Best of Nepal Tibet Bhutan
The Nepal-Tibet-Bhutan tour is the perfect way to explore three incredible Himalayan destinations in a single journey. With easy access from Nepal, this multi-country adventure combines Nepal’s mysterious landscapes, Tibet’s “Roof of the World,” and Bhutan, the Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon, offering a rich blend of natural beauty, culture, and heritage.
Nepal itself is a land of contrasts-from the towering heights of Mount Everest (8,848 m) to the forested plains of the Terai. Wander through medieval cities frozen in time, navigate thrilling rivers for white-water rafting, and discover exotic flora and fauna. Birdwatchers will delight in diverse species, while wildlife enthusiasts may spot the one-horned rhino or the elusive royal Bengal tiger. With temples, monasteries, and a vibrant cultural mosaic at every turn, Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan together promise a journey of unforgettable experiences.
Highlights of Best of Nepal Tibet Bhutan
Duration: 23 days
Activities: culture, Heritage
Max. Altitude: 5200m
Best season: March, April, May, June, September, October, November
Accommodation: hotel/lodge
Level of difficulty: Light
- Medium
Places to visit: Nepal,
Tibet, Bhutan
Why the Nepal-Tibet-Bhutan Tour Is Popular for?
Multi-country adventure – Explore three Himalayan destinations in a single journey.
Dramatic landscapes – From Nepal’s towering peaks and lush plains to Tibet’s high-altitude deserts and Bhutan’s pristine mountains.
Rich cultural experiences – Discover centuries-old temples, monasteries, and unique local traditions in each country.
Wildlife & nature – Encounter exotic flora and fauna, including rhinos, tigers, and endemic Himalayan species.
Spiritual journey – Experience Buddhism’s sacred heritage across Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan.
Accessible & well-connected – Easy travel between Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan makes multi-country exploration seamless.
Itinerary
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Upon arrival in Katmandu, Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be welcomed by the representative from Rural Journeys and transferred to hotel by private vehicle.
Although the fertile Kathmandu Valley has been inhabited for thousands of years, its rich and varied cultural legacy essentially began during the 14th century under the Malla Dynasty. Patronized by the nobility, Newar artisans constructed temples, monasteries and elaborate courtyards that constitute a fascinating architectural history.
Rest of the day at leisure or stroll around the hotel
Overnight at the hotel
Morning visit Swoyambhunath Stupa, resting on a hillock 3km west of Kathmandu, it is one of the holiest Buddhist Chaityas in Nepal. It is said to have evolved spontaneously when the valley was created out of a primordial lake more than 2,000 years ago. This stupa is the oldest of its kind in Nepal and has numerous shrines and monasteries on its premises. Afterwards, continue visit to Kathmandu Durbar Square, which never fails to impress visitors with its ensemble of palaces, courtyards and temples built during the Malla period. The Durbar Square includes the Hanuman Dhoka Royal Palace - the historic seat of the royalty; the magnificent Taleju Temple towering more than 40 meters; Kumari Ghar - the residence of the Living Goddess, Kumari and Kal Bhairav-the God of Wrath.
Afternoon visit Pashupatinath Temple, is more than just a religious destination. It is a combination of religion, art, and culture. It offers peace and devotion. Hundreds of rituals are performed here every day. The temple premise is an open museum. Designated a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 1979, this temple is an important destination for art historians. It displays a variety of temple design some of which are Dome style, Pagoda style, Shikhara style and so on. On the other side of the river is a small forest Shleshmantak, home to animals like deer and monkeys. A traditional crematorium stands on the banks of the River Bagmati. Afterwards, visit Boudhanath, is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kathmandu. With countless monasteries around it, Boudha is the center of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. Take an early morning or evening stroll around the inspiring white dome buzzing with energy; observe the devout people circumambulating, light a butter lamp and say a little prayer, look around for souvenirs, or enjoy the view from a rooftop restaurant with a hot cup of coffee, Boudhanath is always full of life.
Overnight at the hotel
Morning excursion to Changunarayan - is the Vishnu Temple which was built in 4th century situated on a hill north of Bhaktapur. UNESCO enlisted heritage site, considered the oldest temple in Kathmandu Valley. After visiting Changunarayan Temple, then drive to Nagarkot, a lovely hillside town with glorious views of the Himalayas. The drive takes you through beautiful landscaped, villages and terraced rice fields.
After enjoying the mountain view (weather permitting), return to Kathmandu enroute visit the medieval city of , proceed to Bhaktapur Durbar Square which was one of three former capitals of the valley, and was once a flourishing city on the trade route to Tibet. Today, Bhaktapur is like an open air museum with large areas open to pedestrian access - it is a store house of mediaeval art and architecture. Interesting places to explore include the renowned Durbar square, Golden Gate at the Palace of 55 Windows, Dattatraya Square, Nyatapola Square which houses the tallest Pagado Temple of its kind in Nepal and Pottery square including variety of Hindu and Buddhist temples. You may also see artisans engaged in Bhaktapur’s traditional crafts of pottery and weaving.
Overnight at the hotel
Drive to Chitwan National Park - 170 kms (approx. 4-5hrs drive) and check-in at jungle lodge.
Chitwan National Park - 932sq km area of tall grassland and magnificent forest – one of the Asia’s richest and most spectacular wildlife sanctuaries. Chitwan National Park is the home of great one horned rhinoceros, sloth bear, wild boar, gaur, 4 species of deer, 2 species of monkeys, 2 species of crocodiles, the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger, over 450 species of birds and various other reptiles.
Afternoon: Jungle related activities
Overnight at jungle lodge
Fullday jungle related activities such as elephant back safari, canoe ride, bird watching/jungle walk etc.
Overnight at the jungle lodge
Drive to Lumbini – 160kms (approx. 4hrs drive) and check-in at hotel
Afternoon: Visit birth place of Lord Gautam Buddha. The spiritual heart of Lumbini is Maya Devi Temple, which marks the spot where Queen Maya Devi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautam. In the adjoining sacred garden you’ll find the pillar of Ashoka, ancient ruins of Stupas, and maroon- and saffron-robed monks congregating under a sprawling Bodhi (pipal) fig decorated with prayer flags. Maya Devi Temple is set in the middle of the large 4km by 2.5km park grounds known as the Lumbini Development Zone. It comprises landscaped lakes and numerous monasteries that have been constructed by Buddhist communities from around the world.
Overnight at the hotel
Transfer to Bhairawa airport (approx. 45mins drive) and fly to Kathmandu. Meet upon arrival in KTM, receive and transfer to hotel.
Rest of the day at leisure or stroll around Thamel on own
Overnight at the hotel
Arrive Lhasa Gonggar airport (3351m), receive and welcome by the representative of Rural Journeys and drive to Tsetang -90km/ 1hr30mins drive and check-in at hotel.
Tsetang- The historic city Tsedang represents the Tibetan civilization. Tsedang is situated in 195km southeast of Lhasa which offers historic tours as it is known as the Valley of the Kings (the capital of the Yarlung kings who established the Tibetan kingdom). The main attractions of this place are the YumbuLagang Palace (built by the first Yarlung king) and the Tandruk Monastery (one of the three royal Buddhist temples).
Overnight at the hotel
Morning visit Yumbulakhang Palace, is the first palace which was built by Nyatri Tsenpo, the first Tibetan king at the beginning of the 2nd century according to the legend. Afterwards continue visit Tandruk monastery (temple) located beside the road on the east band of the Yarlung Tsangpo River in the Nedong County, was first built in the 7th century. A precious pearl Thanka on which the Buddha’s image was completely linked up the pears together with gems belongs to the rare art treasure.
Afternoon drive to Lhasa enroute visit Samye Monastery, was first built in 779AD, presided over for being constructed by Padmasambava and Trisong Detsen, it is the first monastery allowing to ensure monks to become real Buddhists, the whole building is a mixture of Tibetan, Han and Indian-style, grand in scale and unique in style.
Overnight at the hotel
Morning visit Potala palace, the highest palace in the world! At the top the palace called golden roof, you can have a bird’s-eye view of the whole of Lhasa. In the distance are undulating mountain ranges, the beautiful Lhasa River, tracts of fields, tree-shaded villages and the glistening of Jokhang Temple.
Afternoon visit Jokhang Temple is the first built during the period of Sontsan Gambo in the 7th century. You’ll find that many pilgrims pray before the monastery. Then sightseeing or shopping at Bakhor Bazaar near Jokhang Temple
Overnight at the hotel
Morning visit Drepung, the biggest monastery among the six monasteries of the Geluk sect, The Shoton (Yogurt festival) held yearly in the 8th month, is the most hilarious occasion in the Drepung Monastery.
Afternoon visit Sera, meaning "Merciful Hail" lies on the northern edge of Lhasa, its name denotes it rivalry with the "Rice Heap" (Drepung) since hail destroys rice. Founded in 1419AD by one of Tsongkhapa's eight disciples it became famous for its tantric teachings. The warrior monks of Sera, the dob-dobs, were admired as athletes but feared. A central lane and fairly simple layout make Sera easy to visit. Stalls by the main gateway sell soft drinks and snacks. A long driveway leads upto the monastery. Sera had three colleges but the chanting halls and chapels seem dark and more demonic. Today it has about 300 monks and some of its buildings house a farm. Afterwards, visit Norbulingka, the name means "Jeweled Garden", a fitting title for 200 years old park, stretching over 360,000sqm. The 370rooms summer palace of the Dalai Lama is located inside the park.
Overnight at the hotel
Morning drive to Namtso Lake with pack lunch, take an excursion around the lake. Namtso Lake literally heavenly lake, is one of the three holy lakes in Tibet, playing an important role among Tibetans. Afterwards, return to Lhasa.
Overnight at the hotel
Drive to Shigatse via Yangpacheng Hot Spring. Shigatse, is Tibet's second largest city and the administrative centre of a vast area. Shigatse stands near the confluence of the Yarlong Tsangpo and Nyangchu Rivers and is one of Tibet's richest farming areas.
Shigatse was previously both a stronghold and a monastery city and forms a horseshoe around a rocky prominence that was formerly topped by an awesome fortress. At the western tip, beneath Mt.Dormari, lies Tashilhumpo Monastery, seat of the Panchen Lamas and one of Tibet's greatest monasteries.
Afternoon visit Tashilumpo Monastery is the traditional monastery and most attraction of Shigatse and residence of Panchen Lama. The most amazing image in this monastery is the statue of the giant Maitreya (Future Buddha) erected by the 9th Panchen Lama in 1914, and took four years for its establishment. This giant statue stands twenty six meters in height and 275 Kg. of solid gold, great quantity of precious things such as pearls, turquoises, corals and ambers have absolved for its construction. The 4th Panchen Lama's funeral stupa was built in 1662 and it stands eleven meters high and it covered with solid gold and silver.
Overnight at the hotel
Drive to Gyantse – 90kms /2hrs, a small agricultural town famous for its wool carpets and the Phalkor Choide Chorten. Before 1959 traders coming from Kalimpong and Gangtok (India) used to enter Tibet through Yandong and then to Gyantse, en route to Lhasa. Visit Pelku Chode & Kumbum Monastery and continue to drive to Lhasa via Yamdrok Lake. Yamdrok is one of the three most famous sacred lakes in Tibet.
Overnight at the hotel
Departure transfer to airport - 60kms/ 1hr drive and fly to Kathmandu. Meet upon arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
Rest of the day at leisure
Overnight at the hotel
Transfer to international airport for flight to Paro. Upon arriving Paro International Airport, our representative will meet and escort you to a local hotel, after that visit National Museum and Paro Rinpong dzong.Then Drive to Thimphu.
Overnight at the hotel
On this day, visit Memoral chorten, changkha Monastery and then to Takin Zoo. After Lunch, visit arts and crafts school and Post office. Then visit Tashicho Dzong and then end the day by visiting Buddha Point, where the largest statue of the Buddha is built.
Overnight at hotel
On this day, drive to Punakha and visit Chimi Lhakhang. On the way, you will see the construction of wangduephodrang Dzong which was gutted by fire on 2012. On reaching, visit Chimil Lhakhang.
Overnight at hotel (option: it is possible to stay with local Bhutanese family - homestay with basic facility)
Overnight at the hotel
Visit Punakha Dzong which is located at the confluence of Pho Chhu (Male River) and Mo chu (Female River). After that, visit to Khamsumyulley Namgyel Chorten.
Overnight at the hotel
Drive to Paro and upon arrival, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, Drukgyel Dzong.
Overnight at the hotel
Today is going to be your most memorable day as you will visit Taktshang Monastery (tiger’s lair), which will take approx. 5/6 hours.
After the trek, you can stroll through Paro Town.
Overnight at the hotel
Transfer to Paro airport for flight back to Kathmandu. Meet upon arrival in KTM and transfer to hotel.
Rest of the day at leisure
Overnight at the hotel
Free until departure transfer to international airport for onward flight.
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