The Nepal Bhutan Tibet Tour combines three mountainous, exotic Asian countries into a single trip.
This Himalayan tour includes the best of all 3 regions. You get a journey through the unique art, architecture, local customs and diverse natural beauty of Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet.
It includes the best of sightseeing tours along with a glimpse into the local culture of these diverse and exciting countries.
Outline Itinerary Nepal Bhutan Tibet Tour
Day 01: Arrive at Kathmandu airport and transfer to hotel
Day 02: Full day Sightseeing Tour
Day 03: Kathmandu – Pokhara
Day 04: Full day sightseeing tour of Pokhara
Day 05: Pokhara – Chitwan
Day 06: Full day of wild jungle activities in Chitwan
Day 07: Chitwan – Kathmandu
Day 08: Kathmandu (Nepal)- Paro- Thimphu (Bhutan)
Day 09: Thimpu Sight-Seeing- Paro
Day 10: Tiger nest Monetary Hike and Tour
Day 11: Paro (Bhutan)- Kathmandu ( Nepal)
Day 12: Kathmandu ( Nepal) – Lhasa- (Tibet)
Day 13: Full day Lhasa tour
Day 14: Full day Lhasa tour
Day 15: Lhasa (Tibet) – Kathmandu ( Nepal)
Day 16: Transfer to international airport for your final flight departure
Detail Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive at Kathmandu Airport and Transfer to Hotel
Altitude: 1300m
Kathmandu has the only international airport of Nepal. Hence, all international travelers by flight land here. On arrival, you will meet one of the representatives of the tour company who will transfer you to the hotel.
Depending on your time of arrival and needs, you can choose one of the following:
Relax at the hotel (you can indulge in the spa facilities near you) or Explore the area near you (Thamel- tourist shopping and coffee spot).
Overnight at the hotel after a brief of the upcoming trip.
Day 02: Full Day Sightseeing Tour
Kathmandu, the city of temples has much to offer. Today, you can visit some of the most famous places in Kathmandu. These can include Pashupatinath Temple, Boudha Stupa, Swoyambhu.
Else, you can visit the ancient palace squares of Kathmandu and neighboring districts. This includes Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square or Basantapur Durbar Square.
These sites were homes of ancient kings and queens of Kathmandu region. All these are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
All 3 of the squares have their own set of temples, architecture, history and unique appeal.
Drive back to the hotel and overnight here.
Day 03: Kathmandu – Pokhara
Drive: 6-8 hours
Distance: 200km
You will take a drive to Pokhara, the city of lakes. This 200km road takes you through beautiful green forests, terrace farms. On the way, you can also see views of the magnificent Himalayas and the surrounding hills with patches of local villages.
Depending on how early you arrive in Pokhara, you choose to rest or explore the city.
Overnight at Pokhara.
Day 04: Full Day Sightseeing Tour of Pokhara
The day begins with a short drive to Sarangkot. At Sarangkot, you can catch the sun rising in the mighty Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges.
After the magnificent view, you begin your tour of the lovely Pokhara city. You can visit all the temples like Bingdyabasini and Barahi temples.
Else, take a boat ride in Phewa Lake or visit the nearby lakes of Rupa and Begnas.
You can also take short walks to Seti Gandaki Gorge, Devi’s fall, Mahendra Cave, Bat cave or the stupa.
In the evening, you can choose to rest or spend your time in the many pubs, bars, cozy cafes and restaurants located near the lake. It provides a beautiful atmosphere and end to your time in Pokhara.
Overnight at Pokhara.
Day 05: Pokhara – Chitwan
Distance: 86 km
Duration: 4-6 hours
Chitwan houses the famous Chitwan National Park (CNP), the first national park of Nepal. It is also on the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
On arrival, you will check into the hotel. After this, you will go to a wildlife and Tharu village tour. You can also enjoy a local dance program.
Overnight at Chitwan
Day 06: Chitwan National Park- Full Day Jungle Activities
You can begin your day early for a jungle safari. You go through dense grasslands to enjoy the wildlife of the region in their natural habitat.
From here, you go back to the hotel for breakfast. After this, you can visit the elephant stable or enjoy an elephant bath. From here, you can choose to take a jeep safari through other parts of the National Park.
Else, you can choose to do a canoe ride in the Rapti river along the jungle.
While canoeing, you can get a close look at the Gharial crocodiles in their natural habitat, sunbathing or floating in the river. Canoeing is one of the many adventure activities to do in Nepal.
On the jeep safari, you go deep into the jungle to spot different wildlife of the forest. Some of the animals to look out for are spotted deer, the endangered one-horn Rhinoceros, Royal Bengal Tiger along with other wild animals.
If lucky, you may even spot the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger. You can also choose to do nature walks to enjoy the wide variety of flora and fauna or bird watching.
Overnight at Chitwan.
Day 07: Chitwan – Kathmandu
Duration- 6-7 hours
Distance- 175 km
After the wonderful safari activities, you return back to the capital city of Kathmandu.
Once here, you can choose to relax at the hotel or explore the city.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 08: Kathmandu (Nepal) – Paro- Thimphu (Bhutan)
Duration: 1hr 20min
Distance- 400 km by air
Paro-Thimphu Duration: 1hr 17min
Paro-Thimphu Distance: 50.8 km
After breakfast at the hotel, your driver will drop you to the airport for your flight to Bhutan.
After clearing customs and immigration, you will exit from Paro airport. Here, your guide and driver for the Bhutan tour will greet you outside the terminal building. From here, you transfer to the hotel in Thimphu.
Paro and Thimphu include some of the best Bhutan tourist attractions.
Depending on your arrival you can visit some places in Paro today as well. Some places to visit in Paro are Kyichu Lhakhang, Paro Dzong.
Overnight in hotel in Thimphu
Day 09: Sightseeing Tour in Thimpu
You tour for Thimphu can include any or most or all the following places.
- National Memorial Chorten
- Zilukha Nunnery or Drubthob Nunnery
- Takin Sanctuary
- An Indigenous Hospital
- Textile Museum
- Folk Heritage Museum
- Zo Rig Chusum or Traditional School of Arts & Crafts
- Handmade Paper Factory
- The Post Office
- Tashicho Dzong.
In the evening, you will drive to Paro and check in at the hotel.
Day 10: Sightseeing Tour in Paro
In the morning, you can take an excursion to Taktsang Monastery also known as Tiger’s Nest.
While returning, you can visit the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong. If you didn’t get to visit the other two places on your arrival, you can visit those. Else, you can have a free afternoon or visit the local farmhouses and market.
Overnight at hotel in Paro.
Day 11: Paro (Bhutan)- Kathmandu ( Nepal)
Fly back to Kathmandu, Nepal. Be sure to get the window seat. You will get fabulous views of some of the highest mountain peaks in the world on clear days.
You can even enjoy the birds-eye view of Mt. Everest on this flight. Some pilots announce it on speaker.
Once in Kathmandu, we’ll transfer you to the hotel. You have a free afternoon or evening. You can choose to rest at the hotel or roam around the city.
Overnight at Kathmandu.
Day 12: Kathmandu ( Nepal) – Lhasa- (Tibet)
KTM- Gongkhar Airport Duration- 1 hour 20mins
KTM- Gongkhar Airport Distance- 605km
Airport- Lhasa Duration- 1 hour
Airport- Lhasa Distance- 60km
After breakfast, drive to Kathmandu Airport for the flight to Gongkhar Airport, Lhasa(3650m).
On your flight to Lhasa, you get an aerial view of some of the highest mountain peaks in the world. You can see mountains like Mt. Everest(8,848m), Kanchenjunga (8,536m) and other Himalayan peaks and glaciers.
From here, your local Tibetan guide will pick you up and drop you to your hotel. Rest well to help your body acclimatize to the sudden change in altitude.
Day 13-14: Sightseeing in Lhasa City
During the two days, you can visit and do quite a lot in Lhasa. You can visit some of the popular places in Lhasa like:
- Potala Palace- Once the Winter Palace of Dalai Lama is now more a museum than a palace.
- This cardinal landmark of Tibet stands 13 stories high and has over 1000 rooms, 10000 shrines, and 200000 statues.
- Drepung Monastery was once the largest monastery in Tibet and the world.
- Sera Monastery- The 2nd biggest monastery in Tibet.
- Jokhang Temple- The oldest and most sacred temple in Tibet. House to the golden statue of Shakyamuni Buddha
- Norbulingka Palace- Once the Summer Palace of the Dalai Lama.
- Bhakhor Free Market- Ancient and largest market in Tibet. You can shop for souvenirs and trinkets for your home and memories.
- Tibet Traditional Hospital- Center for the treatment, training, research, and production of Tibetan medicine.
- Ganden Monastery- One of the ‘great three’ of the six Gelug Sect monasteries in Tibet. Home to delicate and fine murals and sculptures, a suit of armor decorated with gems.
- Drayerpa Cave- There are more than 30 caves in the area. Please maintain silence as there are monks meditating here.
Day 15: Lhasa (Tibet) – Kathmandu ( Nepal)
After breakfast, your driver will drop you at the airport. In Kathmandu, you will once again meet up with the driver of Nepal. You will then transfer to your hotel. Once here, you are free for the day.
Overnight at Kathmandu.
Day 16: Transfer to International Airport for Your Final Departure
The vehicle and driver will be at the hotel and will be ready to take you to the airport an hour and a half before your scheduled flight.
Best Time for Nepal Bhutan Tibet Tour
All 3 countries have a diverse climate. Taking the climate of three kingdoms into consideration, the best time to do this tour are the autumn and spring seasons.
In other words, the best months to do this tour are September and October (autumn months) along with April and May (Spring months).
Although March could be a good month to visit the 3 countries, Tibet closes off to foreign travelers during this month.
Yet, the 4 months mentioned have some of the most moderate temperature and sunny weather. You can enjoy your sightseeing tour in bright, warm and dry days. These months also have great clarity with clear blue skies. Hence, you get plenty of fabulous mountain viewing opportunities.
Nepal Bhutan Tibet Tour Cost
The cost for this tour package depends on:
- Time of Travel
- Group Size
It also depends on the inclusion and exclusion of the cost of many services or fees such as:
- Visa and Permits
- Entrance Fee
- Meals and Accommodation
- Transportation within the 3 countries
- Airport pick and drop off services
- Guide, Driver
On an average, this 16-day tour can cost anywhere between US$ 3750-5000 per person.
Packing Essentials
Packing for any trip can be difficult. Some of the essentials for this tour are:
- Neat, loose pants
- Sweat pants or fleece pants (for lounging around the hotel)
- long sleeve shirts
- T-shirts
- Wool sweater or fleece (for the higher altitudes)
- Socks
- Underwear, bra
- Shorts (Elephant bath and other moments)
- Bandanna or scarf
- Boots
- Rain jacket (Unpredictable weather at times)
- Warm jacket (fleece or down for higher altitudes)
- Sandals (walks around the hotel or nearby)
- Hat(s)
- Travel duffel bag or Sturdy backpack
- Day pack
- Sleeping bag (if uncomfortable sleeping in hotel beds)
- First Aid Kit (Make sure to include Diamox)
- Good UV protection sunglasses
- Combination padlock
- Flashlight and batteries (power supply may be out for certain hours)
- Small travel alarm clock
- Soap/toothbrush/toothpaste/ shampoo/conditioner
- Sunblock (at least SPF 15)
- Tampons and/or sanitary napkins
- Towel
- Water bottle (sturdy and reusable)
- Novels or other forms of entertainment
- Swiss Army knife or multi-tool knife
- Plastic bags in varying sizes (to store dirty clothes or garbage)
- Supply of snacks (great motivators while walking)
Note: The list given is only a guideline. Feel free to change it to suit your needs and preference. Also, make sure to adjust it to the weather conditions and temperatures you travel in.
Accommodation
In all 3 countries, you will be traveling to the main cities. Hence, your choices of accommodation are quite wide.
You can choose 3-star guesthouses on room sharing basis. If you need single rooms, let us know beforehand. This usually comes with supplementary costs.
Else, you can indulge in luxury stays in boutique hotels and resorts or 4-5 star hotels. This also comes with an extra cost.
Most travel operators give prices on a room sharing basis in a 3-star hotel.
If you include places outside the main cities in your itinerary for any or all the 3 countries, you will have limited choices in accommodation. You will have to do with basic rooms in simple, local guesthouses.
Meals and Drinks
Like Accommodation, your choices for meals and drinks in all the cities of the 3 countries are quite wide. It will include a wide range of cuisine like Italian, Chinese, the local cuisine, Continental, Indian and others.
Once you leave the city, you will have less choice. Depending on the country, the basic choices can differ.
Nepal Bhutan Tibet Tour Visa
You need the following Visas for this tour:
- Nepali tourist Visa
- Bhutan tourist Visa
- Chinese Group Visa
Is Solo Nepal Bhutan Tibet Tour Possible
Independent travelers cannot do this tour. Both Tibet and Bhutan does not allow independent travelers into the country. This is the law set by the governments of these countries.
To enter these countries, you need to book your travel through a reliable and approved tour operator. We are more than happy to do this for you.
You also need to have a tour guide and driver with you at all times.
Tips for Nepal Bhutan Tibet Tour
- Do not indulge in strenuous activities as soon as you land in Lhasa, Tibet. Your body needs time to adjust to the sudden change in altitude. Hence, rest well, stay hydrated, eat fresh fruit to prevent altitude sickness.
- Some visitors might find it difficult to climb to some of the destinations in the itinerary. These include Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tangtsang in Bhutan. Please take your time, you are here to enjoy. So, relax, take a break and stop if you don’t feel up for it.
- At some places during the tour, taking photos is not allowed. Kindly inquire your guide for details.
- In all three countries, you can bargain and compare prices while shopping for souvenirs.
- Avoid talking about sensitive issues like politics & religion.
- Don’t enter a monastery, temple without permission.
- Don’t touch the head of a person.
- Take your hat, shoes off when entering a chapel, monastery, temple.
Final Say,
These 3 countries in a single tour is a fabulous journey to 3 of the most exotic and beautiful countries in South Asia. Regardless of when you go, you are bound to have a memorable trip.
If you have any further queries or questions about this tour, feel free to contact us. You can also contact us for tours, treks in any one of the countries- Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan.
