Bhutan and Nepal in one trip
Start among the temples and old royal cities of the Kathmandu valley, then fly along the Himalaya to Paro for a week in Bhutan. Private guides in both countries, planned as one journey.
Two very different Himalayan kingdoms
Kathmandu is busy, layered and full of life, with shrines on every corner. Bhutan is quieter, with fewer visitors and dzongs still in daily use. Seeing both in one trip shows how differently the same mountains shaped them.
The flight between them
Drukair and Bhutan Airlines fly between Kathmandu and Paro. On a clear day the flight runs alongside the high Himalaya, and the approach into Paro winds between forested ridges. Our guide to getting to Bhutan covers the routes in more detail.
How it's priced
The Bhutan days follow our usual package price, from USD 1,890 per adult for two travellers for eight days, with the SDF and visa included. The Kathmandu days and the flight are quoted for your dates. See the Bhutan trip cost page for how the Bhutan price works.
A sample 11-day route
Three days in the Kathmandu valley, then eight in Bhutan on the classic western route. We adjust the length and the order to your flights and interests.
Day 1Kathmandu
Arrive in Kathmandu
Meet your guide at the airport and settle into your hotel. A gentle evening walk around Thamel or Boudhanath if you have the energy.
Day 2Kathmandu
Temples of the valley
Boudhanath stupa, the riverside temples of Pashupatinath and the hilltop Swayambhunath, with time for lunch in between.
Day 3Kathmandu
Patan or Bhaktapur
A day in one of the valley's old royal cities, with its squares, courtyards and craft workshops.
Day 4Paro to Thimphu
Fly to Bhutan
The hour-long flight to Paro runs along the Himalaya. Your Bhutanese guide meets you on arrival for the drive to Thimphu.
Day 5Thimphu
Thimphu
The National Memorial Chorten, Tashichho Dzong and the Buddha Dordenma, with an afternoon at a craft workshop or the weekend market.
Day 6Punakha
Over Dochula to Punakha
Cross the Dochula pass, stopping for the mountain view if the sky is clear, and visit Punakha Dzong beside the river.
Day 7Punakha
Punakha valley
A walk through rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang and a village, with a free afternoon.
Day 8Paro
Punakha to Paro
Drive back over Dochula to Paro, around 4 hours, and visit Paro Dzong in the late afternoon.
Day 9Paro
Tiger's Nest
Hike to Tiger's Nest, usually 4–6 hours return with a tea stop.
Day 10Paro
Paro valley
A farmhouse visit, Kyichu Lhakhang and an optional hot stone bath, or a drive up to the Chele La pass.
Day 11Paro
Depart
Transfer to Paro airport for your onward flight.
Prefer to see Bhutan only? Our 7-day Essential Bhutan Journey follows the same Bhutan route.
Questions about combining Bhutan and Nepal
Should I start in Nepal or in Bhutan?
Either works. Starting in Kathmandu suits most long-haul travellers, as there are more international connections, and it saves Bhutan's quieter pace for the end. If your flights work better the other way round, we reverse the route.
How many days do I need for both countries?
Ten to fourteen days is comfortable: three or four in the Kathmandu valley and seven to ten in Bhutan. Shorter trips are possible, but the flight between the two takes most of a day once you include airport time.
Do I need two visas?
Yes. Most nationalities can get a Nepal visa on arrival in Kathmandu. We arrange your Bhutan visa before you travel, as part of your booking.
How is the trip priced?
The Bhutan part follows our usual package price, from USD 1,890 per adult for two travellers for eight days, including hotels, meals, guide, driver, the Sustainable Development Fee and visa. The Kathmandu days and the flight to Paro are quoted for your dates, and you get one itemised quote covering both countries.
Can I add more of Nepal?
Yes. Pokhara, Chitwan National Park or a mountain flight past Everest can be added to the Nepal days. Tell us what you'd like and we'll include it in your quote.
Tell us what you have in mind
Share your dates and how long you have. We'll send a plan and one itemised quote covering both countries.