Nepal and Bhutan are two of the most popular destinations for travelers looking for an adventurous, multicultural and a budget friendly tour idea. One of the main reasons as to why you should not miss out on the Nepal and Bhutan tour is that you are going to get the best of both worlds under the same package and within the same price. Two of the highlights in either of the countries are their capitals. Nepal’s Kathmandu and Bhutan’s Thimphu are famous all around the world and are the main landmarks for these nations globally.
Kathmandu and Thimphu both reflect the beauty of two diverse nations with beautiful culture, cuisines, traditions, and lifestyles. You will get to see a lot of similarities and differences during your time touring from Kathmandu to Thimphu. Your trip is also going to include lots of historical discoveries as you roam around the ancient cities. Overall, you will be getting a tasteful experience of the two Himalayan nations with some of the richest traditions and culture in the whole world.
Make sure to stick with us while you take you through a guide on the journey from Kathmandu to Thimphu in your Nepal and Bhutan tour!
Kathmandu tour
Your Nepal to Bhutan journey will start from Nepal’s capital city, Kathmandu. The capital city has been facilitating tourists for the longest time. The greatest historical stories have emerged from Kathmandu and it still continue to be the most popular tourist destinations in Nepal. Moreover, Kathmandu is quite possibly one of the most developed cities in the country as well.
Your Kathmandu tour is not merely going to include touring around the main city for a single day, but also is going to include exploring some major locations in the capital. The following are some places you cannot be missing during your Kathmandu tour:
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Kathmandu Durbar Square is the core highlight of your Kathmandu tour due to so many reasons. This location reflects the authenticity of the capital city of Nepal. Kathmandu Durbar Square is the home to ancient traditions, cultures, and cuisines. While urbanization has taken over the city, this particular area still has the old essence of the ancient Nepalese culture. From old buildings to antique architectural masterpieces, visitors will get to experience a unique discovery of what still remains unknown to the world outside.
The hustling and bustling city has a temple, statue, or a monument in every other alley you take. From modern cemented buildings to old mud houses, travelers can discover how, despite the passage of time, modernity is yet to take over the old city. Moreover, Kathmandu Durbar Square area has to be one of the cheapest places in Kathmandu where you can relish on amazing cuisines from authentic Thakali and Newari kitchens. For those looking to devour western style cuisines, there are just as many options.
Souvenir shops are everywhere around the city. From the crowded footpaths to taller malls, you will find the best price for almost everything. The friendly locals can help you around if you are not taking a guide with you, but there is always a help desk at the entrance where you can clear your queries. Finding a place to stay is not going to be an issue either. Visitors can always consult with their travel agency about the best places to stay. However, finding one on their own will not be as much of a challenge, considering the fact that Kathmandu Durbar Square has been properly equipped for tourist services for several decades.
Chandragiri Hills
If you want to experience cable car rides and go to a hill station for a quieter time, then Chandragiri Hills is the best destination for you. Many trekkers even tend to trek to Chandragiri Hills, and even a trekking does not take you more than a day. This location is serene, with its green hills and a religious temple dedicated to Lord Shiva called Bhaleshwor Mahadev.
You can see devotees rushing in and out of the temple area while there are always a good number of tourists queuing to get the best hill station experience around Chandragiri hills. Further, you can buy souvenirs and grab some quick snacks around here without an issue.
Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, and Boudhanath
Three major religious sites that also come under UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites include the Pashupatinath temple, Swayambhunath stupa, and Boudhanath stupa. These locations are popular among both Hindu and Buddhist devotees in Nepal.
Pashupatinath temple has a great history associated with Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The pair have been said to have taken the form of deers and roamed around the forest of Pashupatinath until Lord Bishnu had to bring them back to their abode in Kailash. There is a crematorium by the banks of the Bagmati river where corpses are burned almost every day. You will feel a strong presence of hope, belief, and a love for religion when you are here.
Swayambhunath stupa, also known as the monkey temple, is another popular temple where Buddhist and Hindu devotees line up on a daily basis. The stupa is possibly one of the biggest in Nepal. And you can worship the Lord while also enjoying the view of the Kathmandu Valley from atop the temple.
Boudhanath stupa is also one of the biggest stupas in Nepal. Buddhist devotees always crowd this area. And, you will find lots of exquisite cuisines from all around the world in Boudha. The stupa symbolizes peace, and you will be able to feel the serene aura of this destination when you’re here.
Bhutan tour
Thimphu reflects the beauty, culture, and richness of the ancient traditions of Bhutan. During your Bhutan tour, you will be able to get a taste of a blend of modernity and antiques. While most houses in Thimphu are modern, you will see that even the modern houses reflect the traditional excellence of the Bhutanese culture.
Some locations that you cannot miss out on during your Bhutan tour are:
Tashichho Dzong
Tashichho Dzong is a famous Dzong in Thimphu that was first built by Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa and then rebuilt by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The people in Thimphu celebrate a festival called Thimphu Tsechu festival in the front yard of the Dzong to signify the victory of good over evil. There are lots of music, food, and rejoicing throughout the area during this time. You can easily find a bus to Tashichho Dzong from your hotel or book a taxi when you’re at it.
The National Memorial Chorten
The National Memorial Chorten is one of the most aesthetic locations in Thimphu. You will not go to a more peaceful and serene location than this memorial when you’re in the capital city. The memorial aims at reminiscing about the third Druk Gyalpo (Head of Kingdom) of Bhutan. Additionally, the National Memorial Chorten of Bhutan also aims to promote world peace. The memorial is a very welcoming place and welcomes hundreds of visitors from all around the year every other passing year.
Tourists will also be able to find comfortable stay-ins around the memorial. The memorial has not always looked the same and had undergone a massive renovation in 2008, which has formed the present appearance of it. This memorial truly delivers the architectural excellence and rich Buddhist culture of Bhutan.
Changangkha Lhakhang
The Changangkha Lhakhang temple was built around 800 years ago by the Bhutanese locals. The humongous bell in the outer region of the temple is inscribed with black and gold letters, which in itself is a unique sight for visitors to marvel at. Several devotees are seen coming back and forth into the temple every passing day, and the temple is never left unattended by these locals.
The locals also seek the guidance of the monks in this temple to find a suitable name for their newborns. Tourists visiting can offer incense, snacks, biscuits, and whisky to the monks in this temple.
National Folk Heritage Museum
The National Folk Heritage Museum has more ambitions and visions than any other locations in Thimphu. This museum was the idea of the Queen Mother of Bhutan, who decided to set a foundation for culture, ancient art and traditions, as well as education among the Bhutanese locals and the tourists. The National Folk Heritage Museum is only 23 years old as of the year 2024, as it was erected in the year 2001. This museum connected the visitors with the beauty of Bhutanese art and culture with the help of educational programs, antique exhibits, and documentation.
How can you reach Thimphu from Kathmandu?
Flying to Thimphu from Kathmandu by plane is a one-way trip. You will land in Kathmandu via Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu city. Once you are done touring the capital city, you will fly to Thimphu directly from Kathmandu from either Druk Air or Bhutan Airlines.
Conclusion
Kathmandu and Thimphu are both pretty famous among tourists from all around the world. The two capital cities become the highlights of your Nepal and Bhutan tour. Staying under a budget and exploring some of the major locations in the two countries will mark as a memory for a lifetime in your hearts and minds. Both the countries have a great value for their respective morals, religions, culture, architecture, and history.
Also, both the countries are very welcoming of visitors from other countries. The hospitality that you will get in Thimphu and Kathmandu will impress you in every possible way. Therefore, there is truly so much you can discover and enjoy as you go from one capital city to another.
