Two Himalayan Kingdoms Nepal Tibet Tour 12 Days

Best Time to do Tibet Nepal Tour

The months that are best for traveling through Nepal and Tibet (A Trip to Tibet from Nepal) would be April, May, September, and October. These are the time periods that give you the greatest visibility and road conditions, along with the Chang Tang portions of Tibet opening to tourists during these time periods.

During the spring months (March-May), you can expect to have very warm daytime temperatures, endless blooming rhododendrons throughout Nepal, and fantastic visibility of the Himalayas. Furthermore, because April and May are the two most popular months for traveling through upcoming changes, there should not be any problems for you as well.

The autumn months (September-November) are similar to the spring months in their beauty. The monsoons usually leave Nepal with very clear skies, allowing you to see the mountains in incredible detail. The month of October is very dry in Tibet, and is also by far the most favorable month overall for completing the entire route to Tibet.

Traveling in February for travel through Tibet is generally not recommended, since Tibet is usually closed to foreign citizens during that time frame. Conversely, the monsoons in July and August can make traveling through Nepal generally quite uncomfortable; therefore, we can not recommend these months.

If you can only travel to Nepal (for instance) one time throughout the year, you would be remiss if you choose to travel to Nepal in October.

How to Customize This 12-Day Nepal Tibet Package Around Your Schedule?

The 12-Day Itinerary is our most popular Itinerary and serves as your first, not as a set of limitations. When it comes to customizing trips, all of our tours can be altered based on your desires. There are a few common ways travelers personalize this package, including:

Extension	Additional Days	What You See
Namtso Lake	+1 - 2 days	One of the most lovely places in Tibet, a turquoise lake at 4,718m
Everest Base Camp (Tibet side)	+2 - 3 days	Overland drive to Rongbuk Monastery & EBC (5,200m), the nearest you can be to Everest by road
Gyantse	+1 day	A historical town famous for the Kumbum Stupa & Dzong Fort
Overland exit to Kathmandu	Replaces flight	Rather than fly back, drive the Friendship Highway through the Himalayas

• Nepal Section Reduction: If you can't stay in Nepal for very long or if you've already gone to Nepal, you can still do a 9 or 10-day trip by reducing this section of the trip from 5 days to 2 in Kathmandu without losing any value of your overall Tibet experience.

• Starting Point Change: If you are in Asia already, we can start from a different location. Some travelers have flown directly into Lhasa from Chengdu or Beijing and added the Nepal section after that, so we can alter the whole flow around your existing flight.

• Bhutan Addition: The Nepal Tibet Tour can be expanded into a Nepal – Tibet – Bhutan combination for a total of 5 to 6 more days with Paro, Thimphu, and the famous Tiger's Nest Monastery in Bhutan – truly one of the "wonderful" three-country Himalayan journeys.

To get a custom quote, all you need to do is provide your travel dates, the number of people traveling in your party, and any other ideas or preferences you may have. We will reply with a full proposal within 24 hours. There is no obligation at the inquiry and will only be a discussion about how to set up the best package for you.

Altitude Sickness on the Nepal Tibet Tour - What to Expect and How We Handle It

As first-time travelers to Tibet, many individuals pose this question: What is altitude sickness? How am I going to prepare for altitude sickness? This is a very significant question, and we are pleased to provide the specifics here so that you will know precisely what to expect.

Here are your answers, straightened according to the Cities you can go thru.

Altitude Measurements for Each City

• Kathmandu: 1,350m / 4,435ft

• Pokhara: 900m / 2,952ft

• Lhasa: 3,650m / 11,975ft

• Shigatse: 3,860m / 12,693ft

One of the biggest shocks on this trip will be making the leap from Kathmandu at 1,350m to Lhasa at 3,650m in just 1 hour. Your body has no time to acclimatize. It has just 1 hour of flight time, and then you land in Lhasa. So all travelers may experience symptoms of altitude sickness upon arrival, regardless of age or physical condition.

Common Symptoms of Altitude Sickness on Day 1 in Lhasa

• Headaches are the most common symptom

• Tiredness and difficulty breathing

• Mild nausea

• Dizziness

• Difficulty sleeping

What We Do to Protect You

• On your first full day in Lhasa, we include a full acclimatization day in your itinerary. You won't be sightseeing or walking around. Your only purpose will be to rest, hydrate, and allow your body to adjust.

• Our guides are trained to recognize symptoms of altitude sickness and respond accordingly.

• Oxygen is available at your hotel in Lhasa if necessary.

• Prior to your departure, we provide each traveler with a briefing on what to eat and drink, plus what to avoid during the first 48 hours at high altitude.

• On the first full day after arrival in Tibet, we don't schedule any strenuous activities.

What You Should Do Before Your Tour

• Consult your doctor regarding Diamox (acetazolamide) as a preventive measure against altitude sickness.

• Avoid alcohol for the first two days after arriving in Tibet.

• Drink 3 to 4 liters of water per day while in Tibet.

• Take your time moving around. Slow movements can help alleviate potential problems at high altitude.

Most of our travelers complete this trip without experiencing significant altitude issues. Listening to your body will be the key to successful acclimatization. And our guides will be with you every step of the way.

Can You Do This Nepal Tibet Tour Solo? 

A common question we receive is: Can I still do this tour if I'm traveling alone? The answer is yes. Here's what a solo traveller on this tour looks like.

In Nepal

Traveling solo in Nepal is completely unrestricted. You'll have a private driver and private guide, so the entire sightseeing portion in Kathmandu and Pokhara will fit your own pace. You won't have to wait for anyone else. You can stop as you wish, stay longer at places of interest, or skip places you find uninteresting.

In Tibet

Tibet is a bit more specific. According to current law, all foreign visitors to Tibet must travel as part of a licensed tour. So you won't be able to enter Tibet alone as an independent traveller. But this means we can create a private tour solely designed for you, with your own private guide, private vehicle, and custom itinerary. All the freedom of traveling alone, plus all the support of a professional team.

Solo Pricing

Solo travelers typically pay slightly higher per-person rates than those traveling with another person. It's because your vehicle and guide fees don't change whether you're traveling alone or with someone else. We're open about this and can provide you with an exact solo quote upon request.

The Benefit of Solo Travel on This Tour

The advantage of traveling solo is that you'll have the most personalised experience possible. Your guide will only be focused on you, so you can ask as many questions as you'd like. Want to spend an extra hour at Potala Palace? No problem. You're not rushed. Many of our happiest customers travel solo for exactly this reason.

Tibet Travel Permit: What It Is and How We Arrange It for You

The Tibet Tourism Bureau requires all foreigners visiting Tibet to obtain a specific permission known as the Tibet Travel Permit, also referred to as the Tibet Travel Authorization. The Permit is a vital document that enables foreigners to cross from Nepal into Tibet. But it can only be applied for and processed through a legal contractor established by the Government of Tibet. So the application must be made through a licensed travel agency that provides traveler services.

A licensed travel agency providing Permit Issuance must:

• Submit a copy of your passport, passport photo, and itinerary to the Tibet Tourism Bureau.

• Process your application in approximately 10 to 15 working days.

• Receive your Permit and send it to you before your departure from Nepal.

• Have your guide carry your Permit and present it to the appropriate authorities during your journey in Tibet.

The only requirement for you as the traveler is to submit a copy of your passport to the travel agency. That's it. So this is the primary reason you must book your trip to Tibet with a licensed travel agency like Dream Tibet. There are no other legal ways to travel to Tibet.

Visa to Visit Tibet from Nepal

Does Nepal offer a visa on arrival? Yes, many countries receive visas on arrival at the airport in Kathmandu. The costs are $25 USD for 15 days or $40 USD for 30 days. Indian, Chinese, and certain other nationals have different options for obtaining a Nepal visa.

Tibet does not issue separate visas. But there is a Chinese group visa that you'll enter through when visiting Tibet with a travel permit. This is included with your tour through us.

Document	Who Arranges It	Cost
Nepal Visa on Arrival	You arrange at Kathmandu airport	$25–$40
Tibet Travel Permit	Dream Tibet arranges it	Included in package
Chinese Group Visa (for Tibet entry)	Dream Tibet arranges it	Included in package

So all you need to do is send us a scan of your passport plus photos, and we'll take care of everything else.

Documents You Must Carry on This Nepal Tibet Tour

All travelers should store physical copies of the following when traveling through Nepal and on to Tibet.

• Your original passport. Ensure it's valid for at least six months following your trip's end date.

• Your Nepal visa. Obtain it prior to arrival or get it at the point of entry.

• Tibet Travel Permit. Your tour guide will have the original. But you must keep a copy.

• Your Chinese group visa. Your tour provider will supply documentation for each person in the group.

• Your travel insurance. Keep your policy number and emergency contact number handy at all times.

• Printed itinerary and hotel information from your tour provider.

• Emergency contact number for Dream Tibet: +977 9851162422

• 2 to 4 passport-sized photos. These are required at permit checkpoints in Tibet.

Tibet has police checkpoints along the route from Lhasa to Shigatse. So your tour guide will also look over the documents mentioned above. But by keeping your own copies handy, you'll help speed up the process at checkpoints and have a backup if something goes missing during your travels.

Health Requirements Before You Travel to Tibet from Nepal

Tibet and Nepal do not require any vaccinations. But depending on where you live and your medical condition, your doctor may recommend the following.

• Hepatitis A and B

• Typhoid

• Tetanus

• Rabies, if you're planning to spend extended time in the countryside

In addition to general travel healthcare needs, high altitude is of particular importance in Tibet.

• Consult your physician regarding Diamox (acetazolamide) at least two weeks prior to travel. This medication is commonly given to travelers visiting Tibet to help them acclimatize to high altitudes.

• If you have any problems related to the heart, lungs, or high blood pressure, obtain a complete medical clearance before traveling to Tibet.

• There's no minimum fitness standard required for this tour. But your baseline fitness will play a vital role in your ability to deal with high altitude.

Before Leaving for Tibet

• Get a dental examination. Dental problems caused by high altitude can be exceedingly painful and difficult to resolve.

• Pack a small personal first aid kit.

• Ensure you have a minimum 12-day supply of prescription medications plus an extra week's worth as backup.

Travel Insurance for Nepal Tibet Tour 

Travel insurance is not optional on this tour. It's a travel requirement and it's included in the package.

Why is it so important on this route? Because medical evacuation from Tibet is extremely expensive. If a serious altitude-related illness or injury occurs in Lhasa or Shigatse and emergency evacuation is required back to Kathmandu or home, the actual cost without insurance can range from $30,000 to $100,000. Travel insurance covers you for this type of cost in its entirety.

Your travel insurance policy must include:

• Coverage for travel to high altitudes of at least 4,000m, as Shigatse sits at 3,860m

• Emergency medical evacuation

• Trip cancellation and interruption

• Lost and stolen items

• Overseas medical expenses

Things to check before purchasing

Standard travel insurance companies don't cover high-altitude destinations. So read the fine print very carefully or contact your insurance company to confirm that travel to Tibet will be covered. Many companies offer specific policies for the Himalayas.

We highly recommend booking your travel insurance at the same time you book your tour. Don't wait until the week before you leave. If something happens before you travel but you haven't purchased insurance yet, cancellation coverage will only apply if you purchased the insurance prior to booking your travel.

Is the Nepal Tibet Tour Safe? 

When done by a licensed, professional tour operator with the required licenses, permits, and experienced guides, this tour provides a safe experience. Here's an accurate overview of the safety considerations.

Politics

Political situation: The political situation in Tibet is sensitive. But tourists on a licensed tour won't encounter any issues associated with political problems. You don't run any risk as a tourist, and the areas you'll visit, such as Lhasa and Shigatse, are considered safe for tourists.

Road Safety

The route from Lhasa to Shigatse, approximately 350km, is very well paved. Our drivers are familiar with the roadways. Travel takes 8 to 9 hours, and there'll be periodic rest stops along the way.

Altitude

This is by far the biggest safety factor on this tour. But if you acclimatize properly before beginning your adventure, stay well hydrated, and know what altitude sickness symptoms look like, you should be able to effectively manage your symptoms. Dream Tibet has never had a customer develop serious altitude sickness on this tour, so long as the group has followed the recommended pre-acclimatization plan.

Nepal

Kathmandu and Pokhara are two of the most well-traveled tourist destinations in the world and are very safe for all travelers, including solo female visitors. Just use normal urban caution with regard to personal property in busy areas such as Thamel.

Our Safety Record

Dream Tibet has conducted this tour for many years without experiencing a serious incident. All of our guides are trained in first aid and altitude medivac procedures.

Tipping Guide for Nepal Tibet Tour: Who, When and How Much

Although tipping is not obligatory, it's a generous and common way of showing gratitude to guides and drivers in Nepal and Tibet. Here's a practical guide.

Role	Suggested Tip (USD)	When to Give
Nepal guide (full tour)	$5 - $10 per day	Last day in Nepal
Nepal driver	$3 - $5 per day	Last day in Nepal
Tibet guide (full Tibet section)	$8 - $12 per day	Last day in Tibet
Tibet driver	$5 - $8 per day	Last day in Tibet
Hotel porter	$1 - $2 per bag	At each hotel
Restaurant (Nepal)	5 - 10% of bill	After each meal

Tip in local currency. Use Nepali Rupees in Nepal and Chinese Yuan in Tibet. Don't tip in USD. Guides and drivers have to pay a high price for the inconvenience of exchanging it.

Food on the Nepal Tibet Tour

Food will be one of the best parts of this trip. The cuisines of Nepal and Tibet are very different from each other, and both have great culinary options.

Food in Nepal

Many dishes in Nepal center around Dal Bhat, a lentil soup usually served with rice, vegetables, and pickles. It's eaten by most Nepalis twice a day and can be refilled as much as you want at local restaurants. In addition to Dal Bhat, Kathmandu and Pokhara also have many excellent international restaurants serving Indian, Italian, Chinese, and continental food at very reasonable prices.

You'll want to try the following.

• Momos, Tibetan-style dumplings that are very popular in Nepal

• Dal Bhat

• Newari food in the Old City of Kathmandu

• Fresh buffalo curd with honey in Pokhara

Food in Tibet

Tibetan cuisine is hearty and warming, perfect for high altitudes. You'll receive breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day on your tour in Tibet.

You'll want to try the following.

• Butter Tea (Po Cha). Tea that has been salted and churned with yak butter. It seems unusual at first. But once you try it, you'll feel warm and energized.

• Tsampa. Roasted barley flour is the staple of the Tibetan diet.

• Yak meat dishes.

• Thukpa. A thick noodle soup that's perfect for high altitude.

• Tibetan bread with honey.

Vegetarians will be happy to know that throughout Nepal and Tibet, you'll be able to eat well. Just let us know at the time of booking so your guide can communicate this with every restaurant you visit.

Hotels on This Tour: Accommodation Standards You Can Expect

The accommodation for this tour consists of twin-share, comfortable 3-star hotels. Single room upgrades can be purchased at an extra fee.

Nepal (Kathmandu and Pokhara)

Hotels in Nepal have nice decor with private washrooms, hot and cold water, WiFi, plus daily breakfast included. The Kathmandu hotels are located within or around the Thamel area, where most tourists stay. You'll be within walking distance of many restaurants, shops, and various sites throughout the Kathmandu Valley. The Pokhara hotels are located along Lakeside, the main shopping area near Phewa Lake.

In Tibet (Lhasa and Shigatse):

City	Hotel	Standard
Lhasa	Kyichu Hotel	3-star, centrally located near Barkhor
Shigatse	Manasarovar Hotel	3-star, comfortable, near Tashilhunpo

Lodging in Tibet is generally comfortable and clean. But it does differ from typical Western hotel standards. Hot water is sometimes only available during set time periods, and wireless internet is available but generally slow and limited. These factors could be considered inconveniences. But they also contribute significantly to the experience of being in Tibet and provide an opportunity to experience something more than just a hotel stay.

Lodging in Lhasa also has the option to upgrade to a 4-star or 5-star hotel. Contact us for additional details about pricing.

How to Reach Your Tour Starting Point Kathmandu?

Kathmandu is the starting and finishing point of this trip. So what's the best way to get there? The answer depends on where you're coming from.

By Air

The most common way to arrive is by air. Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu connects with all major Asian cities and handles most international flights into and out of Nepal. The most likely connecting cities are listed below.

• Dubai, via Emirates and FlyDubai

• Doha, via Qatar Airways

• Delhi and Mumbai, via Air India and IndiGo

• Singapore, via Singapore Airlines and Scoot

• Kuala Lumpur, via AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines

• Bangkok, via Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways

• Guangzhou and Chengdu, via China Southern and Sichuan Airlines

Approximate Travel Times

• From London: 10 to 12 hours with one stop

• From New York: 16 to 18 hours with one stop

• From Sydney: 14 to 16 hours with one stop

• From Delhi: 1.5 hours non-stop

By Land from India

There are several border crossings between India and Nepal. The most traveled crossing for tourists is Sunauli to Bhairahawa. But the bus or flight from Bhairahawa to Kathmandu will take significantly longer than traveling by air. If you're already in India, this is still worth considering as an option.

We highly recommend arriving in Kathmandu a day before your tour start date. This allows time for any flight delays and gives you a chance to adjust before the tour begins.

Related Useful Information

• Language of Tibet
• How to Plan a Nepal Tibet Bhutan Tour | Multi Country Tour Package
• Tibet overland tour from Nepal
• Tibet Visa and Permit Information
• Tibet is Opened for Tourist from April 2025
• Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Tibet
• Tibet History and Geography
• Tibet Motorcycle Adventure