Tibet and Bhutan are both amazing destinations where Buddhism is highly practiced and regarded as sacred. Both destinations have high spiritual significance and traveling to these destinations is mesmerizing. Many travelers might wonder ‘How can we travel easily to Tibet and Bhutan Tours?’ The easiest and best way to travel to Tibet and Bhutan is through a third country like Nepal as there is no direct air connectivity to both destinations. We present an insightful article for travelers seeking to travel to these magical destinations. The prime attractions in Tibet are unique ancient heritage, remote but beautiful landscapes, towering snow-covered mountains including Everest, tranquil lakes, and vast grasslands. Likewise, the main attractions in Bhutan are the spectacular Himalayan ranges, several cultural heritages, notable architectural landmarks, green valleys, and friendly locals. Don’t forget to try unique and authentic delicious foods in both destinations.
Best and easiest way to do Tibet and Bhutan tours only?
There is no direct connectivity to Tibet and Bhutan but still, via an overnight stay in cities like Kathmandu, Bangkok, or mainland China, tours to Tibet and Bhutan are possible. Firstly, travelers must have a Chinese Visa with them. A Tibet Group Visa and other necessary permits will be looked after by us. For a Bhutan Visa, we will help you apply for an online Visa and look after the further process. The best and easiest way to do Tibet and Bhutan tours only are as follows:
For Tibet:
Direct international flights to Lhasa (Tibet) are only from Kathmandu (Nepal) and China mainland (Chengdu/Beijing/other cities).
Several daily flights to Lhasa (Tibet) are available from China’s mainland Chengdu/Beijing/Guangzhou/other cities).
Weekly three (3) flights is available from Kathmandu (Nepal). Considering cost and time, Kathmandu is the best option.
For Bhutan:
Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines are the only two national carriers of Bhutan which means no connecting flights from worldwide in Bhutan.
Bhutan has limited direct flights and Bangkok and Kathmandu are the best option. In between Bangkok and Kathmandu, Kathmandu is the best choice considering both cost and time as it is reasonable.
Suitable routes for Tibet and Bhutan Tours only
We have suggested 3 suitable routes for Tibet and Bhutan tours only. All travelers must have a Chinese Visa beforehand (or We will help you to apply Tibet Group Visa from Chinese embassy of Kathmandu, Nepal ). We will provide a Tibet Travel Permit to the places you will be staying.
Route 1: Lhasa (Tibet)-Kathmandu-Bhutan
Arrive in Lhasa, and complete the tour. Take a flight to Kathmandu and stay overnight. The next day, fly to Bhutan.
Alternative Route 1: Kathmandu-Bhutan-Kathmandu-Lhasa/Tibet
Arrive in Kathmandu and stay overnight. Take a flight to Bhutan the next day. Complete the Bhutan tour and return to Kathmandu (Apply Tibet Group visa at Visa center of Kathmandu, if you don’t have China visa). Then, direct fly to Lhasa (Tibet) or via Chengdu/Mainland Chinese cities.
Route 2: Chengdu/Mainland China-Lhasa (Tibet)-Kathmandu-Bhutan
Arrive in Chengdu/Mainland China (Beijing/Kunming/etc.), then fly to Tibet. After completing the Tibet tour, fly to Kathmandu (Nepal) and stay overnight. Take a flight to Bhutan the next day.
Route 3: Bangkok-Bhutan-Bangkok-Chengdu-Lhasa (Tibet)
Arrive in Bangkok and take a direct flight to Bhutan. Fly to Kathmandu (Apply Tibet Group visa at Visa center of Kathmandu, if you don’t have China visa), and take a flight to Chengdu and then to Lhasa (Tibet) or direct flight to Lhasa from Kathmandu. As a flight schedule, an overnight stay is a must either in Bangkok or Chengdu.
Visa and Permit Requirements for Tibet and Bhutan Tours
We will look after your visa, and permit requirements for Tibet and Bhutan tours.
For Bhutan:
You/We can easily apply for an online Visa with the help of your tour operator. It requires a digital copy of a valid passport and a digital photo.
For Tibet:
You must have a Chinese Visa for traveling to Tibet. For the Tibet Permit, we will provide it at your hotel doorstep in mainland Chinese cities. (Or Can apply Tibet Group visa at Visa center of Kathmandu, if you don’t have China visa)
Note:
Tibet permit applications generally take 12 working days and require travelers to provide documents, sent from their home country to the travel agency.
Mainland Chinese cities:
Chengdu, Beijing, Chongqing, Xian, Xining, Kunming, Mian Yang, Zhengzhou, Shi Quan He, Wuhan, Wanxian, Luzhou, Bangda, Changsha, Diqing, Golmud, etc.
Can I apply for a Tibet Group Visa from Kathmandu, Nepal?
Yes, you can apply for a Tibet Group Visa from Kathmandu, Nepal if you don’t have a Chinese Visa. For this, apply at the China Visa Centre in Kathmandu with your original passport, passport-size photos, and Tibet visa form. The process usually takes 4 working days to complete.
Benefits of Applying Tibet Group Visa from Kathmandu, Nepal
- You can explore the naturally beautiful and culturally rich nation of Nepal since it takes 4 working days to complete the Visa process.
- If you don’t have a Chinese Visa, you can apply for a Tibet Group Visa only in Kathmandu.
- The process of getting a Chinese Visa is hectic and hence to avoid it, you can apply for a Tibet Group Visa in Kathmandu, Nepal.
- Kathmandu is one of the cheapest cities where prices are reasonable and your travel costs will minimize if travel from there.
- You have two options to travel to Tibet i.e. via flight or overland according to your preference.
- There is a direct flight to Lhasa (Tibet) from Kathmandu besides the mainland Chinese cities.
How can I go to Tibet from Kathmandu (Nepal)?
You have 2 best ways to go to Tibet from Kathmandu (Nepal) which you can choose as your preferences. Before traveling to Tibet from Kathmandu, you must apply for a Tibet Group Visa and the process takes 4 working days to complete the process. After collecting a Tibet Group Visa, you can take a flight or an overland tour.
Way 1:
You can take a direct flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa (Tibet) which takes approx. 1.5 hours.
Way 2:
An overland tour requires at least 4 days of driving (daily 6-8 hours) from Kathmandu to Lhasa (Tibet). It may be tiring or strenuous but it is the best way to explore and visit Rongbuk Monastery (Everest Base Camp), Shigatse, Gyantse, Yamdrok Lake, etc.
Suggested Tibet and Bhutan Tour Packages
- Tibet and Bhutan Tour packages (Fly from Chengdu/Beijing to Lhasa, Lhasa to Kathmandu, Kathmandu to Paro (Bhutan), Paro to next destination)
- Tibet and Bhutan Tour with Everest Base Camp (Fly from Chengdu/Beijing to Lhasa, Lhasa to Everest Base Camp to Kathmandu by drive, Kathmandu to Paro, Paro to next destination)
- Bhutan and Tibet Tour Package (Fly from Bangkok to Bhutan (Paro), Paro to Kathmandu (Nepal), Kathmandu to Chengdu, Chengdu to Lhasa, Lhasa to next destination via China mainland
