Nepal Bhutan Tour – 9 Days

Trip Information

Weather and Best Season

You can plan this Nepal Bhutan Tour at any time of the year, but choosing the right season will make your experience more comfortable and enjoyable. Spring and autumn are often the most appropriate times since the weather is clear and pleasant. During these months, you will have better chances to see the mountain views, and enjoy sightseeing in the outdoor without disturbance.

In Nepal, the weather is generally clear skies and stable weather conditions after the monsoon season particularly in October and November. Spring months are also a comfortable time of year to walk and explore heritage sites. In Bhutan, there is a good balance of seasons throughout the year. Spring and autumn are ideal for this Nepal Bhutan itinerary as they provide clear views and comfortable conditions for the Tiger’s Nest hike.

Winter months can also be a good time if you like to travel with less crowds. However, mornings and evenings may be cold, especially in places such as Nagarkot and Thimphu. The monsoon season can bring rain and clouds, though the flexible traveler may still enjoy the trip.

Food and Drink During the Nepal Bhutan Tour

Food is an important part of your Nepal Bhutan Tour and adds to your overall travel experience. In Nepal, we will give you breakfast in your hotel everyday. You will be free to eat what you like during lunch and dinner depending on your taste and budget. You have the opportunity to taste local food such as dal bhat, momo, and other native foods that are common in cities.

Bhutan and your food is part of your package. Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided at your place of stay. The food in Bhutan is very basic and nourishing with meals like rice, vegetables and local delicacies. Ema datshi is one of the favorite meals prepared with chili and cheese and served with rice.

Filtered or bottled water is advisable during the trip. It is also better to avoid too much alcohol, especially prior to your hike. If you have any dietary requirements, you can tell us in advance so that we can assist in arrangements for appropriate meal options.

Altitude Sickness

This Nepal and Bhutan tour takes you to moderate altitudes, but it is still important to be aware of altitude changes. Most of your stay will be comfortable but places such as Tiger’s Nest and Dochula pass are higher and can induce mild symptoms for some travellers.

You may experience a bit of headache or tiredness or shortness of breath in walking uphill. These are common and usually are manageable if you follow simple precautions. We will recommend you to drink enough water, eat properly, and do not rush during walks. Taking your time helps your body to adjust better.

On the day of the hike, we will begin early and hike at a steady pace. Your guide will be there with you through the journey and ensure you are comfortable. If you become ill at any point you should tell your guide straight away so that adjustments can be made.

This Nepal Bhutan itinerary is designed in a way that helps gradual adjustment, so most travelers complete the trip without major difficulty.

Visa and Permits for the Nepal and Bhutan Tour

Planning your visa in advance will make your Nepal Bhutan Tour smooth and stress free. Nepal does provide visa on arrival to many travelers. You can easily get your visa at the airport following a simple process and paying the required price based on your duration of stay.

The system of Bhutan is different. All visitors must arrange their visa before arrival with few exceptions. The visa process is linked to a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), which is part of Bhutan’s tourism policy and is charged per night of stay, along with a one-time visa application fee. This is a fee that goes towards supporting sustainable tourism and development within the country.

We will guide you through the procedure and inform you about the papers and information needed. Our team will help you get a sense of the timeline and make sure everything is prepared correctly.

With proper planning and support, your Bhutan and Nepal tour package will feel easy and well organized, even if this is your first visit to the region.

Health and Safety

Your safety and comfort are important throughout this Nepal Bhutan Tour. The destinations covered by this trip are popular and reasonably prepared for tourism, but still it is important to follow basic safety practices.

We recommend that you carry your personal medicines and a small first aid kit. It is also good to have copies of important documents. You should use hand sanitizer regularly and drink safe water while on the trip.

When visiting temples and monasteries we will follow local customs. You should dress down and respect the environment. Your guide will teach you where photography is permitted and where it is not.

While traveling we will have experienced drivers and comfortable vehicles. Roads in mountain areas may be curved; therefore, it is important to drive carefully. In areas where things are busy, you need to try and keep your things safe and not carry unnecessary valuables.

With some simple awareness and guidance you can have a safe and pleasant journey.

Transportation

Transportation in this Nepal Bhutan Tour is planned to keep your journey smooth and comfortable. We will be arranging private airport transfers and using private vehicles for all sightseeing and travel days. This helps you to avoid confusion, waste of time and to travel at a relaxed pace.

In Bhutan we will travel by road between Paro-Thimphu-Punakha. The drives are scenic and pass through rivers, forests and small villages. Travel time may vary depending on the road conditions, but the traveling becomes part of the experience. In Nepal, we will be driving between the heritage sites and Nagarkot, as sometimes traffic can have an impact on the timings.

Flights connect Kathmandu and Paro, which makes this Nepal and Bhutan tour more efficient. This saves you long travel hours and you can concentrate on sightseeing and cultural experiences.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is an important part of planning your Nepal Bhutan Tour. While the itinerary is planned for comfort, it is always better to be ready for unexpected situations. A good insurance policy will provide for medical needs, trip delays and emergency evacuation, if necessary.

Even though this Nepal Bhutan itinerary stays at moderate altitudes, you will still travel in mountain regions and take part in a hike to Tiger’s Nest. Having insurance makes you feel at ease while on the way.

We recommend that you choose a policy which fits your travel plans. If you are looking at doing any other activities, you need to check whether they are covered. It is also useful to have your insurance information stored on your cell phone, and to carry a copy of it.

With proper insurance, you can enjoy your Nepal and Bhutan tour with more confidence and less worry.

Your Extra Expenses on Nepal Bhutan Tour

This Nepal Bhutan Tour includes major services, but you should still plan for some personal expenses. In Nepal, lunch and dinner are not included and hence you will end up spending based upon your choice of restaurants and food. You also can spend on snacks, drinks, and shopping.

In Bhutan, meals are included, but you may want to spend on small items such as tea, souvenirs or optional activities. It is even common to give tips to guides and drivers as a sign of appreciation.

You may want to purchase some local produce such as handicrafts, local textiles or simple souvenirs. While card payment is available in some places it is better to carry some cash for smaller shops and rural areas.

Planning your personal budget in advance will make your Bhutan and Nepal tour package more comfortable and stress free.

Language and Communication

Communication is generally easy during this Nepal Bhutan Tour. We will also offer English speaking guides that will guide you throughout the journey. They will assist you in clarifications regarding culture as well as assist you on daily activities.

In the tourist areas of Nepal, many people can understand and speak basic English, especially in the hotels and restaurants. In Bhutan, English is also widely used, and this makes the communication simple for most of the travelers.

You can also keep in touch on local sim cards or hotel WiFi. Internet speed can vary depending on location, especially in the mountains, so having important information saved offline is a good thing.

Good communication also means respecting the local culture. Your guide will help you to understand how to interact with people in a polite manner and to ask for permission when necessary. This makes your Nepal Bhutan itinerary more meaningful and smooth.

Don’ts on This Trip

Following simple guidelines will help you enjoy your Nepal Bhutan Tour in a respectful and comfortable way. You should respect the temples and monasteries, since they are active places of worship. It is important to keep your voice low and abide by local customs.

You should not take photos in restricted areas i.e. inside temples or monasteries where it is not allowed. Always check with your guide before you take pictures. Avoid touching religious objects unless you have been shown how to do so.

While hiking Tiger’s Nest, you should not hurry up. Walking at a steady pace will make the experience more enjoyable and safe. You should also try not to litter or disrespect the natural environment.

You will not wish to keep any unnecessary valuables but have them secured in busy places. With simple awareness, your Nepal and Bhutan tour will remain smooth and enjoyable.

Trip Extension

If you would like to continue your journey after this Nepal Bhutan Tour, we can help you plan additional days based on your interest. There is much to see in Nepal such as Pokhara where you can enjoy a peaceful lakeside stay, Chitwan where they can experience the wildlife or short treks when they would like to experience the mountain trails.

You can spend a longer time in Bhutan by exploring some of the other valleys, going to local festivals or even making longer cultural walks. These extensions give you the opportunity to see more at a more leisurely pace and get a better grasp of the country.

Whenever possible, extensions should be planned early on and that is most likely the case with Bhutan, as nobody can be sure of flights all the time. Early planning will help us plan your schedule with no issues and last minute changes.

You can share your interests with us, and we will design an extension that fits well with your Nepal Bhutan itinerary and travel style.

Photography and Drone Rules

Photography is a great way to capture memories during your Nepal Bhutan Tour, but it is important to follow local rules. In most cases, you can take photos in open spaces, including courtyards and open spaces. Nevertheless, in most cases photography is not allowed in temples and monasteries.

Your guide must always be consulted before you take pictures. This is so that you do not offend the local tradition and bring about some misunderstanding. Asking permission before taking photos with people is also a polite gesture.  Drone usage is highly regulated in Nepal and Bhutan. You cannot freely fly drones without the proper permission from the authorities. If you are planning to bring a drone you should tell us in advance so we can advise you about the rules and process.

Following these guidelines will help you enjoy photography while respecting the culture and laws during your Nepal and Bhutan tour.

Tips for First Time Visitors

This Nepal Bhutan Tour is a good choice for first time visitors because it offers a mix of culture, nature, and easy travel. You will need to carry some comfortable walking shoes and clothes that are suitable in visiting religious places to enjoy the best of the trip.

It is also beneficial to have a small amount of cash on hand to be able to pay a few smaller bills like snacks, tips and purchases back home. Being hydrated and resting when you feel like will make you active during the trip.

You are expected to admire the local culture and dress decently and request permission to take photos of people. During visits to the temples and monasteries, it is important to do what your guide tells you.

Finally, it is good to know that Nepal and Bhutan provide different experiences to the travelers. Nepal is more active and energetic, whereas Bhutan is peaceful and organized. When you accept both styles, your Nepal Bhutan Tour becomes more enjoyable and meaningful.