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Highlights
Discover a gorgeous country travelled by very few
Explore the pristine landscapes of Western Bhutan, renowned for its beauty but seen by few.
Witness the most sacred monastery in Bhutan, the Taksang Monastery, perched on a precarious hillside.
Walk through the markets of the world’s only capital without traffic lights, Thimpu.
Start and end your tour in Kathmandu, enjoying free time to explore this vibrant center.
Bhutan only opened its doors to a small, select group of tourists in the 1970s. Visiting this country is a rare treat, and the country’s completely unspoiled landscapes, ornate temples and monasteries, and insulated culture fascinate the lucky few who can explore them. The Best of Western Bhutan and Kathmandu tour reveals the wonders of Bhutan, including the iconic cliffside Taktshang Monastery, the city of Paro, and the stunning Phobjika valley.
While your time in Bhutan will be something you’re unlikely to forget, you’ll also start and end this tour in Kathmandu, a vibrant mountainside capital with interesting markets, temples, and restaurants of its own to discover. From crossing the street in the world’s only traffic light-free capital to marvelling at the Tiger’s Nest clinging to its hillside, the Best of Western Bhutan and Kathmandu tour is an unmatched experience for the adventure traveller.
Bhutan only opened its doors to a small, select group of tourists in the 1970s. Visiting this country is a rare treat, and the country’s completely unspoiled landscapes, ornate temples and monasteries, and insulated culture fascinate the lucky few who can explore them. The Best of Western Bhutan and Kathmandu tour reveals the wonders of Bhutan, including the iconic cliffside Taktshang Monastery, the city of Paro, and the stunning Phobjika valley.
While your time in Bhutan will be something you’re unlikely to forget, you’ll also start and end this tour in Kathmandu, a vibrant mountainside capital with interesting markets, temples, and restaurants of its own to discover. From crossing the street in the world’s only traffic light-free capital to marvelling at the Tiger’s Nest clinging to its hillside, the Best of Western Bhutan and Kathmandu tour is an unmatched experience for the adventure traveller.
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Best of Western Bhutan and Kathmandu Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Kathmandu
You’ll touch down in Kathmandu to a warm welcome from the team. Take a short briefing and then have the rest of the day at leisure before a typical Nepali dinner.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: Diner
Day 2 Kathmandu Sightseeing
Today, set out to explore Kathmandu. Drive to the famous Buddhist Stupa “Swayambunath” or the Monkey Temple, which has an incredible view of the Himalayas. It’s the most ancient of all holy shrines in the Kathmandu valley.
Continue to the Pasupatinath Temple. This is the most important Hindu temple dedicated to the god Shiva. Next, visit Patan Durbar Square, one of the most glorious examples of traditional Nepalese architecture.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Fly to Paro and Drive to Thimpu
Depart for Bhutan, arriving in Paro and driving to Thimpu. Stop at Tashog Lhakhang to see a traditional bridge built using ancient iron chains. You’ll visit the castle of Tashichodzong, which serves as the seat of the king and government. The sightseeing will continue as time permits.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Thimpu
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4 Full Day in Thimpu
Begin today with a walk up to Dodedrashedra with beautiful views of the town. Dodedra is a monastery school in a pristine setting. You’ll visit the main temple with its murals and a museum. Eat a picnic lunch at the monastery and listen to a lesson from a master of Buddhism on the basics of the religion.
After lunch, you’ll descend back to town and drive to the Buddha Dordenma, a huge statue of Buddha overlooking the valley. Walk NorzinLam Street, experiencing a capital without traffic lights. You’ll finish off with a visit to a handicraft market and then enjoy the evening at leisure.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Thimpu
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5 Thimphu to Gangtey
Head for Gangtey, stopping en route at the Dochula Pass with an inspiring view of the Himalayas. Continue to Gangtey, a tranquil town surrounded by lush forests. The evening is free for you to do as you please, and the team can suggest some places to visit.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Gangtey
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6 Gangtey to Punakha
Punakha is the former capital of Bhutan, and it’s known for the Punakha Dzong at the bank of the Mo Chhu River. Here, different cultural dances and festivals are held. If your timing is right, you’ll get to experience one.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Punakha
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 7 Punakha to Paro
This morning, walk up to Khamsum Monastery, which offers a beautiful view of the valley and its terraced paddy fields. Stop at the Chhimi Lhakhang Temple, then continue to Paro.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Paro
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 8 Paro and the Tiger’s Nest
Today you’ll see the most iconic site in Bhutan, the Tiger’s Nest (Taksang Monastery). Travel through the beautiful valley of Paro, full of amazing scenery and rich culture. It’s home to Bhutan’s oldest ancient temples and monasteries. Stop into Simtokha Dzong, one of the oldest fortresses in the country. Next up is Rinphung Dzong, one of the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture. Stop in Kichu Monastery, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, and then make the drive to Taksang.
The view of the Tiger’s Nest tucked into the hillside 900m above the valley is a special one. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated here. It’s an important pilgrimage site and deeply holy. Spend all the time you can viewing it, then return to Paro.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Paro
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 9 Fly to Kathmandu
Early this morning, head to the airport and fly to Kathmandu with a breathtaking view of Mount Everest. The rest of the day will be spent in the Kathmandu valley.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 Free Day in Kathmandu
This is a flex day in case of bad weather. If the tour goes to plan, today can be spent however you please in Kathmandu. Shop, sightsee, relax.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 11 Departure
It’s time to head home. You’ll be taken to the airport to depart.
Overnight Location: None
Meals: Breakfast
Best of Western Bhutan and Kathmandu Price and Dates
This guided trip to Bhutan is run as either a group tour or a custom tour depending on your preference. The price will depend on whether you choose to join an existing group or take a private tour. Prices may depend on group size and date of tour. Note: Bhutan does not open up to tourists until October 2022.- Group tours start at USD2499 per person. Please enquire for more information
Accommodation on the Best of Western Bhutan and Kathmandu Tour
This tour is based in hotels. Exact hotels will be confirmed upon booking, but expect midrange options with shared rooms and some modern amenities to keep you comfortable.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
What’s Included in the Best of Western Bhutan and Kathmandu?
Meals
10 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 8 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 10 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
Personal and luggage transfers as required by the itinerary are included. Airport pickup and dropoff are included. Flights to and from Paro are included, but other airfare is not.
Also Included
- Admission fees as per itinerary
- English speaking guide
- Flights to and from Paro
- Sightseeing fees to monasteries where applicable
- Private coach transportation
Not included
- Flights to and from Kathmandu
- Travel insurance
- Meals not previously mentioned
- Bhutan visa fees
- Nepal visa fees
- Tips, drinks
- Anything not mentioned as included
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single occupancy upgrades where available
- Tour customizations
- How hard is the Best of Western Bhutan and Kathmandu tour?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Bhutan or Nepal?
- When is the best time to travel to Bhutan for this tour?
- Are meals included on the Best of Western Bhutan and Kathmandu tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Kathmandu to start this tour?
- Is the Best of Western Bhutan and Kathmandu tour in English?
- Can I take this tour now?
- Where does the Best of Western Bhutan and Kathmandu tour end?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to Bhutan or Kathmandu?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Bhutan or Kathmandu?
We rate this tour as a 2/5. While this is a sightseeing tour with no significant physical demands, you should be comfortable with a moderate amount of walking on some days. The tour takes place at occasionally high elevations, so you may wish to spend an extra day or two before the tour acclimatizing, which we can help you arrange. The itinerary of this tour will naturally acclimatize you, so this may not be necessary for all.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
The best time to travel to Bhutan for this tour is between March and May when the rhododendrons are in bloom and the warm spring weather comes. October through December can also be a great time with mostly clear skies and great views, but expect cooler temperatures.
10 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 8 dinners are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip. Get your travel insurance.
Fly into Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), where you will be welcomed and be transferred to your accommodation.
Yes, the tour guide is English-speaking.
Bhutan is expected to open to tourists again in October 2022. Please contact us about booking and we can verify available dates.
The tour ends in Kathmandu, where you will be dropped off at the airport.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
Customer Ratings
Trekking Team Group is a Travelife and FTA certified tour operator creating trips in the Himalayas since 1991. They are consistently highly-rated online and garner impressive word of mouth recommendations.
Trekking team focuses on a sustainable method of operation. They work with highly professional guides and offer clients flexibility and 24/7 service.
The company uses local guides, serves local food, and makes use of local homes and lodges to give back to the community. They support the local environment and in turn see many repeat customers.
