Overview

This 12-day itinerary offers an enriching journey through Nepal and Bhutan, combining culture, history and nature. The tour begins in Kathmandu and continues to Pokhara, where tranquil lakes and Himalayan views create a peaceful setting. Back in the Kathmandu Valley, the journey explores important temples, stupas and historic cities.
A flight then takes you to Paro in Bhutan, followed by visits to Thimphu, Punakha and the Paro Valley. Highlights include Buddha Dordenma, Dochula Pass, Punakha Dzong and the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery. The journey offers a close view of the heritage, Buddhist spirituality and warm hospitality of both countries.

11 Nights / 12 Days

Kathmandu (4N) - Pokhara (2N) - Thimpu (2N) - Punakha (1N) - Paro (2N)

Highlights
    • Cultural and architectural heritage in Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur.
    • Buddhist and Hindu spirituality at Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath and Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
    • Spectacular landscapes in Pokhara, Dochula Pass and the valleys of Paro and Punakha.
    • A combined journey through two distinct countries, each with its own culture and a deeply spiritual character.
    • Ancient history and traditional architecture represented by temples, palaces and dzongs.
    • Authentic encounters with local hospitality in monasteries, markets and villages.
This Tour can be customized according to your travel needs & requirement
Tour Itinerary

Arrival · Welcome · Hotel transfer

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will receive a traditional welcome from a Travelogy India representative. Transfer to the hotel and assistance with check-in.

Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.


Breakfast · Drive to Pokhara · Boat ride on Fewa Lake

After breakfast, drive to Pokhara. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel. In the afternoon, enjoy an approximately one-hour boat ride on Fewa Lake and time to walk along the lakeside.

Pokhara lies 827 metres above sea level, approximately 200 km west of Kathmandu. It is one of Nepal’s most popular destinations. Its lakes, relaxed atmosphere and panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks make it an excellent base for exploring the Annapurna region.

Overnight in Pokhara.


City tour · Devi’s Fall · Seti River Gorge · Gupteshwor Cave · Bindabasini Temple · World Peace Stupa

After breakfast, visit the principal attractions of Pokhara.

Devi’s Fall: Known locally as Patale Chhango, this impressive waterfall lies southwest of the city. The water disappears into a deep underground passage.

Seti River Gorge: A natural wonder carved by the Seti River. From several bridges in the city, visitors can see the milky-white current and the deep gorge created by the flowing water.

Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave: A large sacred cave near Devi’s Fall, known for its shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Bindabasini Temple: A pagoda-style Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Durga. Its elevated location offers views across the city and towards the mountains.

In the afternoon, visit the World Peace Stupa, situated on a forested hill above Phewa Lake. The peaceful setting encourages silence and offers wide views over the valley.

Overnight in Pokhara.


Breakfast · Return to Kathmandu · Leisure time

After breakfast, drive to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax or explore the local markets independently.

Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.


Pashupatinath · Boudhanath · Bhaktapur

After breakfast, enjoy a full-day visit to Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and Bhaktapur.

Pashupatinath is one of the world’s most important Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and stands on the banks of the Bagmati River. Boudhanath is one of Kathmandu’s most sacred Buddhist sites and an important centre of pilgrimage.

Bhaktapur is a living museum of medieval art and architecture, with sculptures, wood carvings, pagodas and shikhara-style temples. Its Durbar Square, arranged around historic brick-and-timber palaces, reflects the traditional arts of the valley.

Overnight in Kathmandu.


Kathmandu City · Swayambhunath · Patan

After breakfast, enjoy a full-day visit to Kathmandu city, Swayambhunath Stupa and Patan.

Kathmandu is the centre of Nepal’s traditional culture and arts. The tour includes its historic temples and monuments, including Durbar Square and Hanuman Dhoka.

Swayambhunath is one of the oldest sanctuaries in the valley. Its white dome and golden spire dominate the landscape. It is also known as the Monkey Temple because of the many monkeys living around the complex.

Patan, also called Lalitpur, is the oldest of the valley’s three principal cities and is celebrated for its artistic and Buddhist heritage. Tradition attributes the four stupas at its cardinal points to Emperor Ashoka.

Overnight in Kathmandu.


Scenic flight · Tachog Lhakhang · National Memorial Chorten · Local market

The flight to Paro provides one of the most impressive aerial experiences in the Himalayan region. Upon arrival, Bhutan welcomes you with fresh mountain air.

During the drive to Thimphu, see Tachog Lhakhang, a temple associated with Thangtong Gyalpo, a pioneer of iron suspension bridges in Bhutan and Tibet. When conditions permit, visitors may cross the traditional bridge on a return walk of approximately 50 minutes.

In the afternoon, visit the National Memorial Chorten, where local residents walk the sacred circuit, turn prayer wheels and make offerings. Afterwards, explore the main street and the lively market area.

Overnight in Thimphu at an altitude of approximately 2,320 metres.


Buddha Dordenma · Textile Museum · Markets · Tashichho Dzong

After breakfast, take a short drive to Buddha Dordenma, located on a hill within Kuenselphodrang Nature Park. The 51.5-metre Shakyamuni statue is cast in bronze and gilded, and houses thousands of smaller Buddha images. A designated meditation area may be available at Buddha Point.

After lunch, visit the Textile Museum, which celebrates Bhutan’s rich weaving heritage. Its exhibits cover warp and weft techniques, religious textiles, indigenous fibres, exceptional works and pieces from the royal collection.

Continue to the Centenary Farmers’ Market and Ka Ja Throm, where producers from across the country sell food, handicrafts and local products.

Conclude the day at Tashichho Dzong, the centre of Bhutan’s government and religious life. The complex contains the monarch’s throne room and the seat of the Je Khenpo. It was reconstructed in the 1960s using traditional techniques.

Overnight in Thimphu.


Dochula Pass · 108 chortens · Punakha Dzong

After breakfast, drive towards Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang via Dochula Pass, situated at 3,088 metres. Chortens, mani walls and prayer flags decorate this high point of the road. On clear days, several Himalayan peaks can be seen, including Gangkar Puensum.

Dochula is home to the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens, built by Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, as well as Druk Wangyal Lhakhang, dedicated to Bhutan’s fourth king.

In the afternoon, visit Punakha Dzong, known as the Palace of Great Happiness. Built in 1637 at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, it served for centuries as an important religious and administrative centre. Its courtyards, towers and statues reveal the country’s historical and spiritual depth.

Overnight in Punakha at an altitude of approximately 1,300 metres.


Simtokha Dzong · Ta Dzong · Rinpung Dzong

After breakfast, drive to Paro along a scenic route. On the way, visit Simtokha Dzong, built in 1629 and considered the oldest dzong in Bhutan to survive as a complete structure.

Upon arrival in Paro, check in at the hotel. The fertile valley combines beautiful scenery, legends, ancient temples and monasteries. It also contains the country’s only international airport and offers views towards Mount Chomolhari.

After lunch, visit Ta Dzong, a former watchtower that now houses the National Museum. Its collection includes thangka paintings, textiles, weapons, armour and historical objects.

Continue with a short walk to Rinpung Dzong, the Fortress of the Heap of Jewels. Its wooden galleries display murals depicting stories and symbols from the Buddhist tradition.

Overnight in Paro at an altitude of approximately 2,280 metres.


Tiger’s Nest Monastery · Kyichu Lhakhang · Leisure time

After breakfast, hike to Taktsang Monastery, better known as Tiger’s Nest. The return walk takes approximately five hours. The monastery clings to a cliff around 900 metres above the Paro Valley and holds a central place in Bhutanese spirituality.

According to legend, Guru Rinpoche reached this sacred place on the back of a tigress and meditated there. Today, it is one of Bhutan’s most revered sanctuaries and an important pilgrimage site.

On the return journey to Paro, stop at Kyichu Lhakhang, a seventh-century temple and one of the 108 sanctuaries attributed to Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. Its construction is associated with the introduction of Buddhism to Bhutan.

The afternoon is free to explore Paro town and its small shops selling handicrafts and local agricultural products.

Overnight in Paro.


Breakfast · Airport transfer

After breakfast, transfer to Paro Airport for your return flight or onward journey.


Nepal
  • Four nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast.
  • Two nights’ accommodation in Pokhara with breakfast.
  • Private arrival and departure transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle.
  • Sightseeing according to the programme in a private air-conditioned vehicle.
  • Local Spanish-speaking guide in Kathmandu and local English-speaking guide in Pokhara.
  • Private vehicle with driver for the Kathmandu–Pokhara–Kathmandu journey.
  • One-hour boat ride on Fewa Lake in Pokhara.
  • All applicable government taxes.
Bhutan
  • Accommodation in suggested hotels approved by the Department of Tourism.
  • Breakfast and dinner at the hotel; selected lunches at local restaurants or the hotel during sightseeing or longer journeys.
  • All transfers and sightseeing tours according to the itinerary.
  • English-speaking accompanying guide; a Spanish-speaking guide is available as an option.
  • Sustainable Development Fee and applicable taxes.
  • Monument entrance fees according to the itinerary.
  • Bhutan visa fee: USD 40 per person.

 

Nepal
  • Domestic airfare for Kathmandu–Pokhara–Kathmandu and applicable taxes.
  • Entrance fees for sightseeing places in Kathmandu and Pokhara; published reference amount: INR 4,200 per person.
  • Personal insurance.
  • Personal expenses such as tips, bar bills, telephone calls, laundry and porterage.
  • Losses or expenses caused by political disturbances, natural events or other circumstances beyond the organiser’s control.
  • Additional sightseeing or services not mentioned in the programme.
  • Nepal visa for foreign nationals; published reference amount: USD 30 per person for 15 days.
  • Additional costs caused by cancelled or delayed flights, political problems, disasters, landslides or road blockages.
  • Emergency helicopter rescue.
  • Any service not expressly mentioned in the inclusions.
Bhutan
  • Insurance of any kind and medical expenses.
  • Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
  • Personal expenses such as tips, laundry, telephone calls, porterage and camera or video charges.
  • Airfares and airport taxes.

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