The 13-day Nepal Butan Cultural Heritage and Natural Experiences Tour is a pleasing journey through not only one but two of the enchanting countries of the Himalayas: Nepal and Bhutan. This Himalayan trip takes you through the rich history, natural beauty, cultural heritage, and mystical sites of both countries, from the capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu, to the capital city of Bhutan, Thimphu, and more.
The tour takes seven days in Nepal, exploring cities, diverse cultures, landscapes, and traditions through Kathmandu's UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Pashupatinath Temple (the holiest Hindu shrine), Syambhunath, also referred to as the Monkey Temple Budhnath, and the trilogy of ancient Durbar Squares (Basantapur, Patan, and Bhaktapur), Pokhara and its natural formation of caves, lakes, viewpoints, and others, and Chitwan National Park.
Then, the 13-Day Nepal Bhutan Cultural Heritage and Natural Experience Trip traverses along the ancient dzongs, monasteries, national libraries, typical medicine institutes, handicraft markets, palaces, and fortresses of Shangri-La Bhutan, divided between Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha, crossing the Dochula Pass that has one of the most stunning panoramas of the Himalayas, winding through Simtokha Dzong, King’s Memorial Chorten, Tiger’s Nest Monastery, and Punakha Dzong.
Therefore, the Nepal Bhutan Cultural Heritage and Nature Experience Tour is an exceptional, comprehensive, and unforgettable exploration of Nepal and Bhutan, two of South Asia’s most beautiful countries, offering an enriching blend of history, spirituality, adventure, and natural beauty through ancient temples, vibrant cities, serene landscapes, and engaging cultural encounters. It is an ideal choice for trekkers, adventurers, and travelers looking forward to a well-rounded and deeply engrossing experience.
What makes the cultural heritages and natural experience tour to Nepal and Bhutan special?
There are plenty, which makes the cultural heritage and natural experience tour to Nepal and Bhutan special. These two of Asia's most intriguing and mythical Himalayan countries are in close proximity, offering a unique blend of their abundance in cultural heritage, history, stunningly diverse landscapes, a wide array of wildlife, spiritual depth, and ancient local interactions.
Hence, for epic cultural immersion, from the classic sightseeing of several ancient temples, monuments, monasteries, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites to trekking in the Himalayas and engaging with the locals of the Himalayas, crafting a memorable and immersive travel adventure mostly amidst the majestic Himalayas and lush valleys, the Nepa Bhutan Tour is a must to explore fascinating destinations to expect:
An astonishing UNESCO World Heritage Sites Sightseeing in Kathmandu
Kathmandu, located in the heart of the country, is the capital city of Nepal and one of the major urban areas. It alone serves as a captivating destination, offering a hypnotic blend of ancient culture, traditions, arts, and modern experience. Often, this city is also referred to as the city of temples, with its vividly larger numbers of temples than the houses stretching 665 square kilometers that you will be visiting on the initial day of this combined tour to Nepal and Bhutan.
In addition, the Kathmandu Valley is home to at least seven cultural, historical, and religious landmarks with international values registered as UNESCO World’s Heritage, such as the Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Patan Durbar Squares, along with the Changu Narayan temple, believed to be the oldest temple of Lord Vishnu in the town.
Pashupatinath temple is a sacred Hindu complex on the banks of the Bagmati River and is considered the holiest noted for its detailed architecture and religious significance, while Boudhanath is one of the largest stupas in Nepal, a center point for Buddhists keeping a close tie to Tibetan Buddhism, consisting of a serene atmosphere along with the bustling surrounding markets in harmony. Swayambhunath is an ancient stupa revered by both Hindus and Buddhists alike, with a 360-degree sight of the valley adorned with vibrant flags and fur babies, called monkeys.
The ancient combination of three cities, Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur Durbar Squares, are historical plazas featuring the old royal palace, well-preserved medieval city squares, exquisite intricately carved wooden temples, the royal palace, and statues showcasing the artistic heritage of the Kathmandu Valley, reflecting traditional Newari architecture and a glimpse into Nepal’s past, it is a perfect place to unwind yourself during the Nepal Bhutan Cultural Heritage and Nature Experiences Tour.
The mystical land of lakes in the center of the Himalayas, Pokhara
Situated at an altitude of 822 m in central Nepal, Pokhara is the nation’s second-largest city after Kathmandu, renowned for its spectacular natural beauty, tranquil lakes, and proximity to the Annapurna mountain range, which serves as a gateway or starting point for trekkers, travelers, and climbers, traversing various routes to explore the Annapurna Trekking region, such as the Annapurna Circuit Trekking, the Annapurna Base Camp Expedition, a short hike to the Ghorepani Poon Hill, and others.
Here, adventurers can enjoy various sorts of adrenaline-rushing activities such as zip lining, paragliding, boating, fishing, or simply strolling around the serene ambiance of Phewa Lake, Begans Lake, and Rupa Lakes at a careful watch of Annapurna mountain ranges, including that of iconic Machhapuchre (Fishtail) peak, where the World Peace Pagoda, Bindhyabasini Temple, and Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave add much to the spiritual dynamic during the tour to Nepal and Bhutan.
One of the wildlife paradises of the nation, the Chitwan National Park
In the lowland of Terai to the south-central of the country is the first-ever national park of Nepal, established in 1973 and covering 932 square kilometers, the Chitwan National Park. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 for its outstanding natural beauty and rich biodiversity. It is even inhabited by some of the most elusive wildlife worldwide, such as one-horned rhinos, Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, and other animals including leopards, sloth bears, gaur (Indian bison), wild boars, sambar deer, and rhesus monkeys.
In addition to these mammals, Chitwan National Park boasts more than 500 species of birds, endangered gharial crocodiles, mugger crocodiles, and several varieties of snakes, frogs, and lizards, making it a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers alike to experience, capture photographs of, and appreciate the raw wilderness of Nepal on the combined tour to Nepal and Bhutan.
It will be extremely pleasing and adventurous at the same time to engage yourself in activities such as jungle safaris, elephant safaris, canoe rides to the Rapti and Narayani Rivers, bird watching, nature walks, a visit to the elephant breeding center, and enjoying the traditional Tharu dance, culture, customs, and hospitality at the end of the day, offering a mesmerizing insight into the lives of one of the indigenous communities of Nepal, the Tharu people.
Bhutan and its enriching natural and cultural beauty
Bhutan, officially known as the Kingdom of Bhutan, is a small landlocked country nestled in the eastern Himalayas between north China and south India, covering an area of 38,394 square kilometers. It is also called “Land of the Thunder Dragon" and is marked for its enthralling landscapes and rich cultural heritage, such as Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery), Punakha Dzong, and Tashicho Dzong, which are also integral parts of the Nepal-Bhutan Cultural Heritage and Nature Experiences Tour.
Perched on a cliffside, Paro is a primary tourist destination in Bhutan, featuring an international airport, thirteen traditional arts and crafts alongside sculpture, weaving, including handicrafts like intricate textiles, handwoven fabrics, and wooden crafts, and numerous monasteries, including Parko Taktsang, also called Tiger’s Nest, with the legend of the meditating spot of Buddhist leader Guru Rinpoche. This iconic monastery is a symbol of Bhutan’s spiritual heritage.
Similarly, Punakha Dzong has the palace of great happiness, built-in 1637 by Sagdrung at the confluence point of two of the turquoise water bodies, Mo Chu and Pho Chu (Mother and Father rivers). The Dzong, which once served as the capital city of ancient Bhutan, is taken into consideration for its marvelous architecture and historical significance; hence, arrival here during the combined Nepal-Bhutan tour is bound to be enriching.
The unique capital city of Bhutan itself, Thimphu
In the western central part of Bhutan lies the country’s largest city, serving as the major political, economic, and cultural center. Thimphu is surrounded by one of its Dzongkhags, including Tashiccho Dzong, where mask dances are performed on a yearly basis, locally known as Cahm dance or Tshechu, offering an extraordinary fusion of typical Bhutanese culture and modern influences, all while maintaining a commitment to conserve its heritage.
The streets of Thimphu are usually without any traffic lights and horns, showcasing the peaceful ethos of Bhutanese culture while natives are suited in their traditional attire, appealing to trekkers and visitors to take pictures to enjoy the 13-day Nepal Bhutan Cultural Heritage and Nature Experience Tour.
Why is the 13-day itinerary the best route for the Nepal Bhutan Tour?
The 13-day itinerary for the Nepal Bhutan Cultural Heritage and Nature Experience Tour begins upon your arrival at the terminal gate of the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) and a visit to the UNESCO World’s Heritage Sites, including Pashupatinath, Boudhnath, Swambhunath, and others, simultaneously heading to Chitwan, Pokhara, again back to Kathmandu, and finally to Bhutan.
This 13-day itinerary allows you an immersive, balanced, and comprehensive experience of both Himalayan landlocked countries, providing you with sufficient time to appreciate the major charms, acclimate to varying altitudes, and explore the cultural and natural highlights without rushing the schedule, so you get to fully delve into Nepal’s and Bhutan’s vibrant cities and tranquil landscapes, epic monuments, and serene ambiance.
Hence, the 13-day itinerary is considered the best route to go for a combined tour to Nepal and Bhutan, even for the years 2023 and 2024.
The 13-day Nepal Bhutan Cultural Heritage and Nature Experience Tour Group Cost
Though the 13-day Nepal Bhutan Tour can experience variation in cost based on several factors, such as the level of service on accommodation, meals, and others, at Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks, you can get special group discounts as presented below:
- USD 3,075 for 1 pax
- USD 2,875 for 2-3 pax
- USD 2,775 for 4-6 pax
- USD 2,675 for 6-10 pax
Contact us for up to a 10% discount on buying our 13-day Nepal-Bhutan tour package, which consists of more than 10 passengers and usually covers accommodation, guided tours, entry fees to major sites, and internal flights. Know more about in package cost details of the Nepal Bhutan Cultural Heritage and Nature Experience Tour.
