Best of Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet

Best of Nepal, Bhutan & Tibet Tour is a 21-day journey across three iconic Himalayan destinations. This once-in-a-lifetime trip covers UNESCO World Heritage Sites, vibrant cities, sacred monasteries, breathtaking mountain landscapes, and rich Hindu and Buddhist cultures. From hiking to Bhutan’s Tiger’s Nest and exploring Nepal’s jungles to discovering the ancient heritage of Lhasa, this tour is ideal for travelers seeking a deep, cultural, and scenic Himalayan experience.

The Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet Tour is perfect for those who have less time to spend in each country but want to see some of the highlights of these three fascinating Himalayan countries.  This tour is suitable for all ages and is fully inclusive of guides, accommodation, flights, road transport and breakfast.  Lunch and dinner are also provided in Bhutan and Chitwan National Park, Nepal. 

We at Swotah Travel and Adventure work in close coordination with other agencies in Bhutan and Tibet.  As you may know, you are required to take a local focal person / guide in these two unique countries.  In Nepal, our own guides will be with you during your time here.

The tour involves two way international flights into Bhutan, private vehicle road transport in Tibet, and both private and  tourist road transport in Nepal (with an option to fly or go by private vehicle).

There is no high altitude travel in Nepal or Bhutan.  In Tibet, being the roof of the world, the altitude you will travel at goes up to 5,220 m /  17,126 ft. But this is only as you travel over a mountain pass.  The highest you will sleep at is 4,350 m / 14,127 ft.  This is high altitude, which is why we travel by road into and through Tibet rather than flying directly into Lhasa.  Travelling by road gives your body more time to acclimatize than simply arriving from Kathmandu at 1,400m/4,593 feet to 3,650 m / 11,975 ft at Lhasa.

On this tour you will learn about Hinduism (Nepal) and Buddhism (Bhutan and Tibet) as well as that unique to Nepal combination of Hinduism and Buddhism.  There will be the opportunity to see the wildlife of the lush lowland forests in Nepal, and at the other extreme, see the dry, cold desert landscapes of Tibet.

So, is this tour right for you?  Read on…

What is the Accommodation Like on this Tour?

Nepal: in Kathmandu and Pokhara, you will have comfortable 3-star accommodation, with all the amenities you would expect, such as WiFi, attached bathrooms and AC heating and cooling.  In Chitwan National Par,k you will be staying in a jungle lodge, which is more in keeping with the surroundings, but which also provides you with a high level of comfort.

Bhutan: in Bhutan there are comfortable government-approved 3 or 4 star accommodation for international tourists in Paro and Thimphu. Again, they have all the facilities you would expect such as en-suite bathrooms and WiFi.

Tibet: in Lhasa there are comfortable hotels of 3 or 4 stars.  Most of the styles are in keeping with the traditions of the location.  Most accommodation has hot water and Wi-Fi. Outside of Lhasa, accommodation may vary and be more basic.

*In some locations it is possible to upgrade the standard of hotels, at an added cost, please discuss this with us.

What Will the Food be Like on the Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet Tour?

Not only will you experience the different cultures of the three countries, you will also be able to try the different foods as well.

Nepal: the standard fare in Nepal is dal bhat takari.  That is lentil soup with rice and vegetable curry.  Of course there is much more to Nepali food than that and this is your opportunity to try a few different varieties – from Newari (the indigenous group from the Kathmandu Valley) to Tharu (the indigenous group from the lowlands) food.  The food in Nepal varies between spicy and not so spicy.  But you can request less spicy if necessary.  Vegetarian options are always available although vegan meals are harder to come by.  Breakfast is included in your hotels with lunch and dinner provided in Chitwan National Park.  

Bhutan: the food of Bhutan is traditionally meat dishes including yak, chicken and pork.  One of the famous dishes is Ema Datshi which is chili and soft cheese served with rice.  Much better than it sounds and very flavoursome! Vegetarian meals are readily available. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is provided on this leg of the tour.

Tibet: Tibetan food is unlike the Chinese food you may get at home!  It can consist of thukpa, a thick soup with noodles and meat or vegetables, sha phaley, sort of an individual meat pie, and momos. Momos are widely eaten in Nepal too and are Tibetan dumplings filled with meat or vegetables.  Don’t forget to try butter tea – literally tea with yak butter and salt – best if you think of it as a soup rather than a tea!  Vegetarian options available. Breakfast is provided in your hotels.  

Is the Food Safe to Eat?

The food in all three countries can be spicy, so please request less spice in your meal if you so wish.  The accommodations you will stay in are used to international tourists and have a high standard of hygiene.  You will, however, be eating items you may not have eaten before, so bringing some aids for your stomach is sensible. 

Safe drinking water will be available for purchase in all locations.

Culture and Peoples you will see on this Tour

Nepal

Nepal is home to many different ethnic groups, cultures and religions.  The history of the country is steeped in mystery, intrigue and blood.  Modern day Nepal was only formed in 1786 when Prithvi Narayan Shah unified the then many different kingdoms in the country.  But history goes way back.  You may be aware Siddhartha Gautama, who went on to become Lord Buddha, was born in the western lowlands of what is now Lumbini in Nepal.  At that time it was a kingdom ruled by his father.  So yes, the history goes back to those times and earlier.  The Kathmandu Valley was formed, myth has it, when the Goddess Manjushri cut a channel in a lake, draining the water and forming the Valley. 

The original settlers of the Kathmandu Valley are the Newari people who practice a blend of Buddhism and Hinduism.  Interestingly, the most revered Hindu temple in the world is in Kathmandu on the banks of the Bagmati River.  Worship in the area around Pashupatinath, researchers have found, goes back many hundreds of years.  You will visit this temple, the former royal palace, the home of the current Living Goddess Kumari, Buddhist stupas and much more on your sightseeing in Kathmandu.

The lowland areas of Nepal have another strange history.  Originally covered in thick mosquito ridden forests, few people lived there.  The indigenous people are called Tharu and history has it that during the Mogul wars the higher class women and children were sent far from the fighting (in India) and settled in the lowlands of Nepal.  Here they married local men.  Today many societies in the Terai, as the lowlands are called, are matriarchal.

Bhutan

Bhutan is known as the Land of the Thunder Dragon with a history that little is known about. It is thought the region which is modern day Bhutan was settled as far back as 2000 BC but it is only when Buddhism was introduced around the 8th century that we hear much about the region.  By the 12th century the Drukpa Kagyupa school of Tibetan Buddhism was formed, and it still is the main form of Buddhism in Bhutan.  The country remained remote and distant until Jigme Singye Wangchuk became King in 1972.  Focussing on education, and modernizing many sectors of life, he is known for his philosophy of ‘gross national happiness’. Today his son, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck is king.  He visited Nepal in 2024 on a private visit which included Boudhanath Stupa.  Bhutan is still very much a closed society and restricts the number of international tourists that can visit every year.  It also limits the areas tourists can visit.  The whole time tourists are guided by a local government-appointed guide.  But this does not mean you are restricted in any way – you will still be able to see the most iconic landmarks and meet some locals.

Tibet

Tibet is another area where you will be guided by a government-appointed guide during your stay there.  The Tibetan Plateau is home to Tibetans and also Mongols, Tamang, and Sherpa communities, among others.  In fact the Sherpa of the Everest Region in Nepal migrated from Tibet several hundred years ago.  Cut off from the centre administration of China in its early history, Tibet developed its own culture and religion. It was autonomous until 1951  when the People’s Republic of China annexed the area.  After the failure of the 1959 Tibetan uprising, when the current Dalai Lama fled to India, the Tibetan government was abolished.  There started a concerted effort by the PRC to integrate Tibet and its people into the rest of the country.  Known today by its Chinese name of Xīzàng there is an ongoing struggle between peoples.  For example, pictures of the Dalai Lama are outlawed and the whereabouts of the Panchen Lama are unknown.  For visitors, you will still see a heavy Buddhist influence in Lhasa and the surrounding Tibetan Plateau. Visiting the Potala Palace (winter palace of past Dalai Lamas) and Jokhang Temple is still incredibly fascinating and interesting tours giving an insight of Tibet of the past. 

Transport

Included in the cost of the tour is road transport.  In Bhutan, there will be private vehicles for your group, with a designated government-trained driver.  In Tibet there are also private vehicles, the type of which will depend on the size of the group.  In Nepal there is a combination of private vehicles and tourist buses – with the option of booking domestic flights or hiring private vehicles instead of the tourist buses. Should you wish to book domestic flights or private vehicles in Nepal please ask us. 

Guides

In all countries there will be licensed English-speaking guides accompanying you.  If you speak another language please enquire and we can see if a guide is available who speaks your language.

In Chitwan National Park, Nepal, you will have an experienced and qualified jungle guide to ensure your safety in the jungles.

Difficulty of the Tour

Overall, this tour is suitable for anyone of any age.   However, it may be necessary for those over 80 to provide additional health information when applying for the permit for Tibet. It would be worth while bring a letter stating you are well to travel from your family doctor.  Please ask us for the latest information.

In Tibet you will be travelling at high altitude so please consult with your doctor first if you suffer from any illnesses that may be affected by this. 

In Bhutan there is a six hour round trip hike to the Tiger’s Nest.  This is quite a strenuous trek up a rough path.  If you feel you cannot make it the whole way, there is a café half way up the cliff which offers views of the monastery.  If you still feel that is too much for you, please advise us and we will arrange another tour for you that day.

 Getting in Shape Before You Come

Although you are not going to be trekking for days on this tour, we do recommend a certain level of fitness before you come.  Perhaps up your routine in the gym or take up swimming or tennis or similar in preparation. 

Safety on the Tour

The main issue that someone may encounter on this tour is the altitude in Tibet.  For this reason, we drive into Lhasa rather than flying in.  There is no way of knowing who will suffer from altitude – unless you have suffered before. Being overall fit does reduce the chances but being young (or old) doesn’t improve or reduce your chance of being unwell.  Monitoring your body is the best way to prevent serious illness.  Please see our Signs of Altitude Sickness section.

What Currency Should I Bring and How Much Money do I Need on the Tour?

You can bring most currencies i.e. US Dollars, Pounds Sterling, Euros into Nepal and exchange them in Kathmandu for rupees.

In Tibet, they only accept Chinese Yuan.  You can exchange money in Kathmandu or at the border. We also recommend you change money in Kathmandu for Bhutan.  Our staff will be there to assist you in the process.

In Bhutan, all meals are provided so you only need money for souvenirs or extras like cold drinks, beer etc.  In Tibet, Kathmandu and Pokhara, only breakfasts are provided so you will need money to purchase lunch and dinner.  And any extras. 

In general, for the basics, we suggest bringing around USD40 per day, more if you plan to buy souvenirs.  Credit cards are accepted in Kathmandu and Pokhara.   

Best Time for This Tour

In general we can recommend spring (March to June) and autumn (September to November) for this tour.  However, climate change on landscapes such as the Tibetan Plateau is very influential these days.

Temperatures

Nepal: Kathmandu has a very good climate throughout the year.  In the spring the temperature ranges from around 120C /  530 F  to 290C / 840.    In the autumn it can range from 11°C / 52°F to 25°C 77°F.  Pokhara and Chitwan are at lower altitudes so have higher temperatures than the capital. 

Pokhara in the spring sees temperatures from around 21.7°C /  70°F to 32.5°C / 90°F, and in the autumn around 12°C / 54°F to 25°C / 77°F.

Chitwan sees temperatures in the spring at around 260C  / 780 F to  400C / 1040 F and in the autumn of around 230 C / 730 F   to 290 C / 840 F.

Tibet: Tibet is seeing higher temperatures due to global warming, but it still is quite cold!  In the spring temperatures range from 150 C /  590  F  to 200 C  / 680 F in the day and 50 C /  420  F to minus 100 C /  140 F  in the night.  In the autumn, temperatures are similar in the day but can drop further in the night.

Bhutan: Bhutan has a pleasant and mild temperature.  In the spring it ranges from 100 C / 500 F to 200 C / 680 F.  In the autumn the temperatures are much the same.  

Winter and Monsoon Seasons

Both Bhutan and Tibet see below freezing temperatures in the winter and so it is not the best time to visit. 

Bhutan and Nepal have a monsoon season from around the end of June to September making roads and air transport unreliable.  

What to Pack for this Tour

We have a standard packing list which you can access here.   As you are covering many different types of landscapes on this tour there are a few other items you may wish to bring with you.

·       Sports shoes and sandals for walking around.

·       Neutral or green coloured clothing for inside Chitwan National Park. The animals will spot bright colours from a distance!

·       Swimming costume.  If there is time you may want to swim in Pokhara (a pool, not the lake!)

·       Conservative clothing for the temples and monasteries – no low tops, shorts or short skirts.

·       Pyjamas for those 3 star hotels – something we don’t include on purely trekking trips!

·       Travel sickness pills, if necessary, for those bumpy roads.

Eco / Culturally Conscious  Travelling

We at Swotah are aware of that old adage, ‘leave nothing behind, take nothing away but photographs’.  We expect our guests to do the same!  Some of these areas are very culturally sensitive, such as Pashupatinath in Kathmandu.  Be aware where you go, following any signs that say ‘no entrance’ and pay attention to your guide.  Respect local customs such as taking off your shoes before entering monasteries and not showing physical signs of affection to your partner in public.  We know you will not damage or draw on artifacts such as chortens or statues, but if travelling with young people or children, make sure they do not either.  Do not take any pictures or references of the Dalai Lama into Tibet.   Do not engage any locals in conversation on this topic unless they talk first. This is a very sensitive matter for the Chinese government.