Bhutan or Nepal: which gem of south-central Asia is perfect for you?

Both boast breathtaking mountains, mouthwatering spicy cuisine, and rich cultures to explore. But which one should you choose?

Prepare yourself: both Bhutan and Nepal are likely to overwhelm your sense of wonder. Your awe will peak at the mountainside monasteries, reach new heights on unforgettable treks, and truly explode upon entering either Himalayan kingdom. So when it comes to choosing between Bhutan and Nepal, which destination is right for you?

Two writers from Dinogo Planet present their arguments for each destination.

Skip Nepal and choose Bhutan instead

Bhutan specialist Erin Levi first journeyed to Bhutan over a decade ago as a guidebook writer, staying for more than three months. Her bond with the country now surpasses borders.

Often dubbed the “Last Shangri-La,” Bhutan is the final Buddhist kingdom on Earth and a serene Himalayan counterpart to the often chaotic Nepal. Visitors find tranquility among flickering butter lamps in temples and colorful prayer flags fluttering along mountain trails. With a massive gilded Buddha overseeing the capital Thimphu and monasteries clinging to cliffs, this secluded nation of fewer than 800,000 residents stands firm between Communist China and predominantly Hindu India.

The “Land of the Thunder Dragon” (Druk Yul in Bhutanese) is an enchanting place where rice is red, and tigers are said to “fly” (as do the cannabis-fed pigs, a humorous local saying). Here, happiness is prioritized over GDP, and the progressive royal family is cherished. Fertility matters are still addressed by the “Divine Madman,” whose legendary phallus appears in various forms, from door hangings to house paintings.

While Nepal boasts the title of the “Top of the World” with Mt Everest (Sagarmatha) and seven other peaks over 8000m (about 26,250ft), Bhutan is home to the tallest unclimbed mountain on the planet, the 7570m (24,836ft) Gangkhar Puensum.

Bhutanese regulations forbid climbers from ascending any peak above 6000m (19,685ft) to safeguard the deities. In Bhutanese culture, mountains are sacred abodes for spirits. Following the viral image of the traffic jam on Mt Everest—captured by record-breaking climber Nirmal Purja—there's a strong argument for preserving these heights. Nevertheless, for those seeking adventure, the 30-day Snowman Trek in Bhutan is one of the longest and toughest in the world.

Bhutan also hosts the most challenging airport landing in the world. Situated among 5500m (18,045ft) peaks, only 24 pilots and two airlines are qualified to land safely at Paro International Airport. However, once you're in Bhutan, it stands out as one of the safest travel destinations globally, with rare incidents of violent crime and infrequent petty crime. Guides are compulsory for all trips outside Thimphu and Paro, with female guides available upon request.

Once a hermit kingdom, Bhutan prohibited foreign visitors until 1974, later limiting the annual number of travelers. Access required a minimum package purchase of US$250 per day. Following the pandemic reopening in 2022, Bhutan introduced a Sustainable Daily Tariff (SDF) of US$200 per person (with exceptions for Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian citizens). This fee has been reduced to US$100 until September 2027 but does not include expenses like accommodation and guiding services. The tariff is crucial for funding Bhutan’s free education and healthcare programs.

While some criticize these policies as elitist, suggesting Bhutan is only for the affluent—especially given its more luxurious offerings compared to Nepal's single Shinta Mani Mustang—the government's intention is to protect Bhutan from overtourism and environmental degradation. Bhutan is carbon-negative, whereas Nepal's Kathmandu struggles with severe air pollution.

It's important to mention that Nepal has also made it mandatory for trekkers to hire a guide or porter. In certain restricted areas, such as Upper Mustang and Dolpo, permits for visitors can now reach up to US$500.

If that isn’t a nod to the visionary hermit that is Bhutan, then I don’t know what is, tipping the old Nepali topi (the traditional hat).

Without a doubt, choose Nepal.

Shikha Tripathi first arrived in Nepal as a wide-eyed backpacker on the Everest Base Camp trail. This initial journey quickly blossomed into a passionate love for the country, leading Shikha to return many times, even as an author for the Dinogo Planet guide to Nepal.

Visiting Bhutan is like attending a formal black tie event, perfect for your social media presence, while Nepal is the laid-back after-party where you can trade your heels for comfy shoes and hit the dance floor. This relaxed destination offers much more than just exclusivity; similar to the Buddhist shrines adorned with everything from incense to cola bottles, Nepal presents a diverse range of experiences.

Let's highlight Nepal's undeniable attraction: its towering eight-thousanders. Adventurers flock here to connect with these majestic peaks over 8000m (about 26,250ft), whether by climbing, hiking to their base camps, or enjoying a scenic flight over Everest. And don’t be fooled into thinking Nepal is solely about backpacking and teahouses—though those are immersive cultural experiences in their own right; the country has so much more to offer.

The charm of Nepal lies in the multitude of choices available to travelers. You could explore remote trails or camp in Mustang’s wilderness with a Snowcat. Enjoy a private chef-curated dinner with champagne following a summit attempt (yes, Asian Trekking offers that). Nepal is synonymous with outdoor adventures; even if hiking isn't your thing, there are countless ways to explore its treasures. Marvel at ancient-looking rhinos in Chitwan National Park, paraglide in Pokhara for stunning views of Fewa Lake, or tackle the rapids of the Kali, the world's deepest river gorge.

The best part is you can truly enjoy the Himalayan kingdom at your own pace—there's no hefty daily fee to worry about like in its well-intentioned neighbor. You have the freedom to craft your own itinerary and remain flexible, without the constraints of fixed trails mandated by authorities, as in Bhutan.

Despite being only half the size of Nevada, Nepal boasts incredible diversity—not just in its landscapes and elevations. From soaring peaks to the Terai's lush forests and rivers, you'll find a rich tapestry of cuisine, culture, attire, and dialects, much of which stems from its significant Buddhist population.

Choose between a $40 guesthouse in the vibrant Thamel district of Kathmandu, brimming with cafes, bars, and lively shops, or indulge in luxury at a $400 boutique hotel nearby. What unites this diversity is that Nepal is one of the few South Asian countries that was never colonized and has the world's highest Hindu population percentage. These factors contribute to its stunning architecture, seen in multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites. To experience more traditional architecture, visit smaller villages like Bandipur or Nuwakot, which feature charming restored homes that serve as delightful, old-world inns.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in everything from gourmet wood-fired pizzas in upscale cafes to chatamari (a Newari rice crepe), which is Kathmandu's take on the French classic. You'll also find dim sum in Chinese eateries and bustling street stalls offering momos (Nepali dumplings). Authentic Nepali meals often come with traditional cultural performances—a fantastic example of tourism done right. If you're looking to test your spice tolerance, try the local fare; it might bring tears of joy while revealing that Nepal is a true chili powerhouse.

While it may lack Bhutan's precision, Nepal, true to its democratic spirit, embraces a myriad of ideas while steadfastly preserving its unique cultural identity. What's not to love about that?