Nepal, Bhutan & Tibet Tour

Yes. Bhutan does not issue visas on arrival — you must obtain a Tourist Visa in advance through a registered Bhutanese tour operator, which we are. The visa costs USD 40 and is processed digitally. You also pay the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of USD 100 per person per night in Bhutan, which is included in our package price. We handle the entire process — you need only your passport scan and four passport photos, submitted at least 21 days before departure.

Individual travel to Tibet is not permitted for foreigners — you must travel as part of a group with a licensed Tibetan tour operator and hold a Tibet Travel Permit. We arrange everything through our Tibet partner agency. You need your passport copy and a valid Chinese tourist visa (L visa) at least 21 days before departure. The permit process is strict and last-minute applications are not possible — plan at least 4 weeks ahead.

Yes. Tibet is an autonomous region of China and requires both a standard Chinese tourist visa (L visa) plus a Tibet Travel Permit. Chinese visas must be obtained from a Chinese consulate or embassy in your home country before travel and cannot be obtained on arrival. Processing typically takes 4–7 business days. We provide a support letter for your visa application. If you have previously visited Israel or certain other countries, obtaining a Chinese visa may require additional steps — contact us early for guidance.

Yes — primarily on the Tibet section. Lhasa sits at 3,656m and the Friendship Highway crosses passes above 4,794m. We build acclimatisation into the itinerary (mandatory rest on Day 11 in Lhasa, gradual ascent on the Friendship Highway). We recommend consulting your doctor about acetazolamide (Diamox) for the Tibet leg. The Bhutan section (Paro at 2,280m, Tiger's Nest approach to 3,120m) may cause mild headaches but is not a serious altitude concern. Travel insurance must cover medical evacuation.

March to May (spring) and September to November (autumn) are best. Spring brings rhododendron bloom in Bhutan and Nepal, clear skies in Tibet, and comfortable temperatures throughout. Autumn offers the most stable weather across all three countries with exceptional Himalayan visibility. Summer (June–August) brings monsoon to Nepal and Bhutan — wet and lush, possible but not ideal. Winter (December–February) is cold but clear, particularly in Tibet where Lhasa is sunny even in January. October is peak season across the board.

Absolutely — this is a private tour and every element is customisable. Popular additions: Poon Hill trek (adds 4 days, moderate difficulty, Annapurna sunrise), Annapurna Base Camp (adds 7 days), Everest Base Camp (adds 12 days). You can also extend Bhutan to include the Phobjikha Valley and Black-necked Crane Sanctuary, or extend Tibet to include Kailash Mansarovar (adds 12 days, requires separate permit). Tell us your interests and timeframe and we will build the right itinerary.

Moderate. The most demanding activity is the Tiger's Nest hike in Bhutan — a 3–4 hour return walk with 500m ascent on stone steps (similar difficulty to a challenging day walk). The Sarangkot predawn walk in Pokhara is gentle. The Tibet section is entirely by vehicle with short walks at each site (500m–2km maximum). Overall fitness needed: comfortable walking 2–4 hours per day on uneven terrain. No trekking experience required. Suitable for reasonably fit travellers from age 14 upward.

Three country-specialist guides: a Nepal guide for Days 1–6 and 18–21 (from Annapurna Trekking's own team), a Bhutanese licensed guide for Days 7–11 (mandatory under Bhutanese law — no foreign visitor may travel without one), and a Tibetan licensed guide for Days 11–17 (mandatory under Chinese regulations). All are English-speaking, certified, and experienced on this specific route. For private departures, AJ (our founder) often leads the Nepal section personally.

Nepal: Nepali Rupee (NPR) — exchange in Thamel for the best rate. USD widely accepted in tourist areas. Bhutan: Bhutanese Ngultrum (pegged 1:1 to Indian Rupee) — USD accepted at hotels, ATMs in Paro and Thimphu. Tibet/China: Chinese Yuan (CNY/RMB) — exchange before entering Tibet as foreign cards are unreliable in Chinese ATMs. We recommend carrying USD 600–800 personal spending money for the full 21 days and exchanging to local currency as needed. We brief you on exact amounts before departure.

The Bhutan SDF (USD 100 per person per night) replaced the previous minimum daily package rate in 2022. It is a government levy that contributes to Bhutan's free healthcare and education system, conservation of forests (Bhutan is carbon negative), and the infrastructure that supports sustainable tourism. It is not a service charge — your accommodation, meals, and guide are paid separately within the tour package. We include the SDF in our all-in price so there are no surprise additions.

Yes — with appropriate age. We recommend a minimum age of 14 for the Tibet section due to altitude concerns (Lhasa at 3,656m). The Nepal and Bhutan sections are suitable for teenagers and reasonably fit children. The Tiger's Nest hike is achievable for fit children aged 12+ with encouragement. The tour is culturally rich and visually spectacular — teenagers who enjoy history, photography, or adventure typically love it. Contact us and we will advise on the specific sections based on your children's ages and fitness.