Tibet Bhutan Tour

Most Asked Questions about the Tibet Bhutan Tour

• 1. What Is the Most Classic Route for a Tibet Bhutan Tour? Tibet to Bhutan via Nepal

  The most classic route for a Tibet-Bhutan tour has three parts: first, travel overland from Lhasa to Kathmandu, and then fly from Kathmandu to Paro, Bhutan, and journey from Paro to Punakha via Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. The entire journey takes around 12 days.

  Your adventure starts from Lhasa (3,650m), the capital and spiritual heart of Tibet. During your Lhasa tour, you can spend three days acclimatizing to the high altitude of the lofty Tibetan Plateau while covering Tibet’s most landmark attractions.

  From Lhasa, you will embark on the classic Lhasa to Kathmandu overland tour across the mighty Himalayas, with a thrilling excursion to visit the Tibet Everest Base Camp.

  After spending an amazing night at Tibet EBC, you will enjoy a roller coaster ride to the forested Gyirong Valley, a natural gateway where both travelers and traders pass between Tibet and Nepal. Once you cross Gyirong Port, you can enjoy our seamless border transfer to your hotel in Kathmandu, so you can relax and prepare for your scenic flight to Paro, Bhutan, the next day.

  From Kathmandu, a short and scenic flight takes you to Paro, Bhutan, where the landscape changes to verdant valleys dotted with fortress-like dzongs. Here, you will explore the Paro Valley, the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery, and journey to the lively capital of Thimphu, and keep traveling east to the tranquil beauty of Punakha Valley or even beyond, depending on your time available.

  The most classic Tibet to Bhutan travel route on the map.

• 2. What Are the Top Attractions I Need to Cover for a Tibet Bhutan Tour?

  Despite both being renowned Himalayan destinations, Tibet and Bhutan have distinct landscapes, cultures, and histories. As a result, the travel highlights in these two places are utterly different.

  Perched on the soaring Tibetan Plateau, Tibet is known as “the Roof of the World” and is famous for its majestic Himalayan peaks, pristine alpine lakes, and profound Tibetan Buddhism.

  In Tibet, the must-see attractions are centered around Lhasa, Shigatse, and the far-western region of Ngari. Lhasa is the capital city and spiritual heart of Tibet. 90% of travelers begin their Tibet tour in Lhasa. It’s where you can explore Tibet’s landmarks, including Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, bustling Barkhor Street, Sera Monastery for Tibetan monk debates, and Drepung Monastery.

  After touring Lhasa, if you plan to fulfill your travel bucket list by exploring jaw-dropping Mt. Everest and other highest peaks along the mighty Himalayas, then Shigatse, the second-largest Tibetan city and the gateway to Tibet Everest Base Camp, should be at the top of your travel list for a Tibet Bhutan tour.

  Additionally, if you long for the ultimate spiritual experience on your Tibet Bhutan tour, Ngari, home to Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar in western Tibet, is a must-visit to gain blessings and erase sins of a lifetime from the holiest mountain in Tibet.

  Conversely, Bhutan is tucked away in the eastern Himalayas. It’s much smaller than Tibet, with a lower average altitude of around 3,280m. Compared with Tibet, Bhutan is greener, featuring lush forests, steep valleys, and terraced fields that give it a pastoral charm.

  Touted as the “Last Shangri-La”, Bhutan’s top highlights are mainly scattered in western Bhutan, including Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha.

  Paro lies in the enchanting Paro Valley. It is your entry point into Bhutan via the Paro International Airport. In Paro, you can hike the iconic Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest Monastery, hanging miraculously from the cliff face, and explore Paro Dzong, a majestic fortress.

  Thimphu is Bhutan’s vibrant capital, filled with cultural gems like Tashichho Dzong, Buddha Dordenma Statue, Memorial Chorten, and Dochula Pass. The city is a mix of tradition and modernity, with Tsechu festivals and events that draw both locals and travelers.

  Punakha is Bhutan’s former capital, best known for Punakha Dzong, Bhutan’s most beautiful dzong, set at the confluence of the Mo Chhu River and Pho Chhu River. This sultry and fertile valley region offers scenic hikes and is a perfect place for birding.

• 3. What Is the Best Time for the Tibet Bhutan Tour? March to May, Sept to Oct

  Well, the best time of the year to visit Tibet and Bhutan depends on what you want to do or experience in these two destinations.

  To enjoy the most ideal weather for all outdoor activities, the best time to visit Tibet and Bhutan is between March to May or September to October. You can enjoy perfect road conditions and crystal-clear blue skies for Himalayan views, esp. the unobstructed view of the north face of Mt. Everest at Tibet EBC, and rosy peach blossoms in eastern Tibet and Rhododendron blooms in Bhutan in March and April.

  Additionally, to savor the unique festival vibes in Tibet and Bhutan, during the Saga Dawa Festival (May/June), you can experience the massive celebrations around Mt. Kailash and witness the auspicious Tarboche prayer pole being erected. In Bhutan, during Bhutan festivals, such as Thimphu Tsechu (September/October) and Paro Tsechu (March/April), are prime times to witness dramatic masked cham dance and giant Thangka unfolding.

• 4. Can I Travel Independently for My Tibet Bhutan Tour? No

  No. Both Tibet and Bhutan can only be visited on a pre-booked and organized tour arranged by the local Tibetan and Bhutanese travel agency, as mandated by the Tibet Tourism Bureau and the Department of Tourism of Bhutan.

  However, no worries! These policies are designed to ensure overseas travelers enjoy a safe and mesmerizing travel experience in Tibet and Bhutan because both these two Himalayan destinations are a spiritual realm of Buddhism, tucked away on both sides of the towering Himalayan Range, with a unique alpine climate, Himalayan landscapes, and rich Buddhist traditions unlike anywhere else.

  With English-speaking local experts and supported by our attentive local travel services, you will dive deep into Tibetan and Bhutanese culture and history and enjoy a safe, authentic, and immersive travel experience, which is impossible to achieve through backpacking.

  Meanwhile, we assure you that even if you prefer not to take an organized tour before, joining a guided Tibet Bhutan small group tour that offers you flexibility and safety, reduces travel costs, and respects your privacy and freedom, will completely change your preconceptions about a guided tour.

• 5. What Travel Documents Are Needed for the Tibet Bhutan Tour?

  To visit the Tibet Autonomous Region, overseas travelers first need to apply for a Chinese Tourist Visa (L Visa) and later, depend on your pre-booked local Tibet travel agency like ours, to apply for the Tibet Travel Permit, with which you can legally board the flight or train to Lhasa. We offer you free processing of the Tibet Travel Permit.

  To visit Bhutan, all foreign visitors (except Indian, Maldivian, and Bangladeshi citizens) need a Bhutan visa to enter the country. Your Bhutanese visa is arranged by a licensed Bhutanese tour operator as part of the Minimum Daily Package requirement. Currently, an e-visa is also available through online applications on Bhutan’s official tourism website.

• 6. How Many Days Does a Tibet Bhutan Tour Usually Take? 10 to 15 Days

  To plan a Tibet Bhutan tour, you can budget 4 to 13 days in Tibet and 4 to 7 days in Bhutan to focus on the highlights of Tibet and Bhutan or dive deeper, depending on your time and interests. Here, we offer you three feasible plans for your Tibet Bhutan tour, from the most basic to get a bite of Tibet and Bhutan’s essentials to an in-depth exploration.

  Plan A: Visit Tibet and Bhutan in 8 Days to Get a Glimpse into the Himalayas

  If you are short on time and can only afford a basic Tibet Bhutan tour to get a bite of these two Himalayan regions.

  The perfect choice is to enjoy the 4-day Lhasa tour to explore iconic Tibetan attractions in Lhasa like Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and more, and fly from Lhasa to Kathmandu and change flight to Paro, Bhutan.

  Then, enjoy a 3-day tour from Paro to Thimphu to cover the must-see Bhutanese attractions, including Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Tashichho Dzong, and Buddha Dordenma Statue. It’s a perfect choice for a tight-packed Tibet Bhutan tour.

  Plan B: Explore Tibet and Bhutan in 12 Days with Thrilling EBC Explorations

  If you are keen to explore the Tibet Everest Base Camp for the awe-inspiring Himalayan views in your Tibet Bhutan Tour, then you can spend 7 days in Tibet to travel from Lhasa to Shigatse with EBC exploration included, and keep traveling overland via Gyirong border to Kathmandu.

  Then, catch flights to Paro, Bhutan, and spend another 4 days from Paro to Thimpu and Punakha, three cultural highlights in western Bhutan, to cover some of Bhutan’s best attractions.

  This itinerary rewards you with five of the highest peaks along the mighty Himalayas, such as Makalu (8463m), Lhotse (8516m), Mt. Everest (8848.86m), Cho Oyu (8201m), and Shishapangma (8012m), and overnight at Tibet EBC and Bhutan’s most beautiful dzongs. Adventure awaits!

  Plan C: Go for the 18-day Tibet and Bhutan Tour with Ultimate Mt. Kailash Pilgrimage

  For Buddhist travelers and spiritual seekers who are eager for the ultimate spiritual experience in a Tibet and Bhutan tour, you can spend 12 days traveling from Lhasa to Shigatse to explore the Tibet EBC and further heading west to Ngari to enjoy the epic 3-day Mt. Kailash kora and meditate along the shore of holy Lake Mansarovar before descending to Kathmandu via Gyirong border.

  Then, take a flight from Kathmandu to Paro and cover Paro Valley, Thimphu, and Punakha in another 4 days. The unique spiritual vibes around holy Mt. Kailash, the idyllic countryside view of Bhutan, and the photogenic Bhutanese dzongs and high level of happiness there will leave you spellbound.

• 7. Do I Have to Worry about Altitude Sickness for the Tibet Bhutan Tour? No

  No, you don’t need to worry about it at all. All of our Tibet Bhutan tours are expertly crafted and offer you enough acclimatization days before heading to higher places for travel, esp when you travel in Tibet, where the average altitude is around 4,000m.

  Besides, in Tibet, both your hotel rooms and our comfortable tour vehicles are equipped with oxygen supplies. You can use portable oxygen canisters or larger cylinders whenever needed. Our local experts will also keep a close eye on your health and make sure the daily activities are well-balanced, so you can travel safely and with peace of mind.

  When you descend from the towering Tibetan Plateau to Bhutan, the altitude there is even gentler. Most of Bhutan’s popular destinations, like Paro (2,200m), Thimphu (2,300m), and Punakha (1,200m), are much lower than Tibet. Many travelers feel better once they arrive in Bhutan because the lower altitude and oxygen-rich air make it easier to breathe and explore around.

• 8. What Accommodation Is Available for the Tibet Bhutan Tour?

  The Tibet Bhutan Tour is a long journey, and along the route, you will face a mix of accommodations that cater to different travelers’ needs and budgets.

  For the journey from Lhasa to Kathmandu, you will stay overnight in Lhasa, Shigatse, Tibet Everest Base Camp, Gyirong Town, and Kathmandu. Here is a breakdown of the accommodation available along the way.

  Lhasa (3,650m) is not only the spiritual heart of Tibet for pilgrims but also the largest tourist hub that offers over 1,200 accommodations for global travelers, ranging from 5-star international Lhasa luxury hotels and chic boutique hotels with views of Potala Palace to budget-friendly chain hotels, and newly-renovated 3-star hotels and hostels that perfectly blend Tibetan-décor with modern elegance.

  The majority of hotels in Lhasa lie around the old quarter of Lhasa, centered around Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street, or near the Potala Palace. Most 4-star or higher-standard hotels in Lhasa have a diffuse oxygen supply, heating, and humidifiers for you to enjoy a comfortable stay in arid Lhasa.

  Shigatse (3,845m) is Tibet’s second-largest city and a crucial place for lodging before heading to the Tibet EBC in Tingri County. Over 500 accommodations are available, ranging from limited 4-star hotels to tons of 3-star hotels and hostels scattered around the downtown Samzhubzê District. The 4-star Hilton Shigatse hotel is one of your go-to choices, with only 1.6km to Tashilunpo Monastery.

  The best accommodation at Tibet EBC (5,000m) is the Rongbuk Hotel, equipped with an oxygen supply, private western toilets, a decent restaurant, tap water, underfloor heating, humidifiers, and, more importantly, rooms with epic window views of Mt. Everest. It is such a “luxury” accommodation here, given the extreme altitude and harsh environment.

  Alternatively, you can stay in the newly upgraded tents at Tibet EBC. They are now solid steel rooms with clean flooring, twin beds, soft mattresses, fresh linens, extra blankets, and even small windows with Himalayan views. You can also use electric blankets and oxygen supplies to help you sleep more comfortably at such a high altitude, and public areas offer sofas, hot water dispensers, and sinks for quick refreshments or a warm instant coffee anytime.

  Gyriong Town (2,800m) in Gyriong County is your last lodging place before crossing the border to Kathmandu. As a small border town close to Nepal, Gyriong town offers you only one 4-star hotel and many three-star hotels and hostels to choose from. The low altitude requires no oxygen supply. So, pick any hotel with a clean room for a night's stay here.

  Upon reaching Kathmandu, Nepal, you have an awful lot of choices from top-end luxury and mid-range 4-star hotels in Thamel, the most popular traveler district in Kathmandu, to numerous tourist-friendly boutique hotels and guesthouses around Kathmandu Durbar Square. The luxury hotels here mostly feature traditional architecture, high-end pools, fitness centers, spas, and authentic Nepali and Western cuisines.

  On the other hand, in Bhutan, we follow a “Low Volume, High Value Tourism” policy, which means your stay is carefully arranged in government-certified hotels or traditional homestays.

  If you’re looking for the finest, there are world-class 5-star luxury Bhutan hotels available, run by brands like Aman, COMO, and Six Senses, such as Aman Paro or Six Senses around Tiger’s Nest. These hotels offer spa treatments, personalized cultural experiences, and exquisite service. Prices usually start at around USD 1,000 to over 3,000 per night. We also have locally owned luxury hotels such as Taj Tashi in Thimphu, where the design echoes fortress-style dzongs but with modern amenities.

  Besides, most travelers also choose mid-range 3 to 4-star hotels in Paro and Thimphu. They offer cozy rooms, Bhutanese and international dining, and sometimes evening cultural shows.

  What’s more, if you want to experience authentic Bhutanese life, we can arrange a homestay with local families. Here you can join in farm activities, like making cheese, cooking, or weaving, and share hearty meals with your hosts. While facilities are basic, without air-conditioning, and bathrooms may be shared, the cultural exchange makes it truly memorable.

• 9. What Food Can I Eat during a Tibet Bhutan Tour?

  Tibetan food reflects the harsh plateau climate and geography. The highland barley is the staple of the Tibetan diet. Common cuisines involve yak meat, mutton, Tibetan momo, and Tibetan noodle soup, “Thenthuk,” with ingredients like potatoes, cabbage, and turnips.

  You can taste authentic Tibetan dishes and snacks in a local Tibetan teahouse. It will not only be a culinary discovery but also a local cultural experience for your Tibet tour. BTW, for religious reasons, fish is not eaten in Tibet.

  Besides, if you are missing Western fast food in Lhasa, you can also find McDonald’s, KFC, and Pizza Hut around Barkhor Street. They serve familiar favorites like burgers, fried chicken, fries, pizza, pasta, and Cokes, which is perfect for a quick meal.

  Whereas, in Bhutan, you will be surprised to find that the rice is red with a nutty taste. It is a Bhutanese staple. Besides, Bhutanese cuisine is known for its use of chilies as the main dish, such as Ema Datshi (chilies and cheese). Red rice, pork, fish, and beef are common ingredients, often cooked with spicy sauces.

• 10. How Much Does a Tibet Bhutan Tour Cost? From at least $1,900

  Well, having a Tibet Bhutan tour is not cheap, at least not for backpackers. The total cost of a Tibet Bhutan tour depends on your travel season, tour length, hotel type, tour activities, dining, transportation, guide service, and other personal expenses.

  In Tibet, the tour cost ranges from $600 to several thousand. A large sum of your money goes to transportation, guide service, hotel, driver, dining, entrance fee, and travel permits, without the cost of a flight or train to Tibet included.

  In Bhutan, normally travelers have to pay a minimum tariff of $250-$300 per day (high season) or $200–$250 per day (low season) for travel in Bhutan. The good thing is that it includes hotels, meals, guides, entrance fees, and local transportation, and now the Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is only USD 100 per adult per night and is valid until August 31, 2027.

  For a well-balanced 14-day Tibet-Bhutan tour, budgeting between $3,500 and $5,500 per person (including flights) should provide a comfortable experience, with plenty of options to choose from.

  Well, no worries! We also have two practical solutions to help you cut down your Tibet Bhutan tour cost. You can sign up for Tibet Small Group tours to share transportation fees with global travelers, and enjoy local three-star hotels and entrance tickets, and guided services included. The other way out is to travel in the winter seasons (Dec to Feb) since Bhutan has seasonal discounts and Tibet sees more tangible discounts on hotels and flights during these months.