16 Days Tibet, Nepal, and Bhutan Overland Tour

Welcome to Kathmandu! Upon arrival, your local guide will greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel in downtown Kathmandu. After check-in, feel free to relax or explore the area at your leisure. Stroll through the lively streets, where traditional houses blend with modern life, giving you a taste of the city’s unique charm.

Stay overnight in Kathmandu.

Optional Activity: Take a leisurely walk through the city’s traditional alleys and explore local shops and markets.

After breakfast, you’ll visit Kathmandu’s Durbar Square, the historic royal palace complex, home to the Hanuman Dhoka Palace. This site was once the residence of Nepalese royalty and remains a cultural hub.

Next, explore Patan, the "City of Fine Art," renowned for its ancient temples and intricate wood, metal, and stone carvings. Finish your day with a visit to Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple. Perched on a hill, it offers panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley, with its iconic golden spire surrounded by fluttering prayer flags.

Stay overnight in Kathmandu.

Today, journey to Chitwan National Park, a five-hour scenic drive. As you travel through the countryside, witness the changing landscapes, from the bustling city of Kathmandu to lush greenery and serene rivers. Upon arrival in Chitwan, you’ll be greeted with exciting safari activities. Enjoy guided jungle walks, where you might spot exotic birds and wildlife.

Take a canoe ride along the Rapti River to see crocodiles and aquatic life. The highlight of the day is the elephant safari, offering a unique perspective as you ride through dense jungle on these majestic animals. In the evening, enjoy a cultural performance around a bonfire, where local artists showcase traditional music and dance.

Stay overnight in Chitwan.

Note: Road construction between Naubesi and Muguling may cause delays and bumpy roads, so please be prepared.

After breakfast, spend the day immersed in the natural beauty of Royal Chitwan National Park. Home to a wide variety of wildlife, you may spot rhinoceroses, Royal Bengal tigers, leopards, and monkeys, along with many species of birds and reptiles. With your camera ready, capture these memorable moments, especially with a telephoto lens for distant shots of larger mammals.

Stay overnight in Chitwan.

After breakfast, begin your scenic journey back to Kathmandu, enjoying the picturesque landscapes along the way. Once back in the city, you’re free to explore further. Visit Bhaktapur, a medieval town with well-preserved temples and palaces, or Pashupatinath, a sacred Hindu temple along the Bagmati River, where you may witness rituals and cremation ceremonies. You can also observe the Babas (Sadhus) and soak in the spiritual atmosphere.

Stay overnight in Kathmandu.

In the morning, your guide will take you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight to Lhasa (approximately 1.5 hours). Upon arrival, your local guide will transfer you to your hotel, where you’ll enjoy the scenic beauty of the Yarlung Tsangpo River and typical Tibetan villages along the way. Take the afternoon to rest and acclimate to the high altitude, keeping hydrated and avoiding exertion. In the evening, your guide will welcome you with traditional Tibetan gifts and provide helpful travel tips.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Warm Tip: Give yourself time to adjust to the altitude, stay hydrated, and take it easy during your first few days in Tibet.

After having breakfast, we’ll keep exploring Lhasa with a trip to Drepung Monastery, the biggest in Tibet and once home to over 10,000 monks. Here, dive into Tibetan Buddhism at Coqen Hall, where your guide will share insights into its teachings and the lives of its most famous figures.

Then, take a stroll through Loseling College, or a similar place, within Drepung Monastery. This gives you a peek into how monks live and study, including a look at their dorm rooms.

In the afternoon, head over to Sera Monastery, established in 1419 and an important place for Buddhist study. The monk debates are the highlight of this spot, a key part of their learning process that your guide will explain.

End your day with a welcome dinner in a local Tibetan style restaurant.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

After breakfast, begin your day with a trip to the magnificent Potala Palace, which offers stunning views of Lhasa. Listen as your guide recounts the histories of the Dalai Lamas and shows you around the palace's many halls and treasures. And then, you’ll participate in the folk activities of the local Tibetan people at the Longwangtan Park near the Potala Palace.

In the afternoon, head to the sacred Jokhang Temple, home to the remarkable statue of the 12-year-old Shakyamuni Buddha. Afterwards, take a walk around Barkhor Street to see the religious customs of the local Tibetans.

Finish your day with a tour to visit a bustling Tibetan tea house in Lhasa to enjoy some sweet tea and learn about Tibetan social customs.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

After breakfast, begin your journey from Lhasa to Shigatse, the second-biggest city in Tibet.

Your first destination is Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet's three most sacred lakes. You'll see the lake's beauty from the Gambala Pass, where it looks like a blue ribbon against the landscape, with the tall Mount Nyenchen Khangsar in the background. When you go down to the lake, there are many spots to see it up close. Near the end of the lake, you'll get to visit a local family who will host you for lunch.

After that, you'll drive past the Karola Glacier. This glacier is right next to the road and looks calm and beautiful, with big snowy mountains in the distance.

Next, on your way to Gyantse, you'll stop at the Simila Mountain Pass. There, you can hang prayer flags, which is a way to pray for peace in the world and for the people you care about.

After arriving in Gyantse, you can spend some time taking photos of the ancient city of Gyantse. From Gyantse to Shigatse, you will pass by green (in summer) and golden (in autumn) Tibetan barley fields and countless farms.

Finally, you’ll arrive in Shigatse. After checking in to the hotel, you can take a good rest and prepare for the next day’s trip to Mount Everest.

Stay overnight in Shigatse.

Today’s journey will take you directly to Mount Everest.

Your first stop is Gyatsola Pass (5280m). From the Gyatsola Pass, you'll be treated to your initial glimpse of Mount Everest. Concealed behind the mountain range, Everest appears like a budding lotus flower, creating a captivating scene along the roadside.

As you enter Mount Everest National Nature Reserve, a panoramic view of the Himalayas awaits you at Gawula Pass (5198m). At this vantage point, marvel at the majestic lineup of the five highest peaks in the Himalayas, with Everest taking the forefront. This marks your second encounter with Everest.

Next, traverse the new zigzag road leading to Everest Base Camp (5200m). As you approach the base camp, the grandeur of Everest gradually unfolds, drawing nearer with each twist and turn. This marks your third view of Everest.

Upon arrival at Everest Base Camp, the monumental white pyramid peak of Mount Everest stands prominently before you. As the day transitions to dusk, witness the golden hues of the setting sun casting a warm glow on Everest's northern face—your fourth view.

As night falls, behold the sparkling Milky Way above and the snow-white peak of Mount Everest, presenting your fifth and final encounter with this iconic mountain.

Overnight accommodation will be provided at Everest Base Camp or in the local village near EBC, especially if the EBC tent hotels are closed during the winter season.

Stay overnight at Everest Base Camp or in the local village near EBC if the EBC tent hotels are closed during the winter season.

Please Note:
1. The visibility of Everest depends on the weather.
2. During the winter season, typically from November to March, the tent hotels at Everest Base Camp close. Therefore, if you’re traveling in winter, your accommodation options are limited to the village near EBC.

Today, your journey unfolds from the iconic Everest Base Camp to the Sino-Nepal border at Gyirong Port, allowing you to immerse yourself in the extraordinary landscapes along the route.

Begin your morning with the serene sunrise over Mount Everest at EBC, followed by a delightful hike to Rongbuk Monastery (5154 meters), the world's highest monastery. Nestled in proximity to Mount Everest, this Tibetan Nyingma monastery is a peaceful retreat where nuns and monks coexist.

Subsequently, you will traverse the Himalayas and embark on a drive to Gyirong at the Sino-Nepal border. Over the 380-kilometer journey, be captivated by the ever-changing landscape - from majestic snow-capped peaks soaring over 5000 meters to the verdant forests and breathtaking canyon vistas at an altitude of around 2800 meters above sea level.

En route, pass by Mt. Shishabangma (8027 meters), one of the world's highest mountains above 8000 meters. Enjoy a close-up view of Shigabangma's three main peaks and the golden radiance of Pelku Tso Lake nestled beneath the peaks.

As the altitude gradually descends, you'll be enchanted by lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and seemingly bottomless canyons at the edge of the Himalayas.

Upon reaching Gyirong Valley, the landscape transforms into dense forests with snow-capped peaks rising above. In Gyirong town, relish the abundance of oxygen in the air.

This marks the end of your journey in Tibet.

Stay overnight in Gyirong.

After enjoying breakfast, it's time to bid farewell to your Tibetan guide and driver. Our Nepali staff will be ready to meet you at the Nepal border. They will assist with handling your large luggage (additional fee required), facilitate the application process for a Nepal Visa, and ensure a safe transfer for both you and your belongings to your hotel in Kathmandu using Tibet Vista’s vehicle.

After crossing the border, you'll descend to the southern foothills of the Himalayas, passing through the scenic Langtang National Forest.

Though the road conditions in Nepal differ from those in Tibet, with some bumps and muddy stretches, the journey offers breathtaking views. Along the way, you'll be treated to stunning vistas of Himalayan peaks like Annapurna III (7,555m), Lamjung W (6,983m), Mount Kanguru (6,981m), Himchuli West (6,441m), Ngadi Chuli (7,871m), and Gaurishankar (7,181m).

Finally, after completing the 130-kilometer drive, you'll reach your hotel in Kathmandu.

Nepal Visa Application Tips:
1. Prepare a passport-size photo with a white background.

2. The Nepal visa fee must be paid at the border in US dollars (cash only; credit cards are not accepted).

Today, you’ll journey to Bhutan, the happiest country in the world.

In the morning, board a flight from Kathmandu to Paro, where you’ll be treated to stunning views of the Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Chomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake.

Upon arrival at Paro Airport, your guide will welcome you and drive you to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital. After checking in, enjoy a tour of the city, starting with a visit to the Buddha Dordenma. This 51.5-meter (169-foot) statue is one of the largest Buddha statues in the world, built to promote global peace and happiness.

Next, explore the National Memorial Chorten, a large white stupa with golden spires, dedicated to Bhutan's Third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. It is a center for prayer and meditation, frequented by locals and tourists alike.

Afterward, head to Takin Zoo to see the takin, Bhutan’s national animal. These unique, goat-like creatures are native to the eastern Himalayas, and the zoo offers a natural habitat for them.

Finally, visit Tashichhoe Dzong, a historic fortress and administrative center housing the throne room, king’s office, and the central monk body.

After the tour, your guide will return you to your hotel.

Today, after breakfast, your sightseeing continues in Thimphu. First, visit the National Textile Museum, where you can admire Bhutanese textiles, including clothing, fabrics, and ornaments, showcasing the craftsmanship of the country’s artisans.

Next, drive back to Paro, where you'll visit two prominent sites. Start with Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most revered temples, surrounded by tranquil fields. Its unspoiled charm has survived centuries of natural disasters.

Then, visit Paro Rinpung Dzong, a fortress built in 1644 that now serves as Bhutan’s National Museum. Explore its impressive collection of 3,000 artifacts, including religious relics, historical objects, and cultural displays.

Stay overnight in Paro.

Today, embark on a rewarding trek to Taktshang Goemba, also known as Tiger's Nest, one of Bhutan’s holiest and most iconic monasteries. Perched on a cliff 3,120 meters above Paro Valley, the monastery offers a breathtaking view and is believed to be the meditation site of Guru Rinpoche, who flew here on the back of a tigress.

The trek starts at the foot of the mountain and takes approximately 3 hours to reach the monastery, with a simple lunch available halfway up. The descent takes around 2 hours.

After your visit to Tiger’s Nest, if time permits, head to Paro Market for some last-minute shopping for Bhutanese handicrafts.

Stay overnight in Paro.

After breakfast, your guide will transfer you to the airport for your departure. Please confirm your flight details with your guide before leaving. The tour ends here, and we hope you carry unforgettable memories from your journey through Bhutan, Nepal, and Tibet.