Arrival City
Kathmandu
Departure City
Kathmandu
Guide
Guided
Hotel Transfer
Available
Tour Availability
Available
Trip Type
Bhutan Tour

Trip Overview

The Classic Bhutan Trip is a curated 10-day cultural and scenic tour that bridges two of the world’s most fascinating Himalayan nations: Nepal and Bhutan. While the journey includes heritage tours in the Kathmandu Valley, the “trekking” highlight is the iconic pilgrimage to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang). This trip isn’t a grueling high-altitude trek but rather a cultural odyssey with moderate hiking elements, making it accessible to anyone with a passion for history, Buddhism, and breathtaking mountain vistas.

Top Attractions of the Trek

Buddha Dordenma (Thimphu): One of the largest sitting Buddha statues in the world, overlooking the capital.
Chimi Lhakhang: The famous “Fertility Temple” dedicated to the Divine Madman, Drukpa Kunley.
National Memorial Chorten: A focus of daily worship for Thimphu residents.
Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple): An ancient religious complex atop a hill in the Kathmandu Valley.
Punakha Suspension Bridge: One of the longest and most scenic suspension bridges in Bhutan.

Best Time and Season

The best time to embark on this 10-day journey is during the Spring and Autumn months.
Spring (March to May): The valleys are in full bloom with rhododendrons and wildflowers. The weather is mild, and the skies are generally clear.
Autumn (September to November): This is the peak season. Expect deep blue skies, crisp mountain views, and the chance to witness colorful festivals (Tshechus).
Winter (December to February): Sunny days but very cold nights. Ideal for those who prefer fewer crowds and clear views.
Summer (June to August): The monsoon season brings rain, but the landscapes are incredibly lush and green.

Trek Difficulty

The Classic Bhutan Trip is categorized as Easy to Moderate. The primary physical challenge is the hike to the Tiger’s Nest on Day 7. The trail is well-maintained but involves a steady incline and an altitude of roughly 3,120 meters. If you can walk for 4–5 hours on an incline, you will find this trip very manageable.

How to Train for the Trek

While you don’t need professional mountaineering skills, a little preparation goes a long way:
Cardio: Engage in 30 minutes of walking, jogging, or cycling 3 times a week for a month before the trip.
Stair Climbing: Practice climbing stairs to prepare your legs for the Tiger’s Nest ascent.
Leg Strength: Simple squats and lunges will help with the descent, which can be taxing on the knees.

Things to Consider Before the Trek

Bhutan Visa: Unlike Nepal, you cannot get a Bhutan visa on your own. It must be processed through a licensed tour operator.
Sustainable Development Fee (SDF): Bhutan charges a daily sustainability fee which is usually included in your package.
Dress Code: When visiting Dzongs and monasteries, ensure your shoulders and knees are covered. Collared shirts are often required for men.
Altitude: While not extremely high, you will reach over 3,000m. Stay hydrated to avoid minor altitude headaches.

Necessary Equipment & Gears

Since this is a mix of touring and light trekking, pack layers:
Footwear: Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots for Tiger’s Nest and comfortable walking shoes for city tours.
Clothing: Breathable t-shirts, a warm fleece or down jacket, and a waterproof windbreaker.
Accessories: Polarized sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and high-SPF sunscreen.
Gear: A 20-30L daypack, a reusable water bottle, and trekking poles (optional but helpful for the descent).

Day 01 :

Arrival at Kathmandu Airport

Duration: 1–2 hrs (Airport Transfer)

Max. Altitude: 1,400 Meters

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be warmly greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. After checking in, you can spend the afternoon resting to recover from your flight or take a leisurely stroll through the vibrant streets of Thamel. This bustling tourist hub is perfect for picking up any last-minute trekking supplies, exploring local cafes, and soaking in the energetic atmosphere of Nepal's capital. Your evening concludes with a brief orientation about the upcoming journey to the "Dragon Kingdom."

Day 02 :

Flight to Bhutan & Drive to Thimphu

Duration: 1 hr (Flight) & 1.5 hrs (Drive)

Max. Altitude: 2,334 Meters

Your journey to Bhutan begins with a spectacular flight from Kathmandu to Paro, offering breathtaking aerial views of Mt. Everest and Kanchenjunga. After landing at Paro International Airport—one of the most scenic airports in the world—you will meet your Bhutanese guide and embark on a scenic drive to Thimphu, the capital city. Along the way, you’ll stop at the Chuzom, the confluence of the Thimphu and Paro rivers, where you can see three different styles of stupas (Tibetan, Bhutanese, and Nepalese) before settling into your hotel.

Day 03 :

Thimphu Sightseeing

Duration: 5–6 hrs (Sightseeing)

Max. Altitude: 2,334 Meters

Spend a full day exploring the cultural and spiritual heart of Thimphu. You will visit the Buddha Dordenma, a massive golden statue that offers panoramic views of the valley, and the National Memorial Chorten, a focus of daily worship for locals. The tour continues to the National Library and the Folk Heritage Museum to learn about Bhutan’s history. The day concludes with a visit to the Tashichho Dzong, an impressive fortress that serves as the seat of the government and the summer residence of the Chief Abbot.

Day 04 :

Drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass

Duration: 3–4 hrs

Max. Altitude: 3,100 Meters (Dochula Pass)

The drive from Thimphu to Punakha takes you through the magnificent Dochula Pass. At 3,100 meters, this pass is marked by 108 memorial chortens and offers a stunning 360-degree view of the snow-capped Himalayas on a clear day. After a brief stop for tea, you will descend into the subtropical Punakha Valley. Before reaching your hotel, you’ll take a short, pleasant walk through rice paddies and local villages to visit Chimi Lhakhang, the famous "Fertility Temple" dedicated to the Divine Madman.

Day 05 :

Explore Punakha

Duration: 4–5 hrs

Max. Altitude: 1,200 Meters

Today is dedicated to discovering the treasures of Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan. The centerpiece is the Punakha Dzong, widely considered the most beautiful fortress in the country, situated majestically at the junction of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Afterward, you can walk across the Punakha Suspension Bridge, one of the longest in Bhutan, offering great views of the valley. In the afternoon, you may hike up to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a stunning structure built for world peace, providing a bird's-eye view of the winding river below.

Day 06 :

Drive back to Paro

Duration: 4–5 hrs

Max. Altitude: 2,200 Meters

Leaving the warmth of Punakha, you will retrace your route back over the Dochula Pass to the Paro Valley. This drive offers another chance to capture the Himalayan views you might have missed. Upon arrival in Paro, you will visit the National Museum (Ta Dzong), housed in an ancient watchtower, and the Rinpung Dzong, a fine example of Bhutanese architecture. The evening is free to explore Paro’s charming main street, which is lined with traditional wooden shops, handicraft stores, and cozy local tea houses.

Day 07 :

Hike to Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang)

Duration: 5–6 hrs (Hike)

Max. Altitude: 3,120 Meters

This is the pinnacle of the trip. After an early breakfast, you will drive to the trailhead for the hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang). Perched on a sheer cliff 900 meters above the valley floor, the monastery is Bhutan's most sacred site. The hike involves a steady climb through pine forests draped with Spanish moss. After exploring the monastery and enjoying the incredible views, you will descend for a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath to soothe your muscles, followed by a farewell dinner in Paro.

Day 08 :

Flight to Kathmandu

Duration: 1 hr (Flight)

Max. Altitude: 1,400 Meters

Bid farewell to Bhutan as you take the return flight to Kathmandu. This is another opportunity to see the world's highest peaks from your window. After arriving in Kathmandu and transferring to your hotel, the rest of the day is yours. You can use this free time to relax at your hotel, visit a local spa, or head back into the Thamel market for final souvenir shopping, looking for pashminas, thangka paintings, or handmade singing bowls to take home.

Day 09 :

Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing

Duration: 6–7 hrs

Max. Altitude: 1,400 Meters

Your final full day is a deep dive into the UNESCO World Heritage sites of the Kathmandu Valley. You will visit Pashupatinath, the most sacred Hindu temple in Nepal, located on the banks of the Bagmati River. Next, you'll head to Boudhanath Stupa, the center of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal and one of the largest stupas in the world. Finally, you’ll climb the stairs to Swayambhunath (The Monkey Temple) to watch the sunset over the city, reflecting on the incredible journey you've just completed across two Himalayan kingdoms.

Day 10 :

Departure from Kathmandu

Duration: 1 hr (Airport Transfer)

Max. Altitude: 1,400 Meters

After breakfast, our representative will provide a private transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight back home. As you depart, you’ll carry with you the peaceful memories of Bhutan’s "Gross National Happiness" and the vibrant cultural tapestry of Nepal. We recommend arriving at the airport at least three hours before your scheduled departure to allow ample time for check-in and security procedures.