Classic Nepal Bhutan Tour - 8 Days

Arrival in Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport, our airport representative will welcome (receives) you, then the short drive to your respective hotels in the hub of Kathmandu. After checking into your nice rooms with rest after a jet lag, and visit around Thamel tourist market, it also depends on your arrival, if the time allows you we meet you in the hotel and we will brief you with information regarding the Classic Nepal Bhutan Tour service details account and clear the remaining tour balance due amount bill overnight in Kathmandu at 3-star hotel.

In the morning, depending on the scheduled departure of the Mount Everest scenic flight, our mountain flight crew will pick you up from your hotel in Kathmandu approximately one hour before your flight. You will be transferred to the Kathmandu domestic airport, where you'll wait for your flight clearance. After completing the one-hour scenic flight over the Himalayas, including breathtaking views of Mt. Everest, you'll be driven back to your hotel for breakfast.

Later in the day, our expert city guide will pick you up for a full-day Kathmandu World Heritage Sightseeing Tour. You will explore the following UNESCO World Heritage Sites:

• Kathmandu Durbar Square (Basantapur and Hanuman Dhoka Palace)
• Swayambhunath Stupa (also known as the Monkey Temple)
• Pashupatinath Temple, a sacred Hindu temple
• Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest spherical stupas in the world

Enjoy the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of Kathmandu as you visit these iconic landmarks.

Day 03: Flight to Paro, Transfer to Thimphu & Sightseeing

Today, as per your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Kathmandu airport for your Druk Air flight to Paro, Bhutan. This flight is considered one of the most spectacular in the world, offering stunning views of the Himalayas. Flying alongside the snow-capped peaks and descending into the lush valleys of Bhutan is truly a mesmerizing experience.

Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by our local representative and transferred to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan—a scenic drive of approximately 1.5 hours.

After check-in and a short rest, begin your sightseeing tour of Thimphu:

• Visit the impressive Tashichho Dzong, a fortress-like structure that houses both a Buddhist monastery and the seat of the Bhutanese government.
• Explore the Memorial Chorten, a revered stupa built in honor of the third King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.
• End the day at the towering Great Buddha Dordenma, a massive golden statue overlooking the Thimphu Valley—an ideal spot to watch the sun set over the serene Himalayan landscape.

Day 04: Thimphu Sightseeing & Transfer to Punakha

After breakfast, begin your exploration of Thimphu Valley:

• Visit Tashichho Dzong, a stunning medieval fortress and monastery that houses most of the Bhutanese government offices and the King’s throne room. It also serves as the summer residence of the Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot of Bhutan.
• Continue to the National Library, which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts.
• Next, visit the Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Arts & Crafts School), renowned for its traditional thangka painting. Here, you’ll observe students meticulously working on intricate designs.
• Explore the Textile Museum and the Folk Heritage Museum, both offering deep insights into Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage and traditional way of life.

After lunch, head to the Handicrafts Emporium, which showcases a wide variety of beautifully hand-woven textiles and other Bhutanese crafts.

Later, stop by the Memorial Chorten, built in honor of Bhutan’s Third King, who is fondly remembered as the Father of Modern Bhutan. The intricate paintings and statues within the stupa provide profound insight into Buddhist philosophy.

Depending on the day, you may also have time to explore the Weekend Market and briefly visit a wildlife sanctuary.

In the afternoon, depart for Punakha, a scenic 3-hour drive through lush forests. The road gradually ascends to the Dochu La Pass (3,050 meters / 10,006 feet), offering breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks to the north. From there, descend into the subtropical Punakha Valley.

Upon arrival in Punakha, visit the majestic Punakha Dzong, an architectural masterpiece located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Later, explore the local market and attend an evening prayer ceremony at a nearby nunnery, immersing yourself in Bhutan's spiritual atmosphere.

Start your day early with a short, easy hike to Chimi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to the eccentric Buddhist saint Drukpa Kunley. Often referred to as the "Fertility Temple," it is famous for its phallic imagery, believed to ward off evil spirits. The temple is a popular pilgrimage site for Bhutanese people, especially those hoping to conceive children.

After your visit, drive back through the stunning Dochu La Pass, where you'll enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks stretching along the border with Tibet.

For even more breathtaking scenery, continue on a two-hour trek to Lungchutse Lhakhang, a temple perched about 1,640 feet (500 meters) above Dochu La Pass. The trail winds through a beautiful forest filled with moss-covered trees, birch, hemlock, and vibrant rhododendrons.

Pause for a picnic lunch in the fresh mountain air before making your way downhill to Trashigang Goemba, a serene meditation center. From there, you’ll be picked up and driven back to Paro for an overnight stay.

This morning, embark on a full-day hike to the iconic Paro Taktsang, also known as the Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Perched dramatically on a cliffside, this 17th-century temple complex is one of Bhutan’s most revered landmarks. The hike to the monastery involves a somewhat steep ascent and typically takes between one to three hours, depending on your pace.

If you’re feeling energetic, continue further uphill to explore a few lesser-known monasteries tucked away from the main trail. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Paro Valley along the way.

On your descent, stop at Khyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Bhutan. In the evening, wrap up your journey with a farewell dinner shared with your guide, reflecting on the incredible experiences of your trip.

Spend your final morning in Paro at your leisure. You may choose to visit the National Museum, explore the impressive Rinpung Dzong, or stop by the unique Dumtse Lhakhang temple, known for housing some of Bhutan’s finest murals.

Afterward, transfer to Paro Airport for your departing flight to Kathmandu, Nepal, or another onward destination.

Upon your arrival in Kathmandu—if you have a connecting flight—we will pick you up from the airport and take you on a sightseeing tour of Bhaktapur and Patan cities. You will then check in at your hotel for an overnight stay.

After a wonderful experience on the Classic Nepal Bhutan Tour with the exceptional service of Nepal Spirit Adventure, you will be transferred to the international airport according to your flight schedule for your departure home or onward journey to your next destination.