Treasures of Bhutan

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A 12-day Nepal and Bhutan combination tour: Kathmandu heritage, the 4-day Druk Path Trek to 3,880 m, Thimphu, Punakha Dzong and Bhaktapur.

Duration
12 Days
Max Altitude
3,880 m / 12,730 ft
Difficulty
Easy
Group Size
Max 14 trekkers
Region
Thimpu, Nepal
Best Season
Spring · Autumn
Accommodation
3-star hotels & tented trek camps
Meals
Breakfast at hotels; full board on trek
Transport
Private vehicle; domestic flights
Dates & Prices

Choose your date

All dates are guaranteed departures — we never cancel for low numbers. Book online or send a quick enquiry.

Year
Month
6 departures · 2026
Sep
3
Sep 3, 2026Sep 14, 2026
8 seats left
Available
USD2,850
per person
Sep
20
Sep 20, 2026Oct 1, 2026
5 seats left
Available
USD2,799
per person
Oct
5
Oct 5, 2026Oct 16, 2026
8 seats left
Available
USD2,775
per person
Oct
20
Oct 20, 2026Oct 31, 2026
8 seats left
Available
USD2,775
per person
Nov
5
Nov 5, 2026Nov 16, 2026
8 seats left
Available
USD2,850
per person

Can’t find a suitable date? We run private departures on any date with as few as 2 trekkers.

Trip Overview

About the Treasures of Bhutan

Treasures of Bhutan is a 12-day Nepal and Bhutan combination tour that covers Kathmandu Valley heritage, the four-day Druk Path Trek through Bhutan's alpine interior, Thimphu's capital landmarks, Punakha Dzong at 1,310 m, and Bhaktapur's medieval architecture before departure. It is built for travellers who want one trip to cover two distinct Himalayan cultures without reducing either to a brief stopover.

The Nepal segment runs three days in the Kathmandu Valley, visiting Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath and Durbar Square, then closes with a half-day in Bhaktapur. The Bhutan segment opens with a flight into Paro, one of the world's most technically demanding airport approaches, then moves to Thimphu before the Druk Path Trek begins. The four-stage trek crosses terrain between 3,780 m and 3,880 m, passing yak pastures, alpine lakes and panoramic ridge lines with views toward Jomolhari (7,326 m) and the main Himalayan chain.

The trek's highest point is Simkota camp at 3,880 m on day 5, which sets the profile peak for the tour. After the trek finishes in Thimphu, a drive over Dochula Pass (108 chortens at 3,100 m) leads to Punakha and the dzong at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, before the return flight to Kathmandu. All travellers entering Bhutan pay the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of approximately USD 100 per night as of 2024, which funds free healthcare, free education and the policies that keep Bhutan carbon-negative. The sections below cover entry requirements, best season, permits, accommodation and what to pack.

Last updated June 2026

Trip Highlights

Highlights

  • Druk Path Trek: 4 days on Bhutan's alpine ridge, reaching 3,880 m

  • Kathmandu Valley UNESCO heritage: Pashupatinath, Boudhanath and Durbar Squares

  • Thimphu landmarks: Buddha Dordenma, Tashichho Dzong and Memorial Chorten

  • Punakha Dzong at 1,310 m, at the confluence of two rivers

  • Paro approach: one of the world's most technically challenging commercial landings

  • Nepal + Bhutan in 12 days with a licensed Bhutanese guide and full trek crew

Day by Day

Full 12-day itinerary

Tap any day to expand — altitudes, walking times, meals, and overnight details for every stage of the journey.

What’s included

What's included

Every cost on the trail is broken out below — no hidden fees, no surprises at the trailhead.

Included

12 items

  • Visa arrangement for the stay in Bhutan.
  • Accommodations are in the above hotels or in similar hotels on a twin-sharing basis.
  • A Shape sleeping tent for the trekkers, including a dining tent, kitchen tent, toilet tent, table, chair, all meals, horses, horseman, cook, waiter, trek guide, tea/coffee, sleeping bag, and sleeping mat.
  • Breakfast in the above hotels, whereas lunch & dinner in tourist standard restaurants.
  • English-speaking guide.
  • Transportation and sightseeing, as per the itinerary, are based on group size.
  • Museum and park fees are indicated in the itinerary only.
  • A bottle of drinking water per day.
  • Complimentary: wearing Gho/Kira and playing Archery in Paro.
  • One day farmhouse visit with lunch.
  • 3 Nights' accommodation and sightseeing in Kathmandu.
  • SDF (Bhutan).

Not included

5 items

  • International flights; Nepalese visa fee.
  • Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu.
  • Travel and rescue insurance.
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, bottled or boiled water, shower, etc.).
  • Tips for guide(s), porter(s) and driver(s).

How hard is this trek?

Treasures of Bhutan is a moderate trek-based tour. The four-stage Druk Path Trek crosses terrain between 3,780 m and 3,880 m with 5 to 7 hours of walking per day on alpine trails. The Nepal days are low-altitude sightseeing with no significant physical demand.

Moderate. Druk Path Trek: 4 days, 3,780-3,880 m altitude, 5-7 hrs/day. Nepal days: low-altitude sightseeing. Reasonable fitness required.
Overall Rating
2
Easy
out of 10 · physical effort scale
Max altitude3,880 m
Trekking days7 days
Trip Details

Everything you need to know

In-depth guides on accommodation, food, permits, insurance and special considerations — tap any topic to expand.

The Druk Path Trek is rated moderate. Each of the four days covers 5 to 7 hours of walking on mountain trails, crossing ridges between 3,780 m and 3,880 m. The total trek gain from the Paro trailhead (about 2,480 m, near the National Museum) to the first camp at Jelela Dzong (3,810 m) is roughly 1,330 m of ascent on day 3, which is the hardest single day. Subsequent days involve rolling ridge terrain rather than long climbs.

Travellers need reasonable fitness and should be comfortable walking 15 to 20 km a day on uneven ground at altitude. No technical climbing or prior trekking experience is required, but altitude acclimatisation matters: a day in Thimphu (2,330 m) before the trek starts helps the body adjust before the camps above 3,800 m. The Nepal sightseeing days at 1,400 m carry no physical demand.

What to pack

What to pack

The full kit list. Anything we loan (sleeping bag, down jacket) is called out — bring everything else.

    • Duffel bag (for porter carry on trek)
    • Daypack (25-30L for personal items on trail)
    • Packing cubes
    • Small padlock
Frequently Asked

Questions & Answers

Everything trekkers ask before booking. Don't see yours? Tap Enquire — we usually reply within a few hours.

  • Yes. All foreign nationals except Indian, Bangladeshi and Maldivian citizens require a Bhutan visa. The visa is processed online before travel through the Tourism Council of Bhutan and is handled by your licensed tour operator. You cannot obtain a Bhutan visa independently on arrival. Swotah applies for your visa as part of the booking process, and the visa fee is included in the tour cost. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your entry date.
Why Travel with Swotah

Eight reasons to book with us

Most Nepal operators look the same from the outside. Here's what actually makes the difference.

  • Born in Nepal

    100% locally owned since 2016. Trek profits support Sherpa families and village schools directly.

  • Guaranteed Departures

    Every date on our calendar runs — no minimum group size. You never pay to be cancelled.

  • Certified Guides

    NATHM-licensed, WFR-certified, English-speaking. Most were born within two valleys of the trail.

  • Small Groups

    Small groups, typically 6–8 trekkers. You get a real experience, not a convoy.

  • Gear Included

    Sleeping bag and down jacket loaned at no extra charge — both rated to –20°C.

  • Flexible Payment

    Deposit from 10% to confirm, balance before departure or in cash on arrival. Reschedule up to 30 days prior.

  • 24/7 Support

    Kathmandu office and dedicated WhatsApp emergency line. We answer at 2am if needed.

  • Hall of Fame

    TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice 2023, 2024 and 2025. Hundreds of verified five-star reviews.

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