Kathmandu & Western Bhutan

Explore the ancient cities of the Kathmandu Valley first, then fly to Paro to visit Thimphu and Punakha, and hike up to Tiger's Nest.

The flight between Kathmandu and Paro is the only practical route between the two countries, offering distant views of the Himalayas. Spend the first three days exploring the Hindu and Buddhist heritage of the valley, then spend the second half in the core of western Bhutan. Staying only five nights in Bhutan means skipping Phobjikha, making this ideal for first-time visitors who want to see both countries in one go. Flying back to Kathmandu at the end makes it easy to connect with international flights.

June to August is the rainy season in both places, with risks of landslides and flight delays.

Day by day

Day 1 · Arrive in Kathmandu

Kathmandu（Thamel）

The drive from the airport to Thamel takes about half an hour, depending on traffic. Walk around the neighborhood in the evening.

Stay: Thamel

Day 2 · Three Sacred Sites of the Valley

Kathmandu（Swayambhunath、Pashupatinath Temple、Boudhanath Stupa）

Charter a car to travel from west to east, from Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) to Pashupatinath and then to Boudhanath. Driving times within the city are about 30 to 45 minutes for each leg.

Stay: Thamel

Day 3 · Patan & Bhaktapur

Kathmandu（Patan Durbar Square） → Bhaktapur（Bhaktapur Durbar Square、Nyatapola Temple、Pottery Square）

Charter a car to Patan in the morning (about half an hour), then to Bhaktapur (about 1 hour), and return in the evening.

Entrance fees apply to the ancient cities. Walking is required inside the old town of Bhaktapur.

Stay: Thamel

Day 4 · Fly to Paro & Transfer to Thimphu

Western Bhutan（National Memorial Chorten）

Fly to Paro in the morning (about 1 hour). After clearing customs, drive to Thimphu (about 1.5 hours). Visit the memorial chorten in the evening.

Seats on the left side of the plane offer a better chance of seeing the Himalayas; confirm this beforehand.

Stay: Thimphu

Day 5 · Full-Day Sightseeing in Thimphu

Western Bhutan（Buddha Dordenma、Motithang Takin Preserve、National Institute for Zorig Chusum、Tashichho Dzong）

Use a car in Thimphu all day. Driving times between attractions are mostly within 20 minutes, and some parts can be walked.

Tashichho Dzong opens after around 5:00 PM on weekdays.

Stay: Thimphu

Day 6 · Cross Dochula Pass to Punakha

Western Bhutan（Dochula Pass、Chimi Lhakhang、Punakha Dzong、Punakha Suspension Bridge）

The distance from Thimphu to Punakha is about 80 km, taking 2.5 to 3 hours on mountain roads. Take a short hike in the afternoon.

Punakha Dzong may close at midday from mid-November to May.

Stay: Punakha

Day 7 · Return to Paro & See the Dzong

Western Bhutan（National Museum of Bhutan (Ta Dzong)、Paro Rinpung Dzong）

Drive from Punakha back to Paro via Dochula Pass (about 120 km), taking about 4 hours including rests. Visit the dzong in the afternoon.

Stay: Paro

Day 8 · Hike to Tiger's Nest

Western Bhutan（Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest)、Kyichu Lhakhang）

It takes about half an hour to drive to the base of the mountain. The round-trip hike is 6 to 7 km and takes 4 to 5 hours. Visit Kyichu Lhakhang after descending.

Start between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM. Photography is prohibited inside the temple.

Stay: Paro

Day 9 · Fly Back to Kathmandu

Kathmandu（Kathmandu Durbar Square、Asan Tole & Indra Chowk）

Fly from Paro to Kathmandu in the morning (about 1 hour). Walk around the old town in the afternoon, and take a taxi back to Thamel.

Flights are subject to weather; do not connect with an international flight on the same day.

Stay: Thamel

Day 10 · Depart from Kathmandu

Kathmandu

The drive from the hotel to the airport takes about half an hour. It gets congested during peak hours, so leave plenty of time.

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