Best of Nepal and Bhutan Tour

KATHMANDU HERITAGE SITE TOUR: The day will comprise of exploration of the beautiful Kathmandu, which is home to 7 UNESCO world heritage sites and has unmatched diversity in food, cultures, and traditions, centuries-old Hindu and Buddhist cultural sites, historical temples, and monuments with people walking around smiling right at you.

DRIVE TO NAYAPUL AND TREK TO TIKHEDHUNGA: Starting the day with an early morning breakfast, our tour resumes with a drive to a small village called Nayapul. From Nayapul, we march towards Poonhill, then enjoy the view of Modi Khola, a dense and beautiful forest of rhododendrons and oak, and a picturesque view; you arrive at Tikhedhunga. For the night, we will be resting in a cozy teahouse.

TREK TO GHOREPANI: After breakfast, you will head to Ulleri on a path that climbs uphill, then admire the view of the small Magar village along with snow-capped mountains. Ghorepani greets us, Ghorepani despite being a small village, flaunts a view of some of the majestic mountains like Dhaulagiri, Mt. Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Annapurna, Nilgiri Himal, Dhampus peak, etc. to relieve all the stress we will rest in teahouse overnight.

TREK UP TO POONHILL (3210M) AND TREK TO GHANDRUK (1940M): Be ready to be hypnotized by the golden sunrise and sunset over mountains like Dhaulagiri (8167m / 26794.62 ft), Annapurna I (8091m / 26545.28 ft), Annapurna II (7937m / 26040.03 ft ), Annapurna III (7855m / 25771 ft), Annapurna IV (7525m / 24688.32 ft), Annapurna South (7219m / 23684.38 ft), Nilgiri (6940m/ 22769.03 ft), Tukuche (6920m / 22703.41 ft), Varaha Shikhar (7847m / 25744.75 ft), LamjungHimal (6931m / 22739.5 ft), etc. flaunted by the viewpoint of Poonhill. After resting for a while at Poonhill, the tour marches to Ghandruk through a beautiful trail of an alpine forest of oak, rhododendrons, and other vegetation. Ghandruk, the largest Gurung village, is famous for its nature’s grace, and view of mountains like Annapurna South, Gangapurna Himal, Machhapuchhre Himal, Annapurna III, Hiunchuli Himal, etc. At night we rest in a teahouse.

TREK TO NAYAPUL AND DRIVE TO POKHARA, STAY IN POKHARA (850): First, we move forward to Bhirethanti from Ghandruk with the aim of being at Pokhara. Crossing the blooming rhododendron forest Birethanti greets us; from here, you will walk downhill alongside the fast-flowing river, Modi Khola, and arrive at Nayapul. After resting for a bit, the Nepal and Bhutan tour moves forward with a drive to Pokhara, which will be around an hour long. The night at Pokhara will be relaxing as we cycle around the city if we will have enough time and soak up the beauty of the lakeside.

POKHARA TO KATHMANDU: The drive from “the city of lakes” to the capital should be approximately 6 to 7 hours long. The day at Kathmandu is to fulfill your wish as we will be right by your side with whatever part of the city you would want to explore or just stay in the hotel resting. At night you will be a part of spiritual prayer at the Pashupatinath temple. The accommodation for the night will be a hotel.

ARRIVE AT PARO AND DRIVE TO THIMPHU: Day 8 of your journey brings you to an exceptional part of your adventure, as you transition from the landscapes of Nepal to the mystical terrains of Bhutan. The day begins early with a carefully coordinated transfer to the airport, aligned with your flight schedule to Paro, Bhutan. Travelers are advised to check in at least 3 hours prior to departure, ensuring a seamless experience. A representative will meet you at your hotel, facilitating a comfortable transfer to the airport for one of the most breathtaking flights you will ever experience. This flight is renowned for its stunning panoramic views of the Himalayan range, offering a unique perspective on some of the highest peaks on the planet. Upon your arrival in Paro, the adventure continues as you make your way to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. This drive itself is an introduction to the serene beauty and tranquil landscape of Bhutan. After settling into your hotel in Thimphu, your exploration of Bhutanese culture and history begins. One of your first stops in Thimphu will be the Memorial Stupa, also known as the Thimphu Chorten. This stupa was erected in 1974 in memory of Bhutan's third king, His Late Majesty King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, and serves as a symbol of world peace. The architecture and spiritual ambiance of the stupa offer a profound insight into Bhutanese culture. Next on your itinerary is Tashichhodzong, a stunning fortress that embodies the harmony between tradition and governance. Known as the "fortress of the glorious religion," Tashichhodzong is not only an architectural marvel but also the hub of government and religion in Bhutan, housing various government ministries, the king's secretariat, and the central monk body.

A significant highlight of the day is a visit to Buddha Point, where you'll witness the world's tallest sitting Buddha statue, standing at an impressive 169 feet. This statue is not just a monument; it's a beacon of peace and a testament to Bhutanese craftsmanship. Your cultural immersion continues at the Simply Museum, a place that offers a deep dive into traditional Bhutanese life. Here, you'll explore the rich tapestry of Bhutan's heritage, from traditional clothing like kiras and ghos to the art of archery, Bhutan's national sport. The museum also provides a unique opportunity for visitors to dress in traditional Bhutanese attire and take photos against various cultural backdrops.

Further enriching your understanding of Bhutanese culture, you'll visit the School for Arts and Crafts. This institution is dedicated to preserving Bhutan's 13 traditional arts, known as Zorig Chusum. Observing students meticulously learn and master these arts offers a glimpse into the country's dedication to cultural preservation. The day concludes with a leisurely stroll through Thimphu's local shops, where the vibrant culture and lifestyle of Bhutan are on full display. Whether you're browsing for handicrafts, textiles, or simply soaking in the ambiance, this is a chance to engage directly with the heart of Bhutanese society.

THIMPHU – PUNAKHA: 3 hours drive over the great Dochu-La passes observing the incredible view of the Himalayas, Punakha welcomes us, then we visit Punakha Dzong ( built in 1638) means the place of great happiness or bliss, built by Shabdrung, the ‘unifier of Bhutan’ which used to be the capital of Bhutan, right now though it is the Je Khnepo’s winter headquarter. After this, we go around beholding the traditional architectural beauty of Bhutan, like the three-story temple of Punakha Dzong, its entrance pillars are decorated with gold and silver, finally observing the view around the tour marches to Chimi Lhakhang then to Wangdue Phodrang/ Punakha Dzong.

PUNAKHA – THIMPHU – PARO: Khamsum Yueley, built by the queen Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck, will be our first destination which we reach by hiking through pretty rice fields. Next will be exploring Wangdue Phong. Then you will march towards the Semtokha Dzongen route, the Dzong( Bhutan’s oldest, now known as the institute for language and cultural studies), which was built in 1627. Our overnight accommodation will be a hotel at Paro.

HIKE TO TIGER'S NEST: Hiking for about 3 to 4 hours gets us to the Taktsang monastery, which is an important pilgrim site for the Buddhists of that area because it is believed that the Guru Rimpoche and his consort meditated here during the 8th century in a cave after bringing Buddhist religion to Bhutan. So the cave where they discovered themselves as Guru Dorji Dorlo and Tigress is considered to be the place that originated Buddhism in Bhutan. Then we will visit Drukgyel Dzong (built by Shabdrung after winning over the Tibetans in 1644), Kyichu Lhakang of Paro, a temple made by Songtsen Gampo, and go to the hotel to spend the night.

DEPART PARO: Based on the flight schedule, you will be accompanied from your hotel in Paro to the airport. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be escorted to your hotel. Once there, you have the option to either relax and unwind or explore the vibrant streets of Kathmandu at your leisure.

DEPARTURE: Swotah will coordinate your airport transfer based on your flight schedule. Please be aware that you're required to check in for your flight 3 hours before departure, and the standard hotel checkout time is at 12 PM. A Swotah representative will meet you at your hotel to ensure a smooth transfer to the airport for your journey home.