Nepal Tibet Bhutan Combo Tour – 13 Days

Begin your day with a guided tour of Kathmandu’s iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites. First, visit Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest spherical stupas in the world and a vibrant center of Tibetan Buddhism. Next, proceed to the nearby Pashupatinath Temple, Nepal’s most sacred Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, located along the banks of the holy Bagmati River.

In the afternoon, drive east to Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a remarkably preserved medieval city. Explore its timeless attractions, including the historic Lion Gate, the magnificent Golden Gate, and the famous 55-Window Palace.

Conclude your day with a scenic drive up to the hilltop village of Nagarkot. Arrive in time to witness a breathtaking sunset over the Himalayan range before settling into your resort for the evening.

• Elevation: 2,175 meters / 7,135 feet (Nagarkot)

• Accommodation: Hillside Hotel / Resort (Nagarkot)

• Location: Bhaktapur District & Nagarkot

• Meal Plan: Breakfast included

Wake up early to watch a magnificent sunrise over the Himalayan range from Nagarkot. After enjoying breakfast with mountain views, drive back down into the Kathmandu Valley to begin your heritage exploration.

First, visit Patan Durbar Square in Lalitpur, renowned for its exquisite Newari architecture. Explore the magnificent stone Krishna Mandir, the historic Royal Palace complex with its royal bath (Tusha Hiti), and Hiranya Varna Mahavihar (the Golden Temple), a sacred 12th-century Buddhist monastery.

Next, proceed to Kathmandu Durbar Square, the historic seat of Nepalese royalty. View the Kumari Ghar, residence of the living goddess of Nepal, along with the newly rebuilt Kasthamandap—the historic wooden pavilion after which Kathmandu is named.

Conclude your sightseeing with a visit to the hilltop hilltop complex of Swayambhunath Stupa (the Monkey Temple). Enjoy panoramic views over the Kathmandu Valley before returning to your hotel for a relaxed evening.

• Elevation: 1,400 meters / 4,593 feet (Kathmandu)

• Accommodation: 3-Star City Hotel (Kathmandu)

• Location: Lalitpur (Patan) & Central Kathmandu

• Meal Plan: Breakfast included

After breakfast, transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu for your flight across the Himalayas to Lhasa (3660 meters/ 12004 feet), Tibet. This journey is widely celebrated as one of the world’s most spectacular air routes, offering sweeping aerial views of Mount Everest (8848 meters/ 29029 feet), Mount Kanchenjunga (8586 meters/ 28169 feet), and neighboring Himalayan peaks.

Upon arrival at Lhasa Gonggar Airport, you will be warmly greeted by your local Tibetan guide and driver. Enjoy a scenic 1.5-hour drive along the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) and Lhasa Rivers to Lhasa city.

After checking into your hotel, spend the remainder of the day resting and taking it easy. Hydrating well and minimizing exertion today will help your body comfortably adjust to Lhasa’s high elevation.

• Elevation: 3660 meters/ 12004 feet

• Accommodation: Standard Hotel (Lhasa)

• Location: Lhasa City, Tibet Autonomous Region

• Meal Plan: Breakfast included

Begin your full-day guided tour of Lhasa with a morning visit to Norbulingka, the historic summer palace of the Dalai Lamas. Explore its lush traditional gardens, royal pavilions, and historic residential quarters. Next, visit Jokhang Temple, the spiritual heart of Tibet, housing the sacred 7th-century Jowo Shakyamuni statue. Step outside to stroll clockwise along Barkhor Street, the vibrant pilgrimage circuit surrounding Jokhang Temple, filled with traditional teahouses, handicraft stalls, and local devotees.

After lunch, transfer to Sera Monastery, one of the three great Gelugpa university monasteries of Tibet. Explore its whitewashed assembly halls and golden-roofed structures. In the afternoon (around 3:00 PM), head to the monastic courtyard to witness the famous animated philosophical debates held by the resident monks.

• Elevation: 3650 meters/ 11975 feet

• Accommodation: Standard Hotel (Lhasa)

• Location: Lhasa City, Tibet Autonomous Region

• Meal Plan: Breakfast included

After breakfast, visit the world-famous Potala Palace in the morning. Rising high above the Lhasa valley, this architectural marvel completely dominates the city skyline. Walk up the historic staircases to explore the grand state rooms, sacred chapels, and the private living quarters of former Dalai Lamas. While the site’s history traces back to the 7th century, the magnificent structure seen today was constructed in the 17th century.

After lunch, drive to the western outskirts of Lhasa to visit Drepung Monastery. Founded in the 14th century, Drepung was once the largest monastery in the world, historically housing nearly 10,000 monks. Explore its winding stone alleyways, ancient monastic colleges, and impressive central assembly hall while gaining deep insights into Tibetan monastic life.

• Elevation: 3650 meters/ 11975 feet

• Accommodation: Standard Hotel (Lhasa)

• Location: Lhasa City, Tibet Autonomous Region

• Meal Plan: Breakfast included

After breakfast, transfer to Lhasa Gonggar Airport for your scenic flight across the Himalayas back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will greet you and arrange your private transfer to the hotel.

After checking in and enjoying some rest, we will host a brief orientation session. During this time, we will discuss the upcoming Bhutan leg of your multi-country tour, review your flight details to Paro, and address any travel questions. Enjoy the rest of your evening at leisure in Kathmandu.

• Elevation: 1400 meters/ 4593 feet

• Accommodation: 3-Star City Hotel (Kathmandu)

• Location: Kathmandu Valley

• Meal Plan: Breakfast included

After breakfast at your hotel, transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight to Paro, Bhutan.

Your journey begins with a breathtaking flight aboard Drukair, offering sweeping aerial views of the majestic Himalayan mountain range and the lush, terraced landscapes of the Paro Valley. Upon completing immigration and customs procedures, our representative will warmly welcome you and escort you to Paro town for a delicious lunch.

Following your meal, explore the rich heritage of the region with a visit to Ta Dzong, an ancient 17th-century watchtower that now serves as the National Museum of Bhutan, housing priceless art, textiles, and historical relics. Continue down to the magnificent Paro Rinpung Dzong (“Fortress on a Heap of Jewels”), a grand 17th-century structure that functions as both a monastic body and an administrative headquarters. End your evening with an atmospheric, leisure stroll through the charming streets of Paro town.

• Location: Paro, Bhutan

• Elevation: approx 2,200m / 7,218 ft 

• Accommodation: Overnight at a 3-star government-approved hotel in Paro

• Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner (L/D)

Begin your day with a delicious breakfast before embarking on a journey to the northern end of Paro Valley. Our route leads through winding mountain roads toward Drukgyal Dzong, an iconic 17th-century fortress that once defended Bhutan from Tibetan invasions. On a clear day, the valley offers magnificent views of the snow-capped peak of Mount Chomolhari (7,326 m). Along the way, visit a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse for an intimate look into the warm hospitality, heritage, and daily life of a local family.

Next, continue to the village of Shari to begin your hike—or optional pony ride—up toward the famous Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest). The trail ascends through fragrant pine forests toward the viewpoint and cafeteria (approx. 1.5 hours), offering breathtaking vistas of this sacred monastery perched dramatically on a cliff face 900 meters above the valley floor. After enjoying lunch with a panoramic view and visiting the revered 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang—one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred temples—we take a scenic 1.5-hour drive to Thimphu, the Kingdom’s charming capital. En route, pass the historic Simtokha Dzong before checking into your hotel.

• Location: Paro to Thimphu, Bhutan

• Elevation: approx 2,320 m / 7,611 ft in Thimphu

• Accommodation: Overnight at a 3-star government-approved hotel in Thimphu

• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (B/L/D)

Begin your day with an enriching exploration of Bhutan’s capital, starting at the sacred National Memorial Chorten, erected in memory of the Third King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Next, visit the Folk Heritage Museum to experience a authentic window into rural Bhutanese household life, followed by the Textile Museum, which showcases the living art of traditional weaving with an impressive collection of rare, vibrant textiles.

After lunch, visit the National Institute for Zorig Chusum (School of Arts and Crafts), founded in 1971 to preserve, promote, and teach Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts to the next generation. In the late afternoon, depart for Punakha, the ancient capital of Bhutan. The scenic drive winds upward through lush pine and cedar forests to cross the dramatic Dochula Pass ( 3,050 m / 10,000 ft ), offering spectacular 360-degree views of the eastern Himalayas. After stopping for tea and mountain vistas, descend into the warmer, fertile valley of Punakha and check into your hotel.

• Location: Thimphu to Punakha, Bhutan

• Elevation: approx 1,250 m / 4,100 ft in Punakha

• Accommodation: Overnight at Hotel Meri Puensum, Hotel Zangto Pelri, or similar 3-star hotel in Punakha

• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (B/L/D)

Begin your day with a visit to the breathtaking Punakha Dzong (“The Palace of Great Happiness”), strategically built in 1637 at the confluence of the Mo Chhu (Female) and Pho Chhu (Male) rivers. As the second oldest dzong in Bhutan, it serves as the winter residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) and the Central Monastic Body.

Following your visit, take a short drive to the neighboring valley of Wangdue Phodrang. Here, observe the grand Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, dramatically perched atop a high ridge overlooking the junction of the Punatsangchhu and Dangchhu rivers. Rebuilt to its former glory following a historical restoration, it stands as an architectural marvel of Western Bhutan.

After exploring the valley, embark on a scenic drive back to Paro, crossing the high-mountain Dochula Pass ( 3,050 m / 10,000 ft ) with its 108 memorial stupas and sweeping views of the Himalayas. Arrive in Paro in the late afternoon and check into your hotel.

• Location: Punakha to Paro (via Wangdue Phodrang)

• Elevation: approx 2,200 m / 7,218 ft in Paro

• Accommodation: Overnight at a 3-star government-approved hotel in Paro

• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (B/L/D)

Enjoy an early breakfast at your hotel in Bhutan before checking out. Our representative will drive you to Paro International Airport for your scenic flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our local team will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. Relax and unwind as you prepare for your final day and international departure tomorrow.

• Location: Paro to Kathmandu

• Elevation: approx 1,400 m / 4,600 ft (Kathmandu)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu

• Meal Plan: Breakfast (B)

Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel in Kathmandu. Depending on your flight schedule, spend your remaining time relaxing at the hotel or picking up any last-minute souvenirs in the city.

Approximately 3 hours prior to your international flight departure, your guide or representative from Attractive Travels and Tours will meet you at your hotel and arrange your private transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport. After assisting with your airport check-in, we bid you a warm farewell as you embark on your journey home.

Thank you for traveling with us, and we look forward to welcoming you back for your next Himalayan adventure! Have a safe journey and Namaste!

• Elevation: 1400 meters/ 4593 feet

• Location: Kathmandu Valley

• Meal Plan: Breakfast included