Bhutan and Nepal Combined: The Perfect Himalaya Roundtrip 2026
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Combining Bhutan and Nepal offers the most comprehensive Himalaya experience. While Nepal captivates with vibrant cities, Hindu temples, and the gateway to Everest, Bhutan enchants with Buddhist serenity, pristine nature, and unique Dzong architecture. With just 75 minutes of flight time between Kathmandu and Paro, both worlds blend seamlessly into one unforgettable journey.
Why Combine Bhutan and Nepal?
Nepal and Bhutan are geographically close neighbors, yet offer completely different experiences. Combining them enables a profound understanding of the Himalaya region and its diverse cultures.
Nepal vs. Bhutan: What to Expect
Although Nepal and Bhutan are neighboring countries, they couldn't be more different. This very contrast makes a combination trip so rewarding.
| Aspect | Nepal | Bhutan |
|---|---|---|
| Tourism Model | Open, budget to luxury possible | Regulated by SDF, premium focus |
| Atmosphere | Vibrant, bustling, diverse | Peaceful, slowed down, meditative |
| Predominant Religion | Hinduism + Buddhism mixed | Vajrayana Buddhism |
| Architecture Highlights | Pagodas, stupas, Durbar Squares | Dzongs, Lhakhangs, Chorten |
| Price Level | Budget to mid-range | Premium due to SDF |
| Infrastructure | Well developed, many options | Rustic, less touristy |
| Trekking | World-famous: Everest, Annapurna | Pristine: Druk Path, Snowman Trek |
| Guide Requirement | No (except national parks) | Partial (outside main corridor) |
Flight Connections Kathmandu-Paro
The flight connection between Kathmandu and Paro is the logistic heart of every combination trip. The 75-minute flight offers a breathtaking view of the Himalaya in clear weather - including Mount Everest.
Airlines and Flight Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Airlines | Druk Air (Bhutan's national airline) and Bhutan Airlines |
| Flight Time | Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Frequency | Daily or 4-5x per week (season dependent) |
| Price (one-way) | Approximately 240 USD per person |
| Baggage | 20-30 kg depending on booking class |
| Specialty | In clear weather: View of Mt. Everest! |
Route Suggestions for Your Combination Trip
Depending on available time, we recommend three proven route options. For a balanced experience of both countries, you should plan at least 12-14 days. Shorter combinations are possible, but require compromises.
Route A: Nepal Focus with Bhutan Insight (9-10 Days)
This route suits travelers with limited time who want to experience both countries. The focus lies on Nepal, with Bhutan offering a compact yet intensive glimpse.
| Day | Location | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kathmandu | Arrival, acclimatization, first explorations |
| 2 | Kathmandu | Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath |
| 3 | Kathmandu | Patan, Bhaktapur Durbar Squares |
| 4 | Kathmandu | Optional excursion: Nagarkot Sunrise or Pokhara |
| 5 | Flight to Paro | Transfer to Bhutan, arrival in Paro Valley |
| 6 | Paro / Thimphu | Buddha Dordenma, Tashichho Dzong, Memorial Chorten |
| 7 | Punakha | Dochula Pass, Punakha Dzong, Chimi Lhakhang |
| 8 | Paro | Tiger's Nest hike (Paro Taktsang) |
| 9-10 | Departure | Flight Paro - Kathmandu - Home |
Route B: Balanced Combination (12-14 Days)
This route offers the optimal balance between Nepal and Bhutan. You experience both countries in appropriate depth and have time for spontaneous discoveries.
| Day | Location | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | Kathmandu | Nepal - UNESCO World Heritage Kathmandu Valley |
| 3-4 | Pokhara | Nepal - Annapurna panorama, Phewa Lake |
| 5 | Return Kathmandu | Nepal - Transfer or domestic flight |
| 6 | Flight to Paro | Transfer - Himalaya flight |
| 7-8 | Thimphu / Punakha | Bhutan - Capital and most beautiful Dzong |
| 9-10 | Phobjikha or Bumthang | Bhutan - Gangtey Valley or spiritual center |
| 11 | Paro | Bhutan - Tiger's Nest hike |
| 12-14 | Departure | Flight Paro - Kathmandu - Home |
Route C: Extended Himalaya (18-21 Days)
The Extended route is for travelers wanting to experience the Himalaya in its full depth. It enables multi-day treks, visits to remote regions, or even an extension to Tibet.
| Section | Days | Possible Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Nepal Part 1 | 4-5 | Intensive Kathmandu Valley, overnight in Bhaktapur |
| Nepal Trek or Pokhara | 3-4 | Short trek (Poon Hill) or relaxing Pokhara |
| Bhutan West | 5-6 | Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Haa Valley |
| Bhutan Central | 4-5 | Phobjikha, Bumthang, Trongsa |
| Optional Trek | 2-3 | Druk Path Trek or Bumthang hikes |
Nepal Highlights for Your Trip
The Nepal part of your journey takes you through UNESCO World Heritage sites, vibrant bazaars, and spectacular mountain panoramas. The Kathmandu Valley alone contains seven World Heritage sites in a compact area.
Kathmandu Valley (UNESCO World Heritage)
- Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple): Buddhist stupa on a hill, surrounded by monkeys, spectacular city views
- Boudhanath: One of the largest stupas in the world, Tibetan quarter, meditative atmosphere
- Pashupatinath: Nepal's holiest Hindu temple, cremation rituals on the Bagmati River
- Patan Durbar Square: Royal palace and temples, masterpieces of Newari architecture
- Bhaktapur: Best-preserved medieval city, famous for pottery crafts
Pokhara
- Annapurna Panorama: Spectacular view of the Annapurna massif in clear weather
- Phewa Lake: Boat rides, relaxed lakeside atmosphere, restaurants and cafés
- World Peace Pagoda: Buddhist stupa with panoramic views of lake and mountains
- Trekking Starting Point: Starting point for Annapurna Base Camp and Poon Hill Trek
Optional Activities in Nepal
Culture & Sightseeing
- Nagarkot Sunrise - Himalaya panorama
- Cooking Class in Kathmandu
- Thangka painting workshop
Adventure & Nature
- Short treks (3-5 days)
- Jungle safari in Chitwan
- Paragliding in Pokhara
Altitude Acclimatization Considerations
The combination trip involves ascending to higher elevations from Nepal to Bhutan. Kathmandu sits at 1,400 m, while in Bhutan you're mostly between 2,300 and 3,150 m. Your Nepal stay serves as ideal pre-acclimatization.
| Location | Elevation | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Kathmandu (Nepal) | 1,400 m | Good basis for acclimatization |
| Pokhara (Nepal) | 800 m | Lowest point of the route |
| Paro (Bhutan) | 2,300 m | Arrival in Bhutan, acclimatization day advisable |
| Thimphu (Bhutan) | 2,400 m | World's highest capital city |
| Dochula Pass (Bhutan) | 3,150 m | Highest regular point of the route |
| Tiger's Nest (Bhutan) | 3,120 m | Don't schedule for first Bhutan day! |
Visa Requirements for Both Countries
Nepal and Bhutan have different entry requirements. While Nepal offers an uncomplicated visa-on-arrival system, Bhutan requires an e-visa to be applied for online in advance.
Nepal
| Visa Type | Visa on Arrival at airport |
| 15-day visa | 30 USD |
| 30-day visa | 50 USD |
| Required | Passport + passport photo + cash (USD) |
Bhutan
| Visa Type | E-visa (apply online in advance) |
| Visa Fee | 40 USD |
| SDF | 100 USD per night |
| Processing | 2-5 business days |
For detailed information about the Bhutan visa, see our visa application page.
Costs of the Combination Trip
A combination trip has an interesting cost profile: Nepal is significantly cheaper, while Bhutan commands premium pricing due to the SDF. Total costs depend heavily on how you split your days between countries.
Cost Example: 9-10 Days (Budget Variant Nepal)
| Item | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Nepal (4 days, budget/mid-range) | 300-500 |
| Nepal visa (15 days) | 30 |
| Flight Kathmandu-Paro (one-way) | 240 |
| Bhutan SDF (4 nights) | 400 |
| Bhutan visa | 40 |
| Bhutan tour (4 days) | 900-1,200 |
| Total on-site | 1,910-2,410 |
Cost Example: 14 Days (Comfort)
| Item | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Nepal (6 days, mid-range) | 800-1,200 |
| Nepal visa (30 days) | 50 |
| Flights Kathmandu-Paro (return) | 480 |
| Bhutan SDF (7 nights) | 700 |
| Bhutan visa | 40 |
| Bhutan tour (7 days) | 1,800-2,400 |
| Total on-site | 3,870-4,870 |
Detailed cost breakdown for Bhutan
Best Time to Travel for Nepal and Bhutan
Nepal and Bhutan share a similar climate pattern, which simplifies combination planning. The best travel months are identical for both countries, ensuring you always enjoy optimal conditions.
| Period | Nepal | Bhutan | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| March - May | Excellent, rhododendron blooms | Excellent, clear visibility | Ideal for combination |
| Sept - November | Excellent, post-monsoon | Excellent, festival season | Ideal for combination |
| December - February | Good, cool but dry | Good, colder at higher elevations | Possible, dress warmly |
| June - August | Monsoon, humid | Monsoon, landslide risk | Not recommended |
Festival Planning
If you want to time your trip around a festival, consider these combinations:
- Spring: Paro Tshechu (Bhutan, March/April) + Holi (Nepal, March)
- Autumn: Thimphu Tshechu (Bhutan, Sept/Oct) + Dashain/Tihar (Nepal, Oct/Nov)
To the Bhutan festival calendar
Practical Tips for the Combination Trip
Order: Nepal or Bhutan First?
Both orders have advantages. We recommend Nepal first for altitude acclimatization reasons and because Bhutan becomes the "crown jewel" of your trip.
Nepal First (recommended)
- Better altitude acclimatization
- From bustling to peaceful
- Bhutan as trip highlight
- Relaxed conclusion
Bhutan First
- Nepal for relaxation after Bhutan
- More flexibility at the end
- More affordable conclusion
- Altitude acclimatization more challenging
Luggage Tips
Money and Currency
| Aspect | Nepal | Bhutan |
|---|---|---|
| Currency | Nepalese Rupee (NPR) | Ngultrum (BTN), pegged 1:1 to INR |
| ATMs | Everywhere in cities | Only in Paro/Thimphu, few |
| Credit Cards | Widely accepted | Only in upscale hotels |
| Recommendation | Exchange USD/EUR to NPR | Bring cash USD |
Health
- Travel Kit: Prepare for both countries
- Nepal: Be prepared for stomach issues, watch water quality
- Bhutan: Consider altitude medication (Diamox), drink plenty
- Insurance: Travel health insurance with evacuation coverage mandatory for Bhutan
More on health and vaccinations
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you combine Bhutan and Nepal in one trip?
Yes, the combination is one of the most popular Himalaya trips ever. Both countries are connected by regular flights between Kathmandu and Paro. Flight time is just 75 minutes. A meaningful combination starts at 9-10 days, with 12-14 days being ideal.
How do I get from Nepal to Bhutan?
The only practical connection is the flight from Kathmandu to Paro. Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines offer daily or multiple weekly flights. The price is around 240 USD (one-way). No direct land connection exists - only via India.
Do I need a visa for both countries?
Yes, but the procedures are different. English-speaking visitors get the Nepal visa directly at airport arrival (30-50 USD). Bhutan requires an e-visa to be applied for online in advance (40 USD). Additionally, the SDF (100 USD/night) applies in Bhutan.
Which order is better: Nepal or Bhutan first?
We recommend Nepal first. The lower elevation (Kathmandu: 1,400 m) allows gentle acclimatization before ascending to Bhutan (Paro: 2,300 m). Plus, Bhutan as a peaceful, spiritual conclusion to your trip is particularly impressive.
How much does a combined Nepal-Bhutan trip cost?
For a 14-day combination trip, budget around 3,800-5,000 USD per person on-site (excluding long-haul flights). Nepal is cheaper (around 100-200 USD/day), while Bhutan costs more due to the 100 USD/night SDF. Long-haul flights from Europe cost an additional 600-1,200 USD.
When is the best time for a Nepal-Bhutan trip?
Optimal travel months are March to May and September to November. During this time, both countries enjoy dry, clear weather with good mountain visibility. Monsoon (June-August) should be avoided.
Do I need to book a guide for both countries?
In Nepal, a guide is not required (except for certain trekking areas). In Bhutan, guide requirements are partially relaxed: In the Paro-Thimphu-Punakha corridor, you can move freely. For Dzong visits and travel outside the corridor, a guide is mandatory.
Can I also add Tibet to the trip?
Yes, an extension to Tibet is possible but more complex. Tibet requires a separate permit and an organized group tour. Entry typically occurs via Kathmandu or Chengdu. Plan additional altitude acclimatization time (Lhasa: 3,650 m).
Discover More Route Options
Besides the Nepal combination, we offer other specialized Bhutan routes for different interests and time budgets.
7 Days Bhutan
The classic starter route: Paro, Thimphu, Punakha and the famous Tiger's Nest.
10-14 Days Bhutan
Extended route with Phobjikha Valley or Bumthang for deeper insights.
Bhutan + Tibet
The ultimate Himalaya extension for experienced travelers.
Plan Your Himalaya Dream Trip
We're happy to advise you on the optimal combination of Nepal and Bhutan - tailored to your wishes and time budget.