhouse dinner
Optional Activity: Hot stone bath
Special Note: The hike is moderately challenging. Wear good comfortable shoes, bring water, layers, a sunhat, and take it slowly due to the altitude (approx. 3,120 m).
Day 18: Paro Departure
Enjoy a final breakfast before your complimentary airport transfer to Paro Airport for your departure flight.
