Why is Nepal the best gateway to Bhutan?

Bhutan is a landlocked country between India and China in the Eastern Himalayas. But Nepal is the best gateway to Bhutan. When traveling to Bhutan, travelers can easily access the country from Nepal. Moreover, it is cheaper and has closer geographical locations.

The country is famous for being one of the happiest places in the world. Bhutan isn’t only known for happiness. The “Land of Thunder Dragon” is also renowned for its enchanting and peaceful nature.

Learning about such a nation, everyone would want to take a look for themselves. Here are some points to elaborate it further. Why should you visit Nepal before visiting Bhutan?

Direct Flight and Close Proximity of Nepal and Bhutan

Nepal and Bhutan are geographically close to each other. As such, it makes multi-destination travel easier.

Starting the journey from Nepal gives explorers the option to travel by air or by road. Nonetheless, both methods offer unique perspectives.

The closer proximity has allowed direct flights from Kathmandu to Paro (approximately 404 km/250 miles). It is about 1.20 hours long and offers scenic views of the Himalayan mountain range and the lush valleys in Bhutan. 

The flight to Paro costs around $230 to $250 each way for economy class, which is much cheaper compared to other countries. Moreover, Kathmandu is the only place that has regular flights to Bhutan with no need for connecting flights. These points are some of the reasons why Nepal is the best gateway to Bhutan. 

Affordable Travel in Nepal

The facilities Nepal provides are more affordable compared to most countries. The hotel fees, food prices, document processing, and transportation expenses like taxis, flights, and buses are relatively cheap.

Not only are these facilities affordable, but they also offer quality service. Yes, it is equivalent to starred hotels at low costs. It makes your experience better. Similarly, during your hiking or trekking, you can hire a guide for an affordable price. The cost can range from $30 to $100, depending on expertise and the languages they know.

Another factor is the inexpensive packages found here. A combined package for a trip around Nepal and Bhutan, or both, costs around $2,000-$4,000. Hence, it is affordable for those planning a budget trip. The given costs are based on travel duration and services

In case you are looking to participate in cultural immersion classes like thanka painting, wood crafting, archery, and more, they only cost around $20-$30 per class. Lastly, Nepali souvenirs, like handmade crafts and pottery, are also of low cost.

Similar Climate and Landscape of Bhutan and Nepal

Bhutan and Nepal are located in the Eastern Himalayas. Both countries share the same climate conditions and similar landscapes.

If a traveler is looking to have an adventure around both countries, then the spring and autumn seasons, which are also known as peak times, are the perfect time to visit. 

Also Read: Weather in Manaslu Trek Circuit

The average spring temperatures in Nepal and Bhutan are 19.5°C and 20°C, respectively. During the autumn season, the temperatures in both countries are somewhere around 18°C and 19°C.

These weather conditions allow for unforgettable scenery, wildlife viewing, and adventure activities like hiking, mountain climbing, biking, and more.

Furthermore, the identical landscape makes it easier for visitors to get used to the mountainous terrain and rugged paths. To summarize, the environment in Nepal prepares adventurers for their trip to Bhutan.

Easier Visa Processing

Bhutan doesn’t allow travelers to book their visas themselves. Tourists will have to seek the help of travel agencies.

This is where tour agencies in Nepal come in. They help those adventurers with their paperwork.

Once you negotiate with a travel agency, they will take care of your paperwork and visa process with the Royal Bhutanese Embassy in Kathmandu. 

The travel agency will handle all your documents. You will be free to tour around Kathmandu. Feel free to participate in various other activities like hiking, trekking, cycling, and more.

If you are from India, Bangladesh, or the Maldives, you won’t need to book any visas or tour packages at all.

However, other nationalities must consult with their tour operator for such requirements. 

All you will need is a passport-sized photo, a scanned copy of your passport, and a travel itinerary. You are set for an adventure in Bhutan. The overall process will take 5-7 business days and cost approximately $20-40. It is cheaper and faster than anywhere else.

For those who frequently travel, Nepal is the best gateway to Bhutan, considering the aspect of visa processing.

Accessibility of Nepal

Accessing Nepal is much easier than accessing it in other countries. Direct flights or by road from India and Pakistan, you are able to access Nepal by any means you want.

There are also packages for overland tours connecting India, Bhutan, and Nepal for those willing to travel to all three countries.

International travelers are also able to directly fly to Nepal from other countries like Malaysia, Singapore, Dubai, Istanbul, and more.

Furthermore, traveling to Nepal is not expensive either and is economical.

There are also many short tour packages available for you to immerse yourself in the bustling cities of Nepal.

Festival Alignment

Both Nepal and Bhutan have a timeframe where visitors can enjoy the festival seasons of both countries, making it a paradise for culture lovers.

As an example, the early week of February allows travelers to celebrate Losar in Nepal and Punakha Tsechu and Drubchen in Bhutan.

Similarly, early March allows for Holi in Nepal and the celebration of the Punakha Drubchen and Tsechu Festival in Bhutan.

In the table below, we have presented more festivals within the same timeframe between Nepal and Bhutan that travelers can celebrate while visiting both countries.

Note: In the given table, find the timeframe of the festivals in Nepal that come first before Bhutan’s.

Conclusion

Many travelers dream of traveling to the famous Land of the Dragon, Bhutan. Similarly, there are adventurers out there who want to face the challenges in Nepal.

This point answers why Nepal is the best gateway to Bhutan: It is affordable and close to Bhutan, and it provides an exotic experience due to its peaceful and bustling locations, along with its cultural and natural beauty.

If you are someone looking to travel to Bhutan, then Nepal is the place to pass through to enhance your travel experience.