Trip Description
This journey connects two Himalayan worlds shaped by faith, landscape, and time. In Nepal, ancient cities move at a living rhythm, where prayer wheels turn beside everyday life. In Bhutan, traditions remain deeply rooted, guided by spiritual values and a quiet respect for nature. The itinerary balances essential landmarks with lesser-visited regions, allowing space to observe, reflect, and experience each place without haste. A special highlight is the Bumthang Tsechu, one of Bhutan’s most sacred religious festivals, where ritual dances and music are shared with devotion and joy rather than performance. Mountain passes, fertile valleys, fortress monasteries, and small villages unfold day by day. This journey is designed for travellers who seek meaning, cultural depth, and a slower, more thoughtful way of discovering the Himalayas.
DAY 1 – Arrival in Kathmandu
On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you are welcomed and transferred to your hotel. After time to rest, the afternoon introduces Kathmandu at an easy pace. You explore Durbar Square, the historic heart of the old city, followed by a visit to Swayambhunath, the valley’s oldest stupa, offering wide views across the city and a first encounter with Nepal’s spiritual atmosphere.
DAY 2 – Visit Patan and Boudhanath
The morning is dedicated to Patan, a former royal city and a remarkable showcase of Newar craftsmanship. You walk through narrow streets lined with brick temples, carved wooden façades, and artisan workshops. After lunch, you visit Pashupatinath, Nepal’s most sacred Hindu site, observed respectfully from outside along the Bagmati River. The day ends in Boudhanath, where the great white stupa stands at the centre of Tibetan Buddhist life in Nepal.
DAY 3 – Kathmandu to Paro, then Thimphu
You transfer to the airport for your flight to Paro, enjoying one of the most scenic mountain approaches in the Himalayas. After arrival in Bhutan, you continue by road to Thimphu. Along the way and in the afternoon, you visit the Mothitang Takin Reserve, Kuensel Phodrang with its large Buddha statue overlooking the valley, the Memorial Chorten, and the impressive Tashichho Dzong, seat of the royal administration.
DAY 4 – Thimphu Monasteries and Traditions
The day begins with a walk up to Tango Monastery, followed by a visit to Pangri Zampa Lhakhang, once a royal residence and now a centre for Buddhist astrology. In the afternoon, you explore Bhutanese cultural heritage through visits to the traditional arts institute, the National Library, an interactive eco-museum, and the Folk Heritage Museum, offering insight into everyday life as it was lived in the past.
DAY 5 – Thimphu to Punakha
Leaving Thimphu, you cross the Dochu La Pass, where 108 chortens line the ridge and Himalayan peaks appear on clear days. You walk through fields and villages to reach Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of fertility. In Punakha, you visit the majestic Punakha Dzong, dramatically located between two rivers and considered one of Bhutan’s most beautiful monastic fortresses.
DAY 6 – Exploring the Punakha Valley
Today is devoted to the Punakha Valley, a region deeply connected to Bhutanese spirituality. You stop in local villages, visit the palace of Phuntsho Pelri, and walk to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, known for its detailed interior artwork and views across the valley. You also visit Sangchen Dorji Lhendrup Nunnery, set high above the river.
DAY 7 – Punakha to Bumthang via Trongsa
Crossing the Pele La Pass, you travel deeper into central Bhutan. You stop at Chendebji Chorten before visiting the impressive Trongsa Dzong and the Ta Dzong Museum, which tells the story of Bhutan’s monarchy. By evening, you arrive in Bumthang, often considered the spiritual heart of the country.
DAY 8 – Bumthang Tsechu Festival
This day is dedicated to the Bumthang Tsechu, one of Bhutan’s most important religious festivals. Masked dances, ritual music, and symbolic gestures fill the monastery courtyard as locals gather in a joyful yet reverent atmosphere. In the afternoon, you visit Wangdicholing Palace and the sacred Kurjey Lhakhang complex, then walk to Tamshing Monastery, known for its ancient Buddhist paintings.
DAY 9 – Bumthang to Gangtey
You travel to Gangtey, located near the glacial Phobjikha Valley and Black Mountains National Park. After visiting Gangtey Monastery, you enjoy a gentle walk through open meadows, pine forests, and yak farms, offering a quiet connection with Bhutan’s rural landscapes.
DAY 10 – Gangtey to Paro
Returning to Paro, you visit Dungtse Temple with its unique chorten design, followed by Rinpung Dzong and the National Museum, which houses an important collection of Bhutanese art, textiles, and religious objects.
DAY 11 – Visit the Tiger’s Nest
Your final full day in Bhutan is marked by the visit to Taktsang Monastery, known as the Tiger’s Nest. Built into a sheer cliff above the Paro Valley, it is one of the most sacred sites in the Himalayas. The hike takes around three hours and can be done on foot or partly by pony. In the afternoon, you visit the ruins of Drukgyal Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples. The evening is free to enjoy Paro town at your own pace.
DAY 12 – Paro to Kathmandu and Departure
You fly from Paro back to Kathmandu. After lunch in the city, you have time to explore Thamel, known for its lively streets and local markets. Later, you are transferred to the airport for your onward flight, concluding a journey shaped by faith, mountains, and shared traditions.
Start Planning Your Journey
Departure Month
January 2026
Duration
12 Days / 11 Nights
Group Size
According To Need
Location
Kathmandu, Nepal
€0/-
Per PersonIncluded in Your Trip:
- All necessary arrangements
- Support throughout your journey
- Essential travel services
- Assistance for smooth planning
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