Boudhanath, Kathmandu
Nepal’s living heritage
Squares, temples and stupas reveal different traditions in the Kathmandu Valley.
Nepal & Bhutan: A Journey through the Himalayas
12 Days | 11 Nights
Kathmandu, Nepal
Kathmandu, Nepal
Overview
Among temples, historic squares and Himalayan valleys, this journey of 12 days and 11 nights brings you closer to the traditions of Nepal and Bhutan. It begins and ends in Kathmandu, includes five nights in Bhutan and one night in the hills of Nagarkot.
Discover Patan, Boudhanath and Bhaktapur, travel through the valleys of Thimphu, Punakha and Paro, and walk to Taktsang Monastery, the Tiger’s Nest. Accommodation in Nepal includes breakfast; in Bhutan, the meal plan is full board.
Programme with regional flights included. US$ 4.708,33 per person, for a reservation of 2 paying travellers in double/twin accommodation. The price combines the land programme and Kathmandu–Paro–Kathmandu flights. Dates, availability and other accommodation arrangements are confirmed in the quotation.
Travel route
From the Kathmandu Valley to Bhutan’s valleys
The itinerary combines flights between Kathmandu and Paro, road journeys and walking during visits.
Route: Kathmandu and Patan → flight to Paro → Thimphu → Dochula → Punakha → Paro → flight to Kathmandu → Bhaktapur → Nagarkot → Telkot → Changu Narayan → Kathmandu.
- Land: transfers and road journeys in Nepal and Bhutan.
- Air: Kathmandu–Paro–Kathmandu.
- Walking: local visits, Taktsang and Telkot–Changu Narayan.
Geographic base: Natural Earth, public domain. Localities: GeoNames, CC BY 4.0. Illustrative route.
Overnight stays: Kathmandu, 5 nights across three stages; Thimphu, 2; Punakha, 1; Paro, 2; Nagarkot, 1. The trip ends in Kathmandu.
Journey highlights
Punakha, Bhutan
Architecture between two rivers
Punakha Dzong is one of the visits on the route between Thimphu and Paro.
Paro, Bhutan
The walk to the Tiger’s Nest
A walk of approximately 5 hours, round trip, to Taktsang.
Boudhanath, Kathmandu: Photo: Sanish shr · CC BY-SA 4.0.
Punakha, Bhutan: Photo: Steve Evans · CC BY 2.0.
Paro, Bhutan: Photo: Goyaldevender · CC BY-SA 3.0.
Travel profile
Who we recommend it for
A cultural journey for those who enjoy religious traditions, architecture and mountain scenery and are willing to walk.
- Heritage and spirituality
- Historic cities and local life
- Himalayan scenery
- Travellers accustomed to walking
Pace and effort: Taktsang requires approximately 5 hours of walking, round trip, with uphill sections and steps. Telkot–Changu Narayan involves approximately 1½ hours on foot. Road journeys pass through mountainous areas. Please disclose mobility needs before booking so that the programme’s suitability can be assessed.
What is included
- 11 nights in the planned hotels and rooms, according to the booked accommodation.
- Return regional flights Kathmandu–Paro–Kathmandu, included in the programme price.
- Breakfast in Nepal and full board in Bhutan.
- Planned transfers, tours and excursions in an air-conditioned vehicle.
- Airport assistance on arrival and departure.
- Spanish-speaking accompanying guide in Nepal and English-speaking accompanying guide in Bhutan.
- Admission to the mentioned monuments, for one visit.
- Bhutan’s Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) and Bhutan visa.
- The service tax specified for the programme.
What is not included
- International flights to Kathmandu and from Kathmandu to the next destination, except for the regional Kathmandu–Paro–Kathmandu flights already included in the programme.
- Nepal visa, payable directly to immigration; see details below.
- Meals beyond the specified plan, drinks and personal expenses.
- Tips, laundry, telephone calls, camera or video fees, medical expenses and airport departure taxes.
- Insurance and services not listed as included.
- Travel during Christmas and New Year is not covered by the conditions presented.
Frequently asked questions about this journey
How long is the trip, and where does it start and end?
It lasts 12 days and 11 nights, arriving and departing in Kathmandu. The programme includes 6 nights in Nepal and 5 in Bhutan.
How do we travel between the countries?
On Kathmandu–Paro and Paro–Kathmandu flights. The other specified journeys are by road, alongside the planned walks. Both regional flights are already included in the programme price: US$ 4.708,33 per person for 2 paying travellers in double/twin accommodation. They are not an extra amount to add to this price. Schedules, baggage allowances and airfares are reconfirmed when tickets are issued.
In which languages will I be accompanied?
The base programme provides a Spanish-speaking accompanying guide in Nepal and an English-speaking accompanying guide in Bhutan. A Spanish-speaking guide in Bhutan may be requested, with a supplement per group and confirmation of availability.
Which meals are included?
Breakfast in Nepal and full board in Bhutan. Lunch at the cafeteria during the Taktsang walk is planned. Drinks and meals outside the booked plan are not included.
Is the Tiger’s Nest walk demanding?
Yes. The Taktsang route takes approximately 5 hours, round trip, with uphill sections and steps. There is also a walk of approximately 1½ hours between Telkot and Changu Narayan. Please disclose your needs before booking.
Can I travel alone?
The documentation allows for a solo traveller in a single room. The quotation and availability are checked for the chosen date. A single-room supplement within a reservation with more participants is a different arrangement.
Is the itinerary private or shared?
The operating arrangement will be confirmed in the proposal for your dates and travellers. Exclusive transport and guiding must not be assumed.
When can I travel?
The reference conditions cover August 2026 to May 2027, excluding Christmas and New Year. Available dates and the applicable rate will be confirmed in the quotation.
Are Bhutan’s visa and SDF included?
Yes, both are listed as included in the programme. The Nepal visa is paid directly. Documents and entry requirements must be checked according to nationality and dates; the consultancy will guide preparation.
Are the hotels and mountain views guaranteed?
Planned hotels and rooms depend on availability and booking confirmation. Accommodation changes may affect the price. Visibility of the Himalayas and sunrise depends on the weather.
Memphis curation
Information checked on . Commercial composition updated on . The travel proposal confirms availability, accommodation, prices and services for the requested dates.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Meet and greet at Kathmandu Airport after immigration, baggage collection and customs. Transfer to the hotel and check-in. The first day allows an initial introduction to Nepal’s capital and time to rest.
Overnight stay: Kathmandu. Meals: Accommodation begins; breakfast from the following day.
Day 2
Kathmandu: Durbar Square, Thamel and Swayambhunath
After breakfast, visit Durbar Square, among temples, former palaces and the everyday life of the historic centre. Continue by rickshaw through the city’s streets to Thamel, with time to explore shops and handicrafts.
In the afternoon, visit Swayambhunath, known as the Monkey Temple. The hilltop stupa offers a view of the valley and an introduction to local Buddhist traditions. Return to the hotel.
Overnight stay: Kathmandu. Meals: Breakfast.
Day 3
Patan, Boudhanath and Pashupatinath
A day devoted to Patan, its architecture and craft traditions, and Boudhanath stupa, an important centre of Buddhist devotion. The programme includes observing the kora, the practice of circumambulating the stupa.
In the late afternoon, visit Pashupatinath on the banks of the Bagmati River, with an offering ceremony led by a priest and the Aarti experience. Entry inside the main temple is reserved for Hindus; the visit respects the permitted areas. Return to the hotel.
Overnight stay: Kathmandu. Meals: Breakfast.
Day 4
Kathmandu–Paro flight and arrival in Thimphu
Transfer to the airport and fly from Kathmandu to Paro. Flight times and baggage allowance will be reconfirmed when tickets are issued. On arrival in Bhutan, meet and greet and travel by road to Thimphu, stopping at Chuzom, the confluence of the Thimphu and Paro rivers.
Check-in and visits to Trashichhoedzong and Dechen Phodrang, religious and architectural landmarks of the capital. Return to the hotel.
Overnight stay: Thimphu. Meals: Breakfast in Nepal; full board begins in Bhutan according to the arrival programme.
Day 5
Thimphu: arts, traditions and monasteries
After breakfast, visit the National Library, Zorig Chusum Institute, Textile Museum and Simply Bhutan, venues presenting the country’s artistic production and cultural heritage.
After lunch, visit Memorial Chorten and Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). End the day with time at the handicraft emporium and local bazaar.
Overnight stay: Thimphu. Meals: Full board in Bhutan.
Day 6
Thimphu–Dochula–Punakha
Travel by road towards Punakha via Dochula and its chortens. The source estimates 70 km and approximately 3 hours for the journey; road conditions may affect travel time. Mountain views depend on the weather.
On arrival, take an excursion to Chimi Lhakhang through the region’s rural landscape and visit Punakha Dzong at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Return to the hotel and free evening.
Overnight stay: Punakha. Meals: Full board in Bhutan.
Day 7
Punakha–Paro
After breakfast, travel by road to Paro. The documented estimate is 140 km and approximately 4½ hours, subject to local conditions.
In the afternoon, visit Rinpung Dzong, reached via the traditional bridge and a short walk, and Ta Dzong, home to the National Museum. At the end of the day, stroll through Paro’s market.
Overnight stay: Paro. Meals: Full board in Bhutan.
Day 8
Paro and the Tiger’s Nest
Walk to Taktsang Monastery, the Tiger’s Nest, built on a cliff face. The round trip takes approximately 5 hours and involves climbs and numerous steps. Lunch is planned at the cafeteria along the route. Photography is not permitted inside the monastery.
After returning and resting, visit Kyichu Lhakhang. Free evening or a walk through town with the guide, according to the programme.
Overnight stay: Paro. Meals: Full board in Bhutan; lunch at the cafeteria during the Taktsang visit.
Day 9
Paro–Kathmandu flight
Packed breakfast and transfer to Paro Airport. Return flight to Kathmandu, with times and baggage to be reconfirmed when tickets are issued. Meet and greet and transfer to the hotel.
In the afternoon, visit Budhanilkantha Temple and Linga Bhairavi Temple in Kathmandu. Return to the hotel.
Overnight stay: Kathmandu. Meals: Packed breakfast; return to bed-and-breakfast accommodation in Nepal.
Day 10
Kathmandu–Bhaktapur–Nagarkot
After breakfast, visit Bhaktapur, also called Bhadgaon, known for its squares, temples and historic buildings, including the area of the Palace of Fifty-Five Windows and Nyatapola Temple.
Continue by road to Nagarkot and check in. This hill town offers Himalayan views when visibility permits.
Overnight stay: Nagarkot. Meals: Breakfast.
Day 11
Nagarkot–Telkot–Changu Narayan–Kathmandu
At dawn, watch the sunrise from the hotel, weather permitting. After breakfast, travel to Telkot and walk approximately 1½ hours to Changu Narayan through villages and fields.
Visit Changu Narayan Temple and return by road to Kathmandu. Check-in and the rest of the afternoon at leisure.
Overnight stay: Kathmandu. Meals: Breakfast.
Day 12
Departure from Kathmandu
Breakfast and transfer to Kathmandu Airport for the flight to the next destination, with departure assistance. End of services.
End of trip: Kathmandu. Meals: Breakfast.
Prices and hotels
Prices and commercial terms
Prices in US dollars per person, for a reservation of 2 paying travellers in double/twin accommodation. The land programme and regional Kathmandu–Paro–Kathmandu flights are combined in the price below.
Land programme and regional flights included
| Reservation | Accommodation | Price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 2 paying travellers | Double/twin | US$ 4.708,33 |
Composition and additional requests
| Service | Application | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Kathmandu–Paro–Kathmandu flights | Return per traveller; schedules, baggage and fares subject to reconfirmation when ticketed | Included in the programme price above; do not add again |
| Other numbers of travellers | Reservations with 3–10 paying travellers; accommodation subject to availability | On request |
| Solo travel | Separate rate, already in single accommodation | On request |
| Spanish-speaking guide in Bhutan | Optional per group; replaces the base English-language arrangement | On request |
| Additional single room | In reservations with more than one participant, according to occupancy | On request |
There is no confirmed rate for triple accommodation, children or more than 10 travellers. These requests require specific consultation.
Period and conditions
Reference for travel between August 2026 and May 2027, excluding Christmas and New Year. Availability, the exact applicable period and the price will be confirmed in the quotation. No departure calendar is published for this itinerary.
The stated price already includes Kathmandu–Paro–Kathmandu regional flights. Airfares may change before ticketing due to availability and fuel costs; any change will be advised in the quotation. The trip price will be reconfirmed according to availability, exchange rates and tax changes. Usual check-in is from 14:00 and check-out at 12:00; early check-in depends on availability and may incur a charge.
Direct payment at destination
Fee paid directly by the traveller:
| Item | Application | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Nepal tourist visa | Per eligible person; 15-day multiple-entry visa, payable directly to immigration | US$ 30,00 |
Any displayed currency conversion is indicative only. Visa payment follows the currency and procedure accepted by immigration. Requirements and amounts depend on nationality and must be reconfirmed before travel. Official Nepal information.
Payment conditions
A 25% deposit at purchase through our Wise account and the balance paid by 40 days before travel. This is an alternative to the full-upfront-payment discount. For bookings made 40 days or fewer before travel, full payment is required upon confirmation.
Alternatively, full upfront payment through Wise receives a 3% discount on the eligible package, excluding taxes and charges. If combined with an applicable promotion, discounts are applied successively, not added together. The upfront discount does not apply to the deposit arrangement. International payments are received through our Wise account according to the proposal. Prices are based in USD; currency conversions are indicative estimates, not payment quotations.
Planned hotels or similar
Accommodation category: Classic. A combination with hotels and rooms identified by city. The star ratings below reflect the indicated sources; they do not represent a uniform rating for the entire circuit.
Planned accommodation, rooms and overnight stays
| City and nights | Planned hotel and rating | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|
| Kathmandu · 5 nights across three stages | Hotel Barahi Kathmandu 4★ to 5★ in commercial platform ratings; see note. |
Deluxe Room · 3 + 1 + 1 nights |
| Thimphu · 2 nights | Hotel Druk Thimphu 4★ on Bhutan’s official tourism portal. |
Deluxe Room · 2 nights |
| Punakha · 1 night | Zhingkham Resort 3★ in Bhutan’s Department of Tourism listing. |
Deluxe Room · 1 night |
| Paro · 2 nights | Himalayan Keys Forest Resort, Paro 4★ on Bhutan’s official tourism portal. |
Deluxe Cottage · 2 nights |
| Nagarkot · 1 night | Club Himalaya by ACE Hotels 3★ with the Hotel Association Nepal; 4★ in commercial references. |
Standard Room · 1 night, according to the booked proposal |
Hotel Barahi Kathmandu: commercial platforms differ between 4★, 4.5★ and 5★; the hotel website consulted does not state a star certification. Club Himalaya: Nepal’s hotel association lists it as 3★, while commercial references present it as 4★. The itinerary source specifies Standard Room; room names and availability will be confirmed when booking. The list retains this information without assuming an upgrade.
Hotels and rooms remain subject to availability. Any substitution or change of accommodation will be presented in the proposal, including its possible effect on the price.