11-Day Bhutan and Kathmandu Adventure Tour

Welcome to Nepal, the enchanting Himalayan nation where adventure meets tradition. One of our representatives will meet you in Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu.

Accommodations: Overnight in Kathmandu
Meals: N/A

Upon arrival at Paro International Airport via Druk Air, you’ll be greeted by your local Bhutanese guide. From Paro, embark on a scenic drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan, where you’ll check into your hotel and take some time to freshen up after the journey. Enjoy a warm welcome dinner and settle in for an overnight stay in Thimphu.

Accommodations: Overnight in Thimphu
Meals: Lunch and Dinner

After breakfast at your hotel, spend a full day exploring the cultural treasures of Thimphu. Begin at the Memorial Chorten, a beautiful stupa built in honor of Bhutan’s third king. Continue to the Buddha Dordenma, an enormous golden Buddha statue that offers sweeping views of the valley below. Visit the Takin Preserve to catch a glimpse of Bhutan’s unique national animal. Later, deepen your understanding of Bhutanese life at the Folk Heritage Museum and the Textile Museum, both of which showcase traditional arts, crafts, and customs. Conclude your day with a visit to Tashichho Dzong, a grand fortress and the seat of the government. Return to your hotel for dinner and another restful night in Thimphu.Accommodations: Overnight in Thimphu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Enjoy breakfast before departing on a picturesque drive to Punakha, a region known for its natural beauty and historical significance. En route, stop at the stunning Dochula Pass, where 108 chortens crown the ridge and offer breathtaking views of the snow-capped Himalayas. Upon arrival in Punakha, visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, an architectural masterpiece nestled at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. The day concludes with dinner and an overnight stay in Punakha.

Accommodations: Overnight in Punakha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Begin your morning with breakfast at the hotel before setting out to explore the lush and culturally rich Punakha Valley. One of the day’s highlights is a scenic hike to Chimi Lhakhang, the famed fertility temple dedicated to the eccentric 15th-century saint known as the Divine Madman. After this spiritual and cultural visit, continue your journey with a drive to Gangtey Valley, an untouched alpine haven nestled in the heart of the Phobjikha Valley. Surrounded by rolling hills and tranquil landscapes, this region is home to the revered Gangtey Monastery. After arriving and settling in, enjoy a hearty dinner and a peaceful overnight stay in Gangtey.

Accommodations: Overnight in Gangtey
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wake up to the serene beauty of Gangtey and begin your day with a hearty breakfast at your lodge. Your first stop is the historic Gangtey Monastery (Gangtey Gonpa), which sits perched on a ridge overlooking the valley. This revered spiritual center is not only a place of worship but also a window into Bhutan’s rich monastic traditions. Following the visit, enjoy a traditional Bhutanese lunch, either at a charming local restaurant or as a scenic picnic amidst nature. In the afternoon, set off on the Gangtey Nature Trail, a gentle hike that offers sweeping views of the valley, pristine forests, and a chance to spot local bird species. If your visit falls between October and March, take time to stop by the Black-Necked Crane Information Center to learn about the graceful, endangered cranes that migrate to the valley each winter. Return to your accommodation to relax and unwind before enjoying a cozy dinner, either at your lodge or a local eatery for an authentic Bhutanese culinary experience.

Accommodations: Overnight in Gangtey Valley
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After enjoying breakfast at your lodge in Gangtey, check out and begin your journey westward toward Paro, one of Bhutan’s most scenic and culturally rich valleys. Along the way, make a meaningful stop at Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, a striking fortress dramatically located at the confluence of the Punatsangchhu and Dangchhu rivers. Take time to admire its traditional Bhutanese architecture and learn about the dzong’s historical and religious significance. Following your visit, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Wangdue or at a serene spot along the drive, soaking in the surrounding mountain vistas. As you continue your scenic drive to Paro, the landscape gradually shifts to reveal pine-clad valleys, quaint farmhouses, and ancient monasteries dotting the hillsides. Upon arrival, check into your accommodation and unwind. Later in the afternoon or evening, take a leisurely stroll through Paro town, where you’ll find cozy cafes, artisan handicraft shops, and an inviting blend of old-world charm and local hospitality.

Accommodations: Overnight in Paro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Start your day early with one of Bhutan’s most iconic experiences, a hike to the legendary Taktsang Monastery, famously known as Tiger’s Nest. Clinging dramatically to a cliffside at over 3,000 meters above sea level, this sacred site is a spiritual highlight and offers breathtaking views of the Paro Valley. The hike, though moderately challenging, is deeply rewarding and steeped in myth and reverence. After descending, visit the National Museum housed in the historic Ta Dzong, where you’ll explore an impressive collection of Bhutanese artifacts, from ancient weaponry to intricate thangka paintings. Then, continue to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most venerated temples in Bhutan, said to date back to the 7th century and radiating a serene, timeless atmosphere. The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure, whether you prefer browsing local markets, relaxing at your hotel, or partaking in an optional cultural activity. In the evening, gather for a farewell dinner and reflect on your journey before your final overnight stay in Paro.

Accommodations: Overnight in Paro Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure from Bhutan to Kathmandu. Today, we will take some rest and have personal time off in Kathmandu, and plan for the trip.

Accommodations: Overnight in Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast

Today, immerse yourself in the rich spiritual and cultural heritage of Nepal with a guided tour of Kathmandu’s most iconic landmarks. Begin with a visit to Pashupatinath Temple, one of the holiest Hindu shrines in the world. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this sacred temple complex sits along the Bagmati River and is revered for its ancient architecture, vibrant rituals, and its recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next, ascend to Swayambhunath Stupa, affectionately known as the Monkey Temple. Perched on a hilltop overlooking the Kathmandu Valley, this sacred Buddhist site offers both deep spiritual resonance and panoramic views of the city. Conclude your tour with a visit to the awe-inspiring Boudhanath Stupa, the largest of its kind in the world. Surrounded by prayer wheels and fluttering prayer flags, this UNESCO World Heritage Site serves as a major pilgrimage center and a tranquil place for reflection. After a day rich with history and devotion, return to your hotel for a restful evening or explore more of the city at your own pace.

Accommodations: Overnight in Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast

Today’s journey takes you beyond Kathmandu to two of the valley’s most culturally rich cities, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur, both renowned for their exquisite architecture and vibrant heritage. Begin with a guided tour of Bhaktapur, one of the three ancient royal cities in the Kathmandu Valley and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore Bhaktapur Durbar Square, where you’ll encounter the impressive 55-Window Palace, the intricately carved Golden Gate, and the towering five-tiered Nyatapola Temple, an architectural marvel that stands as the tallest pagoda in Nepal. Wander through the charming lanes of Pottery Square, where skilled artisans shape clay by hand and traditional potter’s wheels spin with centuries-old rhythm. It’s a perfect spot to witness living craftsmanship and perhaps pick up a handmade souvenir. Later in the day, continue to Lalitpur, also known as Patan, another of the valley’s royal cities. There, visit the beautifully preserved Lalitpur Durbar Square, a treasure trove of temples, statues, and palace courtyards that reflect the city’s deep artistic legacy. After a day of cultural discovery, return to your accommodation in Kathmandu for a final evening of reflection and relaxation.

Accommodations: N/A
Meals: Breakfast