Traveling from Bhutan to Tibet is an adventure filled with breathtaking scenery and rich cultural experiences. While there’s no direct route, reaching Tibet via Nepal is both simple and rewarding. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best ways to travel from Bhutan to Tibet, what documents you’ll need, and helpful tips for a smooth journey. Get ready to plan your next adventure with confidence!

Where are Bhutan and Tibet? Can I Travel Directly from Bhutan to Tibet?

Bhutan and Tibet are two neighboring regions in the heart of the Himalayas. Bhutan, known as the "Land of the Thunder Dragon," is a small, peaceful kingdom nestled on the eastern edge of the Himalayas, bordered by India to the south and China to the north.

Tibet, located north of Bhutan, is an autonomous region of China. Often referred to as the “Roof of the World,” Tibet is home to towering peaks, including Mount Everest, and holds profound spiritual significance, with sacred sites like the Potala Palace.

Although Bhutan and Tibet share a lengthy border, there is no direct crossing between them. Therefore, direct travel by flight or train isn’t possible. However, you can easily travel from Bhutan to Tibet via Nepal, the only country with international access to the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.

Traveling from Bhutan to Tibet via Nepal by Flight: The Easiest Way

Flights are by far the easiest and most convenient way to travel from Bhutan to Tibet, with a seamless route through Nepal. With direct connections to both destinations, Nepal is the perfect transit point for travelers going from Paro to Lhasa.

Step 1: Paro to Kathmandu by Flight

The first leg of the trip is the flight from Paro in Bhutan to Kathmandu in Nepal. Flights depart daily from Paro International Airport, connecting you to Nepal through Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.

The flight generally takes around an hour and fifteen minutes and can cost as little as 250 US dollars per person for a single economy ticket. Covering a distance of approximately 402 kilometers, the flight offers stunning views of the Himalayas, including some of the world’s highest mountains.

Step 2: Kathmandu to Lhasa by Flight

The flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa is the only international flight into the Tibet Autonomous Region. It operates every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, departing from Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport and taking about 70 to 80 minutes to reach Lhasa Gonggar International Airport.

The flight typically costs around 300 US dollars, though prices can vary depending on the season. It’s recommended to book a seat on the left side of the plane for a chance to enjoy stunning views of the Himalayan mountains.

It’s important to note that you can’t schedule the flight from Paro to Kathmandu to connect directly with the flight to Lhasa, even if you don’t plan to explore the Kathmandu Valley. You’ll need to stay in Kathmandu for a few days to arrange your Chinese Group Visa and Tibet Travel Permit, both of which are required for boarding the flight to Tibet.

Traveling from Bhutan to Tibet via Nepal by Overland: The Best Tour Experience

If you’re planning an overland journey from Bhutan to Tibet, start by flying to Kathmandu. From there, you can embark on an overland adventure to Lhasa, traveling along a world-class route across the plateau. Along the way, you’ll encounter iconic Tibetan landmarks, including the breathtaking Mount Everest.

Step 1: Paro to Kathmandu by Flight

The first step is to take a flight from Paro to Kathmandu. As mentioned earlier, this flight typically takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes and usually costs around 250 US dollars per person. It is operated by Bhutan Airlines and DrukAir. Currently, DrukAir offers flights to Kathmandu every day, while Bhutan Airlines flights operate on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.

Step 2: Kathmandu to Lhasa by Overland

After arriving in Kathmandu, you can begin your overland journey to Tibet. However, there are a few important things to consider before setting off. First, you’ll need to be on a pre-arranged tour with a registered Tibetan travel agency, such as ours. You’ll also need to apply for a Chinese Group Visa and a Tibet Travel Permit, both of which are required for entering Tibet from Nepal. But don’t worry—we can help arrange these documents for you. Just be sure to arrive in Kathmandu 3 to 5 days before your trip to Lhasa to allow enough time for processing.

Once you’ve obtained your visa and permit, we’ll drive you from Kathmandu to the border, a journey that takes about 7 hours. Our classic Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour first takes you to Rasuwa Gadi in Nepal, where you’ll stay overnight before crossing the border the next morning. Once you cross the border at Gyirong in Tibet, your guide and driver will meet you, assist with your luggage, and transfer you to your hotel in Gyirong Town for the night, giving you time to acclimatize to the higher altitude.

The next day, you’ll travel from Gyirong to Everest Base Camp (EBC), where you can admire the stunning Mount Everest and explore the Rongbuk Monastery. Before the day ends, you’ll continue to Tingri, located along the Friendship Highway, where you’ll stay overnight. In the following days, you’ll journey onward to Shigatse and Lhasa, passing through iconic sites such as the ancient town of Gyantse and the serene Yamdrok Lake.

Can I Take a Train When Travel from Bhutan to Tibet?

Unfortunately, there is no direct train from Bhutan to Tibet. Bhutan currently lacks railway lines, and Nepal’s rail network is limited to areas near the Indian border. Although Tibet does have railways, they extend only as far as Shigatse. Plans are underway for the China-Nepal Railway, which, once completed, will provide a train route from Nepal to Tibet. Hopefully, this will make train travel between Nepal and Tibet possible in the near future.

What Documents are Needed to Travelling from Bhutan to Tibet?

If you are planning a trip from Bhutan to Tibet, then there are certain documents that you will need to have, and some that are required to be processed in advance of the trip.

Nepal Visa

To enter Nepal from Bhutan, you’ll need to apply for a Nepal Visa. You can do this either upon arrival at the airport or in advance through the Nepali embassy in your home or resident country. The visa cost varies depending on your nationality, and you’ll need a completed application form, a passport-sized photo, your original passport, and the applicable fee. If applying at an embassy, the process typically takes around 3-5 working days. For a Visa on Arrival at the airport, the process usually takes about 30 minutes.

Chinese Group Visa and Tibet Travel Permit

To enter Tibet from Nepal, you’ll need both a Chinese Group Visa and a Tibet Travel Permit, whether you’re flying or traveling overland. The Chinese Group Visa is a single-entry visa issued by the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu, specifically required for foreign travelers entering Tibet via Nepal. The Tibet Travel Permit is essential for any international tourist visiting Tibet.

You cannot apply for these documents individually, but we can assist you in obtaining them when you book your tour with us. We recommend contacting us at least 20 days in advance to allow enough time to secure the Tibet Travel Permit. Additionally, plan to arrive in Kathmandu at least 5 days before your trip to allow time for the Chinese Group Visa application.

Insider tip: If you hold a passport from a country eligible for 15-30 day visa-free entry to China, you won’t need the Chinese Group Visa. In this case, you’ll only need the Tibet Travel Permit to enter Tibet from Nepal.

More Other Tibet Travel Documents

If your Tibet tour includes visits to areas beyond Lhasa, you’ll need additional travel documents. For instance, the Alien’s Travel Permit is required for visiting Mount Everest Base Camp, and the Military Permit is necessary for remote areas like Mount Kailash in Ngari. Fortunately, we’ll take care of all these permits for you when you book your Tibet tour with us.

Make Your Travel from Bhutan to Tibet Easy with Us

Both Tibet and Bhutan require pre-arranged tours, so to make the most of your travel between these destinations, it's best to work with a reliable travel agency. With local offices in Kathmandu, Lhasa, and Bhutan, we are well-equipped to offer you a seamless Tibet and Bhutan tour backed by years of experience.

No matter which route you take or what activities you plan, we provide one-stop services to handle every detail, including all necessary permits, transportation, accommodation, and local guides and drivers. Book your trip with us and enjoy a smooth travel experience to Bhutan and Tibet.

Conclusion

Traveling from Bhutan to Tibet can be a seamless and unforgettable experience. The easiest and most convenient way to connect these two destinations is by flying via Nepal, but you can also choose an overland route from Kathmandu to Lhasa for a spectacular road trip. Regardless of your choice, be sure to prepare the necessary travel documents in advance. If you have any questions or need assistance with your travel plans, feel free to contact us or book your tour with us now. We’re here to provide you with valuable information and exceptional tour services.