Introduction to Bhutan Druk Yul Tour 7 Days
7 days in Bhutan is a great way to get a glimpse of the "Land of the Thunder Dragon" to see Paro, Thimphu, diving deep into golden-roofed monasteries (Dzongs). Incredible cultural experience including museums and markets; charming valleys for sightseeing, hiking "tiger's nest monastery" hike and much more that this mysterious Himalayan Kingdom country you can get. It offers a mix of classic Himalaya scenery and Buddhist culture, along with their distinctive lifestyle, within seven days.
This 7-day Nepal &andBhutan tour is created for those who wish to experience the unique religious and cultural contrast of the Himalayas but do not have a month to spend.
This 7-Day Bhutan Nepal tour is exclusively designed for those traveling to the Himalaya, who cannot take a long break from their work and family chores, but still crave to restore their well-being in the land of spiritual sensation. You begin your trip in chaotic Kathmandu and start experiencing old Nepal. Here, the ancient Durbar Squares bustle with daily life and the great white dome of Boudhanath Stupa reverberates with the chants of pilgrims. It's not just a matter of seeing the sights; it's about feeling the pulse of a city where medieval traditions mingle with contemporary energy.
The trip takes a sublime turn on Day 3, when you fly over the world's highest mountain range to Bhutan. As you land in paro airport, all the noises vanish and are replaced by pine forests and flapping prayer flags. You will first explore the next three nights around Thimphu, home of its orderly, fort-like Dzongs and a town with hiking trails running to that epic Tiger's Nest Monastery, which clings to its precarious cliffside location. This is not merely a sightseeing trip it offers the contrast experience from the Kathmandu's Hindu shrines to Bhutan's meditative monastic valleys.
Here at View Nepal Treks, we take care of every difficult logistics detail, from getting the "double-entry" Nepal visa to booking those airplane seats with a view of Everest. Whether you are a culture seeker or trekker in need of relaxing extensions, this seven-day journey is a harmonious blend of adventure and healing that combines your daily walk with rejuvenating spiritual practices -and it includes an easy return to Kathmandu.
Bhutan Druk Yul Tour 6 Nights 7 Days Highlights
- Discover UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kathmandu, such as Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple) and the extensive Boudhanath Stupa.
- From taking a walk along the bustling streets of Thamel to experiencing the exotic blend of Hinduism and Buddhism in Kathmandu, this city will have plenty to offer.
- Take one of the most spectacular flights in the world, from Kathmandu to Paro, viewing Mt Everest and Kanchenjunga (subject to weather).
- Drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan and visit the massive Tashichho Dzong, which houses the seat of the government and monastic body.
- Stand in front of the giant Buddha Dordenma statue in Thimphu, that is visible from a wide area, giving a panoramic view of the entire valley below.
- Trek through the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang), a cliffhanging structure suspended at 900 meters above Paro valley.
- Head to the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro - one of the holiest ancient sites in the Himalayas.
Why Is Your Visit to Bhutan Different and so Meaningful in 2026, 2027?
You will hear talk of something called “Gross National Happiness” and it’s not just a slogan. Here’s what that means in practice for your visit:
- You’re a Beloved Guest, Not a Tourist crowd. Bhutan restricts visitors with a “High Value, Low Impact” policy. That means you won’t find crowded mass tourism. You have a more real, peaceful experience.
- Your daily fee is an investment in the country of Bhutan. The mandatory Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is not a tax. It finances the nation’s free health care, education and environment. You are helping to save the culture and nature you came to see.
- It’s About Conscious Travel. This model is the balance between development and well-being. By going, you’re supporting a country that values the happiness of its people and the well-being of its environment over unchecked tourist arrivals.
- The Result? Untouched jungles, colourful living traditions and a ride like no other. You’re not just sightseeing; you’re investing in a nation’s sustainable future.
Bhutan Druk Yul Tour 2026/27 Cost and Dates
Looking ahead to 2026 or 2027? You are smart. Bhutan’s tourist restrictions and airfare vary from one year to the next. Although many owners are still listing 2025 rates that should have been updated, we’ve gone ahead and done so to provide you with tough pricing.
The Bhutanese government’s SDF (Sustainable Development Fee) remains the same for now; however, flight fares are increasing approximately 5-10% every year.
2026/27 Package Cost (Per Person)
|
Group Size |
Price Per Person (USD) |
|
Solo Traveler (1 Pax) |
$1,700 |
|
Couple / Duo (2-3 Pax) |
$1,600 |
|
Small Group (4-7 Pax) |
$1,550 |
|
Large Group (8-15 Pax) |
$1,500 |
Note on Flights:
- Rates above cover the following:- All land arrangements ( Hotels, Guide, Meals, Permits) SDF.
- Estimated Flight Cost: Add about $480-520 USD for the round-trip KTM-Paro flight. We reserve this at airline price and do not mark up.
The $100 Daily Fee with 6 Nights, 7 Days Bhutan Tour
We feel you have the right to know exactly what it is you are purchasing. A large part of the cost of the trip is actually your compulsory “Sustainable Development Fee” (SDF), which the Bhutanese government levies on all tourists to pay for free healthcare and education for its people.
Here’s a breakdown of your $1,700 package (for solo travelers):
- Government Tax (SDF): $300, which is paid directly to the government ($100 per day multiply by 3 days per nights).
- Real Services: The remainder goes to your hotels, private car, guide, meals and permits in Nepal and Bhutan.
Breakdown of your travel cost: What you pay the Bhutan Government (SDF Tax) Vs. Services Received (Hotels, Guide, Meals, Transport)
Compared to the typical 100% money for services in some other locations, and in Bhutan, you support the country just by going there. You are not just a tourist but also an investor in their sustainable future.
Is the Tiger's Nest Hike for You?
The trek to Tiger’s Nest Monastery is the main challenge. Here’s what you can actually expect, so you can decide if it’s for you or not:
- The Basics: This is a 4-5 hour round-trip hike. You’ll gain roughly 300 meters (1,000 feet) in elevation on a rough and uneven trail to an altitude of 3,120 meters (10,240 feet).
- Fitness Check: You don’t have to be an athlete, but you should be ready for 2plus hours of steady uphill walking. If you can power-walk briskly over hilly ground for an hour, you should be able to do this with breaks.
- Worth Alternatives: If the full hike seems like too much, you can still do a nice half-day hike to the amazing main viewpoint (about 60% of the way) and take some incredible photos without having to make that final steep descent down to the monastery itself. You can get someone to have a horse for part of the uphill.
- Our Advice: Go at your own pace, take lots of breaks and drink water. The summit rush is a memorable feeling, and it has options suitable for any level of fitness.
The Everest Seat Guarantee For Bhutan Druk Yul Tour from Kathmandu
While the flight from Kathmandu to Paro is not just transportation, the most stunning mountain flight in all of traveling, but only half of the plane has views of mountains.
Sitting on the wrong side, you gape at clouds while your neighbor gasps before Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and Makalu. Most simply book your plane and hope for the best. We don't rely on the chance of this once-in-a-lifetime view.
Your Booking Includes: Our Best-Seat aircraft seat request service
We know precisely how to maximize your odds.
- Flying KTM to Paro: We aim for Left-Side Window seats, so you see the entire Himalayas.
- Flights: Paro to KTM: We aim for (Right-Side Window) seats so we can be on the 'right' side going back.
Unlike normal bookings, our View Treks Nepal Team is watching the check-in window for these (which opens 72 hours prior) to secure one of these best seats before anyone else. Although airline operational change can also be changed, for our part, fighting to keep your own vantage point in the sky gives you the best chance at witnessing the "Roof of the World" from 30,000 feet.
Your Experiences in Nepal and Bhutan in 2026/ 27
With guided tours of Kathmandu (Day 2) and Thimphu/Paro (Day 4 and 5) on your itinerary, you have a rare opportunity to view two very different Himalayan cultures back-to-back. Most travelers assume they’re the same, but you can tell so much by the difference there. Here’s what you’ll see on this journey:
The Architecture
- Kathmandu (Day 2): You stroll into ancient Durbar Squares where temples seem thrown together in chaotic, kaleidoscopic beauty. The wood carvings are complex and dark, centuries-old structures that crackle with local markets and open shrines.
- In Bhutan (Day 4): You visit the Tashichho Dzong. Dzongs, unlike the airy open squares of Nepal, are great brooding fortress-like administrative centers with high white walls and an overall air of order and discipline. It’s grand, orderly and immaculate, the total opposite to Kathmandu’s.
The Buddhism: Stupa vs. Lhakhang
- In Kathmandu: Boudhanath Stupa, where you’re one of thousands of pilgrims going around the huge white dome. It is a community center with butter lamps and chanting.
- In Bhutan, You trek to Tiger’s Nest (Day 5). Here, attention turns to Lhakhangs (temples) precariously balanced on implausible cliffs. It’s not so much about community as it is about seclusion, meditation and the sheer force of nature.
The Vibe: Vibrant Noise vs. Peaceful Silence
- Kathmandu is a cacophony of bells, incense, rickshaws and color.
- Thimphu and Paro are a deep breath. No traffic lights, no honking and the air is sharp pine.
Is This 7 Day Bhutan Druk Yul Tour Right For You?
|
You'll Love This Trip If |
Consider Another Trip If |
|
You dream of seeing Tiger's Nest Monastery and visiting dzongs. |
You want to do a challenging, multiday high-altitude trek (like the Snowman Trek). |
|
You are interested in Buddhist culture, history and ancient architecture. |
You care more about the nightlife, shopping and hanging out on the beach than immersing yourself in local culture. |
|
You like picturesque mountain roads, with some lookouts and local villages on the way. |
You are an extremely budget backpacker. Bhutan's tourism model is premium. |
|
You want a well-paced, guided tour that takes care of logistics and provides comfortable accommodations. |
You would rather travel by yourself with no clear-cut plans or guide. |
|
You want a trip that benefits local people and the environment (SDF fee). |
You're looking for a classic budget-friendly, no-hassles Southeast Asian backpacking trip. |
Entrance Fees During Kathmandu Sightseeing
We also don’t include attraction entrance fees in the base rate, so you have flexibility as to your package cost. Because certain guests may choose to skip some museums or spend more time at one location. You are billed only for what you visit. But we don’t want you to have to rely on guesswork. Here’s the exact budget you need to allocate in your itinerary for the main sites detailed on this list:
Estimated Entry Fees (Payable on Site)
|
Country |
Site Name |
Approx. Cost |
|
Nepal |
Kathmandu Durbar Square |
~$8 USD (1000 NPR) |
|
Nepal |
Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) |
~$2 USD (200 NPR) |
|
Nepal |
Boudhanath Stupa |
~$3 USD (400 NPR) |
|
Bhutan |
Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang) |
~$12 USD (1000 Nu) |
|
Bhutan |
Punakha Dzong / Memorial Chorten |
~$6 - $12 USD |
|
TOTAL |
Recommended Cash Budget |
~$40 – $50 USD per person |
Pro Tip: A guide will assist you with purchasing these tickets at the entrance. For smooth entry, carry local currency (NPR for Nepal, Nu/INR for Bhutan).
No Hidden Costs: Your Real Budget Breakdown
Zero surprises in your wallet is what we believe in. Many list vague prices, but we want you to see what the total investment is before you even press “book” on us.
The flight between Kathmandu and Paro is one of the most striking in the world, but it’s also a big expense that many don’t mention until late in the game. Since the price of flights is determined by the airlines (Drukair/Bhutan Airlines) and not our package cost, we’ll do some math for you now.
Below is a completely transparent, candid breakdown of what your overall trip investment as a solo traveler is:
|
Expense Item |
Cost (USD) |
What This Covers |
|
7-Day Package |
$1,770 |
Hotels, All Meals, Guide, Transport, Permits, SDF ($100/day). |
|
Flight Ticket |
~$480 |
Roundtrip Flight (Kathmandu – Paro – Kathmandu). |
The $1,770 is what you pay us for the service. The $480 represents the airline's fee for the seat. We split them for you so that you can see exactly where every dollar goes, but we will help get both booked.
Solo Travelers: Why the Price is Different?
If you are traveling by yourself, the package price is going to be higher ($1700) than as something of a group ($1500). We want to clarify exactly why that is so you can trust that you are getting fair value for your contribution.
- Logistics are shared in both Nepal and Bhutan. When traveling solo, you pay the full fare for three items that two people typically share:
- Private Hotel Room: You will have your own private hotel room for all 6 nights (not sharing a room with anyone else, so you pay the full cost of the room).
- Private vehicles and drivers are available for all transfers and sightseeing, with the freedom to go at your own pace.
- Bhutan Solo Surcharge: Your package includes the solo surcharge levied by the Bhutanese government (part of their tourism policy).
Check with us for "Group Joining" group departures instead. We may be able to match you with another solo traveler of the same gender or place you in a small group and therefore, realize the lower per-person rate.
Visa for Bhutan Himalayan Kingdom Tour from Kathmandu
One of the most common questions we receive is "Is getting a Bhutan visa complicated?" The answer is not for you.
Unlike in some other countries where you need to physically go to embassies or send away your passport, Bhutan does it all digitally via your tour operator (View Nepal Treks). You don't lift a finger.
Here's the step by step of how we get you Cleared to Fly:
Step 1: Booking (Day 0): When you book the trip, please email us a clear scan or picture of your passport photo page.
Step 2: Processing (1 Week before trip): We will process your application, which we submit directly to the Tourism Council of Bhutan in Thimphu.
Step 3: Acceptance (4-6 Days Before Trip ): We get the official Visa Clearance Letter from you through email.
Step 4: Delivery: We send you this PDF letter (or take a print-out for you if you are already in Kathmandu).
Step 5: Fly, You just present this letter at the DrukAir / Bhutan Airlines check-in. Your real visa is stamped into the page of your passport when you land in Paro.
Important Note: You cannot receive a visa on arrival if you have not obtained this clearance letter. We guarantee you to have it in your hand well before you even start packing your bags.
Festival Highlights for Bhutan Druk Yul Tour (2026/27)
Tshechus in Bhutan are colorful religious festivals with masked dances, music and rituals dedicated to Guru Rinpoche. They are religious occasions, yes , but also great social affairs with many locals dressing up in their best clothes. For visitors, a Tshechu helps to give your trip a sense of cultural authenticity and spiritual depth. Below are some of the most suitable festivals that could suit your 7‑day Kathmandu-Bhutan itinerary:
|
Festival |
Location |
Typical Timing |
How It Fits Your Itinerary |
|
Paro Tshechu |
Paro |
March/April (in 2026: March 28–April 1 In 2027: March 17–21) |
Great pairing with Day 5 (Tiger's Nest Paro tour). Guests will be able to see masked dances after their hike. |
|
Thimphu Tshechu |
Thimphu |
September/October (in 2026: Sept 25–27 In 2027: Oct 14–16 |
Matches with Day 4 (sightseeing in Thimphu). Travelers can join them and a whole bunch of locals, too, on the festival grounds. |
|
Punakha Drubchen/Tshechu |
Punakha |
February/March |
The itinerary can be modified to include the Punakha festival on Days 3–4 when returning to Paro. |
|
Black‑Necked Crane Festival |
Phobjikha Valley |
November |
Not on your current itinerary, but it's something that could definitely be considered as a great add-on for Wildlife /nature-lovers. |
|
Paro Domchoe |
Paro |
November |
Can combine with Day 5 Paro sightseeing for later‑year travelers. |








