Tibet and Bhutan tours from Nepal: the complete guide
Kathmandu is the natural gateway to two of the most fascinating Himalayan destinations: Tibet, the high plateau of monasteries, pilgrims and the north face of Everest, and Bhutan, the small Buddhist kingdom famous for its dzong fortresses, prayer-flagged passes and careful approach to tourism. Both can be added to a Nepal trip, or visited on their own from Kathmandu.
This guide explains how travel to Tibet and Bhutan works, the main routes and tours, permits and visas, and the best time to go.
Travelling to Tibet from Nepal
Tibet is an autonomous region of China, and foreign visitors cannot travel independently. You must join an organised tour with a licensed Tibetan guide, and your agency arranges a Tibet Travel Permit. When travelling from Nepal, you also need a Chinese group visa, which is issued in Kathmandu for the members of your tour; a Chinese visa obtained elsewhere is normally not accepted for this route. Allow several working days in Kathmandu for the paperwork, and send us your passport details well in advance.
Rules can change at short notice, and Tibet occasionally closes to foreign visitors around sensitive dates. We always check the latest situation before confirming your trip. Read our Tibet travel from Nepal guide.
Tibet routes and tours
Lhasa
Our Lhasa tour from Kathmandu visits the Potala Palace, the Jokhang Temple and the Barkhor pilgrim circuit, and the great monasteries of Sera and Drepung. The usual approach is a flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa, with spectacular views of the Himalaya.
Lhasa to Everest Base Camp overland
The classic overland journey continues from Lhasa via Gyantse and Shigatse to Everest Base Camp on the north side, where Everest rises above the Rongbuk valley, then on to the Nepal border at Kerung (Gyirong). See our Lhasa and Everest Base Camp tour.
Mount Kailash
For Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and followers of Bon, Mount Kailash is the holiest mountain on Earth. Pilgrims walk the three-day kora around the mountain and bathe in the sacred lake Mansarovar. See our Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and our Kailash guide.
Altitude in Tibet
Lhasa lies at about 3,650 m and much of the plateau is higher; Everest Base Camp on the north side is above 5,000 m. Our itineraries build in acclimatisation days, but you should know the symptoms of altitude sickness and tell your guide if you feel unwell. See our altitude sickness guide.
Travelling to Bhutan from Nepal
Bhutan follows a policy of "high value, low volume" tourism. Most visitors must book through a licensed tour operator, obtain a visa in advance and pay a daily Sustainable Development Fee (currently US$100 per person per night for most nationalities), which funds the country's free health care, education and conservation. Indian, Bangladeshi and Maldivian nationals have different arrangements.
The flight from Kathmandu to Paro is one of the most scenic in the world, passing close to Everest, Kangchenjunga and other giants on a clear day. Read our Bhutan tour from Nepal guide.
Bhutan tours
Our Bhutan tour from Kathmandu visits the capital Thimphu, the Dochula pass with its 108 chortens, the beautiful Punakha Dzong and Paro, finishing with the hike to the famous Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) monastery, clinging to a cliff above the valley. For walkers, the Druk Path trek crosses high ridges and lakes between Paro and Thimphu.
Best time to visit
- Tibet: April–October, with May, September and early October the most popular. Kailash is usually visited from May to September. Winters are very cold.
- Bhutan: March–May for rhododendrons and festivals, and late September–November for clear skies and the big tsechu festivals.
Combining Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan
A classic Himalayan journey combines a few days in the Kathmandu Valley, a flight to Lhasa and the overland drive back to Nepal, or a week in Bhutan with a trek or tour in Nepal. Because both destinations need advance permits, plan at least six to eight weeks ahead.
Book with Himalayan Hiking
We arrange Tibet and Bhutan tours with trusted local partners and handle the permits, visas and flights from Kathmandu. Contact us with your dates and we will check availability and the latest regulations.