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1. Visa Application: Prerequisites for Your Tibet, Nepal, and Bhutan Trip
For most nationalities, if you're looking to explore the popular Himalaya destinations of Tibet, Nepal, and Bhutan all in one trip, it's essential to apply in advance for a Bhutan visa, a Neapl visa, and Tibet Permits. It is strongly advised to obtain the Bhutan Visa and Tibet Permits through a travel agency. Please note that the Tibetan travel permit can only be acquired through a travel agency.
On the other hand, the visa application process for Nepal is relatively simple and hassle-free. You can conveniently apply for a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
Tibet: China Visa + Tibet Permits (Apply Through a Travel agency)
Entering Tibet from Mainland China: It's best to apply for a Chinese visa at the nearest Chinese embassy or consulate in your country. With the Chinese visa, you can then apply for Tibet Permits. It's recommended to allow around 40 days to prepare your visa application.
Entering Tibet from Nepal: Contact a travel agency at least 30 days in advance to handle the visa process. Once you arrive in Nepal, apply for a Chinese Group Visa at the Chinese Embassy in Nepal. The visa processing time typically takes around 3-5 working days. Please ensure you have enough time to complete the visa formalities.
Bhutan: E-Visa
Except for Indian nationals, tourists of other nationalities need to apply for a visa to enter Bhutan. You can apply for the visa online or hire a travel service provider to handle the visa for you. Once approved, you will receive the visa electronically, which you must print and present upon arrival in Bhutan.
Nepal Visa: Visa on Arrival
Nepal offers a more straightforward visa process, with most travelers able to obtain a visa on arrival. However, you can also apply for a visa at a Nepalese embassy or consulate before your trip or use the online application system to expedite the process upon arrival.
Sure, the visa preparations for a Himalaya adventure might seem a bit complex, but don't fret.
We're the trusted travel experts who'll streamline the process for you. From managing visa applications to crafting tailor-made travel packages, we're all about the details, ensuring a smooth journey to the majestic destinations of Tibet, Nepal, and Bhutan. Let us take care of the paperwork and regulations while you focus on immersing yourself in breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural experiences. Contact us now!
2. Research Attractions & Things to Do During Your Trip to Bhutan Nepal and Tibet
Of course, among the multitude of iconic and off-the-beaten-path spots in Bhutan, Tibet, and Nepal, it's crucial to have a definitive checklist of must-see sites and must-do activities to ensure you don't miss a thing.
Tibet: Roof of the World
| Location | Attractions | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Lhasa | Potala Place | Tibet's historic seat of power |
| Jokhang Temple | The spiritual heart of Tibet, attracts countless pilgrims. | |
| Barkhor Street | Tibet's most bustling street | |
| Sera Monastery | Famous for its debates of Buddhist monks | |
| Yamdrok Lake | One of Tibet's three holy lakes with crystal-blue waters | |
| Shigatse | Tashilunpo Monastery | Home of Tibet's Panchen Lamas |
| Everest Base Camp | Get up close and personal with Mount Everest | |
| Ngari | Mount Kailash | Sacred peak for pilgrims’ journey |
| Mansarovar Lake | Holy waters with soulful serenity |
Things to do in Tibet:
- Ascend to Lhasa's towering Potala Palace.
- Visit Everest Base Camp for an up-close view of the summit.
- Wander through the spiritual heart at Jokhang Temple.
- Embark on a sacred kora around Mount Kailash.
- Witness the passionate debates of Sera Monastery's monks.
- Marvel at the beauty of Yamdrok Lake and roadside glaciers.
- Soak in history at the Tashilunpo Monastery.
Top 10 Attractions to See in Tibet >>
10 Things to Do in Tibet, What to Do in Tibet 2024 >>
Bhutan: Gross National Happiness
| Location | Attractions | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Paro | Tiger’s Nest Monastery | A temple upon a cliff, the emblem of the Himalayas |
| Paro Dzong | The filming location of the movie "The Little Buddha." | |
| Thimphu | Tashichho Dzong | Home of Tibet's Panchen Lamas |
| Buddha Dordenma | Massive Buddha statue overlooking the valley | |
| Punakha | Punakha Dzong | The Most Beautiful Dzongs of Bhutan |
| Chimi Lakhang | Temples of Fertility Worship and Striking Bold Totems |
Things to do in Bhutan:
- Climb to the revered Tiger's Nest Monastery.
- Experience the grandeur of Tashichho Dzong in Thimphu.
- Wander through the vibrant Thimphu Market.
- Marvel at the giant Buddha Dordenma overlooking the valley
- Discover the majestic Punakha Dzong by the Mo Chhu River
- Celebrate Bhutan's Grand Festival - Tschechu Festival
- Try Bhutan's Traditional Cuisine: Ema Datshi (Taste Spicy Chili and Cheese)
Bhutan Tourist Attractions, Top 15 Attractions in Bhutan >>
20 Best Things to Do in Bhutan >>
Nepal: Step into a World of Wonders
| Location | Attractions | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Kathmandu | Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) | Ancient religious complex atop a hill, with panoramic views. |
| Pashupatinath Temple | Sacred Hindu temple on the banks of Bagmati River. | |
| Boudhanath Stupa | One of the largest stupas in the world | |
| Durbar Squares | The historical royal plazas of Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur | |
| Pokhara | Phewa Lake | The stunning Annapurna range reflected on its surface |
| World Peace Pagoda | A shimmering white stupa that stands for peace | |
| Chitwan | Chitwan National Park | Explore the diverse wildlife on an elephant or jeep safari |
| Lumbini | Maya Devi Temple | The birthplace of Lord Buddha |
Things to do in Nepal:
- Enjoy the panoramic views of Kathmandu at Swayambhunath Temple.
- Experience the spiritual atmosphere of Pashupatinath Temple.
- Walk around the massive Boudhanath Stupa.
- Go boating on Phewa Lake.
- Take a wildlife safari in Chitwan National Park
Nepal Tourist Places: Top 10 Nepal Destinations >>
15 Best Things to Do in Nepal (with Itineraries & Pictures)>>
3. How Many Days Are Enough to Visit Bhutan Nepal & Tibet
Once you've listed the must-see attractions and activities for your itinerary, you can begin planning the rest of your trip, including how long you specifically want to stay in Tibet, Nepal, and Bhutan. We suggest splitting your travel plan into three segments for each destination: Tibet, Nepal, and Bhutan. Then, plan the number of days you need based on the attractions you truly wish to visit.
Generally, a comprehensive exploration of these three Himalaya destinations is recommended to span around 2-3 weeks. If you aim to cover all the main attractions, you might need close to 40 days.
Tibet (4-15 Days):
For a concise visit to Tibet, you can focus on Lhasa, where around 4 days will allow you to see highlights like the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Sera Monastery. If you're keen on getting up close to Mount Everest, allocate about 8 days for a trip to the Everest Base Camp. For those drawn to the spiritual journey around Mount Kailash, plan for around 15 days.
Tibet Itinerary: Tibet Travel Itinerary for 4-15 Days >>
Bhutan (4-12 Days):
You can cover the key sights in Bhutan within 4-10 days. Short trips can be planned for 4-5 days focusing on Paro and Thimphu. For a classic experience, a 6-day stay is suggested, encompassing Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha. To delve deeper into Bhutan, including destinations like Bumthang and the Haa Valley, plan for about 10-12 days.
Bhutan 4-Day Itinerary: How to Plan 4 Days in Bhutan >>
Nepal (4-10 Days):
Nepal's top destinations include Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, and Lumbini. A 4-5 day stay can immerse you in the cultural ambiance of Kathmandu. A 7-8 day trip is ample to visit Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan in one go. If you wish to include the sacred Buddhist site of Lumbini, plan for around 10 days.
Nepal Itineraries, How to Spend 4-10 Days in Nepal >>
4. Planning Your Tibet Nepal Bhutan Itinerary
Now that you have your wishlist and some understanding of the itinerary for Tibet, Nepal, and Bhutan, it's time to put your trip together. Here's an example of a classic itinerary for these regions:
In the Himalaya region, the ultimate superstar is undoubtedly the world's highest peak, Mount Everest. Tibet's Everest Base Camp offers an opportunity for ordinary tourists to get up close to this majestic mountain. So, you can spend around 7-8 days in Tibet, then travel overland to Nepal and explore Kathmandu before flying to Bhutan. This journey would take about 13-15 days.
13-15 Days Bhutan Nepal Tibet Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Lhasa
Day 2-3: Explore the highlights of Lhasa (Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Sera Monastery, Barkhor Street)
Day 4: Travel from Lhasa to Shigatse (passing through Yamdrok Lake, Karola Glacier)
Day 5: Shigatse to Everest Base Camp
Day 6: Everest Base Camp to Gyirong Port
Day 7: Cross the border at Gyirong Port and proceed to Kathmandu, Nepal
Day 8-9: Sightseeing in Kathmandu (Monkey Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, etc.)
Day 10: Fly to Paro Airport, Bhutan
Day 11-13/15: Classic sightseeing in Bhutan (Taktsang Monastery, Thimphu - the capital city, Punakha Dzong, etc.)
Of course, you can adjust the duration of your stay in each destination based on your wishlist. For more possibilities in itinerary planning, please reach out to our travel planner who can customize a trip exclusively for you, ensuring a 100% fulfillment of your Himalaya dreams.
5. Best Time to Visit Tibet Nepal & Bhutan
The best time to visit Tibet, Nepal, and Bhutan depends on your priorities and what you want to experience in each country. Generally, the best time to visit these three destinations is from April to May and from September to November. Here's a breakdown of the ideal seasons for each:
Tibet: April to October.
Nepal: Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November).
Bhutan: March to May and September to November.
Combining the Trips:
To experience the best weather in all three countries on a combined trip, consider these windows:
April - May: Enjoy pleasant weather in Tibet and Nepal, and the beginning of the season in Bhutan.
September - October: Ideal for all three countries, with comfortable temperatures and clear skies. This is peak season, so expect higher prices and larger crowds.
November: Good weather in Nepal and Bhutan, but Tibet might start experiencing colder temperatures.
Best Time to Visit Nepal & Worst Time to Visit Nepal >>
6. Cost of Your Tibet Nepal Bhutan Tours
It's a smart idea to research the travel expenses for Tibet, Nepal, and Bhutan before departure, so you can save money and bring sufficient pocket money. Nepal tends to have a more budget-friendly cost, Tibet falls in the middle range, while Bhutan's daily expenses can amount to around $200-250 USD. Yes, Bhutan has never been a cheap destination.
For budget-conscious travelers, considering group tours organized by travel agencies can effectively reduce costs, especially in Tibet and Bhutan. By taking advantage of the pricing benefits offered by travel agencies and group tours, along with additional arrangements such as flights, transfers, accommodations, and guides, you can save time and effort in planning. Contact the Himalaya experts now and make the most of your journey!
Nepal Travel Cost: Breakdown & Useful Budget Tips >>
The Cost of Traveling in Bhutan >>
7. Which City Starts Your Bhutan Nepal Tibet Trip?
Lhasa, Tibet (Highly Recommended)
Lhasa is often the starting point for a journey through Tibet, Nepal, and Bhutan. One reason is the convenience of the one-way route from Lhasa to Nepal by land, meaning there's no need to retrace your steps. Additionally, there are numerous transportation options available from mainland China to Lhasa, including a variety of flights and trains.
Kathmandu, Nepal (Best Transit Hub)
The advantage of starting in Kathmandu, Nepal, lies in its role as the prime transit hub between Bhutan and Tibet. From here, you can reach Lhasa by both land and air. However, note that flights from Kathmandu to Lhasa typically have a layover in Chengdu, China, which means additional transit time. Also, there are almost daily flights from Kathmandu to Bhutan.
Paro, Bhutan
If you're traveling in countries like Thailand or India and looking to extend your Himalayan adventure, Paro can serve as an excellent starting point for your journey through Tibet, Nepal, and Bhutan. Direct flights to Bhutan will facilitate the beginning of your travels in the region.
8. How to Travel Between Tibet Nepal & Bhutan?
As there is no direct transportation between Bhutan and Tibet, it is recommended to use Nepal as a transit hub for your Himalaya adventure.
Travel Between Tibet and Nepal: By Air & Land
By Air
There are flights connecting Kathmandu and Lhasa, but it's important to consider the layover time in Chengdu, China.
By Land
The Overland route from Lhasa to Kathmandu has become increasingly popular in recent years. Along the way, travelers can visit the Everest Base Camp in Tibet to witness the awe-inspiring peak of Mount Everest, the world's tallest mountain. The classic itinerary is typically: Lhasa-Yamdrok See-Shigatse-Everest Base Camp-Gyirong-Kathmandu.
Nepal and Bhutan: By Air
There are direct flights between Nepal and Bhutan. Flights from Kathmandu to Paro are almost daily and take about 1.5 hours. This route is often cited as one of the most beautiful flight paths in the world. On a clear day, passengers can enjoy breathtaking aerial views of the Himalaya, including Mount Everest. For the best views, it's advised to sit on the left side of the aircraft.
How to Get to Bhutan from Nepal >>
9. Booking Accommodation in Tibet Nepal & Bhutan
Where to Stay in Tibet
During your stay in Tibet, Lhasa, Shigatse, and Everest Base Camp/Tingri, as well as Gyirong Town, can all serve as accommodation options.
Lhasa: It is recommended to stay near Barkhor Street and the Potala Palace, where you'll find a wide range of hotel choices, from luxury hotels to youth hostels.
Shigatse: Accommodation in the Shigatse area, specifically in the Sangzhuzi District, is recommended, with options including four-star hotels.
Everest Base Camp: Tent hotels with basic facilities are available here, offering the best experience for Mount Everest tourism.
Tingri and Gyirong: These areas offer basic accommodation facilities.
Where to Stay in Nepal
In Kathmandu, the Thamel district is a traveler's hub, offering a wide range of accommodations, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury hotels. Thamel is convenient for shopping, dining, and travel services.
Kathmandu Nepal Hotels: Best Hotels in Kathmandu>>
Where to Stay in Bhutan
In Bhutan, the towns of Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha are excellent bases. These popular destinations in Bhutan offer a variety of accommodation choices to cater to different travel needs. Amankora, Six Senses, and other luxury hotels have also established their presence in these enchanting locations.
Bhutan Hotels: Unlock Happiness During Your Stay in Bhutan >>
10. What to Eat During Your Nepal Bhutan Tibet Trip
Nepal’s Dal Bhat: A staple meal that you'll encounter throughout Nepal, dal bhat consists of steamed rice (Bhat) and a cooked lentil soup (dal). It's often accompanied by vegetable curries, pickles, and sometimes meat, providing a balanced and nourishing meal that's enjoyed by locals daily. Nepal's Food Guide >>
Bhutan's Ema Datshi: This spicy blend of chilies and cheese is Bhutan's national dish, offering a taste of the Himalaya. Try it at the Folk Heritage Museum Restaurant for a traditional Bhutanese experience. Bhutan Cuisine >>
Tibet’s Momos: The local dumplings filled with meat or vegetables, served with tangy dipping sauce. Tibet Restraurant >>
Extend Your Trip to the Himalayas
Adding India and China to your Himalaya adventure enriches the experience with contrasts between ancient civilizations and modern dynamism. In India, experience the spiritual resonance of Varanasi, the architectural grandeur of the Taj Mahal, and the bustling markets of Delhi.
Then, in China, be awed by the Great Wall, the Terracotta Army, and the rapid advancements of cities like Shanghai and Beijing. This extension creates a mosaic of experiences, from serene heights to urban excitement, offering a comprehensive exploration of Asia's cultural and geographic diversity. China Tibet Nepal Tours >>
Insider Tips for Tibet Nepal Bhutan Travel
Altitude Sickness:
Be aware that altitude sickness is a real concern, especially in Tibet, where elevations can exceed 3,500 meters (11,500 feet).
To minimize risks, ascend gradually where possible and allow several days to acclimatize before engaging in strenuous activity.
Stay hydrated, avoid alcohol and heavy meals, and consult with a doctor about altitude sickness medication before your trip.
Lhasa Altitude, Lhasa Attractions with Elevations
Tibet Everest Base Camp Height & Altitude (with Altitude Sickness Tips)
What to Pack for Your Tibet Nepal Bhutan Trip:
Layered clothing is essential due to the variable weather; includes thermal wear, a down jacket, and a waterproof outer layer.
Sun protection is a must: sunglasses, sunblock, and a wide-brimmed hat.
Bring sturdy, comfortable hiking boots, even if you're not trekking, as you'll encounter uneven terrain.
Pack a basic first aid kit, including any personal medications, as pharmacies may not be readily available.
Cash & ATMs:
Cash is king. In Tibet, where you need to exchange your currency into Chinese yuan (RMB). However, in Bhutan and Nepal, you can directly use US dollars or the local currency.
It is advisable to withdraw sufficient cash in major cities like Lhasa, Kathmandu, Paro, and Thimphu, as ATMs are scarce outside the city centers.
Always carry some small change for donations or small purchases, and it's preferable to carry US dollars or euros for better exchange rates.
Travel with AOT, Unlock the Magic of the Tibet, Nepal & Bhutan
Discover the magic ofNepal and Bhutan with Asia Odyssey Travel. With over a decade of expertise and deep-rooted local connections, we craft journeys that unveil the true essence of Himalaya regions including Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet.
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