Among the most fulfilling multi-country trips, Singapore to Tibet, then Nepal and Bhutan, and finally back to Singapore is. In this article, I will discuss reasonable flight and overland routing possibilities in both directions, the popular alternative – fly to Nepal first, then Tibet and Bhutan – and the paperwork that you must arrange prior to your trip.
Quick legal/permit summary (very important)
- Singapore passport holders (ordinary passport): at present under the mutual visa-free entry agreement to Mainland China (including Tibet) for up to 30 days. Citizens of Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei, Japan & South Korea are also under visa-free entry to Mainland China and Tibet.
- Tibet Travel Permit: All foreign tourists, including Singaporeans, need a physical copy of the Tibet Travel Permit in order to enter the Tibet Autonomous Region. The permit is a precondition for any policy on China’s entry permission and has to be organized beforehand through a licensed tour operator. No independent travel is allowed in Tibet. Always verify the exact permit documents required by contacting Everest Vacation for your mode of transport (air, train, or overland).
- Bhutan entry: Bhutan needs either a pre-arranged tourist package and visa/permit processing through a licensed tour operator. There are flights operated by Drukair (Druk Bhutan Airlines) between Singapore and Paro. Check the schedule and book early. Currently, there are two direct flights per week with a 40-minute stop at Guwahati.
- Flights from Singapore to Paro (Bhutan) are on Thursdays and Sundays; flights from Paro (Bhutan) to Singapore are on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
(Visa and permit rules change — always verify with tour operator like us / official embassy / airline before finalizing plans.)
Sample Itinerary 1: Tibet and Bhutan Tour Package – 11 days
Route ‘A’ — Singapore → Tibet → Nepal → Bhutan → Singapore (or vice-versa)
Why this loop? It follows a west-to-south-to-east path and minimizes backtracking: get into Tibet from China, descend to Nepal (Kathmandu), then fly to Bhutan (Paro) and return to Singapore from Paro or via Kathmandu/Singapore.
Typical routing (detailed)
- Singapore to an entry city in China (common hubs):
- Fly SIN → Chengdu (CTU) or Kunming (KMG), or Beijing/Shanghai depending on available schedules and fares. From these cities, you will collect the ‘Tibet Travel Permit’ in hard copy which we (tour operator) will send to your hotel before your arrival. You can connect onward to Lhasa (LXA) with Permit. Chengdu → Lhasa is the most common and fastest connecting route.
- Chengdu/Kunming/Beijing → Lhasa (flight or train):
- Book Chengdu (or Kunming/Beijing) → Lhasa flight, or take the scenic train if you have time. Note: flights to Lhasa are subject to schedule changes and require the Tibet Travel Permit to be processed in advance (usually by your tour operator).
- Tibet (Lhasa and region) — sightseeing & acclimatisation:
- Typical stays: Lhasa (Potala, Jokhang), then day excursions or drives towards Shigatse / Mount Everest Base Camp depending on interest and permit allowances. Allow 2–4 days for Lhasa alone for acclimatization including day tour. Your tour operator handles permits and local logistics.
- Tibet → Nepal (Lhasa → Kathmandu):
- Two common ways:
- Fly Lhasa → Kathmandu (if available): check direct flight options (Currently, Nepal to Tibet is only one direct flight available which operates 4 flights per week from Lhasa to Kathmandu (every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday) and Kathmandu to Lhasa (every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday). Also, there are direct flights available from Lhasa to Pokhara (Nepal) on Mondays and from Pokhara (Nepal) to Lhasa on Tuesdays.).
- Overland road (via border): Lhasa → Shigatse → via border crossing (e.g., Kodari or other permitted crossing) into Nepal; this route needs coordinated permits and is only possible with proper authorisation. Many travellers instead return to Lhasa after visiting Everest Base Camp and fly to Kathmandu by direct flight or via China mainland (like Chengdu).
- Two common ways:
- Nepal (Kathmandu): sightseeing, trekking, cultural tours, national park tours. Kathmandu is a good place to relax after Tibet travel, and also a preparatory stop before traveling to Bhutan.
- Nepal → Bhutan:
- Fly Kathmandu → Paro (Daily 1-2 flights in season, and 5-6 flights per week in off-season). More commonly, travellers fly Kathmandu → Paro on Drukair or Bhutan Airlines when available, and then fly SIN → Paro. Confirm flight schedules with Drukair or us (Everest Vacation P. Ltd).
- Bhutan (Paro) → Singapore:
- Book Paro → Singapore direct (Drukair operates SIN–PBH routes some weeks — Flights from Singapore to Paro (Bhutan) operate on Thursdays and Sundays, while flights from Paro (Bhutan) to Singapore operate on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Alternatively return via Kathmandu or Bangkok hub depending on schedule (Daily 2 flights available from Paro to Bangkok).
- Book Paro → Singapore direct (Drukair operates SIN–PBH routes some weeks — Flights from Singapore to Paro (Bhutan) operate on Thursdays and Sundays, while flights from Paro (Bhutan) to Singapore operate on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Alternatively return via Kathmandu or Bangkok hub depending on schedule (Daily 2 flights available from Paro to Bangkok).
Route ‘B’ — Singapore → Nepal (direct) → Tibet → Bhutan → Singapore (Alternatively, Singapore → Nepal → Bhutan → Tibet → Singapore via Nepal or China mainland city)
Why consider this? Kathmandu is a flexible hub that has frequent international flights from Singapore/Bangkok/Middle-east, many tourist services for Tibet permits, and Kathmandu-Lhasa overland/air connections. It is often easier to fly into Nepal first for travelers who avoid coordinating China internal flights right away.
Sample itinerary 2: Tibet with Everest Base Camp and Bhutan Tour – 13 days
Typical routing (detailed)
- Singapore → Kathmandu (direct flights / one-stop):
- There are often direct and connecting options, like Singapore ↔ Kathmandu via carriers like Singapore Airlines, SilkAir in the past. Kathmandu is one of the major hubs for the logistics of Himalayan travel.
- Process Tibet travel documents in Kathmandu (recommended):
- Many travellers arrange the Tibet Travel Permit through a Nepal-based travel agency. They will collect passport copies and process required documents with Chinese/Tibet authorities (especially for other nationalities who needs China visa to visit Tibet/China). This is standard practice for tourists who intend to enter Tibet from Nepal or via China.
- Kathmandu → Lhasa (overland or flight):
- Overland (via border): Historically possible via the Friendship Highway (Kathmandu → Kodari border → Lhasa via Everest Base Camp if you prefer), but this requires strict permit control and is usually done as a pre-arranged overland tour with a licensed operator.
- Fly Kathmandu → Lhasa: If flights are available, this is faster and more comfortable — check current schedules with airlines or tour operator. Note that flights between Kathmandu and Lhasa are subject to capacity limits and seasonality (only 4 direct flights per week as of now).
- Complete Tibetan portion, then return to Kathmandu (or continue onward by flight via Chengdu if routing needs require) and then proceed to Bhutan.
- Kathmandu → Paro (flight). Book Drukair/Bhutan Airlines slots early; Bhutan requires pre-arranged package/visa handling by a licensed tour operator.
- Paro → Singapore (direct via Drukair if schedule allows) or via Kathmandu / Bangkok / regional hub back to Singapore.
Advantages of the route
- Kathmandu is experienced in processing Tibet permits and coordinating overland groups.
- Fly-to-Nepal-first gives you a “soft landing” and more time to assemble paperwork and local guides.
- Good for travellers wanting flexible acclimatisation and time to prepare.
Sample Itinerary 3: Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet Tour Package – 20 days
Practical tips & checklist (must-read)
- Book well in advance during peak season, which falls in Apr–May and Sep–Oct: flights to Paro and Lhasa may not operate daily.
- Tibet Travel Permit: You cannot get it yourself through the Internet; it should be processed by a licensed travel agency or tour operator, requiring a passport copy and itinerary. Apply at least 15 days in advance during peak season.
- China visa note for Singaporeans: Citizens holding an ordinary passport from Singapore were granted a reciprocal 30-day visa-free entry to China. Confirm on MFA before travel. If you plan a longer stay in China outside Tibet or have different travel purposes, check the regulations at the embassy.
- Book Bhutan through licensed operator: Bhutan’s tourism policy requires that foreign tourists book tours via licensed agency. You will have to pay a minimum daily tariff: USD 100 per person per night as a SDF fees.
- Altitude & health: Tibet and parts of Bhutan/Nepal are high altitude. Plan acclimatization days and consult your doctor about your health and altitude sickness prevention.
- Insurance: Purchase travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking (if trekking) and medical evacuation.
- Weather windows: During spring and autumn, mountain views are better and flights are more reliable.
Sample 10–14 days sample itineraries
Sample A: Singapore → Chengdu → Lhasa (Tibet) → Kathmandu (Nepal) → Paro (Bhutan) → Singapore (10–14 days)
- Day 1: Fly Singapore → Chengdu; overnight in Chengdu.
- Day 2: Chengdu → Lhasa (flight); acclimatise in Lhasa.
- Days 3–4: Lhasa sightseeing (Potala, Jokhang, Barkhor).
- Day 5: Lhasa → Shigatse / day tour (or Mount Everest excursion with extra 2 days).
- Day 6: Fly Lhasa → Kathmandu (or overland with permits) — arrive Kathmandu.
- Days 7–9: Kathmandu sightseeing, rest.
- Day 10: Kathmandu → Paro (fly) — enter Bhutan with pre-arranged package.
- Days 11–13: Paro valley & Thimphu day trips.
- Day 14: Paro → Singapore (flight).
Sample B: Singapore → Paro (Bhutan) → Kathmandu (Nepal) → Lhasa (Tibet) → Chengdu → Singapore (10–14 days) (Reverse Route – equally scenic and flexible)
- Day 1: Singapore → Paro (Bhutan)
Enjoy Bhutan’s scenic entry and begin the tour in a peaceful environment. - Day 2–4: Bhutan
Visit Thimphu, Punakha Dzong, and Tiger’s Nest Monastery. - Day 5–8: Bhutan → Kathmandu (Nepal)
Explore the vibrant capital Kathmandu and optional visit to Pokhara. - Day 9–13: Nepal → Tibet
Fly Kathmandu → Lhasa or travel overland through Kerung Border.
Tour Lhasa, Sera Monastery, and Potala Palace. - Day 14: Tibet → Chengdu → Singapore
Return via Lhasa → Chengdu → Singapore.
Sample C: Singapore → Kathmandu → Lhasa (overland/flight) → Kathmandu → Paro → Singapore (10–14 days)
- Day 1: Fly Singapore → Kathmandu.
- Days 2–4: Finalise Tibet permit with Nepal operator / Kathmandu cultural days.
- Day 5: Kathmandu → Lhasa (overland group or flight).
- Days 6–9: Lhasa sightseeing + cultural tours.
- Day 10: Return Lhasa → Kathmandu.
- Day 11: Kathmandu → Paro (Bhutan) — join package.
- Day 12-13: Bhutan sightseeing.
- Day 14: Paro → Singapore (Paro → Kathmandu → Singapore).
Booking & operator tips
- Use an experienced multi-country operator (or local operators cooperating) to coordinate Tibet permit, China/Tibet leg, Nepali entry, and Bhutan booking. The Tibet permit is the trickiest item and often determines flight routing and timing.
- Airlines to watch: Chengdu Airlines, Air China, Sichuan Airlines for China-Lhasa legs; Drukair Bhutan for Paro–Singapore; regional lines for Kathmandu connections. Schedules change — check providers directly.
Final recommendations (Especially for Singaporean nationalities)
- If you want easier paperwork and a soft start: fly Singapore → Kathmandu first, arrange Tibet permit there, then go to Lhasa, return to Kathmandu, then fly to Bhutan and back to Singapore.
- If you prefer to enter Tibet directly via China hubs: plan Singapore → Chengdu/Kunming/Beijing → Lhasa, then proceed to Nepal and Bhutan. Make sure you meet the permit/visa rules before booking.
- Book flights and Tibet/ Bhutan operator services well ahead (30–60 days in high season).
- Confirm the China visa / visa-free rules for Singapore passport holders for your exact travel dates with official MFA / embassy pages — policy can change.
Sample Itinerary 4: Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet Overland EBC Tour – 18 Days
Which neighboring nationalities convenient the same route?
Countries in and around Southeast Asia that commonly use the Singapore–Tibet–Nepal–Bhutan routing include:
- Malaysia
- Thailand
- Brunei
- Philippines
- Japan
- South Korea
(These countries are specifically mentioned in Chinese visa guidance and transit/visa-exemption updates — but the exact conditions and lengths of visa-free/visa-on-arrival or transit privileges vary by passport and over time). As of now, except Philippines, all above nationalities don’t need China visa to visit China mainland and Tibet.
Important — Tibet permit rule: regardless of whether your nationality is eligible for visa-free entry to China, all foreign tourists who want to enter the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) need to obtain a Tibet Travel Permit in advance through a licensed tour operator. Independent travel inside Tibet is not allowed. Do not assume China visa rules remove the Tibet permit requirement.
Possible flight-route and suggestions (by origin country)
Below are sample routing patterns — replace city pairs with your nearest international airport and check schedules for the travel dates.
From Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)
- KL → Chengdu (CTU) or Kunming (KMG) → Lhasa (LXA) (connect at CTU/KMG/PEK). Chengdu–Lhasa has many daily flights (Air China, Sichuan/Tibet Airlines).
- After Tibet: Lhasa → Kathmandu (if seasonal direct available) or Lhasa → Chengdu → Kathmandu. Then Kathmandu → Paro (Drukair/Bhutan Airlines) or KTM → hub → PBH.
From Jakarta (Indonesia)
- JKT → Kunming / Chengdu / Beijing (one-stop) → Lhasa. (Kunming and Chengdu have regular Lhasa services.)
- JKT → Kathmandu (via Kuala Lumpur, Singapore or one-stop carriers) → arrange Tibet permit in KTM if entering from Nepal → KTM → Paro → return to Singapore/JKT.
From Bangkok (Thailand)
- BKK → Chengdu / Kunming / Beijing → Lhasa (direct or via PRC hub). Chengdu–Lhasa frequent services.
- BKK → KTM (frequent international connections) → KTM → Lhasa (overland/flight, permit required) → Paro → BKK/SIN.
From Manila (Philippines) / Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) / Hanoi
- MNL / SGN / HAN → Beijing / Kunming / Chengdu (one-stop) → Lhasa. Alternatively fly to Kathmandu (via regional hub) and then do KTM→Lhasa (via operator).
From Brunei / Cambodia / Laos / Myanmar
- Fly to a major Chinese hub (Kunming, Chengdu or Beijing) or to Kathmandu via connections, then follow the same pattern: hub → Lhasa (book through tour operator), Tibet → Kathmandu → Paro → home.
From Japan
- Fly to a major Chinese hub such as Beijing, Kunming, Chengdu, Shanghai or to Kathmandu. Follow the same pattern: hub → Lhasa (book through tour operator), Tibet → Kathmandu → Paro → home.
About Visas for Tour to Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan
- Tibet visa (China visa) is not necessary for above listing nationalities except Philippines. But every nationalities needs ‘Tibet Travel Permit’ (it is not Tibet group visa or China visa, it is separate one and must needed before fly to Tibet). This Tibet permit, we will make in advance with your scan copies of passports and send to your hotel before fly to Tibet.
- Nepal visa is also mandatory for every nationality but it is easily available upon arrival at airport or border.
- Bhutan visa is also compulsory for all. We will make Bhutan visa in advance with the help of your scanned copies of the passport and photographs sent through your email. It is a paper visa.
