A tour of Nepal and Tibet would combine visits to two distinct and culturally rich countries in the Himalayas. A combined tour would cover the highlights of both countries, including Kathmandu & Lhasa City sightseeing, Mountain flight & Potala Palace, and a combination of scenic drive and flight. Nepal Tibet Tour offers natural beauty in its original form.
Travelers can witness the diversity in culture, traditions, and festivals, visit the cultural heritages listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and Jungle Safari for natural lovers. The true beauty of both of these countries is in the countless small, but meaningful experiences and cultural interactions that travelers can have throughout the trip. Traveling to most major cities and settlements here in these both nations, travelers can understand these beautiful nations better.
Nepal is known for its stunning mountain landscapes, including Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world. Travelers can take a scenic flight around the mountain, do short hikes, sightsee around World Heritage Sites, do jungle Safari, and enjoy the sunrise views from the destinations like Nagarkot, and Sarangkot.
Tibet is an Autonomous Region of China that lies in a plateau region in Asia. This Himalayan kingdom has its unique culture, religion, and history. Lhasa is the capital city of Tibet and has many important Tibetan Buddhist sites. Some major attractions of Tibet are Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Sera Monastery. Travelers can also visit Northern EBC (Everest Base Camp), explore a large turquoise lake Yamdrok Lake, and visit sacred monasteries.
Nepal and Tibet offer a variety of attractions for visitors to experience. Here are a few of the major attractions in each country:
Nepal:
Tibet:
Great! Kathmandu to Lhasa (Tibet) direct flight resumes after COVID-19, Himalaya Airlines starts 3 flights per week (every Monday, Wednesday & Friday) from April 17, 2024.
We offer short tours for Chengdu, Beijing, Xining, and various mainland cities in China for those planning to reach Tibet via the Chinese mainland. It’s essential to bring your China visa from your home. We will provide you required Tibet travel permit to fly or take a train to Lhasa (Tibet) from any city in China where you land.
Lhasa:
Shigatse:
Gyirung:
Rongbuk/EBC:
Accommodation in Rongbuk/EBC is very limited. Since Rongbuk is a remote area, expect the accommodation to be very basic. There are a few guesthouses that provide twin-sharing rooms with bunk beds and the bathroom is also outside the guesthouse. Travelers may not get hot water facilities and due to high altitude, the internet connectivity and phone network are also not strong. During the peak season, nomad tents are the means of accommodation. It has dorm beds, and a shared bathroom mostly outside. Travelers must be prepared for cold temperatures, high altitudes, and limited amenities. So better to overnight stay at Shegar (where locally 3 star hotel available) and drive to Rongbuk/EBC early morning tomorrow to see sunrise view of Mt. Everest.
Destination: KTM – LXA (Kathmandu to Lhasa, Tibet)
Days: Every Monday, Wednesday & Friday
Departure: 07:00 / 08:25 (KTM time)
Arrival: 10:25 / 12:00(Tibet time)
Destination: LXA – KTM (Lhasa to Kathmandu, Nepal)
Days: Every Monday, Wednesday & Friday
Departure: 12:45 / 12:15 (Tibet time)
Arrival: 12:05 / 11:35 (Kathmandu time)
Foreigners are allowed to visit Tibet, and flights from Kathmandu (Nepal) to Lhasa (Tibet) or vice versa are currently available 3 flights per week. If not matched flight with your travel date, there are other tour options such as overland or driving tours.
Notice on Exempting fingerprint (biometrics) collection for certain types of visa Application of China (Tibet Group Visa) from Kathmandu, Nepal:
Between August 11, 2023, and December 31, 2023, the Chinese embassy in Nepal will waive the requirement for eligible applicants seeking single or double-entry business (M), tourist (L), family visit (Q2), transit (G), Crew (C), foreigner of high talent or specialist (R) visas to provide fingerprints. For more details about Chinese Visa center of Kathmandu, click here
China has decided to trial a unilateral visa-free program, alongside the promotion of Summer Holiday & Autumn China or Tibet tour packages for 2025.
Travelers from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Singapore, and Malaysia can now enter China without a visa for up to 15 days. Starting March 14, 2024, Austria, Belgium, Hungary, Ireland, Luxembourg, and Switzerland, Australia and New Zealand will also be included in this initiative. The policy is in effect until December 31, 2025.
For Chinese Mainland
(From December 11th, 2023 to December 31st, 2025)
Nationality | Group Visa Fees (NPR) |
Nepal | 11,100 |
US | 25,100 |
Canada | 15,900 |
Serbia | 10,000 |
Brazil | 20,200 |
Israel | 11,900 |
Argentina | 12,700 |
Panama | 14,800 |
Romania | 16,000 |
Uruguay | 13,300 |
Albania & Micronesia & BiH | 9,800 |
Chile | 7,800 |
Pakistan & Maldives | – |
Other Countries | 12,700 |
You’re guaranteed the best value service with bonus experiences with our unmatched local expertise. As operators providing exquisite services for over a decade, we prioritize quality over other factors.
The price for each package might vary with the hotel category, tour duration, travel season, routes, and activities being the major factors. You can customize these to find your ideal package which might not be the same with cheaper deals elsewhere. Rest assured, make your visit worth every bit with Everest Vacation.
Nepal:
Nepal is ideal to visit all around the year and each season has some uniqueness to offer. But, Spring (Mar-May) seasons are considered best followed by the Autumn (Sep-Nov) season to travel to Nepal. The weather is moderate, the skies are clear, and the temperature during the day is warm and colder in the mountains than in the lower regions.
During winter (Dec-Feb), it is slightly warm during the day and cold in the morning and night. Expect snowfalls in the higher regions. But, the views are clear and you can still enjoy traveling during the winter season in Nepal.
Tibet:
Tibet is situated on a high plateau and hence, experiences low temperatures and frost for most of the months. It lies at a high elevation compared to Nepal. So, the best time to travel to Tibet is the Summer season (Jun-Aug). This is the peak season and the chance of altitude sickness is very low. The oxygen level in the atmosphere is high during this season as the temperature is between 12℃-24℃ which helps travelers to properly acclimatize.
Spring (Apr-May) and Autumn (Sep-Oct) seasons are also the best time to travel to Tibet if you want to skip the peak season crowd. The temperature during the day is warm but nights are cold and colder at high altitudes. For the best view of Mt. Everest from the Northern EBC, the Spring and Autumn seasons are best and provide clear views. The winter season (Dec-Mar) is very cold in Tibet.
And, typically Tibet remains closed in February and March for foreigners to travel. Sometimes until early April, Tibet can remain closed.
Altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), is a common condition that can occur when people ascend/climb to high elevations without giving proper rest to the body. Altitude sickness is common at the high-altitudes. But, travelers must know the symptoms and preventions of altitude sickness.
Headache, nausea, shortness of breath, fatigue, and confusion. In some cases, AMS can be severe, and even life-threatening.
Nepal: Altitude sickness is there in the higher regions. During the Nepal visit, we travel to most of the lower regions and there is no fear of getting altitude sickness. Still, we recommend you do some exercises and get fit and healthy for the travel.
Tibet: As mentioned earlier, Tibet is on a high plateau and its elevation is higher compared to Nepal. It has an initial altitude at Lhasa of approx. 3650m from the sea level. So, we recommend you before visiting Tibet, get as fit and healthy as possible, both physically and mentally. It is advised that travelers having records of heart, lung, or other organ problems or anemia must consult their doctor before traveling to Tibet. If anyone planning to travel to Northern EBC, we advise you to spend at least 2-3 days in Lhasa city to acclimatize and adjust to the temperature. During the Tibet visit, we have the facility of oxygen cylinders for emergency and traveler’s safety.
Traditional festivals which are well-preserved and still in practice are the best highlight of these both nations. Festivals are lively and one that you shouldn’t miss in both these countries. With vibrant ornaments and clothing, dancing and singing, festive foods, and vibes, festivals here will amaze you for sure.
An incredibly enriching experience while attending festivals in Nepal and Tibet allows you to witness traditional customs and practices, and immerse yourself in the local culture. But, one thing that needs to keep in mind is that most of the dates of the festival in Nepal and Tibet depend on the Lunar calendar. So, if you wish to attend any festivals confirm the accurate dates with your travel agency before planning the trip.
Some of the most popular festivals in Nepal and Tibet include:
Losar Festival: Losar is the popular Tibetan New Year festival that falls in the months of February or March. The festival is marked by religious ceremonies, traditional dancing, and the exchanging of gifts. The colorful masks and costumes worn by the dancers are the highlights of the festival. Losar is attended by many local natives and celebrates it grandly.
Saga Dawa: Saga Dawa is celebrated in the month of May or June, which is the month when the Buddha was born, attained enlightenment, and got parinirvana. Many Tibetans visit various sacred monasteries and donate to needy people. In Lhasa, at the foot of Potala Palace, Tibetans join crowds and visit the Dzongyab Lukhang Park. They circle Barkhor, Tshekhor, Lingkhor, and Mt. Kailash.
Shoton Festival: The popular festival falls in the month of August. It is also known as Yogurt Festival. Monks are served yogurt and some local opera performances are also organized. The main attraction of this festival is the presentation of the Giant Buddha Thangkas in the Drepung Monastery.
Tibetan Bathing Festival: The most unique festival called the bathing festival is held every seventh month of the Tibetan calendar and lasts for a week. It is believed that taking a bath during this time will remove all the diseases and misfortune. Most people in Tibet go out for a picnic with family near the river bank and take a bath. Later, they enjoy a picnic with a family.
Nepal is among the few counties in the world where the maximum number of festivals are celebrated in a year. Some popular festivals are:
Dashain: Dashain is the major biggest festival in Nepal that celebrates the victory of good over evil. The festival normally falls in the months of September or October. They celebrate this festival by putting a tika on their forehead from the hand of the older and seeking blessings. They wear new clothes, accept dakshina (money), and eat delicious feasts with family members.
Tihar: Tihar is the second biggest light festival in Nepal. It is celebrated for 5 days and various animals like crows, dogs, cows, and ox are worshipped. Besides, this wealthy Goddess Laxmi is worshipped and Bhai Tika is performed. Bhai Tika is the festival where sisters put tika on their brother’s forehead and pray for their longevity.
Bhoto Jatra: One of the unique festivals that are celebrated in April or May in Patan, Nepal. The festival is marked by the display of a sacred vest, known as the Bhoto, which is said to have been worn by a god. The festival is also known for its colorful parades, and chariot pulling.
Tiji Festival: Tiji is a three-day festival that is celebrated in the Mustang region of Nepal and Lo Manthang near the Tibet border. The festival is held in late May or early June and marks the victory of Lord Buddha’s incarnation over a demon. The festival features traditional dancing, singing, and the re-enactment of the victory of good over evil.
Similarly, Holi, Shivaratri, Janai Purnima, Buddha Jayanti, Lhosar, Chhath, Maghe Sankranti, and Teej are some other major festivals here. You can change the date of your visit to overlap some of these festivals to know the Nepalese culture, religion, and lifestyle better. Most of these festivals are celebrated with families and friends with great foods and drinks as well. So, plan accordingly to be in Nepal during these amazing festivals.
The following factors make combined Nepal and Tibet great destinations for travelers looking for a realistic, cultural, and enriching experience. These nations are a blend of breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and friendly local people. Let’s disconnect from the world and relish the beauty of nature, culture, and beautiful destinations in Nepal and Tibet.
Nepal and Tibet offer a unique and memorable vacation experience for travelers for many reasons:
Nepal and Tibet offer a unique and memorable travel experience for travelers. Explore the real beauty of nature, culture, and the warm hospitality of people. Here’s an inside view of what travelers can expect when traveling these nations:
There are several advantages of Private Tours over a Group Tour. A private tour offers a more personalized and flexible itinerary. You will have the great opportunity to explore the places of your interest as well as more comfort and more privacy. You will get accompanied by an expert & dedicated guide who will take care of all the logistics and an experienced driver who knows the remote region and its high-altitude destination very well, especially in Tibet.
A: Either route is suitable. Both routes have their own advantages, and the high altitude concerns can be managed with proper acclimatization and precautions.
A: It is better to apply for the China visa from your home country. We can provide the necessary and supportive documents to facilitate the visa application process.
A: It is not difficult. We can send the Tibet Travel Permit to any city where you will be staying overnight, including airports if you have a same-day flight to Lhasa, Tibet.
A: Payment or deposit can be made through bank transfer or in cash. Please choose the option that is most convenient for you.
A: Obtaining a Tibet group visa from Kathmandu can be a little difficult. It takes around 4 days to process the visa at the Chinese embassy, and each traveler’s biometric data is required, so they need to be physically present at the embassy in Kathmandu. A minimum of 4 persons is required to apply for a Tibet group visa.
A: Yes, there is weekly 3 flights (Mon, Wed and Fri) from Kathmandu to Tibet.
A: No, there are no international flights directly to Tibet, except from Kathmandu, Nepal. From Kathmandu, there are only 3 flights per week. To travel to Tibet, you would need to fly to China mainland cities like Beijing, Chengdu, or Kunming from your country and stay overnight there to receive the Tibet travel permit. The next day, you can take a flight to Lhasa, Tibet.
A: Yes, a Tibet travel permit is required to enter Tibet. We will provide the permit based on your itinerary and places of stay.
A: The high altitude in Tibet can pose some challenges. It is recommended to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and take adequate rest. Oxygen cylinders are always available in the vehicles during the tour as a precautionary measure. So, there is no need to worry, but it is important to be mindful of the altitude.
A: Yes, it is possible to visit China mainland cities with a Tibet group visa.
A: The vehicle provided will be private.
A: Yes, it is possible to arrange a full meal plan. The Lunch and Dinner can be served in the outside restaurant.
A: A Tibetan guide will be provided for the tour.
A: In Lhasa and Shigatse, there are 5-star luxury hotels available. In Shegar/Tingri and Gyirong, accommodations are available up to 3-star standards. In Rongbuk, only guesthouses are available.
A: No, Ganden Monastery requires an additional day. However, Samye Monastery can be visited while dropping off at the airport on the last day.
A: Yes, it is possible to complete the Namtso Lake excursion in a single day.
A: Yes, it is possible to witness the sunrise with Mt. Everest and other mountain ranges from Gawu La Pass, even if you are staying in Shegar.
A: China has decided a unilateral visa-free program, alongside the promotion of Summer Holiday & Autumn China or Tibet tour packages for 2025.
Travelers can enter China and Tibet without a visa from the nationality of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia, Austria, Belgium, Hungary, Ireland, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Poland, New Zealand and Australia for up to 15 days and Singapore for upto 30 days. The policy is in effect until December 31, 2025.
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