Bhutan Nepal Tibet Tour allows you to explore three Himalayan nations in a single trip. This combined trip includes cultural tours, short hikes, jungle safari, and sunrise views.
You will enjoy your visit to the last Shangri La- Bhutan, the birthplace of Buddha-Nepal and the roof of the world-Tibet on a single 14-day journey.
With this exploration, you’ll experience the magnificence and matchless beauty of three glorious nations all at once.
The Bhutan Nepal Tibet tour will be an unforgettable journey for everyone who partakes in it.
Highlights of Bhutan Nepal Tibet Tour
- Visit the popular places of Bhutan. Some of Bhutan’s Top Tourist Attractions are a part of this trip. These include:
- Tiger’s Nest Monastery
- King’s Memorial Chorten
- Thimphu
- Punakha
- Amazing aerial view of the highest mountain on earth with a flight to Kathmandu.
- Three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu
- Jungle safari in Chitwan
- Pokhara, the amazing lake city, Pokhara.
- Potala and Norbulingka palaces, Tibet Traditional Museum, Barkhor Bazaar and others in Lhasa.
- Impressive Tibetan monasteries like Sera, Drepung and Ganden Monastery.
- Amazing Jokhang Temple and Drayerpa Cave.
Outline Itinerary of Bhutan Nepal Tibet Tour
Day 01: Arrival and sightseeing in Paro
Day 02: Paro to Thimphu
Day 03: Thimphu to Punakha
Day 04: Punakha to Paro
Day 05: Fly to Kathmandu and sightseeing in Kathmandu
Day 06: Drive from Kathmandu to Chitwan
Day 07: Chitwan National Park
Day 08: Drive to Pokhara
Day 09: Catch the morning sunrise from Sarangkot Hill then fly to Kathmandu
Day 10: Arrival in Lhasa
Day 11: Sightseeing in Lhasa: Potala Palace, Norbulingka Palace, and Tibet Traditional Hospital
Day 12: Sightseeing in Lhasa:
Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Bazaar
Day 13: A day excursion to Ganden Monastery and Drayerpa Cave
Day 14: Final departure
Bhutan Nepal Tibet Tour Detailed Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival and Sightseeing in Paro
Altitude: 2,250m/7,382ft
Accommodation: Twin sharing basis in a hotel
The flight into Paro is a great introduction to the beautiful country. You get amazing, aerial views of the Himalayas including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks.
At the airport, a tour representative will greet you and take you to the hotel. Today, you start with your tour of Paro.
You will visit the following places depending on the time of arrival.
- Rinpung Dzong: Built-in 1646. It houses the district Monastic body and government administrative offices of Paro Dzongkhag.
- Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country.
- Drugyel Dzong: Built-in 1646 to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over Tibetan invaders.
- Ta Dzong: Once a fortified lookout tower, it is now the National Museum. The museum has a wide assortment of ancient paintings, armors, philatelic display and “field of Buddhas”. These help one to visualize while meditating.
Day 02: Paro to Thimphu
Altitude: 2,320m
Hike to Taktsang Monastery: 54 km
Duration: 4-5 hours
Paro- Thimphu: 60km
Duration: 1hour
Accommodation: Twin sharing basis in a hotel
After breakfast, you will visit Taktsang Monastery. The round trip includes 4-5 hours hiking.
Situated at 3180m, this famous monastery is also known as Tiger’s Nest Monastery. This monastery is where Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave. Guru Rinpoche is the saint who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan.
After lunch, you drive to Thimphu.
On the way, visit Simtokha Dzong built in 1627. In Thimphu, depending on your time of arrival you can explore places like:
- The biggest statue of Buddha
- National Library
- Third King Memorial Stupa
- Paper factory
- Heritage Museum
- Art school: Zorig Chusum
- The Post Office
- Traditional medicine Institute
- Takin’s zoo
Day 03: Thimphu to Punakha
Altitude: 1,250m
Distance: 76 km
Duration: 2-3 hrs
Accommodation: Twin sharing basis in a hotel
After breakfast, you will take a scenic drive to the renowned Dochula Pass (3,100m). On clear days, you can get spectacular, panoramic views of the Himalayas from the pass.
From here, you drive downhill through rhododendron, fir and hemlock forest. You also pass through Wangduephodrang on the way to reach Punakha.
Once you check in the hotel, you continue your tour to visit the historical Punakha Dzong. Built between 1637-1638, it is the second oldest and the second largest dzong in Bhutan.
After this, if you have spare time, you can visit the Fertility Temple via rice field terraces. You can also visit Phodrang Dzong which means “the palace of great happiness or bliss”.
Overnight at Punakha.
Day 04: Punakha to Paro
Altitude: 2250m
Distance: 140 km
Duration: 4 hours
Accommodation: Twin sharing basis in a hotel
Today, you make your way back to Paro. On the way, you can visit the new Druk Wangyal Monastery. This one of a kind monastery has elaborate paintings depicting the lineage of the present monarchy and their visionary works.
After the tour of the monastery, you continue on to Paro via Thimphu. Overnight in Paro.
Day 05: Fly to Kathmandu
Altitude: 1,300m
Flight Distance: 406km
Flight Duration: 1 hour
Accommodation: Twin sharing basis in a hotel
Transfer to Paro airport. Here you catch your flight to Kathmandu. After checking into the hotel at Kathmandu, you can rest of the day off. Else you can continue with your sightseeing tour in Kathmandu.
Some of the places to visit in Kathmandu are:
- Kathmandu Durbar Square: This was once the palaces of the ancient kings who ruled over the Kathmandu Kingdom. The house of the living Goddess- Kumari also lies here. It also consists of many, ancient temples of different architecture.
- Pashupatinath Temple: One of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Hindus all over the world.
- Boudhanath Stupa: One of the largest stupas in the world, and one of the holiest Buddhist pilgrimage in Kathmandu.
- Swayambhunath Stupa: A 2500 years old Buddhist stupa located at the top of a green hillock. It has the eyes of Buddha painted on its pinnacle overlooking righteous behavior of the valley inhabitants.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 06: Drive from Kathmandu to Chitwan
Distance: 175 km
Duration: 6-7 hours
Accommodation: Twin sharing basis in a hotel
After breakfast, you will take a scenic drive to Chitwan. Once here, you check into the hotel and freshen up.
You start your tour in Chitwan with a visit to the Tharu Village. After this, you can enjoy the amazing sunset view near the river. At dinner, you will also enjoy the cultural stick dance.
Overnight at Chitwan.
Day 07: Chitwan National Park Exploration
Accommodation: Twin sharing basis in a hotel
The entire day you will be enjoying Jungle safari activities. Some of the must-to-do activities here in Chitwan National Park are:
- Dug out canoeing
- Visit to the Elephant Breeding Camp
- Jeep Safari
- Jungle Walk
Overnight at Chitwan
Day 08: Drive to Pokhara
Distance: 147 km
Duration: 5-6 hours
Accommodation: Twin sharing basis in a hotel
You begin today’s tour with Bird watching in Chitwan National Park. After this, you will take a drive to Pokhara- the city of lakes.
Once here, you can visit David’s fall, Mahendra Cave, Seti River Gorge. Or simply relax boating at the Fewa Lake.
Day 09: Catch the Morning Sunrise from Sarangkot Hill then Fly to Kathmandu
Flight Distance: 146 km
Flight Duration: 25 mins
Accommodation: Twin sharing basis in a hotel
The day begins early with a short 20 minutes drive to Sarangkot Hill. Here on clear days, you get some of the most beautiful sunrise views over the exotic Himalayan ranges.
On the way back to the hotel, you will pay a visit Bindabasini Temple, Goddess of long life.
After this, you take a drive to the domestic airport in Pokhara.
From here, you catch a 25 minutes flight to Kathmandu. This flight is another great opportunity to see the Himalayas west of Kathmandu.
Check into the hotel at Kathmandu. Overnight at Kathmandu.
Day 10: Arrival in Lhasa
Altitude: 3,650m/11,972ft
Flight Distance: 603 km
Flight Duration: 1 hour 20 mins
Accommodation: Twin sharing basis in a hotel
Kathmandu to Lhasa is an hour long trans-Himalayan flight that takes you over Mt.Everest (8,848m), Mt.Kanchenjunga (8,536m). You also get an aerial view of other Himalayan peaks and glaciers.
At Gonggar Airport in Lhasa, your Tibetan guide will greet you and escort you to the hotel. You should spend the rest of the day resting and giving your body time to adjust to the sudden change of altitude.
Overnight in Lhasa.
Day 11 and 12: Sightseeing in Lhasa
Tour Duration: 5-6 hours each day in Lhasa
Accommodation: Twin sharing basis in a hotel
Your tour of Lhasa begins today. You will stroll around the beautiful city of Lhasa positioned at the foot of Mt. Gephel. Some of the famous and ancient places you visit during these two days are:
- Potala Palace (3700m): Famous as Dalai Lama’s winter Palace, it is a remarkable landscape. Stands 13 stories high, has over 1000 rooms, 10000 shrines, and 200000 statues.
- Norbulingka Palace: The Summer Palace of Dalai Lama. It is one of the biggest man-made gardens in Tibet.
- Tibet Traditional Hospital and Tibetan Medicine Institute (Mentsekhang)
- Barkhor Street: the Oldest street in Lhasa. Perfect place to explore Tibetan culture, economy, religion, and arts.
- Jokhang Temple: Listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage list in 2000. It is the ultimate pilgrimage destination for Tibetan Pilgrims. Stands 4-story high built of timber with a golden top. Has an architectural style that is the combination of the Tang Dynasty, Tibetan and Nepal architectural styles.
- Ramoche Monastery
- Sera Monastery: It is one of Lhasa’s prettiest monasteries. Built in 1419, it is the 2nd largest monastery of Tibet.
- Drepung Monastery: The largest monastery in Tibet lies 6 km west of Lhasa. Once home to over 10000 monks, it now shelters a few hundred.
Day 13: A Day Excursion to Ganden Monastery and Drayerpa Cave
Tour Duration: 5 – 6 hours
Accommodation: Twin sharing basis in a hotel
The day begins with a drive to Ganden Monastery. Located at the top of Wangbur Mountain (3,800m) in the Lhatse County, it lies 57 km east of Lhasa.
It is the oldest and one of the ‘great three’ of the six Gelug Sect monasteries in Tibet. This Monastery has delicate and fine murals and sculptures. It also keeps a suit of armor decorated with gems, worn by Emperor Qianlong.
After this, you take a drive to Drayerpa Cave. Located in a beautiful valley with a stunning landscape, there are more than 30 caves here. Lamas who wish to meditate in a silent environment visit these caves.
After exploring the area, you drive back to Lhasa. Overnight at Lhasa
Day 14: Final Departure
Distance: 68 km
Duration: 1 hour
Your Tibet guide will take you the airport from Lhasa around 3 hours before your scheduled flight.
Bhutan Nepal Tibet Tour Costs
The 14 days Bhutan Nepal Tibet Tour can cost anywhere between US$ 3200- 5000. It includes the cost of
- All airport pick-ups and drops
- All ground transportation by comfortable private vehicles in Bhutan, Nepal, and Tibet
- All Meals in Bhutan, Nepal, and Tibet (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- Twin-shared hotel accommodation in Bhutan, Nepal, and Tibet
- Entrance fees to all the sightseeing spots in Bhutan, Nepal, and Tibet
- An experienced English speaking local tour guide
- Bhutanese visa fee, Nepal Visa and Tibet entry permit
- Company services and all required government taxes
Other factors that affect your tour cost are the season you travel in and tour group size.
Some Tips for Bhutan Nepal Tibet Tour
- The altitude in Lhasa is about 3,650m above sea level. The day you arrive, take time out to relax and acclimatize to the high altitude after arrival at your hotel. Avoid strenuous activity for the first few days.
- Some visitors might feel a bit hard to breath when climbing the Potala Palace, Taktsang Monastery. So, please climb slowly, it is okay to take breaks and relax. You are on a holiday.
- At some places, you are not allowed to take photos. If unsure, please inquire your guide for details.
- When shopping around the streets of these three countries, you can compare and bargain.
- All 3 countries have elaborate, traditional festivals. You can time your holiday around one of the famous ones. Inquire with your tour operator for this.
- Please bring water, a hat, sun cream, and sunglasses for day tours. You will be outside for long days during your sightseeing days.
- During long drives, if necessary, you may ask the guide to stop somewhere for a break and to stretch your body.
FAQs
What is the Best Season for Bhutan Nepal Tibet Tour?
April to early June and September to October would be the best seasons to do the week-long tour. These months have the best weather conditions and moderate temperatures. You can enjoy your drive, flight, and tour in dry conditions along with amazing clarity.
Can Anyone Afford the Bhutan Nepal Tibet Tour?
Yes, Of course. You can cut the cost of the tour in many ways.
Some of the ways to do this:
- Joining a group size of 11 and more. Bhutan and Tibet offer group discounts on the visa, permit and everyday expenses like accommodation and meals.
- Choosing off-peak season. All 3 countries have an off-peak season where everything related to your tour expense is on discounted rates.
Final Say,
This two-week Himalayan Bhutan Nepal Tibet tour includes the best of each country’s landscapes and cultural diversity. You will take a fascinating journey exploring the unique and complex culture of each of the 3 countries.
The 14-day multi-country tour covers the major highlights of the Himalayas saving your travel time and money.
You can change the itinerary to suit your likes and needs. For any further queries about this tour, feel free to contact us.
