9-Day Bhutan and Nepal Heritage Tour with Tiger's Nest Hike

9 Days Duration

Experiences

About This Tour

Experience the culture of Bhutan and Nepal on this 9-day tour from Kathmandu, combining UNESCO World Heritage sightseeing with scenic hikes and immersive local...

Duration: 9 Days · Tour type: Shared · Activity level: Easy · Accommodation: Included · Standard · Transport: Included · Wheelchair access: Not applicable · Cities: Kathmandu, Thimphu, Paro, Punakha, Bhaktapur, Patan, Nagarkot, Jomolhari · Languages: English

Know before you go: Accommodations on this trip are on a twin-shared basis. A single supplement is available for an additional fee of USD 475.; Hotels in Bhutan are approved and classified by the government as grade A, B, and C. These government-approved hotels are equivalent to 3-4 star hotels elsewhere. Based on availability at the time of booking, our company uses A-grade hotels in Paro and Thimphu and B-grade hotels in Punakha. We use Hotel Tashi Namgay Resort in Paro, Hotel Namgay Heritage in Thimphu, and Meri Puensum Resort in Punakha.; You will be accommodated in a 3-star deluxe hotel, Hotel Yatri Suites & Spa in Kathmandu, and Hotel Country Villa in Nagarkot.; A variety of meals are available in most hotels, with the most popular being Indian, Chinese, Nepalese, Bhutanese, Tibetan, and common continental food. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes are also available in every restaurant and hotel. All meals are served in Bhutan, while only breakfast and the welcome dinner are provided in Kathmandu.

About Jomolhari

Bhutan

Jomolhari

Explore the list of top ranked local tour guides in Jomolhari. Get tour activities offered by tour companies and independent travel guides in Jomolhari.

Explore Jomolhari Bhutan All destinations

What's Included

All airport pick-ups and drop-offs
All ground transportation by comfortable private vehicles
Welcome dinner in Nepal
Breakfast in Nepal
All meals in Bhutan
Twin-shared hotel accommodation in Nepal and Bhutan
Sightseeing in Nepal and Bhutan with an experienced English-speaking local Nepali guide
Permits and sightseeing entrance fees for museums and monuments as per the itinerary
Company services and all required government taxes
Bhutanese visa fee

Not Included

All international flights
Nepalese visa fee (easily available after arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu)
Lunch and dinner (except the welcome dinner)
All personal expenses (personal gear, telephone calls, beverages, internet, laundry, etc.)
Travel insurance
Tips for guides and drivers

Itinerary

1

Day 01

Arrival in Kathmandu and Welcome Dinner

Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, you will be picked up and transferred to your hotel. Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, you will be picked up and transferred to your hotel. In the late afternoon, visit the operator's office in Thamel for a brief tour orientation, or rest in your hotel room. In the late afternoon, visit the operator's office in Thamel for a brief tour orientation, or rest in your hotel room. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner hosted by the tour operator. You will be served excellent authentic Nepalese cuisine, offering an introduction to Nepalese food culture. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner hosted by the tour operator. You will be served excellent authentic Nepalese cuisine, offering an introduction to Nepalese food culture. Overnight in Kathmandu. Included meals: Dinner
2

Day 02

Kathmandu UNESCO Heritage Sightseeing

Begin your sightseeing tour by visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites within Kathmandu. See the Swayambhunath Temple, famous among foreigners as the Monkey Temple because of the large monkey population residing in the area. Begin your sightseeing tour by visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites within Kathmandu. See the Swayambhunath Temple, famous among foreigners as the Monkey Temple because of the large monkey population residing in the area. Visit Pashupatinath Temple, situated on the banks of the Bagmati River, one of Lord Shiva's principal temples. Visit Pashupatinath Temple, situated on the banks of the Bagmati River, one of Lord Shiva's principal temples. See the Bauddhanath Stupa, one of the largest stupas in South Asia, built on the ancient trade route to Tibet. See the Bauddhanath Stupa, one of the largest stupas in South Asia, built on the ancient trade route to Tibet. Included meals: Breakfast
3

Day 03

Fly to Paro and Explore Its Sacred Landmarks

Enjoy amazing views of the Himalayas, including the sacred Chomolhari and Jichu Drake peaks, during your flight. At the airport, you will be greeted by a representative who will take you to your hotel. Enjoy amazing views of the Himalayas, including the sacred Chomolhari and Jichu Drake peaks, during your flight. At the airport, you will be greeted by a representative who will take you to your hotel. After lunch, visit Rinpung Dzong, meaning "fortress of the heap of jewels." After lunch, visit Rinpung Dzong, meaning "fortress of the heap of jewels." Continue to Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country. Continue to Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country. Proceed to Drugyal Dzong (Bhutan Victory Fort), built in 1646. On a clear day, you can see Mount Chomolhari, Bhutan's second-highest mountain, rising to 7,314 meters. Proceed to Drugyal Dzong (Bhutan Victory Fort), built in 1646. On a clear day, you can see Mount Chomolhari, Bhutan's second-highest mountain, rising to 7,314 meters. Overnight in Paro. Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
4

Day 04

Tiger's Nest Hike and Transfer to Thimphu

After breakfast, hike for around 4-5 hours to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery, Bhutan's most famous monastery, situated at 3,180 meters. After breakfast, hike for around 4-5 hours to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery, Bhutan's most famous monastery, situated at 3,180 meters. Have lunch at the Cafeteria Restaurant, located about halfway up the mountain. The monastery is perched on the edge of a cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. Have lunch at the Cafeteria Restaurant, located about halfway up the mountain. The monastery is perched on the edge of a cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. Hike down to the valley floor and then leave for Thimphu. Hike down to the valley floor and then leave for Thimphu. Overnight in Thimphu. Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
5

Day 05

Thimphu Views, Heritage Sites, and Local Life

Drive to BBS Tower in the morning and then hike for 1 hour to Wangditse Gompa along a level trail with a great view of Tashichho Dzong. From here, you also get a fantastic view of Samtenling Palace, home to the fourth King, and the Dorje Drak meditation retreat on the hillside above. Drive to BBS Tower in the morning and then hike for 1 hour to Wangditse Gompa along a level trail with a great view of Tashichho Dzong. From here, you also get a fantastic view of Samtenling Palace, home to the fourth King, and the Dorje Drak meditation retreat on the hillside above. Return to Thimphu and visit the mini zoo on the way to see the Takin, the national animal of Bhutan. Return to Thimphu and visit the mini zoo on the way to see the Takin, the national animal of Bhutan. After lunch, visit the King's Memorial Chorten, the nunnery temple, the National Library, which houses ancient manuscripts, and the National Institute of Traditional Medicine. After lunch, visit the King's Memorial Chorten, the nunnery temple, the National Library, which houses ancient manuscripts, and the National Institute of Traditional Medicine. Pay a visit to the Textile Museum, the Handicraft Emporium, the traditional paper factory, and the majestic Tashichho Dzong. Pay a visit to the Textile Museum, the Handicraft Emporium, the traditional paper factory, and the majestic Tashichho Dzong. Stroll through the streets of Thimphu and observe the local lifestyle. Stroll through the streets of Thimphu and observe the local lifestyle. Overnight in Thimphu. Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
6

Day 06

Dochula Pass, Lungchutse Hike, and Chimi Lhakhang

After breakfast, drive to Dochula Pass at 3,100 meters. On a clear day, you can enjoy spectacular views of the Himalayas. After breakfast, drive to Dochula Pass at 3,100 meters. On a clear day, you can enjoy spectacular views of the Himalayas. Begin the 2-hour hike to Lungchutse Monastery from the 108 chortens. The trail passes through rhododendron forests, and walking along the high ridges dotted with colourful Buddhist prayer flags offers stunning views of the Himalayas, along with incredible vistas into the valleys below the pass. Begin the 2-hour hike to Lungchutse Monastery from the 108 chortens. The trail passes through rhododendron forests, and walking along the high ridges dotted with colourful Buddhist prayer flags offers stunning views of the Himalayas, along with incredible vistas into the valleys below the pass. Hike back to Dochula Pass. Hike back to Dochula Pass. After lunch, drive downhill through rhododendron, fir, and hemlock forests. On the way, stop at Metshina Village and take a 20-minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, a fertility temple dedicated to the Divine Madman, Lama Drukpa Kuenley. After lunch, drive downhill through rhododendron, fir, and hemlock forests. On the way, stop at Metshina Village and take a 20-minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, a fertility temple dedicated to the Divine Madman, Lama Drukpa Kuenley. Overnight in Punakha. Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
7

Day 07

Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten and Punakha Dzong

Drive 12 km north of Punakha and begin your 2-hour hike at dawn to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. It is located on a beautiful hillock called Ngezergang and contains elaborate paintings dedicated to the old sect of Buddhism. Drive 12 km north of Punakha and begin your 2-hour hike at dawn to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. It is located on a beautiful hillock called Ngezergang and contains elaborate paintings dedicated to the old sect of Buddhism. Hike further towards Punakha. Hike further towards Punakha. On your way back, visit Punakha Dzong, which was built in 1637. It is also the second oldest and the second largest dzong in Bhutan. On your way back, visit Punakha Dzong, which was built in 1637. It is also the second oldest and the second largest dzong in Bhutan. Transfer to Paro in the evening and spend the night there. Transfer to Paro in the evening and spend the night there. Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
8

Day 08

Return to Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Patan, and Nagarkot

Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, a representative will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, a representative will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to your hotel. After freshening up, begin a sightseeing tour of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Patan Durbar Square is rich in ancient arts and architecture, while Bhaktapur is an irresistible city with an authentic local lifestyle preserved over centuries of isolation from the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu. After freshening up, begin a sightseeing tour of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Patan Durbar Square is rich in ancient arts and architecture, while Bhaktapur is an irresistible city with an authentic local lifestyle preserved over centuries of isolation from the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu. Admire the highlights of Bhaktapur, including Nyota-Pola Temple, the Golden Gate, water spouts, and the 55 Window Palace, which together create the ambience of a magical outdoor theatre for visitors. Admire the highlights of Bhaktapur, including Nyota-Pola Temple, the Golden Gate, water spouts, and the 55 Window Palace, which together create the ambience of a magical outdoor theatre for visitors. Immerse yourself in the authentic delicacies of the locals in Bhaktapur. Immerse yourself in the authentic delicacies of the locals in Bhaktapur. Drive to Nagarkot, a village renowned for its sunrise and sunset views of the Himalayas, and enjoy spectacular sunset views amidst the mountains. Drive to Nagarkot, a village renowned for its sunrise and sunset views of the Himalayas, and enjoy spectacular sunset views amidst the mountains. Overnight in Nagarkot. Included meals: Breakfast
9

Day 09

Departure from Kathmandu

Shop for souvenirs or take a rest. A representative will take you to the airport an hour before your scheduled flight. Shop for souvenirs or take a rest. A representative will take you to the airport an hour before your scheduled flight. Included meals: Breakfast