Home to Mt. Everest, the best places for Himalayan adventures and pilgrimages, Tibet and Nepal are two of the most popular destinations for global travelers and spiritual seekers in the Himalayan region.

For many, it’s common to feel torn between visiting Nepal or Tibet. However, if you have time and budget, visiting both Nepal and Tibet is your best choice for the ultimate Himalayan experience.

In this travel guide, we explore why visiting both Nepal and Tibet is your best way to experience the wonders of the Himalayas and how to prepare for the adventure.

Should I Visit Nepal or Tibet? No Need to Choose, Explore Both!

Combining visits to both Nepal and Tibet gives you a full picture of the best Himalayan landscapes and cultures than visiting just one of these destinations. Here’s why:

Situated on opposite sides of the heart of the Himalayas, Nepal and Tibet jointly share the majestic Mt. Everest. Whether you are planning to explore Everest Base Camp or trek in the Everest region, only by visiting Nepal and Tibet can you fully appreciate the best Himalayan landscape from different perspectives.

Besides, as a cultural crossroads between India and China, Nepal is not only the birthplace of the Lord Buddha but also witnessed the spread of Buddhism into Tibet from India in the 7th century. There are endless connections between Nepali and Tibetan cultures. Having a Nepal-Tibet tour helps you gain a deeper insight into the culture of the Himalayan region from a broader perspective.

What’s more, traveling between Tibet and Nepal can’t be easier! Apart from the non-stop flights connecting Kathmandu to Lhasa in just 2hrs. You can travel overland between Lhasa and Kathmandu with a thrilling excursion to Tibet Everest Camp in around 7 days.

Our guests enjoy our smooth border transfer from Kathmandu to Tibet.

The Best Way to Travel between Tibet and Nepal: Overland Adventure

Instead of flying between Tibet and Nepal, the correct and most rewarding way to unlock the breathtaking Himalayan landscapes and hidden gems along the way is through the overland adventure.

To most travelers who enter Tibet from its capital city Lhasa, the classic 7-day Lhasa to Kathmandu overland tour is your best way to explore Tibet and Nepal. This epic 1,300km overland adventure brings you from Lhasa to Shigatse with a lifetime adventure at Tibet EBC to admire with lofty Mt. Everest before enjoying a rollercoaster ride across Gyirong Valley to Kathmandu.

7 Days Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Small Group Tour: Traverse from the North Side to the South Side of Mt.Everest for the Best of the Himalayas

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Gyirong - Kathmandu

Price from USD989 p.p

Enjoy the epic Lhasa to Kathmandu overland tour across majestic Himalayas.

If you first explored Nepal, then embarking on the classic 8-day Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour across the mighty Himalayas would be a fantastic choice. You will first cross Gyirong Port, the Sino-Nepal border, into Tibet from Kathmandu. Then, explore explore the lush Gyirong Valley. From there, head to Tibet’s Everest Base Camp to stand in awe of Mt. Everest and finally, follow the scenic G318 Highway from Shigatse to Lhasa.

8 Days Driving Across Himalaya Overland Adventure from Kathmandu to Lhasa

Tour Route: Kathmandu - Gyirong - Everest Base Camp - Tingri - Shigatse - Gyantse - Lhasa

Price from USD1019 p.p

Cross the mighty Himalayas from Kathmandu to Lhasa with our seamless border transfer offered by our Kathmandu office.

No matter which way you decide to begin your Tibet and Nepal overland adventure, we can help you secure Tibet Travel Permits and, a China Group Visa and arrange seamless border transfer, local experts, and offer high-quality local hotels to select from and more to ensure you an immersive and hassle-free Tibet Nepal adventure.

Flights Make It Easy and Convenient to Explore Tibet and Nepal

If you are short on time, after you’ve finished touring Tibet or Nepal, you can easily board the non-stop flight from Lhasa Gonggar International Airport to Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport or vice versa in around 2 hours.

Currently, the flight between Nepal and Tibet is operated by Himalayan Airlines and operates on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Please, check the detailed flight schedule below.

Lhasa to Kathmandu Flight Schedule 2026

In addition, due to the dramatic altitude difference, if you plan to fly from Kathmandu (1,400m) to Lhasa (3,656m), after you land in Lhasa, don’t rush to roam over Lhasa Street and avoid strenuous activities like jumping and running. Having a good sleep in your hotel rooms and staying hydrated is the best way to avoid acute altitude sickness due to quick altitude ascent.

Our local experts greet guests arriving from Kathmandu at Lhasa Gonggar Airport.

More Adventure Awaits: Discover Tibet and Nepal by Motorbike, Bike, or Self-Drive

Apart from riding on a tour vehicle to enjoy the overland tour between Tibet and Nepal, for adventurous travelers who looking for more adventures, freedom, and diverse local encounters, you have three more options: motorbike, bike, and self-drive.

Biking in Tibet and Nepal is the most physically challenging way of travel, esp on the towering Tibetan Plateau with expansive rollercoaster roads, powerful UV light, and thin air. However, with professional team support, you can pedal through breathtaking Himalayan landscapes at your own pace.

16 Days Cycling across the Himalayas, Lhasa to Kathmandu Bike Adventure

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyangtse - Shigatse - Lhatse - Everest Base Camp - Rongphuk - Gyirong - Kathmandu

Price from USD2790USD p.p

Pedal through winding road from the Tibetan Plateau to the bustling Kathmandu Valley via the Tibet Everest Base Camp.

Motorbiking and self-driving in Tibet and Nepal allow you to feel the thrill of the open road as you rev your way across the vast Tibetan Plateau, conquer high mountain passes, and cruise down winding Himalayan roads. The roar of your vehicle, the crisp mountain air, and the sheer freedom make every mile an adrenaline rush.

11 Days Lhasa to Kathmandu Motorcycle Expedition

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Kathmandu

Price from USD p.p

Hop on your roaring motorbike and drive past the world’s highest peak along the Himalayas to Kathmandu.

Accompanied by our local experts with a whole team supporting you behind, you can stop whenever you want to snap photos of yaks grazing, visit hidden monasteries, sip tea with locals in roadside villages, and roll into Kathmandu with stories to last a lifetime.

7 Day Lhasa to Kathmandu Self Drive Road Trip via the Sino-Nepal Friendship Highway

Tour Route: Lhasa - Yamdrok Lake - Gyantse - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Gyirong - Kathmandu

Price from USD1,599 p.p

Fulfill your travel bucket list to drive through the majestic Himalayas from Tibet to Nepal in a week.

With Local Offices in Tibet and Nepal, We Guarantee a Smooth Trip

Whether you travel by road or flight from Nepal to Tibet or in reverse, as TripAdvisor’s most trusted local Tibet travel agency with offices in Lhasa, Kathmandu, and Chengdu, we offer you one-stop services to ensure a seamless and hassle-free travel experience in both Tibet and Nepal.

(Welcome to visit our Kathmandu office - Tibet Vista Kathmandu)

For our guests who plan to cross the Gyirong Port, the Nepal-China land border, to enter or exit Tibet from or to Nepal, we can help you secure Tibet Travel Permits, China Group Visa, and provide you with a smooth border transfer, and book local hotels for crossing the borders, which will save you from tons of hassles and valuable time.

For our guests who prefer to fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa or vice versa, we can help you book international flights between Nepal and Tibet, arrange tourist-friendly airport transfers and local pickup services to and from your hotels, and offer you diverse high-quality hotels to choose from or even arrange one-stop services for Tibet Nepal Bhutan tours for you to cover top 3 Himayalan kingdoms.

Our local Nepal staff transfers our guests from Gyirong Port to Kathmandu.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, instead of choosing just Nepal or Tibet to visit, visiting both Nepal and Tibet offers you the most fulfilling Himalayan experience like no other! Whether you are a spiritual seeker or an outdoorsy traveler for an unforgettable road trip, this combined Tibet-Nepal adventure is your best way to truly embrace the Himalayas.

If you have more questions about visiting Tibet and Nepal, please don’t hesitate to email us for free and expert travel consultancy. Looking forward to exploring both Tibet and Nepal with you, Tashi Delek!