Best of Tibet & Nepal
This tour combines the highlights of both Nepal and Tibet giving you a full program of sightseeing, a short trek to get an extraordinary mountain view and even a jungle safari. Among many others we will visit Lhasa, Shigatse, Gyantse, Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan and you will get a good overview of what these two beautiful countries have to offer.
Country
Tibet & Nepal
Duration
17 Days
Difficulty
Moderate
Trip Type
Tour
Max Altitude
5248m/17218ft
Best Season
Mar-Dec
Accomodation
Hotel, Lodge and Camping twin sharing bed basis during the trip
Meals
Full board Meals ( Lunch , Dinner and Breakfast) with cup of hot drinks during the trip.
Start/End Point
Kathmandu
Highlights & Overview
Trans-Himalayan flight Chengdu–LhasaPotala Palace, Jokhang & Barkhor BazaarYamdrok Lake and Everest Himalayan corridorNepal–Tibet Friendship Bridge crossingKathmandu UNESCO World Heritage SitesAnnapurna sunrise from SarangkotJungle safari in Chitwan National Park
This extraordinary multi-country journey blends Tibet’s spiritual heritage with Nepal’s cultural depth and natural beauty. From ancient monasteries and high Himalayan passes to tranquil lakes, vibrant cities, and wildlife-rich jungles, the itinerary offers unmatched diversity. Ideal for travelers seeking culture, scenery, and adventure in one seamless expedition, this tour showcases the very best of the Himalayan world.
Short Itinerary
- Day 1: Fly Chengdu to Lhasa 3650m/11975ft, Transfer to Hotel
- Day 2: Lhasa Sightseeing – Drepung Monastery 3800m/12467ft & Norbulingka
- Day 3: Lhasa Sightseeing, Potala Palace 3750m/12303ft, Sera & Jokhang Temple
- Day 4: Drive Lhasa 3650m/11975ft to Gyantse 3950m/12959ft via Yamdrok Lake
- Day 5: Gyantse 3950m/12959ft to Shigatse 3840m/12598ft
- Day 6: Drive Shigatse 3840m/12598ft to Xegar 4300m/14107ft
- Day 7: Drive Xegar 4300m/14107ft to Zhangmu 2300m/7546ft via Lalung La
- Day 8: Zhangmu 2300m/7546ft to Kathmandu 1300m/4264ft
- Day 9: Kathmandu Sightseeing – Pashupatinath 1350m/4429ft & Boudhanath
- Day 10: Kathmandu Valley Tour – Patan, Swayambhunath & Durbar Square
- Day 11: Drive Kathmandu 1300m/4264ft to Pokhara 822m/2697ft
- Day 12: Drive to Naudanda 1100m/3609ft – Trek to Sarangkot 1590m/5216ft
- Day 13: Trek Sarangkot 1590m/5216ft to Pokhara 822m/2697ft
- Day 14: Drive Pokhara 822m/2697ft to Chitwan 415m/1361ft
- Day 15: Day 15: Chitwan National Park Activities 415m/1361ft
- Day 16: Drive Chitwan 415m/1361ft to Kathmandu 1300m/4264ft
- Day 17: Final Departure from Kathmandu 1300m/4264ft
Price Includes
Tour/trekking GuideNecessary PermitsRoad permitsAccommodation on Bed and Breakfast BasisTransportation during the tripPrice Doesn't Include
FlightsGuide TipsDriver and helpersChina VisaAdditional Services if requirePersonal EquipmentsOther services if requireBest of Tibet & Nepal Itinerary
Day 1: Fly Chengdu to Lhasa 3650m/11975ft, Transfer to Hotel
Fly from Chengdu to Lhasa on a spectacular trans-Himalayan flight of approximately 2.5 hours. Upon arrival at Gonggar Airport, meet your Tibetan guide and enjoy a scenic 70km drive to Lhasa city. This first day is designed for acclimatization while offering your first views of the Tibetan Plateau. Overnight stay at hotel in Lhasa.
Max Altitude
3650m/11975ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 2: Lhasa Sightseeing – Drepung Monastery 3800m/12467ft & Norbulingka
Begin your cultural exploration with a guided visit to Drepung Monastery, once the largest monastery in the world and a major seat of Tibetan Buddhism. In the afternoon, visit Norbulingka, the former summer palace of the Dalai Lamas, set within expansive gardens that offer a peaceful contrast to the high plateau. Overnight in Lhasa.
Max Altitude
3800m/12467ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 3: Lhasa Sightseeing, Potala Palace 3750m/12303ft, Sera & Jokhang Temple
Visit the iconic Potala Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and symbol of Tibetan identity. Continue to Sera Monastery, famous for its lively monk debates, and later explore Jokhang Temple, Tibet’s holiest shrine. End the day with a walk through Barkhor Bazaar, the spiritual and commercial heart of Lhasa. Overnight in Lhasa.
Max Altitude
3750m/12303ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 4: Drive Lhasa 3650m/11975ft to Gyantse 3950m/12959ft via Yamdrok Lake
Depart Lhasa and drive toward Gyantse, crossing Kampa La Pass 4790m/15715ft with breathtaking views of the turquoise Yamdrok Lake. Arrive in Gyantse and relax after a scenic drive through classic Tibetan landscapes. Overnight stay at hotel.
Max Altitude
4790m/15715ft
Accomodation
Hotel / Lodge
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 5: Gyantse 3950m/12959ft to Shigatse 3840m/12598ft
Tour Palchor Chode Monastery and the remarkable Kumbum Stupa, one of Tibet’s architectural masterpieces. Continue driving to Shigatse, stopping at rural farmlands to experience traditional Tibetan life. Visit Tashi Lunpo Monastery, seat of the Panchen Lama, and explore the local market. Overnight in Shigatse.
Max Altitude
3950m/12959ft
Accomodation
Hotel / Lodge
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 6: Drive Shigatse 3840m/12598ft to Xegar 4300m/14107ft
Travel west toward Xegar, the gateway to the Everest region. Cross high Himalayan passes including Gyula La and Gyatsola Pass 5248m/17218ft, passing nomadic camps and remote monasteries. Overnight at Quomolangma in Xegar.
Max Altitude
5248m/17218ft
Accomodation
Teahouse
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 7: Drive Xegar 4300m/14107ft to Zhangmu 2300m/7546ft via Lalung La
Drive toward the Nepal border crossing Lalung La Pass 5050m/16568ft and Nyalam Pass 3800m/12467ft. Enjoy extraordinary Himalayan views including Everest, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Shishapangma. Descend dramatically to Zhangmu through lush valleys. Overnight in Zhangmu.
Max Altitude
5050m/16568ft
Accomodation
Teahouse
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 8: Zhangmu 2300m/7546ft to Kathmandu 1300m/4264ft
After breakfast, complete immigration formalities and cross the Friendship Bridge into Nepal. Meet your Nepali team and drive to Kathmandu via scenic mountain highways, stopping at Dhulikhel for lunch. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
Max Altitude
2300m/7546ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 9: Kathmandu Sightseeing – Pashupatinath 1350m/4429ft & Boudhanath
Explore Kathmandu’s spiritual heritage with visits to Pashupatinath Temple, Nepal’s holiest Hindu shrine, and Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world and a center of Tibetan Buddhism. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Max Altitude
1350m/4429ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 10: Kathmandu Valley Tour – Patan, Swayambhunath & Durbar Square
Enjoy a full-day guided tour of UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Patan Durbar Square, Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), and Kathmandu Durbar Square, showcasing Nepal’s rich Newari architecture and history. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Max Altitude
1400m/4593ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 11: Drive Kathmandu 1300m/4264ft to Pokhara 822m/2697ft
Drive along the Trishuli River to Pokhara, Nepal’s most scenic lakeside city. Upon arrival, relax beside Phewa Lake with views of Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna range. Overnight in Pokhara.
Max Altitude
822m/2697ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 12: Drive to Naudanda 1100m/3609ft – Trek to Sarangkot 1590m/5216ft
Drive to Naudanda and trek uphill to Sarangkot, a famous viewpoint for sunset over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Overnight stay in Sarangkot.
Max Altitude
1590m/5216ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 13: Trek Sarangkot 1590m/5216ft to Pokhara 822m/2697ft
Enjoy sunrise views before trekking downhill through villages and forests back to Pokhara. Free afternoon to relax by the lake. Overnight in Pokhara.
Max Altitude
1590m/5216ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 14: Drive Pokhara 822m/2697ft to Chitwan 415m/1361ft
Drive to Chitwan National Park, Nepal’s premier wildlife reserve. Upon arrival, receive a briefing about jungle activities. Overnight at jungle lodge.
Max Altitude
415m/1361ft
Accomodation
Lodge
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 15: Day 15: Chitwan National Park Activities 415m/1361ft
Enjoy canoeing on the Rapti River, jungle walks, village visits, and an elephant safari searching for rhinos, deer, crocodiles, and possibly Bengal tigers. Overnight in Chitwan.
Max Altitude
415m/1361ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 16: Drive Chitwan 415m/1361ft to Kathmandu 1300m/4264ft
Return to Kathmandu via scenic highways. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Nepali farewell dinner with cultural performances. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Max Altitude
1300m/4264ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 17: Final Departure from Kathmandu 1300m/4264ft
Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your international departure.
Max Altitude
1300m/4264ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Breakfast
Packing Lists
Cloathing
Down jacket and warm fleeceLightweight waterproof jacketTrekking pants and casual wearThermal base layersSun hat, woolen hat, glovesGears
Comfortable walking shoesLight trekking shoes or bootsSandals for city and hotel usePersonal Items
Sunglasses (UV protection)Sunscreen SPF 40+Lip balm, moisturizerPersonal medicationsOther Items You Can Bring
Passport and visasCamera / phonePower bankSmall backpackReusable water bottle