Nepal and Bhutan are two naturally beautiful and culturally rich countries in the Himalayan foothill of South Asia. The 8 Days Nepal Bhutan Luxury Tour is just enough time to catch a glimpse of the incredible nature and unique culture of both countries. Starting in Kathmandu with an excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, this multi-country luxury tour takes you to the Land of Thunder Dragons, Bhutan. After experiencing the peaceful Bhutanese cities of Paro and Thimpu, you'll fly back to Kathmandu and spend a night at Nagarkot, followed by a visit to the ancient Bhaktapur city. Are you ready? Because we are!
Tourism has a huge impact on the economy of Nepal and Bhutan. It all makes sense with these countries' unmatched natural beauty and age-old culture. The Himalayan countries of Nepal and Bhutan share a somehow similar nature while adopting a completely different culture. While Buddhism has a significant impact on Bhutan's culture, Hinduism has strong roots in Nepal and is reflected in Nepal's culture through its temples, palaces, art, architecture, customs, and traditions.
Wherever you go in Nepal or Bhutan, you'll be welcomed with a wide smile and an open heart. Nepalese and Bhutanese people are among the most humble and hospitable people toward their guests. There's a saying in Nepali, "Atithi devo bhava," translating to "Guests are gods." So, join us on this epic excursion where the lush hills and giant snow-capped mountains amaze you while the simple lifestyle of the locals keeps you grounded.
The Nepal Bhutan Luxury Tour - 8 Days, organized by Outfitter Nepal, is appropriate for all age groups and doesn't call for any prior knowledge or exceptional physical health. In order to make your journey safe and successful, we provide a private vehicle with an experienced licensed tour guide. It is an ideal getaway even for families with young children and senior citizens.
Best Features of the Bhutan Luxury Tour (Premium)
- Visiting Kathmandu's UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Witnessing gorgeous Himalayan sunset and sunrise from Nagarkot
- Stopover the old town of Bhaktapur and experience its chaotic yet calm atmosphere
- Flying over the majestic Himalayas, enjoying aerial perspective of the mountains
- Touring the historical and religious sites of Thimpu
- Hike to Paro's magnificent Tiger's Nest Monastery
- Observing the farm life and local markets of Paro
- Enjoy Bhutan's flavorful cuisine and learn about its distinctive culture
Places you'll visit in your 8 Days Nepal Bhutan Premium Tour
Nepal
On this 8 days cross-country trip, Nepal is the first country you'll explore. If the weather is clear, you will be greeted by breathtaking mountain vistas even before you land at Kathmandu Airport. Nepal is a top travel destination for tourists looking to explore unspoiled nature and ancient culture, as it is the home of Mt. Everest and the birthplace of Gautam Buddha. On this journey, we'll take you to some hotspots of Nepal, like Kathmandu, Nagarkot, and Bhaktapur.
Kathmandu
The capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu, has been labeled as "the City of Temples" for good. The abundance of ancient temples, stupas, and other religious buildings, including idols, statues, and images, can be found all across the city. During the tour, you'll visit Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhu Temple, and Bouddhanath Stupa, among other holy places, in Kathmandu.
On the bank of the sacred Bagmati River lies the Pashupatinath Temple, a grand temple devoted to God Shiva. You can explore the temple grounds filled with smaller temples, take in the architecture, and observe the rituals even though you are not allowed inside the main temple. Not very far from Pashupati is Bouddhanath Stupa, which is the biggest Buddhist stupa in Nepal and is visited by lots of tourists and pilgrims. Similarly, you'll also see another Buddhist temple, Swayambhunath, at the top of a small hill in the Kathmandu valley. It's commonly known as "the monkey temple" among tourists.
As you proceed, you will visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, one of the three Durbar Squares in the Kathmandu Valley. This Durbar Square was originally a royal palace and is now a museum showcasing important events in Nepalese history. All of these historical and religious places are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Nagarkot
Nagarkot is a lovely hill town with a far-off yet clear view of the Himalayas and is about 30 kilometers east of Kathmandu. Your heart will melt when you see the beautiful view of the snow-capped mountains perched above the verdant hills against the background of the vast blue sky. The highlight of your stay in Nagarkot will be watching the sun turn orange as it sets behind the mountains and waking up to the magnificent Himalayan sunrise casting its golden rays on your skin.
Bhaktapur
Of the three districts in the Kathmandu Valley, Bhaktapur has the oldest architecture and the most intact culture preserved for centuries by the locals. You'll find narrow lanes jam-packed with traditional Newari homes, people dressed traditionally, and speakers of the distinctive Newari language. Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Shidha Pokhari, Nyatapol, and Pottery Square are some interesting landmarks to see in Bhaktapur. At the Durbar Square Museum, you can discover important details of Nepalese history and spend some time in the magical ambiance of durbar square.
Bhutan
On the other hand, Bhutan, the land of the Thunder Dragon, has its very own values. This naturally blessed and culturally prosperous nation is situated in the Eastern Himalayas and prioritizes Gross National Happiness (GNP) more than GDP. Bhutan engages in sustainable tourism that prioritizes quality above quantity. The government is a prime example of successfully balancing modernity while preserving nature and culture. Paro and Thimphu are two Bhutanese cities you'll see during this 8 days Nepal Bhutan Luxury Tour.
Thimpu
Unlike other capital cities, Thimpu is different. It has been able to adapt to the unavoidable pressures of modernization while maintaining its ancient art, architecture, customs, and traditions. Walking through Thumpu's streets without traffic lights gives you the impression of wandering in some well-kept Asian countryside. The combination of natives wearing their traditional costumes and tourists taking selfies is fascinating to watch.
The National Memorial Chorten serves as the first stop on the sightseeing tour of Thimphu, which is a significant monument and a representation of global peace built in honor of Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, the third king of Bhutan. Another tourist destination in the northern part of Thimpu is Tashichho Dzong, which houses the head of Bhutan's civil government. It is a monastery/fortress that features a traditional Bhutanese design. Changangkha Lhakhang, a Buddhist temple constructed in the 12th century on a hilltop overlooking Thimpu, is the next stop on our itinerary. It is well known among locals as a site to obtain blessings for newly-born babies and is also a fantastic location to study Bhutanese Buddhism.
Other popular tourist destinations in Thimpu include the Buddha Dordenma Statue, a sizable statue of Shakyamuni Buddha perched atop a hill; the Institute of Traditional Medicine Services, offering information on Bhutan's use of herbal medicines and alternative therapies; the Folk Heritage Museum, which exhibits traditional Bhutanese culture; and the Zilukha nunnery. Lastly, you may buy Bhutanese handicrafts and souvenirs in Craft Bazaar.
Paro
The picturesque town of Paro in Paro Valley houses the only international airport in Bhutan. After flying from Kathmandu, your Bhutan luxury tour begins in Paro. Thanks to its numerous historical and holy places, Paro has played a crucial role in Bhutan's tourism. Bhutanese people can be seen wandering the streets of Paro, which are lined with old-style architecture while wearing their traditional Gho and Kira outfits.
The primary tourist destination in Paro is Taktsang Palphung Monastery, often referred to as Tiger's Nest Monastery or Paro Taktsang. The monastery was given the name "Tiger's Nest" because legend has it that Guru Rinpoche, a Buddhist saint, flew there on a tiger's back to pray and meditate. An excellent morning hike leads to the Paro Monastery, which is perched 900 meters above the Paro Valley's floor. Another important place to see in Paro is the Drukgyel Dzong, a historic structure constructed in 1649 as a tribute to the triumph against the invasion of Tibet in 1644. Another ancient temple in Bhutan that you should see is Kyichu Lhakhang, which was constructed in the seventh century.
