1 Reviews
We excel by experience and have been recognized for our excellence.
As featured on
Our Partners
$3187
per person
Nepal and Bhutan tour
Nepal and Bhutan are among the most amazing places of South Asia thanks to their breathtaking natural beauty and distinct culture and we have created a custom 12-day Nepal Bhutan tour that highlights the best of both, including visits to ancient monasteries and temples as well as breathtaking mountain landscapes.
Our 12 days Nepal Bhutan tour is truly a fusion of the top immersive experiences that Nepal and Bhutan have to offer. Every traveler is bound to find something that will pique their interest, with the tour blending adventure and cultural immersion offered by the enchanting countries.
If you are keen to visit Bhutan in a Luxurious way using 5 star hotels, we have the Bhutan Luxury Tour Package for you.
Our Nepal and Bhutan tour can be offered as private luxury travel packages for couples on honeymoon, baby boomers, for family holidays and it can be arranged to coincide with festival dates.
The tour starts from Kathmandu, Nepal, where you will witness the unique heritage of Nepal reflected by art and architecture of the valley. Once you reach Nagarkot, you have an opportunity to see a breath-taking view of the Himalayan range and a beautiful sunrise.
The tour itinerary then takes you to Bhutan to experience an abundance of Buddhist culture and practices. Along with the opportunity to immerse in the local Buddhist culture, you will also get to enjoy its wonderful landscape. You will also hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
From Bhutan, you will return back to Nepal, and visit Chitwan National Park. The jungle safari will give you the chance to witness wildlife in their most natural form. The ethnic cultural show, and visiting the local Tharu village will add a unique flavor to your adventure.
You can also choose to Fly via Delhi and add some days in India if you wish.
Pashupatinath Temple
Pashupatinath is one of the most important temples for Hindus all over the world. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the sacred temple houses a sacred lingam that devotees line up to worship everyday. You will be able to witness various rituals and ceremonies taking place inside the temple complex, including the cremation ceremonies and the evening aarti on the banks of the Bagmati River, which flows beside the temple.
Swayambhunath Stupa
Nestled atop a steep hill, Swayambhunath, or the "Monkey Temple," is an esteemed pilgrimage site for followers of Buddhism globally. Prayer flags swaying in the wind over the stupa which is adorned with the Buddha's painted eyes and brows, is a sight to marvel at.
Boudhanath Stupa
The ancient Boudhanath Stupa is one of the largest in the world and an important pilgrimage site for Tibetan Buddhists. The stupa's white dome, with its piercing eyes painted on all four sides, is a striking symbol of Buddhist culture and faith. You can witness pilgrims from all over the world, spinning prayer wheels and offering prayers.
Kathmandu Durbar Square Old Palace
Nepal's lively capital, Kathmandu, holds within it a mesmerizing wonder by the name of Kathmandu Durbar Square. Beauty and grandeur radiate from every angle of this impressive structure, boasting palaces fit for royalty, courtyards that have witnessed fascinating instances of history, and stunning temples that date back to the 12th century, when it first graced the world as the Malla Kings' royal residence.
Patan Durbar Square
Modern day Lalitpur is home to Patan Durbar Square, a World Heritage Site that served as the royal palace for the kings who reigned over Patan. Transported back in time, that's what you'll feel when you walk the narrow alleys of the square. Take in the opulent charm of a bygone era, as elaborate artwork and intricate architectural designs feast your eyes.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Bhaktapur Durbar Square is another World Heritage Site that seamlessly weaves ancient history, stunning architecture, vibrant culture and delicious cuisine for a truly memorable experience.A true testament to the grandeur and elegance of Nepal's ancient Newari civilization, the square is home to some of Nepal's greatest architectural masterpieces.
Nagarkot - the view point
Nagarkot is an idyllic nature lover's haven, featuring breathtaking Himalaya panoramas and lush green vistas that span from sunrise to sunset. Travelers especially love watching sunrise and sunset light up the surrounding mountains in golden hues. Immersing yourself into Nagarkot country life as you explore the winding lanes lined with cottages and traditional homes, is an experience like no other.
Chitwan National Park - Jungle safari
Hidden amidst the breathtaking beauty of Nepal is an absolute marvel of ecological diversity - Chitwan National Park. For those who love wildlife and nature, this fascinating World Heritage Site is an impressive glimpse into the magnificent biodiversity of the wildlife of Nepal. Guided safaris allow you to see majestic Bengal tigers, endangered rhinos, and exotic birds and reptiles in their natural habitat.
Thimphu, the Capital City of Bhutan
Thimphu, a city of regal charm and cultural magnificence, offers ancient monasteries, lush forests with exotic wildlife, and bustling markets brimming with local handicrafts and textiles. The National Folk Heritage Museum and Tashichho Dzong showcase the rich culture of Bhutan, making Thimphu, an epitome of Bhutanese elegance.
Memorial Chorten
Memorial Chorten in Thimphu, is an exquisite monument dedicated to Bhutan's third king Jigme Dorji Wangchuck as a memorial. With golden spires and intricate carvings that evoke serenity and spiritual energy, this location is frequented for meditation and prayer by locals and visitors.
Tashichho Dzong - Forts
A magnificent fortress-monastery, Tashichho Dzong, has been a seat of the Bhutanese government since 1968. The structure, constructed in a traditional Bhutanese style, without any use of nails, showcases the intricate ancient art and architecture of the country.
Punakha, former Capital of Bhutan
Punakha Town sits atop an elegantly rolling hilltop and radiates with the peaceful aura of bygone royalty. Punakha Dzong, an icon of traditional Bhutanese architecture perched atop two rivers at their confluence, is its most celebrated attraction and surely a sight worth seeing!
Chimi Lhakhang
Chimi Lhakhang, the Temple of Fertility in Bhutanese culture, is a holy site where couples seek blessings for fertility and childbirth. Renowned for its symbolic phallus-shaped paintings and sculptures symbolizing fertility while warding off evil spirits, visitors can hike leisurely through picturesque rice paddies to reach this beautiful and interesting shrine.
Paro valley
Paro is situated in Bhutan's lush Paro valley and home to some of its most iconic landmarks, including the National Museum, Rinpung Dzong and Paro Taktsang Monastery (commonly referred to as Tiger's Nest Monastery). Renowned for its vibrant cultural festivals, stunning traditional architecture and long history - it's a must visit destination.
Tiger Nest Monastery in the cliff like Icon of Bhutan
Tiger's Nest Monastery is one of Bhutan's iconic landmarks that stands atop a sheer cliff. Drawing its name from the legend of Guru Rinpoche arriving here by flying on the back of a tiger, this monastery is a spiritual and architectural marvel. We will be hiking to Tiger's nest monastry on our Nepal Bhutan tour.
A few weeks prior to traveling, make a list of necessary items, and ensure all necessary documents (passport, visas, identification document and driver's licenses) are in order. Please carry photocopies of all the important documents, and pack the originals separately. Keep a digital copy of your passport handy on a cell phone or digital camera.
Bringing enough prescription medications for the duration of the trip in case your luggage gets delayed can also be helpful, while over-the-counter remedies like headache, gastritis or anti-diarrhea pills could come in handy as well. If you have any other underlying conditions, inform us prior to your flight. You may also prepare a list of medications including dosage and generic names to avoid hassle while buying medicines. It is also a good idea to bring medication to relieve the airplane pressure and avoid congested ears or tubes.
We also suggest carrying an emergency of clothes on duffle bags or carry-ons. To avoid the loss of luggage, we suggest you select bags with patterns or colors that easily stand out. Do not place valuables, such as cameras, in your checked luggage.
Due to security considerations, museums often impose limits on the size and type of bags brought inside; backpacks, carry-on bags or large purses may not be permitted inside; it would be advisable for guests to bring along a smaller shoulder bag or purse instead. If you're packing liquid containers, please put them in Ziploc bags.
The 12 day Nepal and Bhutan tour starts at just from $3,187 per person. Please mail us for more details.
Once you land at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, one of our representatives will welcome and transport you directly to your hotel. In the evening, we'll meet up for the trip briefing session - details will be communicated upon your arrival at the hotel.
After breakfast in the morning, we will embark on a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu that specializes in discovering UNESCO Cultural Heritage sites. Our itinerary will include some of its most iconic landmarks - like Swayambhunath (otherwise known as Monkey Temple). This ancient Buddhist stupa houses an abundance of monkeys and provides stunning panoramic views over Kathmandu valley. At Pashupatinath, a revered Hindu pilgrimage site and cremation ground, we will observe its unique cremation rituals, such as burning deceased bodies in an open-air setting. Additionally, we may come across Sadhus - Hindu Holy Men with distinctive features such as ash-rubbed bodies, matted locks and dreadlocked appearance. Next stop will be Boudhanath, one of the largest Buddhist temples in the world, where we can witness Holy Monks performing their chanting ritual as we explore various monasteries in the area. Patan Durbar Square, a Medieval Royal Palace area known for its intricate metal and stone carvings dating back to 14th-century China as well as Nepali Architecture will also be visited during our stay. As part of our afternoon drive from Kathmandu to Nagarkot, approximately 1.5 hours away. This stunning hill station is famous for its incredible panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges - Langtang range, Sisa Pangma, Dorje Lakpa, Gaurishankar and even Mt Everest can often be seen distantly on clear days! Furthermore, sunrise views in Nagarkot are simply incredible - we will have ample chances to witness this natural spectacle before spending the night at one of their many hotels here.
On this day, we will wake up early to witness the sunrise. After breakfast, we will check out of the hotel and drive to Bhaktapur which takes about 40-minute. This world heritage town is renowned for its ancient temples, palaces, and historical architecture. Bhaktapur has enough attractions to keep us occupied for 2 hours. From there, we’ll return back to our hotel in Kathmandu. Make sure you get enough rest and prepare for the Bhutan trip, scheduled to begin the following day.
On this day, our Bhutan adventure will start with a flight to Paro Airport where spectacular panoramic views of the Himalayas-including Mount Everest-are waiting. As we make our approach through Bhutanese foothills on our approach to Paro Airport we may encounter steep turns before landing safely at its tiny airstrip. Once we arrive in Bhutan, we need to complete a few immigration formalities. There, we will meet our tour guide and begin the 1.5-hour scenic drive to Thimphu - Bhutan's capital city. The drive follows Pa Chu River until its confluence with Wang Chu River before continuing up into Thimphu Valley. After checking-in to our hotel, we will begin an evening sightseeing tour, beginning with a visit to Memorial Chorten (Stupa), built to remember the late 3rd King. Next stop will be Kuenselphodrang with its tallest Buddha statue in the world and amazing views across Thimphu Valley from there. Finally we'll stop by Tashichhoe Dzong which houses His Majesty the King's throne room - both sites offering fantastic views.
After enjoying breakfast at our hotel, we will start our three-hour drive towards Punakha. Along the way we will travel over Dochula Pass at 3050 meters elevation - providing breathtaking views of snowcapped Eastern Himalayas when conditions permit - before gradually descending through forests until finally emerging into Punakha Valley with its dense agriculture. Once in Punakha, we will visit Chimi Lhakhang - commonly referred to as the Temple of the Divine Madman and dedicated to Drukpa Kuenley; a 20-minute stroll through paddy fields and local farmhouses will bring us there. Next we will visit Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan's most impressive dzongs (fortresses). Situated at the confluence of Pho-chu and Mo-chu rivers - popularly referred to as male and female rivers respectively - Punakha once served as Bhutan's capital city, until Thimphu took over in 1955.
After enjoying breakfast at our hotel, we will start our three-hour drive towards Punakha. Along the way we will travel over Dochula Pass at 3050 meters elevation - providing breathtaking views of snowcapped Eastern Himalayas when conditions permit - before gradually descending through forests until finally emerging into Punakha Valley with its dense agriculture. Once in Punakha, we will visit Chimi Lhakhang - commonly referred to as the Temple of the Divine Madman and dedicated to Drukpa Kuenley - a 20-minute stroll through paddy fields and local farmhouses will bring us there. Next we will visit Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan's most impressive dzongs (fortresses). Situated at the confluence of Pho-chu and Mo-chu rivers - popularly referred to as male and female rivers respectively - Punakha once served as Bhutan's capital city, until Thimphu took over in 1955.
One of the highlights of any trip to Bhutan should include trekking up to Taktsang Monastery - considered one of the holiest sites for Buddhists. A 3-4 hour trek through oak and pine forests will bring stunning views of the valley below as you approach this unique temple perched atop a cliffside. For those who prefer an easier journey, Pony rides to Taktsang Monastery are available at an additional fee. Whichever method of visiting you choose, visiting Taktsang Monastery will undoubtedly be an unforgettable experience!
Our flight back to Nepal is scheduled early on this day. So, we bid farewell to Bhutan and return to Kathmandu, the 'City of Temples'. There, we will check in at the hotel and enjoy breakfast. On our leisurely afternoon excursion, we have the choice between exploring Kathmandu Durbar Square or Thamel district; later that night, enjoy an exclusive Nepali cultural show with dinner.
After breakfast, we begin the 5 hour drive towards Chitwan National Park - another World Heritage Site of Nepal which allows visitors to see some of nature's most beautiful animals! Once the hunting ground of British and Nepalese aristocrats, this park today protects some of the world's endangered species, including one-horned rhinoceros, tigers, deers, and exotic birds. The greatest thrill here is to scout for these wildlife on the back of an elephant. When the day's excursion has come to an end and relaxation time arrives - one of the hotels nearby will offer welcome relief making every minute of your trip worth it.
It's another day of adventure in Chitwan National Park with activities like jungle walks, elephant rides, village visits, canoeing trips to the elephant breeding center and bird-watching among many others. Joined by an expert nature guide you'll gain invaluable insights into its rich wildlife, flora, and fauna. With opportunities to observe wild animals like rhinoceroses, deer, bears, crocodiles and various birds - you are guaranteed a memorable experience. And as the day concludes you can immerse yourself in vibrant Tharu culture with a traditional cultural show. The native Tharus inhabitants of this area, with their performance, will add another rich layer to your experience with their language, customs and traditions that bring their native homeland alive!
Once breakfast has concluded, we'll fly back to Kathmandu and allow you the day to explore, go souvenir shopping or simply relax in your hotel. In the evening we will host a farewell dinner and Nepali cultural show for one last goodbye!
You will be transferred to the airport for the final departure of our Nepal and Bhutan tour.
We have prepared a detailed guide for the trip so that you can have an overview of almost everything you need to know.
Important notes for Nepal and Bhutan tour
1. Complimentary airport arrival and departure transfers are included both in Nepal and Bhutan. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. Please speak at time of your booking for further information.
3. As entry to Bhutan is very strict and travellers can only enter Bhutan on a group visa as part of a tour. At time of booking, we will need a scanned colour copy of your passport, a scanned colour passport photo, proof of travel insurance that includes coverage for Covid-19 and proof of Covid-19 vaccination.
4. Kindly provide your full name exactly as per passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport). Fees may apply for adding or amending details within 60 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing new tickets.
5. Airlines in Bhutan are renowned for last minute changes to flight timetables into and out of Bhutan. Please allow a minimum of 24 hours transit time before and after your flights into and out of Bhutan. Timetables are available on the Druk Airlines and Air Bhutan websites.
6. This trip includes domestic and international flights as indicated on the Nepal and Bhutan tour. The luggage allowance for domestic flights is 15kg for check in luggage and 5kg for carry on. The international flight between Nepal and Bhutan has a luggage allowance of 20kg for check in luggage and 5kg for carry on. While in Nepal, you can store excess luggage at the Kathmandu hotel.
7. For Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee of USD200 per traveller per day, charged by the government of Bhutan is included in your trip price. It only applies to the days you will spend in Bhutan.
The hotels and restaurants in Nepal and Bhutan provide a wide range of dishes. Both vegetarian and vegan dishes are available on our Nepal and Bhutan tour.
The accommodation is twin-based sharing, but you can get a single room with additional fee. Hotels in Bhutan are approved and classified by the government according to grades A, B and C; grade C hotels correspond to 3-star properties elsewhere. On our Nepal visit, we will stay in three- and four-star deluxe hotels.
Local sim cards are available to purchase at both countries; typically this should cost no more than one US dollar per SIM. You will be required to submit an application form along with passport photos and copies for purchase. When traveling through remote areas, purchasing an internet data package could prove useful. Hotels, cafes and public hubs generally provide free wifi that has great speed and connectivity but you may incur an additional charge depending on where you go.
We usually provide comfortable luxury buses for the tour and private pick up and drop-offs (for individual tourists).
The Nepal Bhutan Tour can be undertaken at any time of the year, however, we would suggest spring (March to May), autumn (September-November), and early winter (December). These months have an ideal climate - neither too hot nor too cold! While mornings and evenings may get chilly during these months, daytime temperatures remain pleasant.
Lightweight, loose fitting clothes that can be easily washed would be ideal for the most part of the trip. However, even the summers in Paro and Thimpu can be cool, so be mindful of the climate changes. Try to pack more lightweight layers instead of thick and bulky jackets. Bhutan has conservative attitudes towards dress, so a revealing and scruffy look may feel out of place. Out of respect for the local values, we suggest you pack clothes that cover your arms and legs. While shorts during the summer are not frowned upon in Nepal, we suggest you still be careful not to wear too revealing clothes. The climate in Kathmandu and Nagarkot compared to Chitwan is lower, so we suggest bringing a pair or two of warm cardigans and thin jackets. During your jungle safari, you will find that loose clothes with full sleeves will be effective in preventing mosquito bites.
The hikes in this tour aren't particularly strenuous; most trails are flat and wide, and climbing to higher heights won't be necessary. But for extra peace of mind and support during your hikes, pack supportive footwear and hiking poles just in case!
Purchase travel insurance is highly advised for peace of mind and financial protection while traveling outside your home country. While your health plan may provide limited coverage abroad, we strongly suggest investing in trip cancellation, interruption, delay, travel delays and medical emergency expenses coverage insurance as well as lost/delayed baggage coverage to guard against unexpected events that might prevent or interrupt your journey.
Bhutan is a restricted Asian country, so all the citizens, excluding Indians and Maldivians Bangladesh are required to obtain the visa to enter Bhutan. The visa, priced at USD 40, is issued at Paro airport and verified at Thimphu, Bhutan's capital city.
For international travelers flying to Bhutan from Nepal, you will need the Nepalese visa which is priced at about USD 30.
You cannot apply for a visa for Bhutan via the embassy. It cannot be done online or in person; instead, you have to apply through an authorized tour operator (registered in the Bhutan's Department of Immigration and Tourism Council of Bhutan). We will arrange the visa on your behalf and once outbound travel has occurred, we will issue the clearance document which must be presented upon arrival in Bhutan.
You need to provide complete information on your passport including:
Minimum of six months should be kept on the passport following the date of travel.
A scanned color photocopy of the passport is also required for completing the application process. The application is submitted at least one month prior to the travel date. Upon approval, the Department of Immigration will issue the visa clearance number and send it to us as well as the immigration terminals at the checkpoints through the Tourism Council of Bhutan. Once you reach the immigration office, an official stamp is applied to your passport.
Be sure to bring an adequate number of passport size photos, along with copies of your passport and personal identification documents, for maximum efficiency when traveling abroad. Packing them all separately in your luggage will make the experience much smoother; digital copies can always be useful should any unexpected situations arise. We also advise that you carry the original passport and personal identification document in your handbag.
The Nepal Bhutan tour is the perfect trip for anyone looking to unwind from their hectic lifestyles and revel pleasure in the beautiful natural beauty and rich culture of these stunning nations.
We excel by experience and have been recognized for our excellence.
Reviews
Olivia. C
Best Nepal - Bhutan trip
Traveling to Nepal for the first time and making it back safe (and a better person) – I will have to say that I definitely made the right choice to travel with Earthbound Expeditions as my guide and agent. For first time travelers: the best way to start your adventure is to hire someone who can navigate the labyrinth of options for you. From finding and booking hotels to arranging (and changing) airline and bus tickets. Traveling in Nepal is not like anyplace else (that I have experienced). You will have to be patient and flexible. Having someone to take care of the formalities for you makes things much easier and can save you a lot of stress and time. If you are worried about being on a “tour” and being stuck with a schedule – don’t be. I have changed my mind about bus travel after my first trip from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Rajan got me on a flight – no problem. Last minute. I didn’t particularly like the hotel in Pokhara so I found a better one – I then called Rajan – he changed the hotel for me. No problem. As I got more comfortable in Nepal and still had time to spear I decided to add trekking to my repertoire. As usual – no problem. He even provided the guide I felt comfortable trekking with and some small things that I needed for the trek (since I was completely unprepared). I canceled (last minute) my trip to Tibet due to problem with my permit (I had to travel to Shanghai after Tibet and I didn’t have time to get a new Chinese visa) – no problem. It is not an easy task to manage people’s expectations while using very limited resources. Earthbound Expeditions and Rajan did absolutely amazing job. You will have to change your realities and standards – things are not the same in the mountains. But after a month I have to say that I had an incredible journey and memories to last me a life time. I will definitely return to Nepal soon. And even now though being able to manage the trip by myself - I would definitely chose to work with Earthbound Expeditions.
Mark S , USA
Expected great, Got much more... Before Covid, I longed to travel to the Himalayas and happened upon Earthbound’s website. The Nepal/Tibet/Bhutan trip sounded wonderful and I reached out to Rajan, it’s owner. We planned a customized private trip for my wife and I along the basic lines of the itinerary. Well, due to the pandemic we were forced to delay the trip multiple times and as availability and geo politics required changes and adjustments, Rajan worked continuosly with us to design the best possible experience. We probably emailed each other over 200 times and his responsiveness, professionalism and very friendly manner was the same on the last one as on the first. We just returned, and we will need time to fully appreciate the cultural richness, visual wonder and excitement of this extraordinary trip (so many remarkable moments.) We are experienced travellers and have worked with several very highly regarded travel outfits. None of them came close to the level of concern, flexibility and oversight that Rajan provided us throughout. If this region of the world interests you, call him.
roo514
Wonderful Nepal and Bhutan trip
My friend and I booked a customized Nepal and Bhutan trip through Earthbound Expedition and it was a lot of fun. I can't say enough about how helpful Rajan was in organizing the trip for us. We were on a three-week trip and decided to detour at the last minute to the Himalayan region. I had been corresponding with Rajan about two weeks before we left and we ended up finalizing and booking about four days before going. To make things even more complicated, we were in Russia at the time, where we had a very limited internet connection. Rajan pulled it all off effortlessly and cheerfully. Our 13 hour time difference wasn't even an issue; he always responded promptly. Even though he's a busy man, we felt like we were his only customers. He even treated us to momos on our return to Kathmandu! We both loved this trip and are so appreciative of Rajan for making it happen.
TomZacharski
Best Tour Organizers
Absolutely blown away by the professionalism and flexibility shown by Earthbound staff and its president, Rajan. From the very beginning, they have shown interest in providing me with the best services related to my planned itinerary. They organized fantastic hotels, and a wonderful tour - a 12 day trip that was a glimpse into Nepal and Bhutan. Cannot think of the trip as any better and if you do go with them be sure to get to know Rajan better, he is a Nepalese renaissance man and his stories are super interesting. The whole experience, the highest quality, was also relatively cheap as I was choosing from a number of agencies. Also, they organized a very good tour operator in Bhutan (Country Travels) that provided me with a fantastic tour guide and driver. Keeping fingers crossed for continued success and for tourism coming back to Nepal after the events in April.
Rautal
Great adventures with great service in Nepal and Bhutan!
This August was already the second time we used Earthbound's excellent services in Nepal. In 2013 Rajan's team earned our trust and respect in their professional but friendly way of arranging days full of activities, including day hikes and sightseeing, rafting and such. This August we had a double agenda: Kathmandu and hiking in the surrounding area and a Bhutan tour. Again Nepal did not disappoint us: wonderful sights, friendly people, good food. Bhutan was an adventure! Also extraordinary sights, scenery, friendly people, and professional guiding and driving. Our day-hike to Tiger's Nest was the highlight of our tour. We will definitively be back to this corner of the world!