Foreign Office travel advice
Before travelling, consult the latest UK FCDO advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/bhutan. Bhutan is one of Asia's safest destinations. US travellers should check travel.state.gov for current guidance.
Bhutan26 daysMax 12Solo-friendly
Best of Nepal and Bhutan
A 26-day small-group journey for up to 12 travellers, from Kathmandu's UNESCO heritage sites and Chitwan's jungle safaris to Bhutan's sacred Dzongs, the Black-Necked Crane Festival in Gangtey, and the Tiger's Nest pilgrimage above Paro.
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About this journey
The story behind the route
Nepal and Bhutan are some of the most undiscovered places on Earth, but this unique tour combining the two mountain kingdoms will reveal their cultural treasures, exotic wildlife, and incredible beauty.
Our adventure begins in Nepal where we discover the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu and stroll the atmospheric and sometimes chaotic streets. This is followed by a rich wildlife experience in the sub-tropical jungles of Chitwan National Park, home of the Bengal Tiger and One Horned Rhinoceros. We continue to Lumbini and visit the Mayadevi temple which is built on the exact place where the Buddha was born. The journey then takes us to Tansen, a picturesque hill station located on an ancient trade route. Our next stop is Pokhara, popularly known as Lake City. Here we take some easy walks and admire the spectacular mountainous landscape before we continue to Bandipur, an old trading town that is perched on a hill overlooking the magnificent Marshyangdi Valley and the Himalayan range. After returning to Kathmandu, we finish our travels in Nepal with a visit to Nagarkot, renowned for incredible sunset and sunrise views.
The journey
Best of Nepal and Bhutan
The moments that define this trip
Drawn from the full tour dossier — the standout days, encounters and views our specialists keep coming back to.
Nepal's Sacred Heritage: Kathmandu Valley
The Kathmandu valley delivers Nepal's richest concentration of UNESCO World Heritage sites in the first two days — Kathmandu Durbar Square, the sacred Pashupatinath Temple, the Swayambhunath Monkey Temple crowning a wooded hilltop, and the vast Bouddhanath Stupa. The valley is revisited later in the tour via the medieval city of Bhaktapur at 2,000 metres, where the Nyata-Pola Temple, Golden Gate, and 55 Window Palace cluster around one of Nepal's finest historic squares, and Patan Durbar Square extends the heritage further. The hilltop ridge of Nagarkot provides sunset and sunrise viewpoints over the mountains, a cultural walk through the traditional town of Bandipur adds a quieter register, and a farewell dinner with Nepalese cuisine and cultural dance closes the Nepal chapter in Kathmandu.
Nepal's Wildlife, Pilgrimage Sites & Mountain Views
Chitwan National Park forms the natural centrepiece of the Nepal chapter: jungle safaris, a visit to the elephant stables with bathing, and a canoe ride along the Rapti and Narayani rivers spotting gharial crocodiles, river dolphins, and otters are preceded by a tribal dance cultural programme on arrival. The pilgrimage town of Lumbini follows, where the Mayadevi Temple marks the birthplace of the Buddha alongside its museum and peace pagoda. The old hilltop bazaar of Tansen provides a colonial-era interlude before Pokhara, where the Sarangkot ridge delivers views across Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhre, and the Annapurna peaks, and Phewa Lake boating, Davis Falls, Shiva Cave, the International Mountain Museum, and a Tibetan refugee camp fill two days of exceptional variety.
Bhutan's Sacred Valleys: Thimphu, Punakha & Bumthang
The flight from Kathmandu to Paro — possibly with views of Mount Everest en route — opens the Bhutan chapter at Tamchhog Lhakhang before the drive to Thimphu, where the Buddha Dordenma statue, a forest walk through blue pine and rhododendron to Changangkha Temple, the Memorial Chorten, the National Textile Museum, the Takin Reserve, and the Craft Bazaar fill two days. The Dochu La Pass at 3,050 metres descends to Punakha Dzong, the Chimi Lhakhang across the paddy fields, and the hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten above Yebisa village. The route then crosses to Bumthang via the commanding Trongsa Dzong and its Ta Dzong museum, where Jamba Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, Tamshing Lhakhang, and Jakar Dzong are complemented by visits to the Red Panda brewery and the Swiss cheese factory. The Tang Valley excursion reaches the Membar Tsho Burning Lake and the Ugyenchholing Palace museum.
Bhutan's Festivals, Cranes & Tiger's Nest
The final chapter opens in Zungney, where women weave traditional yathra textiles at roadside looms, before the wide glacial bowl of Phobjikha Valley and Gangtey Gompa come into view. The Black-Necked Crane Festival in the Gangtey monastery courtyard — with flag-raising, folk dances performed by schoolchildren, and food stalls — marks one of the tour's most distinctive cultural moments, timed to coincide with the arrival of the endangered cranes from Tibet. The recently renovated Wangdue Phodrang Dzong is visited on the drive to Paro, where Day 24 moves through the National Museum in Ta Dzong, the forested walk to Zuri Dzong, Rinpung Dzong, the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, Gonsaka Lhakhang, and Dumtse Lhakhang. The tour closes with the six-hour pilgrimage hike to Taktsang Monastery — the Tiger's Nest — clinging 900 metres above the Paro valley floor.
Key moments for Best of Nepal and Bhutan
Full itinerary · 26 days
Free — no sign-up
Dates & prices
Pick your departure
Reserve your place with a 10% deposit. Final balance due 70 days before departure. Single-room supplements optional — most travellers happily share.
Can’t find the right fit?
Every one of our Bhutan journeys can be rebuilt around your dates, pace and interests — or we’ll design something entirely new.
What's included
Everything covered — and what's not
Included in the price
- Arrival and departure transfers
- Overland transport throughout with professional driver
- All accommodation
- Services of English-speaking guide / tour leader
- Meals as listed
- Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary
- Bhutan tourist visa
- One-way flight from Kathmandu to Paro
Budget separately for
- International flights (contact us for expert advice and a quote)
- Any airport taxes (except from Kathmandu to Paro)
- Travel Insurance
- Visa – when required
- Drinks
- Items of personal nature
- Tips (Discretionary)
Before you go
Essential information
Shared across all tours that visit this destination. Read alongside your individual tour dossier for trip-specific details.
Voices from the road
What travellers say about us
Independently verified reviews from travellers who joined Best of Nepal and Bhutan. Rated 4.9 Excellent on AITO by 250+ reviewers.
“I loved my trip, everything was excellent. Lots of help and information, good communications, excellent tour notes and finding flights and additional accommodation when needed. A seamless, well planned trip from start to finish.”
Di B
Bhutan
“An amazing trip! We had the most amazing holiday — over two weeks we had a taste of the cities, the culture, the mountains, a safari, and time at the beach. Our driver/guide made the whole trip very relaxing, and we were welcomed warmly by everyone we met, enjoying fabulous food and drink along the way. Undiscovered Destinations planned a really amazing itinerary for us with great hotels, a fabulous guide/driver, and interesting places to visit — they took great care to ensure we had an excellent holiday. We look forward to booking another holiday with them in the future. Thank you, Mark!”
Anna
“This adventure was always going to be very full-on, which is how we like our trips. I didn't count on getting bronchitis and ending up in hospital, however. The itinerary was quickly amended to avoid high-altitude destinations as much as possible while still making sure we had a chance to enjoy interesting experiences. While obviously sad to have missed some of the original sites, the revised itinerary was the only sensible option under the circumstances. I was extremely impressed with how Undiscovered Destinations and their local team handled the situation — taking the stress out of it, smoothing the way, rearranging the itinerary and booking new hotels, translating for me with the medical staff, and making sure I always had transport, medicines and anything else I needed. Nothing was too much trouble, and they kept in touch with me, each other, and the insurance company throughout. I can't recommend them enough!”
Grete
“My wife and I had a wonderful tour with Undiscovered Destinations. We had a different guide at each stop, and all of them were friendly, cheerful and knowledgeable. The local people were welcoming, and we always felt safe and comfortable. The beaches were spectacularly beautiful and empty of people, with warm, clear water, and each stop had its own character — some we loved for their unspoiled scenery, others for their history and the warmth of the welcome. We took the opportunity to snorkel on one of the most pristine reefs we've experienced, swimming with sea turtles and enormous manta rays that came right up to us out of curiosity. A wonderful destination for nature lovers.”
Frank
“Excellent. Action packed. Our local agent was excellent, and a good choice by Undiscovered Destinations. Because there were only two of us on the holiday, we had different guides at each stop, each one making sure we were handed over safely. All manner of transport was used, and we appreciated the different guiding strategies, the wealth of information given, the high level of English, and the genuine wish to show off their country at its best. Excellent.”
Cathy
“Far exceeding my expectations, this was one of the best trips I've ever done. A beautiful destination, with interesting history, lively ceremonies, lovely people and — surprisingly, for somewhere that sees so few tourists — absolutely no hassle on the streets. Excellent service from start to finish, with a first-class tour leader.”
Lynn
“We had a two-week trip with Undiscovered Destinations, flying in for two days first to break up the journey. It was a great trip, because we managed to see so much more than just the capital cities. This was the fourth trip we've taken with Undiscovered Destinations, and each one has been wonderful. Our guides were lovely — very professional and helpful. We rate UD very highly.”
Andy
“We had a fabulous trip with an excellent local guide, who took great care of us and enthusiastically shared his knowledge of both ancient and recent history, with lots of fascinating personal stories of his own life. We highly recommend this trip — Undiscovered Destinations were great to work with, and we hope to use them again.”
Jennie
“Everything was great — we got to witness a wonderful variety of wildlife, and thoroughly enjoyed the scenery and the hospitality of the people. A fabulous trip from start to finish.”
Debbie
“Excellent all-round trip. Drivers were conscientious and careful, accommodation was better than expected, and the scenery was stunning throughout.”
Alexis
“I loved my trip, everything was excellent. Lots of help and information, good communications, excellent tour notes and finding flights and additional accommodation when needed. A seamless, well planned trip from start to finish.”
Di B
Bhutan
“An amazing trip! We had the most amazing holiday — over two weeks we had a taste of the cities, the culture, the mountains, a safari, and time at the beach. Our driver/guide made the whole trip very relaxing, and we were welcomed warmly by everyone we met, enjoying fabulous food and drink along the way. Undiscovered Destinations planned a really amazing itinerary for us with great hotels, a fabulous guide/driver, and interesting places to visit — they took great care to ensure we had an excellent holiday. We look forward to booking another holiday with them in the future. Thank you, Mark!”
Anna
“This adventure was always going to be very full-on, which is how we like our trips. I didn't count on getting bronchitis and ending up in hospital, however. The itinerary was quickly amended to avoid high-altitude destinations as much as possible while still making sure we had a chance to enjoy interesting experiences. While obviously sad to have missed some of the original sites, the revised itinerary was the only sensible option under the circumstances. I was extremely impressed with how Undiscovered Destinations and their local team handled the situation — taking the stress out of it, smoothing the way, rearranging the itinerary and booking new hotels, translating for me with the medical staff, and making sure I always had transport, medicines and anything else I needed. Nothing was too much trouble, and they kept in touch with me, each other, and the insurance company throughout. I can't recommend them enough!”
Grete
“My wife and I had a wonderful tour with Undiscovered Destinations. We had a different guide at each stop, and all of them were friendly, cheerful and knowledgeable. The local people were welcoming, and we always felt safe and comfortable. The beaches were spectacularly beautiful and empty of people, with warm, clear water, and each stop had its own character — some we loved for their unspoiled scenery, others for their history and the warmth of the welcome. We took the opportunity to snorkel on one of the most pristine reefs we've experienced, swimming with sea turtles and enormous manta rays that came right up to us out of curiosity. A wonderful destination for nature lovers.”
Frank
“Excellent. Action packed. Our local agent was excellent, and a good choice by Undiscovered Destinations. Because there were only two of us on the holiday, we had different guides at each stop, each one making sure we were handed over safely. All manner of transport was used, and we appreciated the different guiding strategies, the wealth of information given, the high level of English, and the genuine wish to show off their country at its best. Excellent.”
Cathy
“Far exceeding my expectations, this was one of the best trips I've ever done. A beautiful destination, with interesting history, lively ceremonies, lovely people and — surprisingly, for somewhere that sees so few tourists — absolutely no hassle on the streets. Excellent service from start to finish, with a first-class tour leader.”
Lynn
“We had a two-week trip with Undiscovered Destinations, flying in for two days first to break up the journey. It was a great trip, because we managed to see so much more than just the capital cities. This was the fourth trip we've taken with Undiscovered Destinations, and each one has been wonderful. Our guides were lovely — very professional and helpful. We rate UD very highly.”
Andy
“We had a fabulous trip with an excellent local guide, who took great care of us and enthusiastically shared his knowledge of both ancient and recent history, with lots of fascinating personal stories of his own life. We highly recommend this trip — Undiscovered Destinations were great to work with, and we hope to use them again.”
Jennie
“Everything was great — we got to witness a wonderful variety of wildlife, and thoroughly enjoyed the scenery and the hospitality of the people. A fabulous trip from start to finish.”
Debbie
“Excellent all-round trip. Drivers were conscientious and careful, accommodation was better than expected, and the scenery was stunning throughout.”
Alexis
Want to customise this tour?
Make Best of Nepal and Bhutan your own — adjust the route, dates, pace or who travels, or start from a blank page with a specialist. We'll bring the details of this trip straight into your enquiry.
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Common questions
Things travellers usually ask
How many travellers will be in my group?
Maximum 12 travellers — that's the cap on every Undiscovered Destinations small-group tour. Small enough to eat in a local family home; large enough to share the wonder with other like-minded travellers.
Can I travel solo?
Yes — there's no compulsory single supplement on our small-group tours. You get your own room at no extra cost. About 60% of UD travellers come solo, so you'll be in good company.
How fit do I need to be?
Fitness requirements vary by itinerary, from gentle to demanding. The day-by-day tour dossier sets out walking distances, terrain and any altitude so you know what to expect. If you have specific concerns, speak to our team before booking — they can talk you through a typical day.
When are the next departures?
The next available departures are 20 October 2026; 21 October 2027. See the "Pick your departure" table further up the page for the full schedule and per-departure pricing.
What's included in the tour price?
Included items vary by tour — see the full list above. On this trip, expect: Arrival and departure transfers; Overland transport throughout with professional driver; All accommodation; and more. International flights and travel insurance are not included.
Where exactly does this trip go?
This tour visits Bhutan and Nepal. Each destination has its own page with practical information, climate, and the attractions our specialists recommend — linked from the itinerary above.
