Nepal Bhutan Tour 6 Days

Nepal Bhutan visa requirements and travel documents

To enter Bhutan or Nepal, a visa is required before travel. Fortunately, obtaining these visas is an easy process if done in advance.

Nepal visa

When traveling to Nepal, the easiest way to obtain your visa is through the on-arrival process at the Kathmandu airport. The process only takes a few minutes and is very simple. You must pay in cash. The cost is $30 for 15 days or $50 for 30 days. You'll also need to complete a form and show your passport with at least six months remaining, two passport-style pictures, and proof of an airplane ticket out of Nepal. But if you'd like to reduce your wait time when you arrive in Kathmandu, you can also obtain your Nepal visa online prior to the trip.

Bhutan visa

Obtaining a Bhutan visa isn't the same as getting a visa upon arrival. You must apply for one prior to traveling to Bhutan through an officially authorized Bhutan tour operator. We'll handle all your visa requirements as part of our tour package. To process your visa, provide us with a clear photocopy of your passport, and we'll email it to the Bhutan Tourism Board for their approval. You'll then receive an email copy of the approved visa so you can show it upon arrival in Bhutan.

Travel Tip Please note that citizens of India, Bangladesh, or the Maldives don't require visas to enter Bhutan. But all other nationalities will be required to obtain their visa prior to arriving in Bhutan through a licensed tour operator. Also, make sure your passport has at least 6 months' validity from your arrival date in both Nepal and Bhutan. You'll be glad you checked this before you left home.

How to reach Paro?

Bhutan entry by air

Paro Airport is the only international airport in Bhutan and is located about 60 to 90 minutes from both cities. Most flights arrive here from India, but also come from many other countries, including China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. Only two airlines operate flights to Paro: Druk Air, Bhutan's national airline, and Bhutan Airlines. Both have daily and weekly flights from Kathmandu to Paro, Delhi to Paro, and Bangkok through Singapore to Paro. Your Nepal and Bhutan Tour Itinerary will include a flight to Kathmandu first, to spend time there before departing for Bhutan. A direct flight from Kathmandu to Paro takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes and is one of the most scenic routes in the entire world. You'll want a window seat for this one.

Bhutan entry All Routes

You can enter Bhutan via several routes.

By air via Paro International Airport 

Getting here by air at Paro International Airport is the easiest and most common way to get to Bhutan. It's the only international airport in Bhutan. So, to fly into Paro, book a flight through Druk Air or Bhutan Airlines, as these are the only airlines that fly into Bhutan. You'll find flights from Kathmandu (1hr 15min), Delhi (2hrs), Bangkok (3.5hrs), Singapore, and Dhaka. Our Nepal Bhutan tour package will have you flying from Kathmandu to Paro.

By road via Phuentsholing (from West Bengal, India)

To cross the border into Bhutan by land, you can use the Phuentsholing route from West Bengal, India. It's the most commonly used land entry point into Bhutan. You travel from Jaigaon, West Bengal, across the border into Bhutan, then drive 4 to 5 hours to Thimphu from Phuentsholing. It's quite a scenic drive.

By road via Gelephu (from Assam, India) 

To cross the border into Bhutan by land, you can also use the Gelephu route from Assam, India. It's a quiet border crossing and provides a good option for travelers coming from the northeast area of India. The distance between Gelephu and Thimphu is approximately 8 to 9 hours by road.

For a route through Samdrup Jongkhar from Assam, India, you should cross here if you're adventurous and really want to see the least populated areas in eastern Bhutan. 

Pro tip: For first-time visitors, flying from Kathmandu into Paro is the best option. When flying into Paro from Kathmandu, book your reserved seating on the left side of the plane. On days with good visibility, you'll see Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, and many other peaks of the Himalayas from your window.

Best time to visit Nepal and Bhutan Combined

Nepal and Bhutan share similar seasons, which makes combining them into one trip very practical. The best time to visit both countries is during spring and autumn. Here is a simple season-by-season guide to help you plan your Nepal Bhutan tour.

Spring (March to May): The Best Time

Spring is the most favored time of year for traveling to Bhutan or Nepal. The weather is warm, the mountains can be seen with the best view possible, and springtime valleys are full of colorful Rhododendron flowers. The weather conditions make this time of year great for trekking, hiking, and sightseeing, including the Tiger's Nest Trek in Paro. You'll be glad you planned your trip around this season.

Pros:

• Very good mountain views

• Comfortable temperatures

• Rhododendron flowers in full bloom

• Great conditions for trekking

• The Paro Tsechu festival is in full swing during this period

Cons:

• Peak traveling time, so flights and hotels may be costly

• Tiger's Nest and other locations can be very crowded

• Hotels book quickly, and advance bookings are recommended

Autumn (September to November): Best Time

Autumn has beautiful scenery similar to springtime. In addition, it offers great weather and excellent trail conditions, as the monsoon rains have just finished, leaving a fresh green landscape. Beautiful, clear skies, cooler air, and great trail conditions are characteristics of this season.

Pros:

• Beautiful mountain views on clear days

• Comfortable and cool temperatures

• Beautiful green scenery left over from the monsoon rains

• Excellent conditions for hiking and trekking

• Many major festivals in Bhutan occur during this season.

Cons:

• There will be many visitors during this season due to the high tourist numbers, and thus, costs will increase.

• Full hotels and flights can fill up quickly, so advance reservations for both flights/hotels are highly recommended.

Winter (December to February): Good Time Too

Winter offers a chilly environment but will leave you with a memorable experience. The number of visitors during this season is much lower than the spring and fall seasons, thus creating a much quieter and more personal feel to your experience. The clear, warm, sunny days in the mountains are breathtaking.

Pros:

• There are not many people at major sites during winter.

• Less expensive (flights/hotels)

• Beautifully clear and warm sunny skies.

• Less Rush but still a great Travel Experience

• Some great, unique Seasonal Festivals in Bhutan occur.

Cons:

• Temperatures will generally get down to freezing during winter, particularly at night.

• Tiger's Nest Trail will be icy or slippery

• Due to snow, some high-altitude roads may be closed.

• Not all travelers can tolerate the winter conditions.

Monsoon (June to August): Avoid

It rains during the months of June through August in both Bhutan and Nepal. It's a bad time for trekking because heavy rain will hinder trekking in the areas you want to hike and the mountains will be obscured by clouds. Many parts of the trekking paths and trails can be muddy or slippery, plus there are many leeches on the trails. So don't say you weren't warned.

Pros:

• Many beautiful and lush green fields and forests

• Very few visitors around

• Cheap airline tickets and hotels during the rainy season

Cons:

• Rain falls almost every day

• Restricted views of the mountains and limited visibility

• Difficult and muddy trekking paths and trails

• Leeches swarming on the forested hiking trails

• Possible landslides on the mountain roads

Currency and money Tips for Nepal and Bhutan

The currency in Nepal is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR), and the currency in Bhutan is the Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN). As an example, 1 US dollar is approximately equal to 150 Nepalese Rupees (NPR) in Nepal and 92 Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN) in Bhutan. The Indian Rupee is accepted in Bhutan but not in Nepal.

It's a good idea to bring some US dollars and Euros along with you in case you can't get local currency. You can easily exchange your US dollar or Euro at the airport or at a bank in Kathmandu and Thimphu. You'll find ATMs in both capital cities, but you may have a hard time finding ATMs in smaller towns.

So you'll want to carry local cash with you regardless of where you are. It's particularly important to have local cash when visiting temples and monasteries, local markets, and rural areas. Credit cards are accepted in larger hotels and restaurants, but not everywhere.

 

What to Pack for a Two Himalayan Kingdom Tour?

Packing smart significantly affects a Himalayan journey. Weather in the mountains can change quickly, and layers are your best friend. These are the things we recommend you take with you on your Nepal Bhutan tour.

Clothing

• Lightweight base layers
• Warm fleece or jacket
• Waterproof outer layer
• Comfortable walking trousers
• Modest clothes for temples
• Warm hat and gloves
• Comfortable walking shoes

Essentials

• Valid passport + copies
• Visa approval letter (Bhutan)
• Travel insurance documents
• Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Reusable water bottle
• Small daypack for hikes

Health and medicine

• Altitude sickness tablets
• Basic first aid kit
• Lip balm and moisturizer
• Hand sanitiser
• Insect repellent
• Any personal medication
• Blister plasters for hiking

Tech and Extras

• Universal power adapter
• Portable power bank
• Camera with extra memory
• Offline maps downloaded
• Small torch or headlamp
• Cash in small notes
• Earplugs for light sleepers

Health and altitude sickness advice

Altitude sickness is an important consideration for every traveler going to the Himalayas. It occurs when there isn't enough oxygen for the body at high elevations.  Kathmandu sits at approximately 1,400 meters (4,593 ft) above sea level, and both Thimphu and Paro are at about 2,300 meters (7,546 ft) and 2,200 meters (7,217 ft) respectively. Although these elevations aren't considered high altitude, some travelers will experience altitude sickness symptoms. So, as with all high altitude locations, it's important to acclimatize before starting vigorous physical activity.

Common symptoms to watch for

Mild altitude sickness can cause headaches, extreme fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath. But most travelers find that after resting for one full day, their symptoms will abate. At Tiger's Nest, the hike reaches approximately 3,120 meters (10,535 ft). So it's important to pace yourself and drink plenty of water while you hike. You'll be glad you took it slow on the way up.

How to stay healthy

• Drink three liters of fluids a day during your entire journey.

• Walk slowly and take breaks often. You are in no rush when you have the mountain before you.

• Don't drink any alcoholic beverages on your first day in a new city.

• You may wish to take Diamox (altitude sickness medication) if you received a prescription from your physician; consult your doctor prior to travel.

• On your first full day of travel, eat only light foods; heavy foods can make your symptoms worse at higher altitudes.

• If your symptoms do not improve after you rest, please contact your guide immediately.

• If you develop any of the following symptoms, you must descend in altitude to receive medical attention: headaches, nausea/vomiting, confusion, and difficulty walking. You may have a severe case of Altitude Sickness.

Internet and SIM card availability in Bhutan

You'll be able to get connected to the internet while in Bhutan with a few limitations. It's a small, peaceful country so mobile service won't be available in many places. You'll get 4G services in most hotels and areas in Thimphu and Paro, but outside those areas you'll find either a weak signal or no signal at all.

Obtaining a SIM Card in Bhutan

A SIM card can be obtained upon arrival at Paro International Airport or easily found in Thimphu. There are two main cellular providers in Bhutan: B-Mobile and Tashi Cell. Both have competitive pricing and allow visitors to register their SIM cards upon providing a passport. You'll find internet access is fast in town but speeds will drop when you get into rural and remote areas while hiking.

Before leaving for your trip, download offline Google Maps for both Nepal and Bhutan. You'll be very glad you did while hiking Tiger's Nest since there's no cellular service along that route and you don't want to get lost.

Most hotels included in a Nepal and Bhutan tour package will have Wi-Fi available. In Kathmandu, you'll have no problems finding a small local cellular shop and it's not difficult to find a SIM card with a data plan. Ncell and Nepal Telecom are also good alternatives for tourists with data plans available.

Tipping culture in Nepal and Bhutan

In Nepal and Bhutan, while it is not obligatory to leave a tip, this act is well-received and appreciated by those working as your tour guide or driver to help create a memorable experience for you; when you provide a small monetary gift to these individuals, that gift goes directly to the family of the person who assisted you.

When considering a tip in Nepal, the typical amount you would give your guide is between $5 to $10 per day, depending on how satisfied you were with their service, and the customary amount you would provide to your driver is between $3 to $5 per day. In Bhutan, however, the amounts are similar to recommendations between $8 to $12 for your guide per day and $4 to $6 for your driver per day; it is also customary to give these tips in cash and hand them directly to the individual at the conclusion of your tour.

Tipping at sit-down restaurants in either country is not necessary unless the service was absolutely outstanding. In Bhutan, particularly, this is not a common practice.

Dress Code and Cultural Etiquette

In Nepal

Nepal is a religious Nation, with a rich history of Hindu & Buddhist customs. Friendly & hospitable people will receive you with open arms, but do respect their customs while visiting.

Visiting temples and stupas

While visiting Temples, monasteries, and Sacred sites in Kathmandu, be sure to dress conservatively. Shoulders and knees must be covered up while in these areas. It is not appropriate to wear sleeveless shirts, shorts or short skirts in these locations. You must also remove your shoes from your feet prior to entering any temple. These rules are enforced in all places in Nepal.

General etiquette tips

• A warm greeting in Nepal is always appreciated by saying Namaste and including a slight bow of your head.

• When providing or receiving items, kindly do so with your right hand or by using both hands.

• Pointing the bottom of your foot towards temples, altars, and other people is considered very rude.

• Certain Hindu temples may have a policy against leather. So please leave leather items outside the temple premises.

• Bargaining in a market is totally acceptable. Just be sure to display a warm disposition and a friendly manner while you do this.

• Children you see begging in the street shouldn't be given money or sweets directly. Giving them such items only encourages begging.

In Bhutan

Bhutan is an extremely religious and culturally rich nation. You are expected to adhere to the local customs by being respectful towards them when you visit. When entering temples or monasteries (dzongs), you will need to dress in a modest and appropriate manner by covering your shoulders and knees. There are no exceptions, and it is inappropriate to wear sleeveless shirts, shorts or very short skirts in these places.

Visiting dzongs and monasteries

You must remove your shoes before entering a temple or monastery (dzong). Bhutanese Buddhist custom dictates walking clockwise around anything of religious significance, such as a mini-monument or prayer wheel. Do not touch any religious object - i.e., statues, butter lamps, offerings - while you are inside a temple. Always request permission from an individual prior to taking a picture of a monk or a religious ceremony.

Tips on Etiquette in Bhutan

• When greeting individuals from Bhutan, greet them with a slight bow and a friendly smile. It's generally the accepted way to say hello.

• When receiving food from someone, please use both hands or only your right hand.

• Don't point your feet at altars, statues, or older people.

• Most public locations in Bhutan have smoking bans, so please adhere to the local smoking rules.

• The use of plastic bags is prohibited in Bhutan. So you'll want to take your reusable shopping bag when shopping.

• When people are praying, always walk behind them. Don't walk between them and the altar.

Emergency contacts and Travel insurance advice

If you have an emergency or need help while you're in Nepal, here are some numbers that could assist you:

• Police: 100

• Ambulance: 102

• Fire Department: 101

• Nepal Tourism Board: 425 6909

• Kathmandu Model Hospital: 425 8446

If you don't have travel insurance, be sure to obtain it before departure. This trip involves numerous activities, including city sightseeing and walking tours. So you'll need coverage for at least medical emergencies, trip delays or cancellations, and lost or damaged luggage.

If trekking is included in your itinerary, even a one-day or afternoon hike, it's critical that your travel insurance covers helicopter evacuation in case of a medical emergency. Helicopter evacuations from the Himalayas can be extremely expensive without insurance. Don't find this out the hard way. Also, many basic travel insurance policies cover only those below 2,500 meters. So be sure to check your travel insurance policy's fine print for your coverage level.

Bhutan Emergency Contacts

Although Bhutan is considered one of the safest places in Asia, it is a good idea to have the following emergency numbers saved in your phone while you are visiting.

• Bhutan Police - 113

• Bhutan Ambulance - 112

• Bhutan Fire Dept. - 110

• Bhutan Tourism Line +975 - 2 - 323251

• Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital - Thimphu +975 - 2 - 322496

• Tourism Council of Bhutan - +975 2 323251

• Travel Insurance Coverage When Traveling in Bhutan

Thimphu is at a very high altitude of 2300 meters; therefore, high altitude-related illnesses can happen to even fit and healthy travelers. Make sure that your travel insurance policy has specific coverage for high-altitude trekking and emergency helicopter evacuation from Bhutan.

In addition, you should ensure that you are covered for trip cancellation, medical treatment while traveling outside of Canada and loss of baggage.

A good number of companies may advertise that they offer coverage for travel to the Himalayan region; therefore, you should check them out. You should always read the fine print before purchasing a policy, and do not assume that a generic policy will cover activities performed in mountainous areas.

You'll have local support from our teams located in Kathmandu and Thimphu during your trip. Your guide will have an emergency phone number with them at all times to help with any issues that may arise, whether small or large. You're not on your own. Our team is supporting you the entire way.

Additional Information

• Bhutanese Culture And Lifestyle
• Best of Bhutan Tour
• Discover Bhutan: Unveiling the Land of Happiness Through Tailored Tours
• Bhutan Festival Dates
• Bhutan Cultural Tour Package by Dream Tibet
• How to Plan a Nepal Tibet Bhutan Tour | Multi Country Tour Package
• Bhutan Jhomolhari Trek - Most Popular Trekking in Bhutan
• Multi Country Tour | Nepal Tibet Bhutan Tour Package