Nepal and Tibet Tour

Nepal and Tibet Tour - 20 Days

This exciting twenty-three days of Nepal and Tibet Tour holiday package offered by Himalaya Discovery will allow you to give the understanding of Nepal and Tibet and their respective elements.

This trip will surely take you closer to nature that enchants the glimpse of Nepal and Tibet. It will provide in-depth excitement and knowledge about its history, cultural and natural diversity.

Hiking in the Himalayas, jungle safari and exciting excursions in the inner parts of Nepal, as well as a breathtaking panorama of Himalayan ranges, the Tibetan plateau, monasteries, temples and an excursion to Potala Palace in Tibet, are another charm of this holiday trip.

The hospitality and the warmth of the people will add to the fun and make it a great memorable journey of a lifetime. The entire tour for Nepal and Tibet takes 23 days and covers the most famous cities and must see places in Tibet and Nepal.

Nepal and Tibet Tour Required Documents

Before you leave home, you need to get your Tibet permit and visa, so you need a good tour operator like Himalaya Discovery. Once you have booked your Tibet trip, we will use scanned copies of your passport to submit requests for your Tibet travel permit on your behalf.

Once the permit has been processed, we will bring it to your Kathmandu hotel, ready to apply for your Chinese group visa with the Nepali Capital Embassy, which is requested from Nepal for those entering Tibet and cannot be obtained in person.

Your other permits–the Alien’s Travel Permit for traveling outside Lhasa and the Frontier Pass allowing you to cross the border and reach Mount Everest–will be requested in advance and brought to you in Nepal before you travel to Tibet.

The process is much easier for Nepal. Since there is no need for a pre-booked trip, you can apply for a Nepal Entry Visa upon arrival in Kathmandu airport and travelers returning from Tibet to Nepal at the Rasuwa Fort border crossing point on the Resuwa Bridge’s Nepal side.

Visa processing on arrival usually takes less than an hour, requiring only your passport, one picture, and a fee of around USD 30.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

  • The perfect first Himalayan trek through classic high mountain scenery.
  • The natural beauty of the ancient rhododendron forests and the natural hot springs.
  • Admire the extraordinary landscapes of the Himalaya, from towering peaks and hanging glaciers to the lush foothills of Nepal.
  • Venture into the legendary Potala Palace in Lhasa and visit Tibet’s holiest and most historic monasteries.
  • Discover many layers of symbolism and belief at ancient Buddhanath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal.
Day 1
Fly to Nepal

Day 2
Arrival in Kathmandu (1400 meters).

Upon your arrival in the Kathmandu airport, you will be greeted with garlands. After completing your custom formalities, (Visa, etc.) you will be then transferred to the hotel in Kathmandu by a private tourist vehicle. Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 3
Pre-trip Meeting and Sightseeing around Kathmandu valley.

In the morning, after breakfast, at around 8 am, we host a pre-trip meeting at your hotel and introduce you to your tour guide. Himalaya Discovery Adventures will brief us regarding our trek, trip preparation and will provide us an opportunity to ask questions regarding our upcoming adventure.

After the Pre-Trip meeting and breakfast, your sightseeing trip in Kathmandu Valley will start at 9.45 am in the morning. We provide a private vehicle and a professional tour guide. We visit Boudhnath Stupa, one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world, where we observe Buddhist monks in prayer in the monasteries surrounding the stupa. After Boudhnath Stupa we visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square, which is a collection of pagoda and shikhara – style temples grouped around a fifty-five-window palace of brick and wood. The attraction of the Bhaktapur Durbar Square are the Lion gate, the Golden gate, the Palace of fifty five windows, art galleries and the Statue of King Bhupatindra Malla.

The rest of our time in Kathmandu is free for further discovery and some last-minute shopping in Thamel area nearby your hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4
Drive from Kathmandu to Chitwan National Park by tourist vehicle, 6 hrs.

We will drive to Chitwan National park on a private tourist vehicle from Kathmandu. During your drive you will come across picturesque hills and rivers. The drive takes around six hours from Kathmandu. On reaching resort, you would be briefed by our guest relations officer.

After the lunch you would be going for Elephant Safari / Jungle Walk / Nature Walk with boat ride. Meanwhile the dinner would be ready by the time you return to the resort. Overnight at the Resort.

Day 5
Activities inside the Chitwan National Park.

After morning tea/ coffee we will move ahead for morning tour which will provide you one of the best times to see the wildlife at its best with Elephant Safari/ Jungle Walk. Then after the breakfast we would go for a walk through the grassland and forest upstream of Narayani River.

We will take local boats to watch crocodiles along the banks while floating back to a camp and then we will have lunch. Late afternoon you would be guided for Elephant safari / Jungle walk/ Visit observation Tower / Nature walk with boat ride and finally back to the resort for dinner.

Day 6
Early morning activities and Departure to Pokhara by tourist vehicle, 6 hrs.

Today is the last day of the Jungle trip so after morning tea we would be going for bird watching as Chitwan is very famous also for the different species of the birds, which is the attracting fact for the visitor. After that we would go back to the resort, have breakfast and get ready for heading towards Pokhara by tourist vehicle.

Pokhara is a beautiful valley town, with panoramic views of Annurpurna, Machapuchare, Dhaulagiri in the West, Lamjung Himal and Manaslu in the East. The town of Pokhara is considerably less hectic than Kathmandu and is the starting point of your trek. Discover beautiful Phewa Lake, known for its tranquility and perfect picture postcards. Overnight at a hotel in Pokhara.

Day 7
Drive to Nayapul (1,5 hrs) and trek to Tikhedhunga (1575 meters) 3.30 hrs.

We begin our trek at Nayapul after driving by private vehicle from Pokhara. After 15 minutes short walk along the bank of the Modi Khola, we reach Birethanti (1015meters), a large village that has many shops and teahouses. From there, the trail continues through the village.

The trail follows the North bank of the Bhurungdi Khola. From there, the trail climbs steadily up the side of the valley to Hille at 1495meters and after the short climb, we reach Tikhedhunga at 1570meters. Today’s walk offers a short and relatively easy day, which allows us to become used to the experience of trekking in Nepal. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 8
Trek to Ghorepani (2850 meters) 5 hrs.

Leaving Tikhedunga, we begin our journey with a steep climb to Ulleri. Ulleri is a large Magar village at 2070meters. The trail then continues to ascend more gently, through fine forests of oak and rhododendrons towards Banthanti at 2250meters.

Then we trek towards Nangethanti at 2460meters. After an hour of walking this brings you to Ghorepani at 2840meters. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 9
Hike up to Poon Hill (3210 meters) and trek to Tadapani (2620 meters) 5 hrs.

Today, very early in the morning, we start an hour hiking to Poon Hill at elevation of 3210meters, a brilliant spectacle; this vantage point provides an unobstructed view of sunrise over the high Himalayas. There we spend about 1 hour, afterwards we return to Ghorepani to take a hot breakfast at the hotel. Then we trek to Tadapani (2620meters).

Along the trail towards Tadapani, we climb along ridges and through pine and rhododendron forests to Deurali (2960meters). After that we descend to the Banthanti, we then turn off to Tadapani. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 10
Trek to Hot spring, Jhinu danda (1,750 meters) 4.30 hrs.

After having breakfast we are going downhill to the hot spring “Jhinu danda” to relax in this pool of natural hot spring. On the way we will encounter local people, walking through tiny villages, small rivers, rice and potatoe fields and landslide before reaching the hot spring. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 11
Trek to Pothana / Dhampus (1890 meters) 6 hrs.

Today, The first part of the day is a descent and then flatland until you reach Himal-Pani, where there is a beautiful waterfall. Beyond Himal Pani the trail rises gently across many streams and terraces.

Soon, you will be at Landruk village 1,545 meters, fairly big village inhabited by an ethnic mix of Gurung, Magar and Brahmin people. Gently ascending we come to Tolka 1,700 meter and continue on to Bherikharka.

Now, a brief up-trek to Deurali 2,100 meters to view the famous panorama. We will now descend to Pothana (ethnic Gurung population) through oak forests. Pothana is a charming small ‘town’. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 12
Trek to Phedi (3 hours) and drive to Pokhara (apx. 30 min)

Trek from Pothana / Dhampus to Phedi (3 hours.). The trail gently descends to Dhampus then steeply descends to Phedi. Now your private transportation will drive from Phedi to Pokhara (apx. 30mins.). Overnight at a hotel in Pokhara.

Day 13
Rest and Relax day in Pokhara.

Accommodation: Bed and Breakfast

Day 14
Drive back to Kathmandu (1400 meters).

We depart at approximately 7.30am for Kathmandu by tourist bus. We arrive back in Kathmandu at around 2-3.00pm. The rest of the time is your own.
Accommodation: Bed and Breakfast

Day 15
Free and preparation day for Tibet.

Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.
Accommodation: Bed and Breakfast

Day 16
Arrival in Lhasa (3660 meters).

Early morning transfer to the international airport for the one hour-long flight to Lhasa. This stunning flight, on a China Southwest Airlines Boeing 757, takes us right across the main Himalayan range and provides us with magnificent mountain views.

After landing at Gongar Airport and meeting our Tibetan guide, it is a further 2-hour drive by Land cruiser to Lhasa. It’s advisable to rest and take it easy for the remainder of the day due to Lhasa’s altitude. Overnight at a hotel in Lhasa.

Day 17
Sightseeing in Lhasa: Potala Palace, Norbulingka Palace and Tibet Museum: 5 – 6 hours

We begin sightseeing in Lhasa after breakfast. Today is the day we visit the beautiful Potala and Norbulingka Palaces. Built in the 17th century, Potala Palace provides amazing views of the entire city and houses the private quarters of the Dalai Lama, numerous grand state rooms and chapels.

Norbulingka Palace is the summer palace of the Dalai Lama and houses what is considered to be the largest man-made garden in Tibet. Next, we visit the Tibet Museum, the official museum of Tibet, which has a permanent collection of around 1000 artifacts related to the cultural history of Tibet. Overnight at a hotel in Lhasa.

Day 18
Sightseeing in Lhasa: Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Bazaar: 5 – 6 hours

After breakfast we visit Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Bazaar. Drepung Monastery, which was built in the 14th century, is believed to have sheltered around 10,000 monks in the past but as of now there has been quite a declination resulting in only a few hundred.

The history, culture, and religious beliefs of the Tibetan people are strongly concentrated and centered in this marvelous monastery. Sera Monastery is a preserved monastery of white-washed walls and golden roofs. Jokhang Temple is another important sacred site which unravels more deep-seated mysteries of Tibetan Buddhism.

We further stroll through Barkhor Bazaar (market). With its open air stalls, shops and crowd of pilgrims, it is the nerve centre of Lhasa. Overnight at a hotel in Lhasa.

Day 19
Lhasa to Shigatse (3900m): 367km, 6 – 8 hours

After breakfast, we embark on a pleasant drive to Shigatse, the second biggest city in Tibet via Gyantse. We drive past Khamba La (4,794m) pass and savor the enthralling views of Yomdrok-Tso (Turquoise Lake), one of the Holy Lakes in Tibet and Mt. Nazin Kang Sa (7,252m).

Further to the west, we come across another pass, Karo La (5,045m) and take in amazing views of the majestic glaciers. Upon reaching Gyantse, we visit the Khumbum Stupa, Phalkot Monastery and Gyantse Dzong (Fortress), which is one of the best preserved dzongs in Tibet.

From Gyantse, we continue to Shigatse enjoying a captivating mountain landscape along the way. Overnight at a hotel in Shigatse.

Day 20
Shigatse to Shegar (4190 meters) / Nyalam (3700 meters): 260 km, 5 hours

After breakfast, we visit the most popular landmark of Shigatse, the Tashilhunpo Monastery, which holds both historical and cultural importance for being founded by Gendun Drup, the First Dalai Lama in 1447.

On the way, we cross the Lalung La (5,124m) and Shung La (5,200m) passes which offer enchanting views of the Himalayas-Shishapangma, Cho Oyu, Menlungtse and Gauri Shanker. We reach Shegar, a small town around evening and spend the night at a guesthouse.

Day 21
Nyalam to Kathmandu (1400 meters): 365 km, 6 – 7 hours

Early in the morning we leave Shegar for Kathmandu. We then descend gradually from the dry Tibetan Plateau to the fertile vegetation of Zhangmu.

A few kilometers drive from Zhangmu to the Friendship Bridge over the Bhote Koshi River brings us to immigration control in Kodari where we are expected to complete some custom formalities.

After around 4 hours of driving through deep valleys, we reach Kathmandu. Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 22
Free and shopping day in Kathmandu.

In the evening we will have a farewell dinner in a traditional Nepalese restaurant with cultural performances. Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 23
Fly to home.

The trip concludes. We will drop you at the international airport in Kathmandu for your flight departure from Nepal with great memories.

Price Include(s)

  • Pick up from and drop off at the hotel and the airport in a private tourist vehicle.
  • Twin sharing accommodation in a three-star hotel in Kathmandu (Nepal only 4 nights / with Tibet 6 nights) (B&B).
  • Twin sharing accommodation in Pokhara 3 nights (B&B).
  • Twin sharing accommodation in two-star hotel in Lhasa 3 nights (B&B).
  • Kathmandu – Lhasa – Kathmandu airfare and airport departure tax.
  • Two nights three days wildlife activities inside Chitwan national park.
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and drinks such as tea, coffee and water in Chitwan.
  • All your Meals during the trek (Breakfasts, Lunches and Dinners).
  • Standard lodges, guesthouses accommodation during the trek.
  • The required number of local staff and porters to carry your luggage during the trek (We assign one porter for every two guests).
  • All group transportation by private tourist vehicle.
  • All guided city tours in Nepal and Tibet as mentioned on day by day itinerary.
  • Driver and all support staff.
  • Food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment and medicine for our field staff.
  • Entry permits and fees for all temples, parks, monasteries, and cultural and historical sites.
  • Tibet visa fees and traveling permits.
  • Farewell dinner in typical Nepali Restaurant with cultural dance show on second last day.
  • All government taxes, vat and Tourist service charges.

Price Exclude(s)

  • International airfare and travel insurance.
  • Nepal entry visa – you can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu.
  • Tips for trekking staff and driver (tipping is expected).
  • Others expenses not mentioned in the 'Price Includes' section.

Q. Will somebody come to pick me up at the airport upon my arrival?

A. Yes, our airport representative will be there to greet you at the airport. S/he will be displaying an Himalaya Discovery Adventures sign board outside the airport terminal. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel by our tourist vehicle.

Q. When is the best time to travel to Nepal?

A. For the trekking regions of the Annapurna, Everest, Langtang, Jumla Rara Lake, Makalu, Kanchenjunga and Manaslu we recommend the periods February to May and September to December as the best time for travelling.

  •  For trekking in Mustang or Dolpo region we recommend May to September.
  • The Poon hill  trek  in the Annapurna region takes place throughout the entire year.
  • Cultural tours takes place throughout the entire year. For the best mountain views the periods February to May and September to December are recommended.

Q. How is the climate (temperatures) during the seasons?

A. Winter – January and February. Pleasant temperatures. The nights, mornings and evenings can, however, be quite cold (approx. 0°C – 5°C. Throughout the day, it is mostly sunny with cooler temperatures (approx. 18°C – 20°C).

Spring – March to May. Hot and dry pre-monsoon season (approx. 25°C – 30°C during the day, and approx. 7°C – 20°C at night). May is the hottest month in the lowlands. June is the hottest month in the mountains.

Summer – Monsoon from June to August (approx. 28°C – 30°C during the day, and approx. 20°C at night). Strong rainfall, continuous sultriness and high humidity.

Early autumn – From September the monsoon season is constantly interrupted by periods with only a slight rainfall. Towards the end of August the pauses in rainfall become more frequent and longer.

Late autumn – Post-monsoon season from October to December. The nights, mornings and evenings can be relatively cool (approx. 5°C – 10°C). During the day the sun shines and it is warm (approx. 20°C – 27°C).

Q. Where can I change money?

A. Any cash you have taken with you can be exchanged into Nepalese rupees at the banks, large hotels and the numerous bureau de changes.

Q. Can I use my mobile phone in Nepal?

A. The network coverage is meanwhile quite good in the Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara and other parts of the Terai (in the rural areas it is very unpredictable).

Basically, foreign SIM cards (providers having international roaming contracts with Nepal) can also be used. However, it is cheaper to buy a local SIM card (Mero Mobile, NTC (GSM) – for approx. NPR 500 or more) and top this up.

Q. Can I use the tap water for drinking and brushing teeth?

A. Tap water is not suitable for drinking in Nepal and it should not be used for cleaning your teeth, either. As there is often a scarcity of water in the countryside, water should be used very sparingly.

Q. What should I concern during my stay in Nepal?

A. Nepali people are very kind and friendly, but there are some things that you should be aware of:

  • Do not take photos of anyone without their permission; always ask permission first!
  • Do not wear hot pants/short paints or stylish clothes in the remote area! (shoulders and legs should be covered)
  • Do not wear hats or caps when you enter a chapel!
  • Do not touch Buddha statues or ritual offerings inside of a monastery!
  • Do not kiss or hug in public places, especially in monasteries!
  • Do not step across someone’s feet, cups or cooking gears!

Q. What documents do I need to visit Nepal?

A. A tourist visa is required for entering Nepal. The tourist visa can be applied for, for different lengths of stay. A visa is required for children under 10 years but no fee is charged. The entry to Nepal must take place within 6 months of issuing the visa.

Q. How much does the Visa for Nepal cost?

A. The fees for the tourist visa (fees valid since 16.07.2008) are staggered as follows:

  • 15 days (several entries possible)  $ 30 (approx. EUR 27.00)
  • 30 days (several entries possible)  $ 50 (approx. EUR 45.00)
  • 90 days (several entries possible)  $ 125 (approx. EUR 115.00)

An extension of the visa to a maximum of 150 days is possible (per year – January to December). The extension must be made at the Immigration Office in Kathmandu. A fee of $ 2.00 is charged in Nepalese rupees (NPR) per day of extension.

Q. Can I find a hospital with western doctors?

A. CIWEC Clinic with western doctors is located in Lazimpat, Kathmandu, Tel. +977 1 442 4111, info@ciwec-clinic.com.

Q. Do I need an international health and travel insurance?

A. It is recommended taking out a travel and health insurance covering the following risks:- Emergency and personal accident transport/emergency evacuation (helicopter rescue, rescue costs in a case of illness or accident), medical and personal accident risks, repatriation, tour cancellation, damages and theft of baggage.

Q. What happens in bad weather periods?

A. There is virtually always a possibility of a flight delay or postponement owing to highly unpredictable weather conditions that may occur in Himalayan regions, in particular, in the Everest region (Lukla), Jomsom, Dolpo, Simikot and the Jumla region, etc.

When trekking in remote areas or those described above, and especially outside the trekking season, the clients are strongly advised to reserve extra days for making  allowance for possible delays, and thereby avoid any frustrating consequences. In the case of a delayed flight prior to commencing the tour, or at the end of the tour, the participants shall pay for their own accommodation, food costs, etc.

Q. Where can I store my unneeded luggage during trekking?

A. As a rule there is the possibility before commencing the trek, of depositing part of the baggage in the hotel in Kathmandu or in Pokhara.

Q. What kind of meals I can have during the trekking?

A. All Meals on full board basis will be provided during trekking. Freshly cooked food is served at all times (western, continental and Nepalese, Chinese, Indian and Tibetan meals are available in all places).

Q. Is there any communication while we are on trekking?

A. There are telephones in some villages along the trekking routes from which you can make international calls. All our guides are equipped with the local mobile phone. You may wish to pass the number of our guide to your family for the callback or you can make a call from the guide’s mobile and pay him directly for the international call too.

Q. Can I re-charge camera batteries along the trek?

A. Yes, Most of the places, you can charge batteries along the trek (per hour USD 2 – 3 for charging).

Q. What kinds of banking facilities in Nepal?

A. Nepal has modern banking facilities and some international banks even have offices in Kathmandu. Almost all foreign currencies along with credit cards such as American Express, Visa, and Master card are accepted in Nepal. Nepal has also ATM facilities as well.

On trip of this type weather, political strikes, transport or a multitude of other factors beyond our control can result in a change of itinerary. It is however very unlikely that the itinerary would be substantially altered; if alterations are necessary the leader will decide what is the best alternative, taking into consideration the best interests of the whole group. Where a change does occur, we do everything we can to minimize its effect, but we cannot be responsible for the results of changes or delays.

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Nepal and Tibet Tour
From $3,500.00
per Adult

Trip Facts

  • 23 Days
  • Demanding
  • min. 2 to Max. 12 People
  • February, March, April, May, June, September, October, November
  • 5,200m.
  • 4 to 5 hours
  • Nepal / Tibet
Chhiring Sherpa - Trip Planner

“I was born and raised in Nepal, nearby Everest region. I am proud to be a native Sherpa, and I have been a Mountain guide over a decade now. Following my passion, I decided to start helping travelers with their travel plans! I think life is a journey, a trip where you collect experiences when you share with other people and with nature.”