Nepal Bhutan Luxury Tour – 8 Days

Route, Flights and Travel Flow

Nepal Bhutan Luxury Tour is a cultural sightseeing, scenic driving, Himalayan landscape and a brief trek to the mountains in Nepal and Bhutan. The route is Kathmandu to Paro to Thimphu to Nagarkot to Kathmandu is the route, passing through Kathmandu, Paro, Thimphu and Nagarkot.

The airfare from Kathmandu to Paro is a significant part of the trip as it’s a flight that links two places in the Himalayas without having to cross land. Some flexibility should be allowed for flight times as they can be altered due to weather and operating conditions.

Visa, Entry Requirements and Bhutan SDF

Bhutan has an entry system different than Nepal. Visitors from most countries require Bhutan visas for travel and visa arrangements are different for Indian, Bangladeshi and Maldivian nationals. The application requires a passport that has adequate validity and the necessary travel documentation.

As part of the tour package arrangement, My Everest Trip arranges the required Bhutan visa and relevant permits. However, the following general rules should be followed for travelers: Passport information must be accurate and all documents required prior to traveling must be submitted. Bhutan’s official tourism information has confirmed that the tour operators can apply on behalf of the visitors.

The SDF (Sustainable Development Fee) is a part of the current tourism system in Bhutan. It is not part of the visa application process and aligns with Bhutan’s goals of sustainable tourism.

Altitude and Acclimatization

This is predominantly a cultural and sightseeing trip and not a high-altitude trek. The majority of the activities are conducted at moderate heights, such as Kathmandu, Paro, Thimphu and Nagarkot. The Tiger’s Nest hike is the peak of the activities planned.

Nagarkot is around 2,175 m / 7,136 ft. For some travelers, these elevations will be noticeable, but the itinerary will not involve extended time at very high trekking altitudes.

The primary physical difficulty is getting to Tiger’s Nest  (3,120 m / 10,236 ft). The route is quite steep uphill, has several rocky steps, but then leads down.

• Walk at a comfortable pace and don’t race.
• Consume water frequently.
• Take frequent breaks as necessary.
• Don’t have heavy meals just before the walk.
• If you are feeling very tired, dizzy, out of breath or unwell, let your guide know.

Tiger’s Nest Hike: What You Need to Know

One of the most famous religious sites in Bhutan is Tiger’s Nest, also known as Paro Taktsang. The monastery is located on a cliff above the Paro Valley and can only be reached by going up a long hill.

There is no technical climbing involved, but it should not be regarded as an easy sightseeing walk. The path gradually rises and the descent home can be a bit of a struggle due to the steps going downhill.

It’s crucial to provide adequate time. The objective is to reach the monastery without being in a hurry, enjoy the place and travel back without haste. Official Tourism Information for Bhutan mentions Tiger’s Nest as one of the major cultural and spiritual attractions of Bhutan.

Best Season and Weather by Destination

Both countries can be experienced throughout the year; however, the weather varies greatly from season to season. Sightseeing and views of the mountains are generally good in the spring and fall, but there is more rain in the summer and colder mornings and evenings in the winter.

According to the official Bhutan communications, it’s an all-year-round destination with distinct characteristics of every season– Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn. In Paro and Thimphu, the winter season is cold and spring and autumn are filled with clear skies, greenery and good daytime weather.

Daily Walking and Activity Level

The Nepal Bhutan Luxury Tour does not mandate the need to trek continuously, but there are a few sightseeing days where you will have to walk around heritage sites, temples, markets and town centers. The Tiger’s Nest day is much more strenuous than the other days.

This trek is not advanced and does not require any special trek skills. For most sightseeing days, comfortable walking shoes are sufficient, but walking/hiking shoes are more suitable for the hike to the Tiger’s Nest.

The walking speed may also be adjusted on private sightseeing. If you’d like to have a slower day, you can talk with your guide about this and spend more time at fewer sites.

Transportation, Roads and Travel Times

The main mode of transportation is by private vehicle along the Nepal and Bhutan legs of the trip. While the distances of the road trips aren’t particularly long, roads in the Himalayas can be longer than expected due to the nature of the roads, traffic, weather and winding roads.

The route from Paro to Thimphu is a road through Bhutan’s landscape. Travel times should, therefore, be considered only tentative and not fixed.

The travel time may also vary as Paro is a mountain airport and flights are scheduled based on weather conditions and the planes’ schedules. It makes sense to retain some flexibility when making onward international connections.

Accommodation and Hotel Standards

Nepal Bhutan Luxury Tour accommodations are booked in comfortable hotels appropriate to the location and itinerary. Areas in Kathmandu where you can find accommodation are often in or close to the Thamel area, where it is easy to find restaurants and shops and is close to the main attractions of the city.

The hotels are chosen in Paro and Thimphu based on the package offers and availability in Bhutan. There are hotels of all comfort levels and grades in Bhutan, all of which are officially licensed. Facilities may differ from one town to the next, so don’t necessarily assume that a property offers the same amenities as another.

The location and views are the most important reasons to opt for Nagarkot accommodation. Tourists can see the Himalayas from the hotel or nearby viewpoints depending on weather conditions.

Typically, room facilities consist of a private bathroom, bedding, electric power and simple guest services. If you have specific needs, such as connecting rooms, accessibility or special bed arrangements, please inform the booking department before making your reservation.

Food, Meals and Drinking Water

The food items listed in the Nepal Bhutan Luxury Tour are included in the tour. Usually, breakfast is included at the hotel and other meals are packed as per the package. During the trip, travellers will be served Nepali and Bhutanese cuisine.

Nepali meals are frequently served with rice, lentils, vegetables, pickles and meat dishes. Ema datshi, red rice, vegetables, noodles and other local delicacies are popular in Bhutan. Bhutanese cuisine can be quite spicy, though usually mild flavours can be requested.

Sealed bottled water or a proven treated water source should be used for drinking water. Beware of using untreated tap water or stream water for drinking.

Both countries have a lot of vegetarian options. Individuals with food allergies or dietary needs to be accommodated must let the tour organizer know before the tour and discuss the accommodations.

What to Pack for Nepal and Bhutan

Packing for this trip doesn’t get much easier if you also bring your city sightseeing gear and the gear for hiking the Tiger’s Nest. It is better to have layers than just heavy or light clothes because the weather changes between Kathmandu, Nagarkot, Paro and Thimphu.

• Comfortable or lighter hiking shoes
• Light and warm clothes.
• A waterproof rain jacket or rain protection.
• For winter travel and higher areas, wear a warm jacket.
• Attractive and modest trousers and clothes
• Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Small daypack for sightseeing and the Tiger’s Nest hike
• Reusable water bottle
• Medications, basic first aid supplies.
• Passport and important travel documents
• Mobile, power bank and charger
• Universal travel adapter
• Small amount of local cash
• Photography equipment such as a camera if necessary

If going to a temple or monastery, pack clothes that cover shoulders and knees. Don’t take a huge suitcase with you, since it can be more convenient to have lightweight suitcases for transfers and hotel changes.

Temple, Monastery and Cultural Etiquette

Nepal and Bhutan are deeply religious nations and numerous places that are accessible during this voyage are not ordinary tourist spots but are still active religious centers. Temples, monasteries, dzongs, stupas and shrines should therefore be treated with care by the visitors.

• When going to religious buildings, dress modestly
• Take shoes off when required by the rules of the site
• Walk around stupas and religious structures in the appropriate direction
• Refrain from handling religious objects without permission
• Speak quietly in temples and monasteries
• Please ask before taking pictures of religious ceremonies, monks or people
• Follow signs & instructions regarding photography
• Respect prayer time or religious services
• Don’t sit on religious platforms or monuments
• When visiting sensitive cultural sites, listen to your guide

The dzongs not only serve religious and administrative purposes in Bhutan, but they are also an integral part of daily life, alongside the monasteries and temples. Many of the historic places in Kathmandu Valley are intertwined with Hindu and Buddhist traditions in Nepal.

Money, Currency and Payments

Please note that Nepal and Bhutan have their own currencies and it is important to know that cash may not be accepted in all places. The currency of Nepal is the Nepalese rupee and the currency of Bhutan is the ngultrum.

Cards are widely accepted at most larger restaurants and hotels in the tourist districts, as well as most established shops, but smaller stores and markets may still prefer cash. Some local currency is useful for snacks, small purchases, tips and places that don’t accept payment by card.

It’s easier to find a currency exchange in big cities and tourist destinations than in less-populated areas. Don’t change a significant amount of money all at once unless one is sure they will use it.

The Nepal Bhutan travel guide should also specify the difference between costs included in the tour and out-of-pocket expenses. Shopping, extra drinks, personal services, tips and optional activities will be an additional cost.

Internet, SIM Cards and Electricity

The internet is widely available in hotels and urban areas of Nepal and Bhutan, though it sometimes has poor connectivity. Generally, urban and mountainous areas have poor connectivity as compared to rural areas and the cities of Kathmandu, Thimphu and Paro.

For travellers who require cell phone data outside of the hotel Wi-Fi, a local SIM card or an appropriate international eSIM may be beneficial. For the purchase of local SIMs, a passport may be required depending on the country and provider.

The electricity supply is generally available along the way, but it is possible for the power to go out at certain points. If you have a phone, camera, watch or other rechargeable device, take a power bank.

A universal travel adapter can be useful due to varying types of sockets between different accommodation properties. It’s a good practice to charge devices overnight while traveling from place to place, since on some travel routes, you may have to spend hours outside the hotel.

Health, Travel Insurance and Emergency Preparation

The hike is moderately strenuous, but this is a trip that can be enjoyed by those who can tolerate typical tourist-level sightseeing and one moderately challenging day of hiking. Climbing Tiger’s Nest is the primary physical activity; thus, travellers must consider their fitness and mobility level before travelling.

• Take sufficient personal medication for the whole trip.
• Keep important medicines in your hand luggage.
• Drink enough water, especially during walking days.
• Avoid strong sunlight and use sunscreen.
• Drink fluids regularly and stay well hydrated while traveling.
• During sightseeing, wear comfortable shoes.
• Let the guide know if you feel unwell while on this hike.
• Have emergency contact and insurance numbers readily available.

Travel insurance ought to cover medical treatment, emergency assistance, baggage issues and applicable trip disruptions. It is important for travelers to review their policy and be sure that every hiking or adventure activity is covered and not assume that it is.

My Everest Trip can assist you throughout the trip; however, personal travel insurance is to be taken care of by the individual traveling.

Photography and Responsible Travel

Photography is an important part of this journey, from Kathmandu’s historic squares to Bhutan’s mountain valleys. But not all religious sites will permit unobstructed photography. Obey signs and instructions given by your guide and/or the site authorities.

• Seek permission before taking photos of people in the area.
• Avoid photographing closed interiors of religious buildings.
• Don’t use flash when it can be a distraction or cause damage to others who are in attendance for worship.
• Avoid photographing ceremonies.
• Stay away from monks and religious people.
• Don’t leave litter at a viewpoint, trail or heritage site.
• Where possible, use reusable bottles.
• Purchase souvenirs from local shops and businesses.
• Show respect for local customs when they are different from your own.

The Nepal Bhutan tour package accommodates the cultural significance of the sites visited and there is a commitment to behaving responsibly to ensure their preservation and to make them a respectful experience for both locals and visitors.

Free Time, Shopping and Local Experiences

The travel plan has sightseeing planned in, but there are a number of chances to experience the destinations at a slower pace. Thamel is the shopping hub of Kathmandu with restaurants and travel goods/souvenirs galore.

However, Bhutan’s shopping experience is quite unique; the handicrafts, textiles, traditional products, artwork and local goods can be found in various places across the country, including Paro and Thimphu. It is important for travellers to know what they are purchasing, especially when buying culturally meaningful or handmade items.

Nagarkot offers more serene free time than Kathmandu’s center. It depends on the weather; you can lie back at the hotel, stroll around the local area or enjoy sunset and sunrise.

Free time should not be considered as another set time for sightseeing. It’s great for a break in between travel days, a rest, a meal or walking around town.

Other Tours and Treks in Nepal

Nepal has many more routes than this offer, such as a number of shorter hikes in the hills or extended treks up the Himalayan ranges. The choice is subjective and depends on the amount of time on hand, fitness, preferred scenery and interest in trekking or cultural travel.

My Everest Trip currently offers a number of trekking packages, including these. Nepal Tourism Board also lists Everest, Annapurna, Chitwan, Kathmandu, Lumbini, etc. as the tourist destinations of the country.

Other Tours and Treks in Bhutan

For those seeking a cultural trip, there are options available for a shorter stay, while for the more adventurous, there is the opportunity for a more strenuous trek up the Himalayas in Bhutan. It is really a decision of how much time one desires to spend sightseeing the culture or taking some days on mountain trails.

Currently, these tours and treks are registered with My Everest Trip as Bhutan tours. The Druk Path Trek and Bhutan Snowman Trek also require a rather different preparation than the present cultural journey.

If you’re interested in the cultural aspects of the Nepal Bhutan Luxury Tour, but feel like you want to spend more time in Bhutan, you can enjoy more of the valleys, monasteries, villages and mountain landscapes without trying to cram it into a short timeframe.