Step-by-Step Guide to Planning a Multi-Country Tour to beautiful India, Bhutan, and Nepal

Planning a multi-country tour that includes India, Nepal, and Bhutan is an exciting endeavor, but it requires strategic planning to handle visas, border crossings, transportation, and itinerary alignment. Here’s a detailed guide to help you plan a seamless journey:

1. Decide the Route and Duration

A logical and smooth route:

• Start in India (Delhi should be the best choice)

• Travel to Bhutan (by flight or land)

• From Bhutan, enter Nepal (via flight is the most convenient. Border crossing over land is also possible)

• Exit from Nepal (by flight)

Recommended Duration:

• India: 9 days (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur or Kolkata, Sikkim, Darjeeling)

• Bhutan: 5 days (Paro, Thimphu, Punakha)

• Nepal: 7 days (Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan)

2. Visa Requirements

India

• e-Visa available for most nationalities

• Apply online: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in

Bhutan

• Visa required, but handled through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator

• Independent travel is not allowed (except for citizens of India, Bangladesh, and Maldives)

Nepal

• Visa on arrival for most nationalities

• Apply at the airport or border

• Bring passport photos and USD

Note for Indian Citizens:

• No visa needed for Nepal and Bhutan, but carry valid government-issued ID (passport or voter ID)

3. Transportation Between Countries

India – Bhutan

• By Air: Delhi, Kolkata to Paro

• By Road: Siliguri (West Bengal) to Phuentsholing

Bhutan – Nepal

• By Air: Flights from Paro to Kathmandu (Druk Air or Bhutan Airlines)

• By Road: Through India (e.g., enter India via Phuentsholing to Jaigaon, West Bengal)

4. Currency & Budget

• India: INR (₹)

• Nepal: NPR (₨)

• Bhutan: BTN (₹ also accepted)

• Budget travelers: $60–100/day

• Mid-range: $100–200/day

• Bhutan has a Minimum Daily Package (~$200–250/day for international tourists, excluding Sustainable Development Fee for Indian travelers)

5. Booking Accommodations & Flights

• Book flights early, especially for Bhutan (limited seats). This can be done best through a reliable tour operator like Excursion2India

• Choose centrally located hotels, guesthouses or local homestays. Using a tour operator is a must in Bhutan. It is best to use a tour company like Excursion2India which organizes tailor-made tours to all three countries

• Consider travel insurance that covers high-altitude areas

7. Travel Tips

• Check seasonal weather: October–April is ideal. But even winter season is nice if you are open to enjoying snow. You may come across some of the clearest skies during early winter season

• Respect local cultures, especially in Bhutan and upper reaches on Nepal

• Altitude precautions in Himalayan regions

• Download offline maps and buy local SIM cards (Indian SIM won’t work in Bhutan)

Epic 21-Day India, Bhutan, and Nepal Tour Itinerary

Here’s a 21-Day India, Bhutan & Nepal Tour Itinerary that’s ideal for travelers looking for an immersive cultural, spiritual, and scenic adventure across South Asia. The itinerary is designed to appeal to anyone interested in traveling to India, Bhutan, and Nepal.

Day 1–9: Incredible India Tour – Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Varanasi

Day 1: Arrive in Delhi – Gateway to India

• Arrive in New Delhi

• Explore India Gate, Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar

• Rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk

• Overnight in Delhi

Day 2: Delhi Sightseeing & Travel to Agra

• Visit Lotus Temple and Akshardham Temple

• Drive to Agra (3.5 hrs)

• Evening view of the Taj Mahal at sunset

• Overnight in Agra

Day 3: Sunrise at Taj Mahal – Travel to Jaipur

• Early morning visit to the Taj Mahal (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

• Stop at Fatehpur Sikri en route to Jaipur

• Check-in and leisure time in Jaipur

Day 4: Jaipur – The Pink City

• Visit Amber Fort, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, and Hawa Mahal

• Shop for textiles, jewelry, and handicrafts

• Evening cultural show and Rajasthani dinner

• Overnight in Jaipur

Day 5: Jaipur to Varanasi (Flight)

• Fly to Varanasi, India’s holiest city

• Evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

• Overnight in Varanasi

Day 6: Varanasi – Spiritual Soul of India

• Sunrise boat ride on the Ganges

• Visit Sarnath (Buddhist pilgrimage site)

• Explore old city temples and ghats

• Overnight in Varanasi

Day 7: Fly to Rishikesh via Delhi

• Fly to Dehradun via transit in Delhi.

• Overnight in Rishikesh

Day 8: Day Trip to Rishikesh (Optional)

• Visit Laxman Jhula, yoga ashrams, and can enjoy rafting (seasonal)
• Enjoy visit to Neer Waterfall, Ganga Beaches, Vasisth Cave

• Return to Delhi towards evening

Day 9: Fly to Bhutan from Delhi

• Morning flight to Paro, Bhutan

• Welcome by Bhutanese guide and transfer to hotel

Day 10–14: Magical Bhutan – Paro, Thimphu & Punakha

Day 10: Arrival in Paro – Drive to Thimphu

• Drive from Paro to Thimphu (1.5 hrs)

• Visit Memorial Chorten, Buddha Dordenma, and local market

• Overnight in Thimphu

Day 11: Thimphu to Punakha via Dochula Pass

• Scenic drive via Dochula Pass (3600m)

• Visit Chimi Lhakhang (Fertility Temple) and Punakha Dzong

• Overnight in Punakha

Day 12: Punakha to Paro

• Leisurely drive back to Paro

• Visit local farmhouse and interact with locals

• Optional archery experience

Day 13: Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery

• Iconic hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery)

• Afternoon free for local shopping and cultural programs

• Overnight in Paro

Day 14: Fly to Kathmandu, Nepal

• Morning flight to Kathmandu, Nepal

• Visit Boudhanath Stupa and Pashupatinath Temple

• Overnight in Kathmandu

Day 15–21: Mystical Nepal – Kathmandu, Pokhara & Chitwan

Day 15: Kathmandu City Tour

• Explore Durbar Square, Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), and Patan

• Traditional Nepali dinner with cultural dance show

Day 16: Drive/Fly to Pokhara

• Drive (6 hrs) or fly to Pokhara

• Evening at Lakeside with views of Phewa Lake

• Overnight in Pokhara

Day 17: Pokhara – Adventure and Serenity

• Sunrise at Sarangkot with Himalayan views

• Visit Davis Falls, Gupteshwor Cave, World Peace Pagoda

• Optional: paragliding or boating

Day 18: Drive to Chitwan National Park

• Scenic drive (5 hrs) to Chitwan

• Evening village walk and Tharu cultural dance

• Overnight in jungle lodge

Day 19: Chitwan Jungle Safari

• Elephant safari or jeep safari

• Canoeing and birdwatching along Rapti River

• Visit elephant breeding center

Day 20: Return to Kathmandu

• Drive/fly back to Kathmandu

• Free time for shopping or spa

Day 21: Departure from Kathmandu

• Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for onward international flight, transiting through India, Thailand, Dubai or Abu Dhabi.

• End of your unforgettable India Bhutan Nepal tour package

Tour Operator

You can plan independently for India and Nepal, but for Bhutan you have to use the services of a tour operator. Consider booking through a single agency like Excursion2India that can coordinate all three countries.

• Excursion2India is ideal choice for India, Nepal  and Bhutan (with local partners)

• Local Nepalese, Bhutanese and Indian guides for a personalized touch

Treat yourself to tailor-made tour packages to India, Bhutan and Nepal  with Excursion2India! Also, take an opportunity to go around other parts of India – especially, Odisha, West Bengal, Kerala, Goa and Delhi, Agra, and whole of Rajasthan. Excursion2India also has customized tour packages for groups and individuals to explore Vietnam, Thailand, Bali and Malaysia. 

Please feel free to interact with Excursion2India representative at [email protected]. You can also reach Excursion2India over WhatsApp at +91- 9875310291. You can also call Excursion2India at +91-9163580464. 

Please request to join one of WhatsApp Groups of Excursion2India for best deals on tours in India and foreign countries.