# Himalayan Destinations

## Himalayan destinations: Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan

The Himalaya stretches for about 2,400 kilometres across Asia, and three very different countries along it are within easy reach of Kathmandu. **Nepal** is home to Mount Everest and the world's best trekking; **Tibet**, on the high plateau to the north, is the heartland of Tibetan Buddhism; and **Bhutan**, the last Himalayan kingdom, protects its culture and forests through a policy of "high value, low impact" tourism.

We plan treks and tours in all three from our office in Kathmandu, and we can link them into one **multi-country Himalayan trip**: **Nepal and Tibet** via the Lhasa flight or the overland route, or **Nepal and Bhutan** via the flight to Paro. Choose a destination below to explore its regions, trips and travel information.

- **Gateway:** Kathmandu, with flights to Lhasa and Paro
- **Best seasons:** spring and autumn in all three countries
- **Trips:** private tours and group departures

## Himalayan destinations guide: Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan compared

The Himalaya is the highest mountain range on Earth, stretching in a great arc from Pakistan in the west to the eastern borders of India and Bhutan. Its central and eastern sections, around **Nepal**, **Tibet** and **Bhutan**, contain most of the world's highest peaks and some of the richest mountain cultures anywhere. Each is very different, and together they make a great trip.

This guide compares the three destinations, explains how to travel between them from Kathmandu, and covers visas and permits, seasons, costs, altitude, sample multi-country itineraries and tips for choosing the right destination. It is written by the Himalayan Hiking team, who plan Himalayan journeys from our office in Kathmandu.

## Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan at a glance

NepalTibetBhutanBest forTrekking, variety, wildlifeBuddhist culture, high plateau, Everest north faceDzongs, forests, festivalsCapital / gatewayKathmanduLhasaThimphu / ParoTypical altitude70 m to 8,849 mMostly above 3,600 mMostly 1,200–3,500 m on tour routesTravel styleIndependent or guidedOrganised tours onlyGuided travel outside the main townsEntry from Nepal—Flight to Lhasa or overland via KerungFlight to ParoMain documentsVisa on arrival or onlineChinese group visa, Tibet Travel PermitBhutan visa, Sustainable Development FeeBest seasonsOct–Nov, Mar–AprApr–OctMar–May, Sep–NovTypical trip1–3 weeks4–10 days (longer for Kailash)4–10 days## Nepal: the heart of the Himalaya

**Nepal** is the most varied of the three. Within one country you can trek to Everest Base Camp, circle the Annapurna massif, climb a 6,000-metre peak, explore the World Heritage cities of the Kathmandu Valley, relax by the lakes of Pokhara, track rhinos in Chitwan National Park and visit Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha. Nepal suits every budget and style, from simple teahouse treks to luxury lodges and helicopter tours, and it is the natural starting point for journeys to Tibet and Bhutan.

Choose Nepal if you want to trek, if you want variety in one trip, or if you are visiting the Himalaya for the first time. See our Nepal destination page for regions, trips and travel information.

## Tibet: the roof of the world

**Tibet** lies on a vast high plateau north of the Himalaya, with an average altitude of more than 4,000 metres. Its capital, Lhasa, is home to the Potala Palace and the Jokhang Temple, the spiritual centre of Tibetan Buddhism. The classic overland route from Lhasa passes Yamdrok Lake, Gyantse and Shigatse to the north side of Everest, while the far west holds Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar, among the most sacred places in Asia.

Choose Tibet if you are fascinated by Tibetan Buddhist culture, want to see Everest's north face by road, or plan a Kailash pilgrimage. Tibet requires an organised tour with a licensed guide and special permits, and its altitude requires careful acclimatisation.

## Bhutan: the last Himalayan kingdom

**Bhutan** is a small kingdom east of Nepal, known for its policy of Gross National Happiness and its commitment to conservation. Its valleys are dominated by great dzongs, its forests cover most of the country, and its colourful tshechu festivals feature sacred masked dances. Highlights include the cliffside Tiger's Nest monastery in Paro, the capital Thimphu, the Dochu La pass and the magnificent Punakha Dzong.

Choose Bhutan if you want a calm, uncrowded and carefully managed travel experience, pristine nature and living Buddhist culture. Most visitors pay a daily Sustainable Development Fee, which makes Bhutan more expensive than Nepal, but it funds the country's conservation and social programmes.

## How to choose your Himalayan destination

- **For trekking:** Nepal offers the widest range of treks, with teahouses on most routes. Bhutan has remote camping treks, and Tibet has the Kailash kora and treks near Everest.
- **For culture:** all three are rich, but Tibet and Bhutan offer the most concentrated Tibetan Buddhist culture, while Nepal blends Hindu and Buddhist traditions with many ethnic cultures.
- **For mountain views without trekking:** try Nepal's helicopter tours and mountain flights, the Kathmandu–Paro and Kathmandu–Lhasa flights, or the road to Everest Base Camp in Tibet.
- **For wildlife:** Nepal's Chitwan and Bardia national parks are the best places to see rhinos and tigers. Bhutan's forests and Phobjikha valley are excellent for birds.
- **For a first visit:** Nepal is the easiest starting point, with the most flexible travel and the widest choice of activities.
- **For budget:** Nepal offers the best value; Tibet and Bhutan are more expensive because of permits, guides and fees.

## Kathmandu: gateway to the Himalaya

**Kathmandu** is the natural hub for Himalayan travel. Tribhuvan International Airport has connections to the Middle East, South and Southeast Asia and China, with onward links worldwide. From Kathmandu, direct flights reach **Lhasa** in Tibet and **Paro** in Bhutan, and roads lead north to the Tibetan border at Kerung. The Chinese group visa needed for Tibet is issued in Kathmandu, and Bhutan visas can be arranged before you arrive.

Many travellers spend a few days in Kathmandu at the start of a multi-country trip, exploring the Kathmandu Valley's World Heritage Sites while visas and permits are finalised, and preparing for the higher altitudes of Tibet or a trek in Nepal.

## Visas and permits for each country

### Nepal

Most nationalities can get a tourist visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport or apply online. Indian citizens do not need a visa. Trekking permits are required in national parks and conservation areas, and restricted areas need special permits and a licensed guide.

### Tibet

Travellers entering from Nepal usually need a **Chinese group visa** issued in Kathmandu and a **Tibet Travel Permit**, plus further permits for areas outside Lhasa. Independent travel is not allowed; you must book an organised tour with a licensed guide. Tibet can close to foreigners for short periods, often around February and March.

### Bhutan

Most visitors need a **Bhutan visa**, approved before travel, and pay a **Sustainable Development Fee** for each night. Indian citizens need an entry permit instead of a visa and pay a lower fee. A licensed guide is required for most travel beyond Thimphu and Paro and for all treks.

Rules and fees in all three countries change from time to time. We confirm the latest requirements when you enquire and arrange all documents as part of your trip.

## Best time to visit the Himalaya

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best seasons across the region, with clear skies and pleasant temperatures. **Autumn** offers the clearest mountain views and major festivals in Nepal and Bhutan. **Spring** brings rhododendron forests into bloom and the Everest climbing season. **Summer** is the monsoon in Nepal and Bhutan, but Tibet's high plateau stays relatively dry, making it a good time for Tibet and for rain-shadow areas such as Upper Mustang. **Winter** is cold but often clear, excellent for lower treks and cultural tours in Nepal and Bhutan.

## Altitude across the region

Altitude varies greatly between destinations. Kathmandu lies at about 1,400 m, Paro at around 2,200 m and Lhasa at about 3,650 m. Tibet's overland routes, Everest Base Camp and the Kailash kora go well above 5,000 m, as do many treks in Nepal and Bhutan. When combining countries, plan the order carefully: travelling from Nepal to Tibet overland allows gradual acclimatisation, while flying directly to Lhasa requires rest days on arrival. Our itineraries always include time to acclimatise, and we recommend travel insurance that covers high altitude and medical evacuation.

## Sample multi-country itineraries

### Nepal and Bhutan (10–12 days)

Three days in the Kathmandu Valley, two days in Pokhara or a short trek, then a flight to Paro for five days in western Bhutan: Paro, Thimphu, Dochu La, Punakha and the hike to Tiger's Nest.

### Nepal and Tibet (12–14 days)

Two days in Kathmandu while the Chinese group visa is issued, a flight to Lhasa for three days of sightseeing, then an overland journey via Gyantse, Shigatse and Everest Base Camp back to the Nepal border and Kathmandu.

### Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan (16–20 days)

The complete Himalayan journey: the Kathmandu Valley and Pokhara, a Lhasa tour with a flight in and out of Kathmandu, and a week in Bhutan. This itinerary requires careful planning of flights and visas, which we arrange for you.

### Trek and tour combinations

Many travellers combine a trek in Nepal, such as Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Base Camp, with a short tour of Bhutan or Tibet. After two weeks of trekking, a few days of culture in Bhutan's dzongs or Lhasa's monasteries is the perfect contrast.

## Costs and budgeting

Costs vary considerably between the three destinations. **Nepal** is the most affordable, with a wide range of accommodation and transport. **Tibet** tours cost more because they must include a licensed guide, private transport and permits for the whole itinerary. **Bhutan** is generally the most expensive because of the daily Sustainable Development Fee, although it funds free health care, education and conservation in the country. Flights between Kathmandu, Lhasa and Paro are limited and should be booked early, especially in peak seasons and festival periods. We provide a clear, itemised quote for every multi-country trip.

## Other destinations

Beyond Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan, the Himalaya continues into **India**, with regions such as Sikkim, Darjeeling, Ladakh and the Himalayan foothills. Many travellers combine Nepal with India overland or by air. Contact us if you would like to include other destinations in your journey.

## Travelling responsibly in the Himalaya

The Himalaya's mountains, forests and cultures are fragile and precious. Wherever you travel, choose local companies that treat their staff fairly, respect local customs and religious sites, dress modestly, ask before taking photographs of people, avoid single-use plastic and carry your rubbish out of the mountains. In Bhutan, the Sustainable Development Fee directly supports conservation; in Nepal and Tibet, staying in locally run lodges and hiring local guides helps tourism benefit mountain communities.

## The great peaks of the region

The central and eastern Himalaya contains most of the world's highest mountains. Nepal alone is home to eight of the fourteen peaks above 8,000 metres, several of them on its border with Tibet.

MountainHeightLocationHow to see itEverest8,849 mNepal–Tibet borderEverest Base Camp trek (Nepal), Rongbuk (Tibet), helicopter tour, mountain flightKanchenjunga8,586 mNepal–Sikkim borderKanchenjunga trek, Kathmandu–Paro flightLhotse8,516 mNepal–Tibet borderEverest region treksMakalu8,485 mNepal–Tibet borderMakalu treks, views from Everest region and TibetCho Oyu8,188 mNepal–Tibet borderGokyo Lakes trek, Tibet overland routeDhaulagiri8,167 mNepalPoon Hill, Annapurna treks, Jomsom flightManaslu8,163 mNepalManaslu CircuitAnnapurna I8,091 mNepalAnnapurna Base Camp trek, helicopter tourShishapangma8,027 mTibetTibet overland route, views from LangtangBhutan's highest peaks, such as Gangkhar Puensum and Jomolhari, are slightly lower but no less beautiful. Gangkhar Puensum is often described as the highest unclimbed mountain in the world, as mountaineering on Bhutan's high peaks is not permitted.

## Cultures of the Himalaya

Although they share mountains and many traditions, the three countries have distinct cultures. **Nepal** is a meeting point of Hindu and Buddhist traditions and home to more than a hundred ethnic groups, from the Newars of the Kathmandu Valley to the Sherpas of the Khumbu and the Tharus of the Terai. **Tibet** has a strong Tibetan Buddhist culture shaped by life on the high plateau, with nomadic herding, great monasteries and pilgrimage traditions. **Bhutan** has its own form of Buddhism, the Drukpa Kagyu school, and a national culture that is actively protected through dress codes, architecture and language. Travelling through all three shows how mountain peoples have adapted to the Himalaya in different ways.

## Festival calendar across the region

SeasonNepalTibetBhutanFeb–MarLosar, Maha Shivaratri, HoliLosar (Tibet may be closed)Losar, Punakha festivalApr–MayNepali New Year, Buddha JayantiSaga DawaParo TshechuJul–AugJanai Purnima, TeejShoton FestivalSummer festivals in some districtsSep–NovIndra Jatra, Dashain, Tihar, Mani RimduAutumn pilgrimagesThimphu Tshechu, crane festivalMost festivals follow lunar calendars, so dates change each year. Ask us for exact dates when planning your trip.

## Getting to Kathmandu

Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu is served by airlines from the Middle East, India, China and South-East Asia, with convenient connections from Europe, North America and Australia via hubs such as Doha, Dubai, Istanbul, Delhi, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur. Many nationalities can obtain a Nepal visa on arrival. We meet you at the airport and arrange all onward travel, including flights to Lhasa and Paro.

## Travel insurance and health

Travel insurance is essential for any Himalayan journey. Your policy should cover medical treatment, trip cancellation and, if you plan to trek, climb or visit high areas such as Tibet, travel to your maximum altitude and emergency helicopter evacuation. Consult a travel health clinic before departure about recommended vaccinations, and carry any personal medication. In all three countries, drink only treated water and eat freshly cooked food. If you have heart or lung conditions, talk to your doctor before travelling to high altitude, especially in Tibet.

## Packing for a multi-country trip

A journey through Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan can include warm lowland jungle, temperate valleys and freezing high passes, sometimes in the same week. Pack layers: light clothing for warm days, a fleece and a warm down jacket for evenings and high altitude, a waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes, a sun hat, sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen. For visits to dzongs in Bhutan, bring long-sleeved shirts and long trousers or skirts. Keep luggage light, as domestic and regional flights have baggage limits, and leave extra bags at your hotel in Kathmandu.

## Getting around between the three countries

Travel between Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan revolves around Kathmandu. There are direct flights from Kathmandu to **Lhasa** and to **Paro**, but no direct flights between Lhasa and Paro, so a three-country trip usually returns to Kathmandu between Tibet and Bhutan. The overland route between Kathmandu and Tibet crosses the border at **Kerung (Gyirong)**, north of Kathmandu. Bhutan can also be entered overland from India. Because flights are limited and visas must be arranged in advance, multi-country itineraries need careful planning, especially in peak season.

## Choosing the order of your trip

When combining destinations, the order matters. Starting in **Kathmandu** gives time to recover from your international flight and to finalise the Chinese group visa for Tibet. If you plan to visit Tibet and trek in Nepal, trekking first helps you acclimatise before flying to Lhasa, while travelling overland into Tibet allows gradual acclimatisation. Bhutan's lower altitudes make it a good place to finish a trip, relaxing after the high plateau or a trek. We will suggest the best order for your dates, interests and flight availability.

## Travelling solo, as a couple or in a group

Himalayan journeys work well for every kind of traveller. **Solo travellers** can join small-group departures in Nepal and group tours in Tibet, which reduce costs for permits and vehicles. **Couples** often choose private tours with boutique hotels and special experiences such as an Everest helicopter tour or a festival in Bhutan. **Families and friends** travelling together can book private itineraries tailored to their pace and interests. For larger groups, such as pilgrimages or school and club trips, we arrange group flights, hotels and transport.

## Languages and communication

English is widely spoken in the tourism industry in all three destinations. In Nepal, Nepali is the national language, with many regional languages; in Tibet, Tibetan and Mandarin Chinese are spoken; and in Bhutan, Dzongkha is the national language, with English used in schools and government. Learning a few words, such as *namaste* in Nepal, *tashi delek* in Tibet and *kuzuzangpo la* in Bhutan, is always appreciated. Mobile coverage is good in cities and along main roads, but many international apps are restricted in Tibet, so plan ahead.

## Money across the region

Each country has its own currency: the Nepali rupee in Nepal, the Chinese yuan in Tibet and the ngultrum in Bhutan, which is pegged to the Indian rupee. ATMs are available in major towns in all three countries, but cash is essential in rural and mountain areas. Carry some US dollars in clean, recent notes for emergencies and for visa payments where required. Tipping guides, drivers and porters at the end of a trip is customary throughout the region.

## Plan your Himalayan journey with Himalayan Hiking

Our office is in Kathmandu. We plan treks and tours in Nepal and, with licensed partners, in Tibet and Bhutan, handling visas, permits, flights, hotels, transport and licensed guides. Choose a destination above to explore its regions and trips, or contact us with your dates and interests, and we will design a Himalayan journey around you.

## Frequently asked questions
### Which is better to visit: Nepal, Tibet or Bhutan?
**Nepal** is best for trekking, wildlife and variety, and suits every budget. **Tibet** is best for Tibetan Buddhist culture, the high plateau and the north side of Everest. **Bhutan** is best for pristine forests, fortress monasteries and a calm, carefully managed travel experience. Many travellers combine two of them.

### Can I visit Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan in one trip?
Yes. Kathmandu has direct flights to both Lhasa and Paro, so a combined trip is easy to arrange. A two-week itinerary might include four or five days in Nepal, five days in Tibet and four days in Bhutan. Visas and permits must be arranged in advance for Tibet and Bhutan.

### Do I need a guide in Tibet and Bhutan?
Yes. Foreign visitors to **Tibet** must travel on an organised tour with a licensed guide and a Tibet Travel Permit. In **Bhutan**, a licensed guide is required for most sightseeing beyond the main towns and for all treks. In Nepal, guides are required on most trekking routes.

### What is the best time to visit the Himalaya?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are best across the region. Tibet is also pleasant from June to August, as the high plateau receives far less monsoon rain than Nepal or Bhutan.

### Where do Himalayan tours start?
Most of our multi-country tours start and end in **Kathmandu**, which has good international connections and direct flights to Lhasa and Paro. We meet you at the airport and arrange all flights, permits and transfers between countries.


Web page: https://www.himalayanhiking.com/destinations