The Best of Nepal and Bhutan: What to See on Your Himalayan Journey?

Nepal and Bhutan are two of the best Himalayan destinations where tourists can travel safely and without any hassles. Located in South Asia, both these destinations are hubs for cultural tours and outdoor adventures like trekking, rafting, hiking, mountain biking, etc. Visiting these two countries is a must for those who seek adventure and wish to experience unique cultures.

Ensconced within the high walls of the Himalayan Range, both these countries remained isolated from the rest of the world for centuries. Their remoteness and isolation have led to them preserving their ancient culture and traditions. Traveling through these countries, one will get to experience a unique blend of cultural richness, spiritual depth and breathtaking natural beauty.

Nepal

Tucked between the geopolitical giants China and India, Nepal is one of the most mountainous countries in the world. Eight out of the fourteen highest peaks in the world lie in Nepal. This tiny Himalayan country is home to the world’s tallest mountain, Mount Everest, and more than seventy-five percent of Nepal’s terrain is covered by hills and mountains. To the north lie the mighty Himalayan mountains rising to a height of 8000 and 7000 meters, while to the south lie the vast Terai plains. The middle hills are covered with alpine forests and lush tropical jungles.

The diversity in the landscape makes Nepal one of the best biodiversity hotspots in the world. The country is also known for its ancient Hindu and Buddhist cultures and is home to ten protected UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

What to see in Nepal?

Everest Base Camp

Most travelers visit Nepal to trek to the bottom of Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world. The Mount Everest Base Camp Trek has figured in the lists of the world’s best journeys time and again. The trail winds through charming Sherpa villages, ancient monasteries, and the Sagarmatha National Park, a natural UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The highlights of the EBC Trek include an extreme flight to Lukla’s Tenzing Hillary Airport, regarded as one of the most dangerous airports in the world;  a culturally immersive experience while hiking through Sherpa villages overnight stays at teahouses; overnight stays at Namche Bazaar, the largest Sherpa settlement in the Khumbu Region; ancient Buddhist monasteries and stupas; a sunrise and sunset hike to Kala Patthar; and last but not least, the epic hike to Everest Base Camp via the stunning Khumbu Glacier. Apart from Mount Everest, you will get close-up views of Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and several other giants.

Annapurna Sanctuary

The Annapurna Sanctuary is a glacial basin surrounded by 8000 and 7000-meter peaks which can be reached by trekking along the Annapurna Base Camp trekking route in the Annapurna Region. Depending on where you start your trek, the trek can take anywhere between 5 days to 14 days. Usually, Trekkers start their trek either from Ghandruk or Kimche and cross one of the longest suspension bridges in the Kaski region to reach Jhinu Danda, a charming little village with a hot spring. From there the trek takes you past the traditional Gurung villages of Chhomrong and Sinuwa. From Upper Sinuwa, you walk past a thick forest and cross the trekker's rest stops of Bamboo, Himalaya, Dovan, and Deurali.

At Machhapuchhre Base Camp, you will be standing below the sacred peak of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Peak). From here you will take your final last steps to Annapurna Base Camp, which is part of the Annapurna Sanctuary. From the base camp, you will get to view a stunning panorama of Annapurna I (10th highest mountain in the world), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Baraha Shikhar, Tent Peak, and Gangapurna.

Chitwan National Park

The Chitwan National Park lies in the lush tropical jungle of Sauraha. It is a protected UNESCO natural site. Home to the endangered one-horned rhinoceros and the Bengal tiger, the park is home to several species of birds, animals and reptiles. One can enjoy a jungle safari, elephant ride, elephant bathing, jungle walk, bird watching, canoe ride, and Tharu village walk.

Bardiya National Park—The Bardiya National Park lies in the far west part of Nepal. It is the habitat of the famed Royal Bengal tigers and a host of aquatic animals and reptiles. The rare Gangetic River dolphins can be seen in the Karnali River that flows through the park. Jungle safari, forest walk, bird watching, rafting, canoeing, fishing are some of the activities one can enjoy at the park.

Shey Phoksumdo

Shey Phoksundo, a stunning and crystal-clear freshwater lake, is located in the remote Dolpo Region of Nepal. It lies within the Shey Phoksundo National Park, the largest national park in the country. The trailhead lies in Dunai, which can be accessed by either taking a road trip or flight from Kathmandu (Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and from Nepalgunj to Juphal). It takes around three to four days from Dunai to reach the Shey Phoksundo Lake. One can experience Bon and Buddhist cultures while traveling through the villages on the trail

The UNESCO World Sites in Kathmandu

Kathmandu is not only the political and economic heart of Nepal; it is also the cultural hub of the Himalayan nation. In the days of yore, Kathmandu was divided into three small kingdoms: Kathmandu or Kantipur; Bhaktapur or Khwopa; and Patan or Lalitpur. The valley is home to several historic and cultural landmarks, including the seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites—Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Changu Narayan Temple, Swoyambhunath, Patan Durbar Square, and Boudhanath Stupa.

Kathmandu Durbar Square

lies in the center of the city and is the royal seat of the kingdom of Kantipur or Kathmandu. The Kathmandu Durbar Square includes the House of the Living Goddess, or Kumari Bahal, the Hanuman Dhoka Palace Museum, the Taleju Temple, Kashtamandap, and several other pagoda-roofed temples.

Pashupatinath Temple

Pashupatinath Temple is one of the holiest Hindu shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva in the world. The large temple complex is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in Nepal and includes the pagoda-roofed temple of Lord Shiva, Arya Ghat, the Hindu cremation site, and Guheswari Temple. The evening aarti, or fire prayer, at the ghat, or banks of the river Bagmati, close to the temple, is one of the most popular attractions of Pashupatinath Temple.

Patan Durbar Square

Patan Durbar Square lies in the medieval city of Patan, or Lalitpur (City of Artisans), inside the Kathmandu Valley. The Durbar Square was the royal seat of the Malla kings, who built most of the historic structures inside the square. The attractions inside Patan Durbar Square include the Patan Palace Museum, Krishna Temple, Golden Temple, Kumbeshwar Temple, and many more.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square

The Bhaktapur Durbar Square is one of the best-preserved durbar squares in the Kathmandu Valley. The square was the royal seat of the Malla kings who ruled over the ancient kingdom of Bhaktapur. Divided into three squares, it takes almost a whole day to explore the ancient city square. The gems adorning the Bhaktapur Durbar Square include the Nyatapole Temple, Palace of 55 windows, Pujari Math, Bhairavnath Temple, Golden Gate, Pottery Square, etc.

Changunarayan Temple

The Changunaryan Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It dates back to 4th century CE and is one of the most ancient temples in Nepal. Inside Changunaryan are stone statues and wooden sculptures of all the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu. A stone tablet discovered near the temple has the first inscriptions discovered in Nepal.

Boudhanath Stupa

The Boudhanath Stupa is the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal. It was built in the 5th century to store the remains of the Kasyapa Buddha, a former incarnation of Lord Buddha. The stupa has a massive white dome topped with a golden cube where the eyes of the Buddha are drawn on four sides and is topped with a tapering golden turret. The Boudhanath Stupa is one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the valley.

Swoyambhunath or Monkey Temple

The origin of Swoyambhunath is closely linked to the birth of the Kathmandu Valley. As per Buddhist legend, Kathmandu Valley was actually a huge lake where divine lotus flowers bloomed. Once the Boddhisaatva Majushri dreamt about the divine lotus while meditating and journeyed to the lake to find it. After he drained the waters of the lake, the divine lotus transformed into the Swayambhunath Stupa.

The stupa sits on a small hill overlooking the city. The Swayambhunath, which also means ‘self-created,’ is a white domed structure with a gilded tower. Surrounding the ancient stupa are small stone chaityas, Hindu temples, and a Buddhist monastery. One can enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the city from the compound of the stupa.

Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha

Lumbini is the birthplace of Shakyamuni Buddha and is one of the most important sites on the Buddhist pilgrimage circuit. The chief attractions at Lumbini include the Maayadevi Temple (where Queen Mayadevi gave birth to Gautama Buddha), the Pushkarini Pond (where he was given his ritual bath), the Ashoka Pillar, the Sacred Garden, and the different temples and monasteries built by the Buddhist countries (Thailand, Myanmar, China, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, etc.).

The Natural Wonders of Pokhara

Pokhara is the most beautiful city in Nepal. Flanked by the snow-capped mountains of the Annapurna Range and the tranquil Phewa Lake, Pokhara is quite popular among tourists. Some of the natural wonders and must-visit sites of Pokhara include the Gupteshwar Cave, Davis Falls or Patale Chhango, Phewa Lake, Sarangkot, Peace Stupa, International Mountain Museum, and Tibetan Refugee Camp. Pokhara is also a great destination to enjoy outdoor activities like paragliding, bungy jumping, ziplining, hiking, etc. Dotted by small hills and villages, one can also embark on short day hikes to discover the picturesque Himalayan landscape surrounding Pokhara.

Muktinath Temple, Lower Mustang

The Muktinath Temple is an ancient shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It lies in Lower Mustang and is one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for both Hindus and Buddhists. For Buddhists, the temple is dedicated to Avalokiteshwara or Chenrizig, the god of compassion.

In the earlier days, one had to trek for several days from Besisahar to reach the temple, but now with the building of roads, it’s easier to get to Muktinath by road from Pokhara, the city closest to this ancient shrine.

The Kingdom of Lho, Upper Mustang

The Kingdom of Lho lies in the remote Trans Himalayan region of Upper Mustang. Known as ‘The Last Forbidden Kingdom’, the Lho Manthang (the capital of Lho kingdom) has preserved its ancient Tibetan culture, tradition, and language and offers a rare insight into a way of life that is largely untouched by modern influences. Its remote and restricted access has protected it from mass tourism, making it one of the least visited destinations in Nepal.

The Lho Manthang is a fascinating walled city that can be accessed by traveling through the dramatic high-altitude mountain deserts and the world’s deepest gorge, the Kali Gandaki River Gorge. En route, one also encounters the famous Sky Caves dating back to the sixth century.

Janakpur

The Terai Region of Nepal has been picked by the Lonely Planet as one of the 30 Best Travel Destinations for 2025. The culture, language, and traditions of Nepalese in the Terai regions bordering India are very different from the Hindu and Buddhist Nepalese who inhabit the middle hills and high mountain valleys. This diversity is reflected in the vibrant festivals, unique cuisine, and distinct dialects of the Terai people. Travelers to this region can expect to experience a rich tapestry of cultural heritage that showcases the harmonious blend of influences from both Nepal and India.

Janakpur is one of the major cities in the Terai or Madesh area. It a major pilgrimage site for Hindus as it is regarded as the birthplace of Sita, the wife of Lord Rama, the chief protagonist of the Hindu epic ‘Ramayana.’ The magnificent Janaki Temple, built in the Koiri Hindu style of architecture using stone and marble, is the most popular attraction of this region. Janakpur is also home to the Mithila Cultural Museum, which showcases the region’s unique Mithila art and indigenous crafts.

Bhutan

Bhutan receiving only high-end tourists who are able to afford the daily fee or SDF. A tiny Himalayan country nestled between China and India, Bhutan opened its doors to tourism only in the mid-seventies. As entry into Bhutan is pretty restricted, much of Bhutan has remained unexplored. To counter over-tourism and protect its fragile environment and resources, the Bhutan government has levied a daily fee known as SDF, or Sustainable Development Fee, on tourists visiting Bhutan. Only people who can pay the daily fee of USD 100 are given a tourist visa.

This has led to Bhutan, with its ancient monasteries, fortresses, mist-covered hills, and snow-capped mountains, is a unique holiday destination. Known as the Land of the Thunder Dragon, Bhutan has preserved its forestland, culture, and traditions. It is the first carbon-negative country in the world and is a leader in environmental conservation. Bhutan's tourism policies emphasize sustainable practices, ensuring that the country remains unspoiled for future generations.

What to see in Bhutan?

There are mainly four major destinations that tourists visit while on a holiday to Bhutan. Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, and Gangtey ( Phobjika) Valley are the four places that are included in a standard Bhutan travel itinerary.

What to see in Paro?

Tiger’s Nest

The Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang Monastery), is a Buddhist monastery built on the side of a steep and rocky cliff. One of the most visited sites in Bhutan, the monastery can be reached by hiking on a steep hill for about 3 to 4 hours. As per the Buddhist legend, Padmasambhava, or the Second Buddha, meditated at the cave where the present monastery was built after flying into Bhutan on the back of a flying tigress. As per local belief, he meditated at the cave for three years, three months, and three days. The Bhutanese regard the monastery and the hill where the monastery sits as sacred and having mystical powers.

As the hiking trail winds up on a steep hill, one has to be fit and have good stamina to complete this hike. Ponies are available for hire, but they can take you only up to the halfway point. From the halfway point, you will have to complete the journey by foot. Locals prefer to walk the entire way, as this is regarded as a sacred pilgrimage trail.

Paro Dzong

The Paro Dzong, also known as Rinpung Dzong, was built in the seventeenth century by the unifier of Bhutan, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. This majestic fortress-monastery sits on a hill overlooking Paro and was built to protect the city from Tibetan invasion. This magnificent fortress is a fine example of traditional Bhutanese ‘dzong’ architecture. The building houses a monastery and government offices. There are fourteen chapels and Buddhist shrines inside the dzong. Only some of these are open to the public.

Taa Dzong or National Museum

The Taa Dzong is a circular watchtower that stands above Paro Dzong. Having withstood several devastating earthquakes, the building is considered to be one of the sturdiest traditional structures in Bhutan. The tower was built in 1649 by the first governor of Paro to protect the city from foreign invasions. It was built using only stone and wood. The walls of this watchtower have a thickness of 2.5 meters, and no nails have been used in its construction.

The Taa Dzong was renovated in 1968 to house the National Museum. The museum holds more than 3000 artifacts showcasing the rich history and culture of this Himalayan kingdom.

Kyichu Lakhang

Kyichu Lakhang was one of the 108 temples built by the Tibetan emperor Songtsen Gampo in the seventh century. This is one of the oldest active places of worship in Bhutan and predates the arrival of Padmasambhava or Guru Rimpoche in Bhutan. 

What to see in Thimphu?

Buddha Dordenma

Buddha Dordenma is a magnificent statue of Lord Buddha that sits on a hill overlooking the Thimphu Valley. It is believed that the statue fulfills the prophecy made by treasure hunter Terton Pema Lingma in the seventeenth century, who foretold that a large statue of Sakyamuni Buddha would be built in Thimphu to bring peace and harmony to the world. 

The statue rises to a height of 159 meters and is built using bronze and gilded gold. 125,000 small statues of Lord Buddha lie ensconced within this large statue. 

National Memorial Chorten

The National Memorial Chorten is a vase-shaped white stupa that sits in the middle of Thimphu city. The chorten serves as a memorial for King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the third king of Bhutan, who is also known as the Father of modern Bhutan. Surrounded by a green manicured lawn and flower beds, the chorten holds precious relics, statues, Buddhist manuscripts, artifacts, and pictures of the late king. The chorten is an active site of worship, and one can observe local visitors praying and meditating. 

Tashichho Dzong

The magnificent Tashichho Dzong is a traditional fortress and palace that houses government offices and the throne room of the king of Bhutan. Originally built in the thirteenth century, the dzong suffered several destructions by fire and was rebuilt several times. The Tashichho Dzong, like other traditional buildings in Bhutan, has been built without using any nails. It showcases Bhutan’s unique architectural style and serves as both a religious and administrative center.

Dodeydra Monastery

If you are curious about life inside a Buddhist monastery, then you can book a stay at the Dodeydra Monastery. This eighteenth-century monastery is built on the side of a steep hill and can be reached by walking a 5km long hilly trail. This is one of the chief centers of education for Buddhist monks and houses about 180 novice monks. The monastery offers a guest room to visitors who wish to spend a night or two at the monastery. One can interact with the monks, meditate and attend prayer meetings and religious sermons during one’s stay. 

Centenary Farmers Market

A lively farmers market, Centenary Market offers visitors a glimpse into the daily life, local culture, and traditions of the Bhutanese living in Thimphu. You can expect to find various local goods, handicraft items, and unique items you might not find elsewhere in the world. You can interact with local vendors, haggle for prices, and sample local food and drinks, all of which provide a more profound understanding of the local culture. You can also discover local specialties and ingredients used in Bhutanese traditional dishes. 

National Institute for Zorig Chusum

This is a government institute where Bhutanese youngsters are taught the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. The institute was established to preserve Bhutan’s ancient arts and crafts and ensure that it will be kept alive by future generations. Tourists are allowed to visit the workshops and classes and observe the students at work. 

Motithang Takin Preserve

This is a wildlife reserve where one can observe the unique national animal of Bhutan, Takin. The Takin is a rare animal that looks like a cross between a bison and a mountain goat. It is found only in the Himalayan regions of Bhutan, Tibet, northeastern India, and some parts of Myanmar. 

What to see in Punakha?

Chimi Lakhang Temple

The Chimi Lakhang Temple is an ancient fertility temple where married couples come to pray, seeking blessings for fertility. The couples walk around the temple holding a wooden phallus, which is regarded as a symbol of fertility.

The temple is dedicated to the saint Drukpa Kuenley, also known as the Divine Madman. The present temple, which dates back to the fifteenth century, was built at the site of a chorten that Drukpa Kuenley had built to subdue a demoness. Chimi Lakhang is surrounded by paddy fields and a village where the walls of houses are painted with decorative murals depicting giant phalluses (believed to ward off negative energies). 

Punakha Dzong

The Punakha Dzong is one of the most beautiful dzongs in Bhutan. It is located at a spectacular site, where the two great rivers, Pho (Father) Chhu and the Mo (Mother) Chhu, meet. Known as the Palace of Great Happiness, Punakha Dzong is the second largest and second oldest dzong in Bhutan. It used to be the royal seat of power before the capital of Bhutan was moved to Thimphu. Now it serves as the winter capital of the monastic body. The Punakha Dzong can be accessed by crossing a traditional cantilever bridge. Inside the dzong are courtyards, monasteries, chapels, and government offices.

Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten

This magnificent chorten rests on a beautiful hill and can be accessed by hiking through paddy fields and pine forest. This chorten is different from other shrines as no prayers or monastic activities are held here. The chorten was built to ward off negative energies and is dedicated to the wrathful deities of Vajrayana Buddhism. The chorten has four stories where statues and 3-D art of the various forms of wrathful deities are showcased. 

Punakha is also a great place to explore traditional villages and enjoy a village homestay.

What to see in Phobjika?

Gangtey Monastery

The ancient Gangtey Monastery in Phobjika is the site of the annual Black-necked Crane Festival. This festival is celebrated in early winter as the endangered black-necked cranes fly into the glacial valley of Phobjika from Tibet to escape from the cold. The birds stay the entire winter and again migrate to Tibet at the start of spring. 

The Black-necked Cranes are regarded as sacred birds by the locals, and their arrival in Bhutan is seen as an auspicious occasion promising a year of prosperity and happiness for the farmers of Gangtey Valley. The Black-necked Crane Festival is held in the courtyard of the Gangtey Monastery, and locals as well as the monks take part in the celebration, performing traditional songs and masked dances. 
One can also visit the Black-necked Crane Visitor Center to learn more about these endangered birds and explore the U-shaped valley by hiking on the Gangtey Nature Trail.

Do Chula Pass, Haa Valley, Chele La Pass, and Bumthang Valley are also popular sightseeing spots. Bhutan also has some of the best trekking trails in the Himalayas. The trekking trails of Bhutan showcase the country’s natural beauty and pristine landscapes. Some of the most popular trekking trails in Bhutan include the Druk Path trek, the Snowman Trek, the Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek, the Laya Gasa Trek, and the Jomolhari Trek. 
 

Final Note

If you are planning to explore the Himalayas, Bhutan and Nepal should certainly be on your list. You can combine both these destinations in your travel itinerary for a holiday experience that you will cherish forever. Both these destinations are perfectly safe for all types of travelers—elderly tourists, families with kids, or solo female travelers. Whether you wish to trek through the mountainous trails, explore the wildlife, or immerse yourself in the fascinating cultures, Nepal and Bhutan will never disappoint you. Traveling through Nepal and Bhutan, you will get to enjoy new experiences, some of which could potentially transform your life.

Third Rock Adventures offers some adventurous twin-country packages for travelers who wish to explore both these countries—Nepal and Bhutan Tour, Best of Nepal and Bhutan Tour with Day Hikes, Nepal and Bhutan Trek, and Nepal Bhutan Tour with Multiple Activities.