AEI- 06 Regular Departure Nepal and Bhutan 7N-8D
Expert Rating: Asia Escapes
“Bhutan is the last ‘Shangri-La,’ and this 8-day itinerary masterfully captures its essence. As Asia Escapes experts , we value this program for its focus on Gross National Happiness : we don’t just visit monuments, but facilitate genuine contact with the people in art schools, markets, and traditional homes. What makes this Regular Departure exceptional is the seamless transition between the bridge city connection (Delhi/Kathmandu) and the arrival in the Paro Valley, one of the most beautiful landings on the planet. Bhutan is a ‘low-volume, high-impact’ destination, and this tour respects that philosophy, offering an intimate experience even on group departures. It’s the ideal trip for the traveler who has seen it all and is looking for something that will truly change their perspective on life.”
Tips from Asia Escapes to Bhutan
Tiger’s Nest: This is a 5-6 hour hike (round trip). We recommend wearing trekking boots with good traction and using trekking poles. The feeling upon reaching the summit is indescribable.
Altitude Sickness: Although Thimphu and Paro are at a manageable altitude (approximately 2,300 m), the Dochu La Pass is over 3,000 m. Stay hydrated and enjoy the Bhutanese people’s relaxed pace.
Cultural Respect: In dzongs and temples, it is mandatory to wear clothing that covers your shoulders and legs. Always remember to circumambulate stupas and prayer wheels clockwise.
Arrival in Kathmandu or Delhi or Kolkata [one of the three cities] on Saturdays (according to the dates indicated)
April 2026 | May 2026 | June 2026 | July 2026 | August 2026 | September 2026 |
· 11/04/2026 · 18/04/2026 | · 09/05/2026 · 16/05/2026 | · 13/06/2026 · 20/06/2026 | · 11/07/2026 · 18/07/2026 | · 08/08/2026 · 15/08/2026 | · 12/09/2026 · 19/09/2026 |
October 2026 | November 2026 | December 2026 | |||
· 10/10/2026 · 10/17/2026 | · 14/11/2026 · 21/11/2026 | · 05/12/2026 · 12/12/2026 | |||
Day 01. Arrival in Kathmandu or Delhi or Kolkata
Arrival, assistance and transfer to the hotel, and the rest of the time is free to relax. Accommodation.
Day 02. Kathmandu or Delhi or Kolkata to Paro (Bhutan) by flight and transfer to Thimphu (55 km, approx. 1.5 hours by car)
The flight to Paro is one of the most breathtaking experiences in the entire Himalayan region. During the journey, you’ll enjoy captivating views and an exhilarating descent into the Kingdom of Bhutan. Upon disembarking, the first welcome gift Bhutan offers is its fresh, pure, and crystalline mountain air.
After completing immigration formalities and collecting your luggage, our representative will give you a warm welcome with the presentation of a traditional tashi khaddar, a white scarf symbolizing an auspicious reception for guests.
Later, you’ll embark on a road trip to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. The journey takes you through the picturesque Paro Valley, eventually reaching the confluence of the Paro and Thimphu rivers at a spot called Chuzom, perfect for a photo stop.
Upon arrival in Thimphu, check into your hotel. The capital and political, religious, and commercial center of Bhutan, Thimphu is a unique city where modern development and ancient traditions coexist. It is probably still the only capital city in the world without traffic lights.
In the afternoon, enjoy an exploratory walk through Thimphu city center and visit Ka Ja Throm (formerly the Centenary Farmers Market). This market represents a significant transformation in the city’s urban landscape, serving as a hub for leisure, culture, knowledge, commerce, and tourism. Today, it is a vibrant market where modern and traditional Bhutanese life converge. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Thimphu (Altitude 2,320 m).
Day 03. Thimphu
After breakfast, we visited the National Memorial Chorten, a large white structure crowned by a golden spire, located near the city center. It is one of Thimphu’s most iconic landmarks and a great place to interact with locals, who come to circumambulate the chorten, spin the prayer wheels, and pray. The paintings and statues inside offer profound insights into Buddhist philosophy.
Next, we took a short drive north to visit the Buddha Dordenma, situated atop a hill in Kuenselphodrang National Park. This statue fulfills an ancient prophecy from the 8th century, discovered by Terton Pema Lingpa, and is said to radiate peace and happiness to the entire world. It is one of the largest Buddha statues in the world, standing 51.5 meters tall, made of bronze and covered in gold. Inside, it houses 125,000 smaller Buddha statues, also made of bronze and gilded.
Next, visit the Takin Reserve (Motithang Zoo), dedicated to conserving the takin, Bhutan’s national animal and a rare mammal of the sheep-goat family.
Before lunch, visit the Textile Museum, established by Queen Ashi Sangay Choden, which showcases the country’s rich textile heritage through thematic exhibits and pieces of exceptional quality.
In the afternoon, a special visit to the Choki Traditional Art School, founded in 1999 to provide free art education to underprivileged children. The experience includes:
- Butter lamp lighting ceremony in front of the statue of Guru Rinpoche.
- Screening of a documentary and tasting of mint tea.
- Practical workshop on traditional painting.
- Visit to a 17th-century building with great historical value.
- Live demonstrations of Lhadi painting, sculpture, wood turning, bamboo crafts, textile weaving, tailoring, and embroidery.
To end the day, visit the Trashichhoedzong (“Fortress of the Glorious Religion”), the seat of the King’s throne and the monastic community during the summer.
In the evening, enjoy a traditional dinner at Heritage Home, a 600-year-old house that preserves the authentic Bhutanese style. Overnight in Thimphu (Altitude 2,320 m).
Day 04. Thimphu-Punakha (75 km, approx. 2.5 hours)
After breakfast, we depart for Dochu La Pass (3,088 m), with views of peaks such as Masagang, Tsendagang, and Gangkar Puensum (7,570 m), the highest in Bhutan. Here lie the 108 chortens of Druk Wangyal Chortens, built by Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk.
We continue to Punakha, the former capital of the country until 1955 and now the winter headquarters of Je Khenpo. Thanks to its temperate climate and fertile lands, it produces abundant crops and fruits.
After lunch, we visit the majestic Punakha Dzong (“Palace of Great Happiness”), built in 1637 at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers.
We cross the Punakha Suspension Bridge, one of the longest in Bhutan, and make a brief excursion to Chimi Lhakhang, the “fertility temple,” famous for blessing couples hoping to conceive.
Accommodation in Punakha (Altitude 1,300 m).
Day 05. Punakha-Paro (125 km, approx. 4 hours)
Breakfast at the hotel. We depart to visit Wangduephodrang Dzong, founded in 1638 and restored in 2022 after a fire. Afterward, we transfer by road to Paro, a fertile and culturally rich valley, home to ancient temples, the National Museum, and the country’s only international airport.
After lunch, we visit Ta Dzong (National Museum), followed by a walk to Rinpung Dzong (“jewel pile fortress”) and Kyichu Lhakhang, a 7th-century temple.
We stroll through the center of Paro before returning to the hotel. Overnight in Paro (Altitude 2,280 m).
Day 6. Strike
After breakfast, an excursion to Taktshang Monastery (“Tiger’s Nest,” round trip time 5.6 hours), perched on a cliff 900 meters above the valley. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche arrived here riding a tigress to meditate.
In the afternoon, visit a traditional Bhutanese home to experience Bhutanese hospitality, sample local cuisine, observe agricultural practices, and try archery, the national sport.
Overnight in Paro (Altitude 2,280 meters).
Day 07. Paro / Kathmandu or Delhi or Kolkata (Flight)
Breakfast and transfer to the airport for your flight to Kathmandu, Delhi, or Kolkata. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and overnight stay.
Day 08. Departure from Kathmandu or Delhi or Kolkata
Breakfast and transfer to the airport for the return flight.
Our price includes
- 2 nights’ accommodation with breakfast in Kathmandu, Delhi, or Kolkata [one of the three cities where you can fly to Bhutan]
- 5 nights’ accommodation with full board according to hotels in Bhutan
- English-speaking assistance upon arrival in Kathmandu
- Spanish-speaking guide to Bhutan
- Entrance fees to the monuments according to the program.
- Current rates applicable at this time.
- A day view in the city while flying to Bhutan [Kathmandu or Delhi or Kolkata]
Our price does not include
- Tip for guide, driver,
- Camera fees at monuments.
- Extra expenses at the hotel such as phone calls, laundry, etc.
- Any other service not specified in “the price includes”
- Bhutan Government Sustainable Development Rate USD 100 x 5 nights = USD 500 total
- Bhutan Visa USD 40 per person
- Nepal visa on arrival: Payment of USD 30 per person.
Highlights by City (The Dragon Kingdom)
Thimphu (The Capital Without Traffic Lights):
Buddha Dordenma: One of the world’s largest seated Buddha statues, covered in gold, which overlooks the valley from the clouds.
Choki Art School: A unique cultural immersion where you will participate in a traditional painting workshop and see young artists preserve the 13 arts of Bhutan.
Punakha (The Temperate Valley):
Dochu-la Pass: A natural viewpoint at over 3,000 m with 108 stupas and, if the sky is clear, the most spectacular views of the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas.
Punakha Dzong: Considered the most beautiful fortress in Bhutan, strategically located between two rivers. It is the finest example of Bhutanese architecture.
Fertility Temple (Chimi Lhakhang): A scenic walk through rice fields to visit a temple full of local legends and traditions.
Stop (The Gate to Heaven):
Tiger’s Nest (Taktshang): The absolute highlight of the trip. A monastery that seems to defy gravity, perched on a cliff 900 meters high. The hike is a physical challenge that is rewarded with unparalleled spiritual peace.
Archery: You will have the opportunity to try the national sport in a traditional house, experiencing Bhutanese hospitality firsthand.
City / Night | Cat. 3* hotels or similar | Cat. 4* hotels or similar |
Kathmandu Delhi Kolklata | Shambaling Kathmandu or Similar Ashok Country Resort Delhi or Similar Lytton Kolkata or similar | Shambala or Similar Hotel LA Delhi or similar Peerless Kolkata or Similar |
Thimphu | Phuntsho Pelri or similar | Lemon Tree Resort or similar |
Punakha | Dragon’s Nest Hotel or similar | Lobesa Boutique Hotel or similar |
Stoppage | Paro Eco Lodge or similar | Tenzinling Luxury Tent Villa Or similar |
Kathmandu Delhi Kolklata | Shambaling Kathmandu or Similar Ashok Country Resort Delhi or Similar Lytton Kolkata or similar | Shambala or Similar Hotel LA Delhi or similar Peerless Kolkata or Similar |
