The Discovery of Bhutan
At the gates of the last Himalayan kingdom, where dragons and spirituality dance with snow-capped peaks.
Duration
13 days
From
€1,860/pers.
Ideal seasons
Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends, senior
The spirit of travel
Between culture, spirituality and wild nature, set out to discover an incredible country that has managed to preserve its traditions. Explore the must-see destinations of Paro, Thimphu and Punakha and learn more about Buddhism. Cross desert landscapes surrounded by snow-capped peaks reaching over 7,000 m. Breathe in the pure air of this country before returning to Népal and continuing your journey with a visit to the Kathmandu valley.
Along your itinerary, you will discover monasteries perched in the mountains, historic fortresses called dzongs and villages where ancestral traditions still rhythm daily life. Bhutan offers a unique immersion in a preserved kingdom, where spirituality accompanies every landscape. Between green valleys, pine forests and encounters with a warm population, this journey reveals all the authenticity of a country attached to its heritage and its harmony with nature.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you are welcomed and assisted by our local representative. You then proceed to your hotel by car. Over a welcome drink, your local team presents you with your travel itinerary and reviews the necessary documents for the rest of your stay in Népal.
Visiting the Historical Sites of the Kathmandu Valley
Discover the main sites in the valley of Katmandou. You start with the Swayambhunath stupa, surrounded by several temples and erected on a hill overlooking Katmandou. Continue with a visit to the famous Bouddhanath stupa, one of the main Buddhist sanctuaries in the region, surrounded by numerous monasteries and Tibetan shops. Then head to Patan, located south of Katmandou. The valley's second largest city, formerly called Lalitpur, the "Beautiful City", it is considered a cradle of arts and Newar architecture. You will discover notably recognized craftsmanship, particularly metalwork, with the possibility of taking back some souvenirs from your visit.
Hindu Temple and Royal City
Your day begins with a visit to Pashupatinath, one of the most sacred temples in South Asia, dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. The site is reminiscent in some ways of Varanasi (Benares), in India. You then continue towards Bhaktapur, an ancient medieval city and former royal town, today inhabited largely by Newars. You discover its squares and historical monuments, witnesses to the city's artistic wealth.
Head to Chitwan!
Activities in the jungle
Organize this day as you wish by choosing from the various activities offered by your hotel. You can opt for a river descent by canoe, ideal for observing crocodiles, tropical birds and rhinoceroses, or go on a safari by jeep, mountain bike or on foot to explore the surroundings and, if you're lucky, spot a tiger.
Flight Kathmandu - Paro
Head towards Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Along the way, stop at Chuzom, located at the confluence of the Thimphu and Paro rivers. You will discover three styles of stupas: Tibetan, Nepalese and Bhutanese. Upon arrival in Thimphu, discover a capital that concentrates the country's political, religious and commercial life, where modernity and ancient traditions coexist. In the evening, enjoy a walk in the center of Thimphu.
Visit of Bhutan's capital
Start your day with a visit to Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang), which houses one of the largest Buddha statues in the country. Built in bronze and gilded with gold, it stands 51.5 meters high. Continue with Changangkha Lhakhang, a temple located on a ridge overlooking Thimphu's city center. Built in the 12th century by the lama Phajo Drukgom Shigpo, it traditionally welcomes parents who come to receive an auspicious name for their newborn or to seek the blessing of the protective deity Tamdrin. You then head to the takin reserve. According to legend, this animal was created by the Buddhist yogi Drukpa Kuenley and is found in Bhutan as well as in neighboring regions.
After lunch, continue your visits in the Thimphu valley. End the day by discovering Trashichhoedzong, "the fortress of the glorious religion," one of the region's remarkable buildings. In the evening, enjoy your free time in Thimphu city center. Explore the bazaar to discover local crafts and traditional arts of Bhutan.
Discovering Bhutan!
After breakfast, head towards the Dochu-la Pass, situated at 3,088 meters altitude. Make a short stop to admire the chorten, mani wall and prayer flags. On clear days, you may also spot several snow-capped peaks, including Masagang (7,158 m), Kangphugang (7,170 m), Zongphugang (7,060 m) and Gangkar Puensum (7,497 m). Continue your journey to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan. In the afternoon, visit the Punakha Dzong, or "Palace of Great Bliss", built at the junction of the Phochu and Mochu rivers. A former religious and administrative center of Bhutan, the dzong features a six-story tower topped with a golden dome. Inside, discover its courtyards and religious statues, testament to the history and spirituality of the place. After exploring Punakha town center, set off for a short walk to Chimi Lhakhang, perched on a ridge surrounded by rice fields. Also known as the fertility temple, the site is associated with a belief that couples wishing to have a child come here to pray in hopes of their wish being fulfilled within the year.
Excursion around Punakha
Embark on a hiking trail lasting approximately two hours to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten, built with the purpose of warding off negative forces and promoting peace, stability and harmony. Overlooking the high valley of Punakha, the chorten offers views of the Mo Chhu river and the mountain peaks of Gasa and its surroundings. After lunch, visit the Changangkha Lhakhang, a temple housing notably 14-foot bronze statues. Then head to the Talo village, situated at 2,800 meters altitude and renowned for its cleanliness among Punakha villages. You will also discover Talo Sangnacholing, from which you enjoy views of the surrounding villages.
The Tiger's Nest
After breakfast, set off on an approximately five-hour excursion to Taktshang Monastery, one of Bhutan's most famous monasteries. Perched on a cliff face, 900 meters above the void, it is also known as the "Tiger's Nest". According to tradition, Guru Rinpoche is said to have arrived here on the back of a tiger before meditating there. Recognized as a sacred site, the location was also visited by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646. Today, Bhutanese people are invited to visit it at least once in their lifetime. The hike to the monastery makes for a half-day excursion. On your way back to your hotel, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. The construction of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism to Bhutan.
Flight Paro – Kathmandu
Take a flight of around one hour and enjoy, weather permitting, another opportunity to catch a glimpse of the Himalayan mountain ranges. Upon arrival, take advantage of your free time to purchase some local souvenirs or treat yourself to a relaxing moment at the spa. You can also participate in an activity with local craftspeople or residents: making a Nepalese khukuri knife, wood carving or cooking classes featuring momos or thakali. These experiences last between 2 and 4 hours, must be booked two days in advance and their price varies depending on the activity chosen. A flight over the Himalayan mountain range can also be organized in the morning at 6:30 a.m., for an additional fee.
Good to see you again and see you next time!
According to your flight schedule, transfer to the international airport, scheduled three hours before your departure, for your return flight.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Travel insurance: cancellation / repatriation / trip interruption / baggage loss
- International flights: KTM-PARO-KTM, approximately USD 500
- Visa fees 30 USD for 15 Days
- Personal expenses: drinks, souvenirs, phone, spa, etc.
- Tips
- Meals outside of breakfasts in Kathmandu.
Included
- 5 nights in Kathmandu in a 3-star hotel on B&B
- 2 nights in Chitwan all-inclusive resort
- 5 nights in 3-star hotel in Bhutan
- Airport-hotel transfers in private vehicle
- All transfers mentioned in the program in private vehicle
- Kathmandu - Chitwan - Kathmandu Flights
- Guidance by an English-speaking Nepalese guide for cultural visits in Nepal
- English-speaking guide services for cultural visits and trekking in Bhutan
- Guiding by an English-speaking naturalist at Chitwan
- Les activités à Chitwan
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to Nepal for a tourist stay. Since entry rules may change, we recommend that you verify this information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Nepal, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the date of entry into the country and must have at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Tourist visa
Unlike some destinations, Nepal does not grant visa exemptions to nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and Canada. A tourist visa is mandatory to enter the territory.
This visa can be obtained in two ways:
On arrival (visa on arrival): available at the main entry points, notably Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and certain land border crossings. It is strongly recommended to complete the application form online before departure to facilitate procedures on site.
Online before departure: via the official online visa system of the Nepalese government (online visa application), allowing you to obtain prior authorization to present upon arrival.
Official rates are as follows:
15 days: 30 USD
30 days: 50 USD
90 days: 125 USD
Payment is generally made in cash (USD, EUR, or other accepted currencies) or by credit card depending on the entry points. It is advisable to have US dollars in cash for payment on site.
The authorities may also request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return flight or onward journey),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay.
Online arrival form
Before your arrival, it is recommended to complete the online arrival form available on the official portal of the Nepalese government. This form allows you to provide immigration authorities with:
passport information
flight details
the address of your first accommodation in Nepal
A digital confirmation or a reference code may be requested when passing through immigration or at the visa issuance counter upon arrival.
Special permits for trekking areas
Certain regions of Nepal require additional permits in addition to the tourist visa:
the TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System): mandatory for most trekking itineraries,
national park or conservation area permits (e.g., Sagarmatha for Everest, Annapurna Conservation Area),
restricted zone permits for certain specific destinations such as Mustang, Dolpo, or Manaslu.
These permits are generally obtained in Kathmandu or Pokhara from the relevant offices.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccine is mandatory to enter Nepal, except in case of arrival from a country at risk of yellow fever. However, several vaccinations are strongly recommended by health authorities:
hepatitis A and B,
typhoid,
diphtheria-tetanus-poliomyelitis (DTP),
rabies (especially for extended stays or in remote areas),
Japanese encephalitis (depending on areas and season).
Preventive antimalarial treatment may be recommended for certain low-altitude regions (Terai). It is advisable to consult a doctor or international vaccination center at least four to six weeks before departure.
Traveling with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay, as well as their own tourist visa.
In certain European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an exit authorization from the territory may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire with the embassy or consulate of Nepal in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be covered for emergency assistance, repatriation and foreign medical expenses.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to one of these plans.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these formulas, the full policy detailing all coverage and claims reporting procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with claims reporting procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
Yes, a tourist visa is required, issued upon arrival at Kathmandu airport or at land borders (USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days, USD 125 for 90 days). A valid passport for at least 6 months beyond entry and an identity photo are required.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, plan between 110 and 190 euros per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transportation and English-speaking guide. International flights (700-1100 euros return) are additional. Himalayan treks require a dedicated budget (permits, porters, lodges).
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, your budget and your dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You refine every detail together until you reach the perfect version. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Kathmandu Valley
Himalayan pathfinder, based in Katmandou
Nepal is a country that naturally teaches patience and humility. Even a simple trip can become a very profound experience there.
— Nirmala
