Nepal Bhutan Tour Difficulty
Nepal Bhutan Tour isn’t exactly like adventures difficult trekking in the remote mountain paths. This tour is very comfortable within moderate difficulty range, which mean it can be done by almost everyone even for first time trekkers.
As for Nepal, the sightseeing in this part of your adventure will mainly through walking routes. There will be history temples that you will need to visit during this tour. Moreover, there will also be some lakes in Pokhara to admire. As for the hills, you will be climbing quite gentle hills. Though, there will be some uneven stone pathways, but it won’t make your journey difficult at all.
When talking about Bhutan, we can say that this country provides some more active entertainment for tourists. For example, visiting the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery is surely the most difficult route on this tour. The climb will cover 900 meters on 5 kilometers of the path. It takes 2-3 hours to visit the place, but it’s definitely worth seeing.
Apart from the Tiger’s Nest hike, most of your visit in Bhutan involve easy walk around quiet towns, ancient dzongs and beautiful valleys.
Also, altitude must be considered, since some parts of the Nepal Bhutan Tour itinerary are relatively higher than others. However, acclimatization occurs naturally as we go through the itinerary, making it highly comfortable tour that travelers will experience problems due to altitude differences.
Generally speaking, if you feel comfortable on three to four-hour hikes, there is nothing that can stop you from enjoying this tour.
Preparation and Fitness for Nepal Bhutan Tour
To successfully complete this tour, you do not have to be a professional athlete to take the Nepal Bhutan Tour, but enough preparing needs to be done to ensure the entire trip will be comfortable for you.
It is always advisable to begin by walking about six to eight weeks before the date of departure. Work on achieving two to three hours walks every day, with some steep walking and climbing included. This will be especially beneficial when you climb up the Tiger’s Nest.
You would think that strength plays a very significant role during this tour, but truthfully, cardiovascular fitness is more important. Light jogging, cycling and swimming once or twice per week will serve the purpose well.
Don’t forget about wearing proper footwear! It is important you wear your used trekking boots since brand new boot can give you blisters which is very painful.
Proper nutrition and hydration are also essential. During the walk, properly hydrate yourself and make sure that you have enough energy with healthy condition and not get sick when you reach higher altitudes.
As we mentioned above, the Nepal Bhutan Tour Package consists of busy days spent traveling, which is why you need to work on having good stamina. Just remember to get some good rest prior to going on your tour!
A bit of preparation ahead of time will definitely allow you to enjoy your adventure much more!
Cultural Festival and Traditions of Nepal Bhutan Tour
To be honest, the best part of the Nepal Bhutan Tour is having the opportunity to experience unique cultures and tradition. Both countries take pride in their cultural heritage and display it in a lively and authentic manner.
The festival in Nepal is very vast, extremely colorful, and extremely spiritual. Festivals such as Dashain, Tihar, and Indra Jatra attract massive numbers of people from all corners of the nation. Even if you don’t get to participate in one of these major festivals, witnessing daily temple rituals in places like Pashupatinath and Boudhanath is quite rewarding.
However, the festivals celebrated in Bhutan go beyond what you may expect. Known as Tsechu, they are held annually in all important dzongs spread throughout the kingdom. The highlights of these festivals include spectacular masked dances, vibrant music, and amazing traditional clothing worn by participants. Locals will put on their best clothes just to attend these festivals!
Depending on the dates you travel to Bhutan or Nepal, your itinerary could match up with the dates of one of these festivals, and if that is the case, then you are truly blessed.
It is important to know that there are certain cultural norms and protocols that you need to follow when visiting the region. For instance, dressing appropriately when you visit religious monuments, always remember to remove your footwear before entering the temples, and seek permission before taking photographs.
In Nepal and Bhutan, their culture is something sacred and not just for the sake of show. This will enhance the entire Nepal Bhutan tour package experience.
Visa and Permit
Arranging your visa is the main thing you need to sort out before traveling. This makes everything more convenient and much less stressful. For the Nepal Bhutan Tour, you will have to acquire two different visas, which are the Nepal visa and Bhutan visa.
The first thing you need to get after arriving in Nepal is Nepal Visa. You can obtain this right in the airport in Kathmandu, Tribhuvan internation Airport. The procedure for applying is quite simple. You only have to complete the required paperwork, pay the cash, and wait for the visa stamp to be place on your passport.
But getting a visa for Bhutan is entirely different that Nepal Visa. It is impossible to get Bhutan Visa on arrival, so you need to apply in advance with a licensed Bhutan Tour operator. They do all the work by submitting the visa application and the Tourism Council of Bhutan provides the visa approval.
The other thing about the Bhutan is that visitor also have to pay a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF). The SDF is created for supporting the special tourism strategy in the region which is quite unique because of its low impact and high value nature.
All of these permits can be obtained through us ‘Epic Trek Nepal’ so you don’t need to worry. Just note that both visas are single entry only, and that you should check whether your passport has at least six months validity. You may find it helpful to have a number of passport-sized photos and photocopies of your documents available throughout the trip.
In truth, it is highly recommended to begin the visa application process four to six weeks prior to your travel date.
Mobile Network and Wifi and Charging Facilities
Staying connected during the Nepal Bhutan Tour is not as difficult as people assume it to be, but there are some minor differences between Nepal and Bhutan.
In Nepal, mobile signals in major cities such as Kathmandu and Pokhara is very strong with wide coverage. There are mainly two sim cards used in Nepal: NTC and Ncell. Both of these are super cheap and works perfectly.
Wifi access is available in most hotels in Nepal. Although the speed is different for each accommodation, you will have no problem for video call or using social media.
For Bhutan, it is more restrict. Although Internet is there, its accessibility is much more restricted, in comparison to that in Nepal. The hotel will provide you with WiFi connection, but its speed will not be very high especially in smaller settlements. The mobile data will be available to you through BCell and TashiCell networks after getting your local SIM-card.
The charging point facilities in hotels in both countries are quite similar. As for sockets in Nepal and Bhutan, they are two-pin and three-pin ones. Regardless of that, it is advisable to carry a universal travel charger, while traveling through the Nepal Bhutan Tour Package.
Language and Communication
Communication during the Nepal Bhutan Tour isn’t that hard how people assume.
In Nepal, all people speak Nepali language, but English is also widely spoken in most of the places including hotels, restaurants and tea houses. There will be no problem communicating during the tour because both the drivers and guide are very professional in English.
The official language for Bhutan is Dzongkha. Like Nepal, English is also widely used in Bhutan. One fact about this place is that all Bhutan’s licensed guide must know English language due to their tourism policy regulation.
Using some of the local greetings can be greatly appreciated, such as “Namaste,” meaning “greetings,” in Nepal. In Bhutan, people appreciate “Kuzuzangpo La.”
Your Nepal Bhutan Tour Package guarantees that you have an English-speaking guide in both countries, and this is awesome. This is because these guides will be responsible for all communication on your behalf with the local vendors, drivers, and other authorities.
In the end, respectful and patient communication, even in sign language establishes real connection with the locals in your Nepal Bhutan Tour Itinerary.
Tips for beginner
Traveling to both these countries without proper research and knowledge might become slightly difficult. The following are some useful travel tips that will make your trip to Nepal and Bhutan absolutely hassle-free.
Make all the arrangements beforehand. Bhutan needs more preparation than Nepal because obtaining visa approval and arranging logistics requires more preparation.
Keep your backpack light with only the essential thing you need. It is recommended to pack layers since the weather conditions vary significantly from morning to evening. Rain jackets are highly necessary during shoulder seasons.
Always carry local currencies in cash form. While credit cards will be accepted in some major hotels and eateries, there are chances that you might not find an ATM in other places.
Go slow with both nations. While Nepal is quick, Bhutan is slow. Adapt your mentality, but don’t try to force your way through either nation.
Download a offline maps before you come. Google Maps does the job well in Nepal but is entirely useless in many places of Bhutan.
Have faith in your guide. The licensed guides from the Nepal Bhutan Tour Package know much more about the place than any traveler’s application.
Last, but not least, keep your mind open. The Nepal Bhutan Tour Itinerary will present you with surprises that even the most experienced travelers haven’t seen.
Transportation and Transfer During Nepal Bhutan Tour
Traveling without facing any difficulties in transportation is something that contributes significantly to the success and overall enjoyment of the Nepal Bhutan Tour. In both destinations, the transportation services are flawless although the means of travel change as you travel between them.
Travel within Nepal will take place in private vehicles. All airport transfers, sightseeing days in the cities, and intercity transport will be using a cars or buses with skilled driver familiar with every corner of route. If you don’t feel like being in the car for a whole day, you can take a direct flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara or take a bus.
To reach Bhutan from Nepal, you will take flight from Nepal Airport to the airport of Paro, which is one of the most scenic airports in the world. Not only the flight experience is great, but the view of the Himalayan peak is breathtaking. The airlines operating this route include Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines.
After arriving in Bhutan, a private vehicle with a licensed guide will accompany you through your journey within Bhutan. You are guaranteed to have a professional travel companion during the entire duration of your stay in Bhutan as per the Nepal Bhutan Tour Itinerary.
Don’t do on the Tour
There is certain thing you need to remember during the Nepal Bhutan Tour. It passes through culturally sensitive area, so following few rules strictly matter.
First of all, don’t enter a temple or monasteries with shoes. This rule applies all across Nepal and Bhutan. You will always find warning signs at the entrance if you need to take off your shoes or not.
Do not take photos of people or religious object without asking for their permission first. Photography is forbidden at certain places in Bhutan, and you need to respect the boundaries.
Do not wear revealing clothing while visiting sacred temples. Remember to cover your shoulders and knees since it is very easy to do using light scarves.
Follow your guide’s advice on the Nepal Bhutan Tour Itinerary very seriously. He knows much more about safety and restricted areas than any guidebook.
Travel Insurance
When it comes to the Nepal Bhutan tour, travel insurance is not even option. In these two countries, you will travel in some of the extreme remote areas with frequent altitude changes. Therefore, having proper travel insurance would save you from any unexpected surprises that might come in huge expenses.
Your travel insurance should definitely include the coverage of emergency medical assistance and evacuation. In such remote areas, there are not many medicals and hospitals available for tourists. In case you get any kind of problem during the adventure, then helicopter evacuation may be extremely costly without proper coverage.
In addition to that, your insurance should provide you with the cancellation policy, theft or loss of belongings. There might be a chance that your travel will be cancelled or delayed because of bad weather conditions.
For the Bhutan part of your Nepal Bhutan Tour Package, your licensed tour operator may have some special insurance considerations that you will need to meet. It is good if you can ask about this when you make your reservations.
Adventurous activities coverage is yet another thing that you should keep in mind when choosing insurance. Most of the policies exclude trekking beyond particular altitudes. So, do not hesitate to read the fine print here!
Make sure that you always keep your insurance documents both digital as well as paper copies at all times. It is also highly recommended to inform your guide about the emergency contact number once you get there.
The right choice of insurance will save your days on the Nepal Bhutan Tour Package!
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There is also the serene Paro River flowing next to the dzong, surrounded by spectacular vistas. It is not long before Bhutan’s pristine environment, unhurried pace, and fresh air captivate you.
