Nepal, Bhutan & Tibet Tour
Few journeys on earth cover as much cultural, spiritual, and geographic ground as a combined Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet tour. In 21 days you move from the Hindu temples of the Kathmandu Valley to the Buddhist dzongs of the Thunder Dragon Kingdom to the sacred plateau of Tibet, three civilisations that share the Himalayan spine but express themselves in profoundly different ways.
Nepal gives you the Himalayan view from the south, the classic panorama of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri from Sarangkot at 1,592m, and the temple-layered culture of the Kathmandu Valley with its five UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Bhutan adds the most preserved traditional Buddhist kingdom in the world: Tiger's Nest Monastery clings to a 900m cliff above Paro, Punakha Dzong sits at a river confluence that has hosted royal coronations for 400 years, and Dochula Pass reveals a panorama of 108 memorial chortens framed by eastern Himalayan peaks.
Tibet reveals the plateau itself. The Potala Palace, 13 storeys, 1,000 rooms, 200,000 statues. Jokhang Temple at dawn, with pilgrims from across the plateau arriving on their knees. The Friendship Highway crossing Yamdrok Lake (turquoise, sacred, 72km long) before reaching Old Tingri, where the Everest North Face fills the southern horizon, a view no trekker approaching from Nepal ever sees.
This tour is operated by Annapurna Trekking, with specialist licensed guides in each country and all permit logistics, including the notoriously complex Tibet Travel Permit and Bhutan e-visa, handled entirely by our team.
Upcoming departures.
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Trek highlights.
Trek in pictures.
Interactive circuit map.
The full 21-day circuit on a topographic map. Click any marker for details. Switch between Topo, Satellite, and Standard views using the layer control.
21 Days. Every detail planned.
Airport pickup and hotel transfer in Thamel. Orientation walk, gear check, and pre-tour briefing with your guide. Welcome dinner.
Full-day cultural sightseeing. Boudhanath Stupa (UNESCO, the largest stupa outside Tibet), Pashupatinath Temple (sacred Hindu cremation ghats on the Bagmati River), Swayambhunath (the Monkey Temple). Afternoon free.
Two medieval cities in one day. Bhaktapur: Nyatapola Temple (5-storey pagoda), 55-Window Palace, pottery square. Patan: Golden Temple, Krishna Mandir, the finest collection of courtyard architecture in Asia. Both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Morning flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara (25 minutes, with Himalayan panorama on clear days). Check in at lakeside hotel. Afternoon at Phewa Lake, optional rowboat to Tal Barahi Temple island. Sunset over the lake with Machhapuchhre reflected in the water.
Pre-dawn drive to Sarangkot (1,592m). The Himalayan sunrise panorama here, Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Annapurna I (8,091m), Machhapuchhre, and Manaslu, is one of Nepal's iconic experiences. Return to Pokhara for breakfast. Afternoon: Davis Falls, Gupteshwor Cave, International Mountain Museum.
Midday flight back to Kathmandu. Afternoon free for last-minute shopping in Thamel. Bhutan visa and permit confirmation with your guide. Pre-departure briefing for the Bhutan leg.
Druk Air or Bhutan Airlines from Kathmandu to Paro, one of the world's most dramatic airport approaches, threading through 5,000m+ peaks to a short valley runway. Bhutan entry permit check at immigration. Afternoon: Rinpung Dzong (fortress-monastery overlooking the valley), National Museum of Bhutan. Welcome dinner at traditional Bhutanese restaurant.
The defining day of the tour. Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) clings to a 900m sheer cliff, Guru Rinpoche is said to have meditated here in the 8th century, flying in on the back of a tigress. The 3–4 hour round-trip hike through blue pine and rhododendron forest is one of the great half-day walks in the world. Afternoon: Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest temples, built in 659 AD.
Drive from Paro to Thimphu via Dochula Pass (3,100m), 108 memorial chortens with panoramic Himalayan views including Gangkhar Puensum (world's highest unclimbed mountain). Thimphu: Buddha Dordenma (51m gold-bronze Buddha), National Memorial Chorten, Tashichhodzong. Folk Heritage Museum.
Drive to Punakha through the Mo Chhu valley, the dramatic drop from 3,100m to 1,200m in 70km is one of the world's great drives. Punakha Dzong: arguably the most beautiful building in the Himalayan world, at the confluence of two rivers since 1638. Afternoon: Chimi Lhakhang (the Fertility Temple), suspension bridge over Mo Chhu, village walk through rice paddies.
Morning drive to Paro Airport. Flight to Kathmandu, onward connection to Lhasa Gonggar Airport. Tibet entry permit and TIB clearance checked. Transfer to Lhasa city (1 hour). Check in at traditional Tibetan hotel. Afternoon rest, essential on your first day at 3,656m. No strenuous activities.
Acclimatisation morning walk. Visit the Potala Palace, 13-storey winter palace of the Dalai Lamas on Red Hill, 1,000 rooms, 200,000 statues, 10,000 shrines. Afternoon: Barkhor Street pilgrimage circuit around Jokhang Temple, the sacred kora lined with incense sellers, monks, pilgrims, and thangka shops.
Jokhang Temple, Tibet's holiest site (built 647 AD), housing the Jowo Shakyamuni statue. Thousands of pilgrims prostrate at the entrance each morning, a deeply moving sight. Drepung Monastery (once the world's largest, with 10,000 monks). Sera Monastery: monk debates in the courtyard at 3pm, a spectacular display of dialectical Buddhism.
Begin the Friendship Highway linking Lhasa to the Nepal border. Cross Kamba La (4,794m) for the first view of Yamdrok Lake, turquoise, sacred, 72km long, visible from the pass. Karo-La pass (5,045m) where the Karo-La Glacier descends almost to the road. Arrive Gyantse: the Kumbum Stupa (9 floors, 77 chapels) and Palkhor Monastery.
Drive to Shigatse, Tibet's second city. Tashilunpo Monastery, founded in 1447, seat of the Panchen Lama, one of Tibet's largest functioning monasteries. Houses the world's largest gilded statue: the 26m Maitreya Buddha. Explore Shigatse market for Tibetan carpets, thangkas, and handicrafts.
Sakya Monastery, the fortress-town monastery with distinctive grey-white-red striped walls, founded 1073, once Tibet's political capital. Continue to Old Tingri (4,390m): on clear days, Everest (8,849m) and Cho Oyu (8,188m) dominate the southern horizon, the Everest North Face viewpoint from Tibet, a view no Nepal trekker ever sees.
Early morning at Tingri for the Everest view. Return drive to Lhasa via Shigatse, reversing the Friendship Highway with a different light angle. Stop for lunch in Gyantse. Final Tibetan dinner in Lhasa with your guide.
Morning flight from Lhasa Gonggar Airport to Kathmandu (90 minutes). You'll notice the thicker air immediately on landing. Hotel check-in. Afternoon free for shopping at Thamel. Debrief dinner with your Nepal guide.
Flexible day for flight connections or optional add-ons: mountain flight over Everest at sunrise (USD 195 extra), day trip to Chitwan National Park (same-day), Nagarkot for a second Himalayan sunrise, or guided shopping for thangkas, singing bowls, and pashmina.
Full free day at leisure. Options: Garden of Dreams, Asan Bazaar old market, cooking class, Tibetan refugee camp and carpet factory visit, or simply recover in a good café. Your guide is available for any assistance.
Airport transfer based on your flight time. We recommend booking departures after midday to avoid early morning traffic. If you have an early flight, hotel late checkout is arranged the evening prior. Three kingdoms, one unforgettable journey.
Transparent, all-in pricing.
Included in your price
Not included
Trek altitude at a glance.
How hard is this trek?
Best time for the Nepal, Bhutan & Tibet Tour.
Weather on the Nepal, Bhutan & Tibet Tour.
Everything you need to know.
Open any card for in-depth notes on accommodation, food, altitude, permits, money and the small print that matters on the trail.
Your safety, planned in detail.
Altitude is the main risk on this trek. Here is exactly what we carry, who we call, and where the nearest help is at every stage of the route.
Common health risks
- •Altitude sickness in Lhasa (3,656m) and Friendship Highway (up to 4,794m), rest on arrival day is mandatory
- •Sunburn on Tibet plateau, UV intensity at altitude is extreme even in winter
- •Dehydration, dry plateau air requires 3+ litres of water daily in Tibet
- •Mild AMS symptoms (headache, nausea) common in first 24 hours in Lhasa
- •Tiger's Nest hike, stone steps for 3–4 hours; knee and ankle care required
- •Cold nights in Tibet and Bhutan highlands even in October (0–5°C)
Emergency protocols
This tour crosses three countries with different emergency response capabilities. In Nepal: helicopter evacuation available from most locations within 60 minutes. In Bhutan: helicopter emergency service available in Paro and Thimphu. In Tibet: helicopter and ground evacuation available but more complex, your guide carries satellite communication. We monitor group health daily throughout the Tibet section.
From your front door to the trailhead.
Every leg of the journey, the mode of transport, the time it takes, and what's included. The complete picture from international arrival to trek start and back again.
Kathmandu → Pokhara
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Pokhara → Kathmandu
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Kathmandu → Paro, Bhutan
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Paro → Kathmandu → Lhasa
IncludedIncluded: connection via Kathmandu typically
Lhasa → Kathmandu
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All ground transport
IncludedIncluded in all three countries
What to pack.
Plan Your Trek
Planning guides for the Nepal, Bhutan & Tibet Tour
Written by our guides, these cover the permits, altitude, timing, and kit you need before you go.
Common questions.
GeneralDo I need a visa for Bhutan?+
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.
GeneralHow do I get a Tibet Travel Permit?+
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.
GeneralDo I need a Chinese visa for Tibet?+
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.
GeneralIs altitude sickness a concern on this tour?+
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.
GeneralWhat is the best time of year for this tour?+
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.
GeneralCan I add a Nepal trek to this tour?+
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.
GeneralHow physically demanding is this tour?+
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.
GeneralHow many guides will we have?+
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.
GeneralWhat currency do I need in each country?+
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.
GeneralWhat is included in the Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee?+
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.
GeneralIs this tour suitable for families with children?+
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.
Built different. On purpose.
Named guide before you book
Name, photo, licence number and WhatsApp. The same guide meets you at the airport and finishes the trek with you.
100% private, zero strangers
Your group, your pace, your schedule. We have never placed strangers together on a private trek. Not once.
Transparent all-in pricing
Permits, guide, porter, accommodation and all meals included. What you see is what you pay — no upsells on the trail.
Deposits from 10%
The earlier you book, the lower your deposit. The balance is due 15 days before departure, and our booking terms list every refund tier.
