12 days trip around Bhutan & Nepal
Overview
Day 1: Kathmandu
Day 2: Kathmandu > Paro > Thimphu
Day 3: Thimphu > Punakha
Day 4: Punakha > Paro
Day 5: Paro (Tiger’s Nest)
Day 6: Paro > Kathmandu
Day 7: Kathmandu > Bhaktapur
Day 8: Bhaktapur > Pokhara
Day 9: Pokhara > Sarangkot
Day 10: Sarangkot > Naudanda > Pokhara
Day 11: Pokhara > Patan
Day 12: Patan
Bhutan Operator: Access Bhutan Tours & Treks
Detailed Itinerary around Bhutan & Nepal
Day 1: Kathmandu
Distance: Walking distance
Highlights: Visit Pashupatinah Temple and stay close to the airport for the morning flight to Bhutan.
Stay: Hotel Temple Inn
Day 2: Kathmandu > Paro > Thimphu
Distance: Flight (412km – 1h:00m) + Car (48km – 1h:15m)
Highlights: Early morning flight to Bhutan enjoying a scenic view of the himalayas (left side seats). Afternoon discovering the small capital of Bhutan (Centenary Farmers Market, Changangkha Lhakhang, Memorial Chorten, Archery Ground and more).
Stay:Namgay Heritage Hotel
Day 3: Thimphu > Punakha
Distance: Car (110km – 3h:15m)
Highlights: Stop at Dochula Pass (3.100m) on your way to Punakha. Walk through the rice paddies in Teoprongchu to have lunch at a farmers house before visit Chimi Lhakhang. Afternoon visit to the wonderful Punakha Dzong and the Punakha suspension bridge.
Stay:Vara Hotel
Day 4: Punakha > Paro
Distance: Drive (140km – 4h:30m)
Highlights: Visit Talo Festival (March/April) in the morning and Tachog Lhakhang Bridge on your way back to Paro.
Stay: Tashi Namgay Resort
Day 5: Paro (Tiger’s Nest)
Distance: Trek (7km – 3h:30m)
Highlights: Wake up early to hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery (3.100m). Visit Kyichu Lhakhang (one of the oldest temples in Bhutan) before stop in Paro for Lunch. Treat yourself before dinner with a traditional bhutanese hot stone bath.
Stay:Tashi Namgay Resort
Day 6: Paro > Kathmandu
Distance: Flight (412km – 1h:00m)
Highlights: Enjoying again a scenic view of the himalayas (right side seats). Once in Kathmandu visit the old Town and Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple).
Stay: Kantipur Temple House
Day 7: Kathmandu > Bhaktapur
Distance: Bus/Car (22km – 1h:30m)
Highlights: Visit Boudhanath (the biggest stupa in Nepal) before spend the day exploring the ancient newa city of Bhaktapur.
Stay:Peacock Guest House
Day 8: Bhaktapur > Pokhara
Distance: Bus/Car (216km – 6h:15m)
Highlights: Start the trip early in the morning to have the afternoon free to explore Phewa Lake and hike to the World Peace Pagoda.
Stay:Hotel Granate Rouge
Day 9: Pokhara > Sarangkot
Distance: Hike (6km – 3h:00m)
Highlights: Relax after the morning hike with the stunning views of the Himalayas from Sarangkot.
Stay: Himalayan Front Hotel
Day 10: Sarangkot > Naudanda > Pokhara
Distance: Trek (11km – 5h:00m) + Bus/Car (26km – 0h:50m)
Highlights: Enjoy the hiking (Sarangkot-Naudanda) through small villages with a breathtaking panoramic view of the Annapurna range.
Stay: Hotel Granate Rouge
Day 11: Pokhara > Patan
Distance: Bus/Car (216km – 6h:15m)
Highlights: Start the trip early in the morning to have the afternoon free to explore Patan.
Stay: Swotha – Traditional Homes
Day 12: Patan
Distance: Walking distance
Highlights: Last day in Nepal before the flight back home.