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How to Travel from Nepal to Bhutan 2024/2025

14 September 2022 Last updated at 14:39

Nepal and Bhutan are two featured countries located at the foot of Himalayan Ranges. They don’t border on but quite close to each other, so most travelers list them in one single tour. Traveling Nepal and Bhutan together can offer you an unforgettable experience.

Nepal vs Bhutan

Nepal and Bhutan both have the happiest people, the stunning natural sights, the strong religious atmosphere, the traditional architectural art, the spectacular trekking routes and the colorful old festivals. However, they will give you different feelings while you are visiting their different places.

Nepal is a great kingdom to travel and explore. In your Nepal journey, you are able to appreciate the medieval buildings and art in Kathmandu Valley, savor the heart-shaking views of surrounding snow-covered peaks in Pokhara, pay a pilgrimage to Buddha’s birthplace – Lumbini, or enjoy the various outdoor activities. Because of the convenience to enter and the rich tourist resource, Nepal is frequently-visited by a large mounts of travelers and backpackers.

As for Bhutan, it is a rather secluded and peaceful land which will let you get away from the madding crowd. You have enough time and space to listen to yourself while admiring its marvelous nature and culture. Without traveling either of them, your Himalaya trip can’t be completed.

Top 3 Bhutan Tour Packages for 2024

How to Transfer Between Nepal and Bhutan

There are regular flights flying between Nepal and Bhutan. Usually there are about 11 flights per week departing from Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport in Nepal to Paro International Airport and about 12 flights departing from Paro to Kathmandu every week as well. Usually, the flying journey takes about 1 hour and covers a distance of 403km (250 miles). During your journey, you will view the magnificent Himalayan peaks, including Mount Everest. Remember to take a seat on left side on a Kathmandu-Paro flight and on right on a Paro-Kathmandu Flight for a better view.

Nepal to Bhutan Flights & Bhutan to Nepal Flights

Flight No. Departure -- Arrival Duration Frequency Plane
07:45
Kathmandu Tribhuvan Airport


08:45
Bhutan Paro Airport
 1h - - - - - - S Airbus A319
09:45
Kathmandu Tribhuvan Airport


11:30
Bhutan Paro Airport
 1h - M - - - - - Airbus A319
10:00
Kathmandu Tribhuvan Airport


11:15
Kathmandu Paro Airport
 1 h - M - W - F - Airbus A319
07:40
Bhutan Paro Airport


08:25
Kathmandu Tribhuvan Airport
 1h - - -W - F - Airbus A319
08:00
Bhutan Paro Airport


08:45
Kathmandu Tribhuvan Airport
 1h - M - - - - Airbus A319
10:20
Bhutan Paro Airport


11:10
Kathmandu Tribhuvan Airport
 1h - - T - - - - Airbus A319
11:30
Bhutan Paro Airport


12:15
Kathmandu Tribhuvan Airport
 1h 5min - - - - T - S Airbus A319

Important Notices: 1) The departure time and arrival time are on local time and the time difference between Nepal and Bhutan is 15 minutes; 2) above flights schedules are only for reference, and please contact us to catch up on the latest information.

Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport

Located about 6km (20 minutes’ driving) away from the downtown of Kathmandu, Kathmandu Tribhuvan Airport (IATA: KTM, ICAO: VNKT) is the solo international airport serving Nepal. It does not have a big scale but the architecture enjoys the traditional Nepalese style. At present, it operates about 30 international airlines to some cities in Asia (Hong Kong, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Kunming, Lhasa, Seoul, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Bangkok, Saipan, Yangon, Siem Reap, Manila, Paro, Dhaka, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, Pollak, Muscat and Colombo), Europe (Istanbul) and Middles East (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah,Doha). It is also well-linked with Bhadrapur, Bhairawa, Biratnagar, Dhangarhi, Janakpur, Nepalganj, Pokhara, Simara, etc. by domestic flights.

Paro International Airport

Paro International Airport (IATA: PBH, ICAO: VQPR) is located in deep Paro Valley. As the only international airport of the four airports in Bhutan as well, it makes Paro the first station of a Bhutan tour. It takes only about 15 minutes to drive from the airport to Paro Town. Paro Airport operates weekly international flights to Nepal (Kathmandu), India (Delhi, Guwahati, Kolkata, Dhaka), Bangladesh (Bangkork) and Singapore (Singapore). There are also some weekly domestic flights operated from Paro to Jakar (Bathpalathang) and Trashigang (Yongphulla Airport).

Kathmandu Airport

Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport

Paro Airport

Paro International Airpor

How to Plan a Nepal Bhutan Travel

Both Nepal Tours and Bhutan Tours can be different according to different travelers’ needs. Planning a Nepal Bhutan tour, you can take the following factors into consideration.

Travel from Nepal to Bhutan or Bhutan to Nepal

Because of the weekly flights between Nepal and Bhutan, it is available no matter you travel from Nepal to Bhutan or from Bhutan to Nepal. Since Nepal operates more international flights, starting from Nepal allows you to reach conveniently and starting from Bhutan allows you to leave conveniently. However, if you want a full Himalayan journey with Tibet, you are suggested to visit Nepal before Bhutan because Nepal is well-linked with Tibet.

Where to Visit in Nepal

Kathmandu Valley (2~3 Days) – Kathmandu Valley is the cultural center of Nepal. It contains three cities – Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan where many medieval architectural wonders are preserved. Apart from the three Durbar Squares, you can’t miss Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath and Pashupatinath. Nagarkot, situated about 34km away from Kathmandu, is a good sight to view the amazing sunrise over Mount Everest.

Pokhara (1~2 Days) – Pokhara is an important position beside a deep green lake and surrounded by gleaming Himalayan peaks. It acts as the point to start a trekking to the Annapurna Circuit and also provides a rest and recreation for exhausted trekkers. Apart from the trekking experience, there are beautiful lakes, mysterious caves, featured temples and some museums.

Chitwan (1 Day) – Chitwan is famous for Chitwan National Park – the home to sizeable wildfire populations. Here you can get an opportunity to see wild elephants, sloth bears, one-horned rhinos and over 500 species of birds. If you like some activities to touch with the animals in a more close distantance, you can choose to have an elephant ride, nature work or dugout canoe ride.

Lumbini (1 Day) – Lumbini is a must for Buddhist pilgrims and travelers who are interested in Buddhist culture because Big Buddha Sakyamuni was born there. Now you can see many monasteries, temples and mediation grounds in Lumbini Garden. Top attractions include Mayadevi Temple, Sacred Garden, Ashoka Pillar and Puskarni Pond.

Kathmandu Durbar Sqaure

Kathmandu Durbar Sqaure

Mayadevi Temple

Mayadevi Temple in Lumbini

Where to Visit in Bhutan

Thimphu (1~2 Days) – As the capital of the Kingdom of Bhutan, Thimphu is the most modernized city. The global development carefully embraces old cultural atmosphere in Thimphu. Visiting Thimphu, you can’t miss National Memorial Chorten – a huge Tibetan stupa dedicated to the third king of Bhutan. There are lots of academies and museums to explore the traditional arts, including Traditional Painting School, Museum of Stamps, National Textile Museum, etc.

Paro (2~3 Days) – Paro is a charming town lying on the banks of Paro Chhu River. It owns the focal point of Bhutan – Taktsang Monastery (Tiger Nest Moanstery). It is also necessary to visit Paro Dzong which is honored as the essence of Bhutanese architectures. Bhutan National Museum is just located nearby.

Punakha (1~2 Days) – Punakha once was the capital before Thimphu. Punakha Dzong is the most beautiful dzong in Bhutan. In the spring (April ~ June), the bright purple Jacaranda blossom perfectly decorate Punakha Dzong. Chimi Lhakhang is a holy temple where women and couples pray for children and health of babies. On the way from Punakha to central Bhutan, you will pass by Dochula Pass, a good balcony to the Himalayas.

Bumthang (1~2 Days) – Located central Bhutan, Bumthang is known as the residence of immortals. Most popular attractions are located in Chokhor Valley, including Jampey Lhkahng which was built by Songtsen Gampo. It is said that Guru Rinpoche once visited this temple. The nearby Kurjey Lhakhang was also visited by Guru Rinpoche.

Taktsang Monastery

Taktsang Monastery

Punakha Dzong

Punakha Dzong

How Long Is A Nepal Bhutan Tour

Usually a classic Nepal Bhutan tour takes about 9~19 days. If you just want to see the highlights of Nepal and Bhutan, 9 days is enough. If you want to explore more, the travel length can be extended to even one month. In 9 days, you can start your journey from Kathmandu and enjoy Nepal’s featured culture and history in Kathmandu Valle. Next, fly to Bhutan and visit its three golden cities – Paro, Thimphu and Punakha. For those who prefer more natural or cultural depth, it takes about 19 days to travel to Phokhara, Chitwan, Phobjikha Valley, Wangdue Phodrang, Trongsa, Bumthang, etc.

Suggested Nepal Bhutan Tour Itineraries

There are many ways to travel Nepal and Bhutan. If you don’t have any ideas, you can choose from our most popular Nepal Bhutan tours.

9 Days Nepal Bhutan Highlights Tour

Day 1: Kathmandu Arrival. It is available to reach Nepal by international flights or overland driving from Tibet.

Day 2 ~ 4: Kathmandu Valley and Pokhara Highlights. You will visit the Kathmandu and its two sister cities – Bhataphur and Patan where you will have a great sight of the well-cherished architectures, as well as picturesque Pokhara to admire the fantastic nature.

Day 5 ~ 8: Flight to Bhutan & Bhutan Highlights. You will take a morning flight from Kathmandu to Paro and start a Bhutan journey. In Bhutan, you will have wonderful time to enjoy your visit to National Museum, Rimpung Dzong, National Memorial Chorten, Punakha Dzong, Chimi Lhakhang and Takktsang.

Day 9: Paro Departure. Take an international flight from Paro to your next destination.

12 Days Nepal Bhutan Leisure Vacation Tour Package

Day 1: Kathmandu Arrival.

Day 2 ~ 4: Kathmandu Valley & Nagarkot & Pokhara Sightseeing. Visit the landmarks (Kathmandu Dubar Square, Swayambhunath and magnificent Boudhanath) in Kathmandu and Bhaktapur first and then drive to Ngarkot. After seeing sunrise over Mt. Everest, drive from Nagarkot to Pokhara to get immersed in the fascinating nature on the next day.

Day 5 ~ 7: Drive about 5 hours from Pokhara to Chitwan on day 5 and have a full day to discover Chitwan National Park on day 6. On next day, drive back to Kathmandu via Patan.

Day 8 ~ 11: Flight to Paro & Bhutan Highlights. Have a nice time in Paro, Thimphu and Punakha.

Day 12: Paro Departure.

Tips for a Nepal Bhutan Tour

Necessary Visas and Permits

Except that Indians, Bangladeshis and Maldivian do not need a Bhutan Visa, all other foreign travelers need to prepare Nepal Visa and Bhutan Visa for a Nepal Bhutan tour. With passport, most travelers can easily obtain a Nepal Visa usually. Bhutan Visa can only be applied by licensed Bhutanese tour operator. If you want to travel Tibet before your Nepal Bhutan tour, you need to get Chinese Visa and several Tibet Travel Permits ready.

Independent Travel Not Allowed in Bhutan

According to local policy, all non-native passport holders are not allowed to travel in Bhutan. You have to travel with an authorized travel agency which offers travel guide, local driver and private car. In order to protect the fragile environment, it is also necessary to travel with a local agency if you plan to travel Tibet.

Best Time to Visit Nepal and Bhutan

The best time to visit Nepal and Bhutan is spring (March ~ June) and autumn (September ~ November) when the weather is rather moderate. It always rains a lot in summer and the winter will be could. However, it is available to visit all the year around if you just focus on the cultural sites in Kathmandu Valley, Paro, Thimphu and Punakha.

Where to Accommodate in Nepal and Bhutan

Neither Nepal nor Bhutan is a developed kingdom full of luxuries hotels, but you still have lots of choices in some areas. The capital cities always equipped with good hotels with enough facilities and warm service, but in some remote areas the accommodation condition will be rather basic. If you have a trekking in Nepal, there might be no steady supply of hot water and electricity.

Bhutan Travel Guide

Most Recommended Bhutan Tour Packages

Following are the 3 most recommended Bhutan tour packages that you may be interested in. All tour packages are customizable to meet your personal requirements. You can also contact us to customize a trip if you want.