Nepal Bhutan Tibet Tour - 16 Days

Duration: 16 Days

Nepal:  06 Nights/07 Days

Need 4 working days to obtain Chinese Visa–while waiting for the visa we will be using this day exploring bit of tours in and around Kathmandu Valley – rest of the days will be traveling back from Bhutan and then flying to Lhasa – returning from Lhasa and next day flying out of Nepal back home)

Bhutan: 04 Nights/05 Days

2 Nights Thimphu, 1 Night Punakha and 2 Nights Paro

Tibet: 05 Nights/06 Days

04 Nights will be Spent in Lhasa & 1 Night will be spent in Xigatse

Challenges:

The tour is purely focused on the Cultural, Spirituality and a bit of hiking allowing visitors to experience the rural setup and one to be with nature.

The true challenge of this tour is Tibet because of the elevation, which reaches 4,750 meters. Some people may find it difficult to adapt to the high elevation resulting in altitude problems. Therefore, anyone with long-term medical issues, such as heart/lung problems, should speak with their doctors before signing up on this tour. Therefore, the tour that goes to Bhutan first then later Tibet can be somewhat helpful in terms of acclimatization because in Bhutan you will be spending over 2,000 meters and reaches a pass that is about 3,100 meters high.

Otherwise, the tour is a simple, easy grading with lot of beautiful stupas, temples, dzongs, ancient palaces and interacting with friendly people who are very spiritual.

Obtaining Chinese Visa and Tibet Travel Permit:

If the plan is to travel to Tibet from Kathmandu, then there must be a minimum of 4 participants, and one needs to wait at least 4 working days to obtain the visa.  Also, the guests need to be here as we must submit the passport to the Embassy for verification.

In case one wish to travel from China Mainland and don’t want to spend that much of time in Kathmandu then the option is you need to obtain the China visa from your hometown, and we will arrange the Tibet Travel permit.

Visa Formalities:

Nepal: Visa Requirements:

All foreign nationals need a visa to enter Nepal. You can obtain this either through the Nepalese embassy in your country or on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA).

For a smooth process, ensure your passport has at least six months of validity on the day of departure.

Can I apply for a visa online?

Yes, it is possible to apply for a visa online in Nepal.

To apply for a visa online in Nepal, you will need to follow these steps:

1.Visit the Department of Immigration’s website at https://www.nepalimmigration.gov.np/

2.Click on the “Visa Information” tab on the menu bar and select “Online Visa Application” from the drop-down menu.

3.Read the instructions carefully and select the appropriate visa category for your travel purpose.

4.Fill out the online visa application form with your personal information and travel details.

5.Upload the required documents, including your passport, photograph, and supporting documents such as flight itinerary and hotel booking.

6.Pay the visa fee online using a credit or debit card.

7.Submit your visa application online.

Once your visa application has been submitted, you can track the status of your application through the Department of Immigration’s website. Once your visa has been approved, you will receive an email with your e-visa, which you can print and present at the port of entry in Nepal. This need to be done between 15-01 day of arrival.

Visa Fees: Payable in US dollars (cash) upon arrival or through an online payment before arrival.

• Required Documents: Passport with a minimum validity of 6 months and the appropriate visa fee.

Bhutan: Visa Requirements:

We will be applying for a visa on your behalf after purchasing the tour package. The package cost needs to be fully paid once the tour is confirmed. Then only they will initiate processing the visa.

Documents Required to Obtain the Visa:

• Payment: First, you need to make full payment of the tour
• Valid Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your entry date into Bhutan.
• Photograph: You need to send a clean digital passport size photograph
• Insurance: Although they have withdrawn the necessity of Travel Insurance for applying for the visa, but rules can change anytime. But Travel Insurance is recommended for your travel to Bhutan as sometimes they request at the time of entry at the airport. It also helps you in case of any medical problem etc.
• Occupation Proof: Submit proof of your occupation.
• Contact Information: Provide your contact details and address
• Visa processed for you prior to your departure.
• Your visa clearance letter will be issued to you along with your air ticket prior to your departure
• Your visa will be endorsed on arrival

The Bhutan passport photo requirements are as follows:

• Size: 45mm in height x 35mm in width. The facial image should take between 70% and 80% of the entire picture.
• The photo you submit must be in color
• Head Size and position: The head must be straight and facing the camera
• Photograph: Should be the latest not older than 6 months
• Background: White
• Eyes: Must be clearly visible
• Ears: Should be clearly visible
• Photo: It should be clear and not blurry
• Glasses: No glass
• Headgear: No
• Dimensions and size (pixels): At least 600 dpi
• Beard: Only if it represents your everyday appearance

TIBET: Visa Requirements:

Traveling to Tibet requires both a Chinese visa and a Tibet Travel Permit. The process differs based on whether you’re entering Tibet from Nepal or China. If you are traveling from Kathmandu, please note that a Chinese visa issued in any other country will not be valid for entry into Tibet. Instead, a group visa will be issued for all travelers entering Tibet from Nepal.

Visa Procedure for Tibet from Kathmandu:

Step 1:
You must book a tour package with a local travel agent in Kathmandu. The minimum group size for obtaining a group visa is 4 participants.

Step 2:
After booking, send a scanned copy of your passport and make the payment. Once received, the agent will begin the process of obtaining your Tibet Travel Permit, which takes around 1 week to process.

Step 3:
Once the Tibet Travel Permit is obtained, the next step is to submit a China visa application to the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu. You will need to be physically present in Kathmandu for this process as the embassy requires the original passport.

Step 4:
The China visa takes about 4 working days to be issued. It will be a group visa, not stamped in your passport, but rather in a separate sheet listing the names of all group members. All travelers in the group must enter and exit China at the same time.

Visa-free entry 

China now grants unilateral visa-free access and has signed mutual visa exemption agreements with 75 countries.

Tibet Travel Permit:

Since Tibet still is not open for independent travelers, Tibet special permit is required and according to it group needs to travel together in and out and cannot split up from the middle. Minimum number of guests needs to be around 4 pax.

For Tibet Travel Permit: We will need a scanned copy of passport to work out for the Tibet special permit at least 30 days in advance.

Passport Size Photographs Basic Requirements:

China Visa Photo Size

The China Visa Application Photo has specific size requirements applicants must obey. If you submit an improper photo online, you can replace it with a new photo before the application is processed, otherwise, your visa application may be refused. What is the exact photo size for China Visa? A Chinese passport photo (33mm×48mm) is the one and only acceptable standard.

• Digital Photo:the electronic photo should meet the requirements of horizontal pixels: 354 – 420 pixels and vertical pixels: 472 – 560 pixels.
• Paper Photo:the printed photo should be 33mm

1. Color:A color (RGB 24bit true color) photo, any black and white photo is not accepted.
2. Background:Can only use white and off-white background
3. Size: 33mm×48mm for paper photo.
4. Date:recent photo taken in the last 6 months.
5. Quality:a clear-cut photo in high resolution, without any damage, stain, folding creases, and no shadows over face or in background.
6. Format:photos must be JPEG image, within size of 40 KB – 120 KB.
7. Others:the photos should present the front view of applicants, showing the full facial features clearly and completely. Head should be horizontally centered with certain distance to the upper and bottom edge.

Important: A visa issued from any other country will not be valid for Tibet travel if entering from Nepal.

Travelling from China Mainland:

In case if you are travelling from China Mainland then the visa you need to obtain from your hometown, and we will be forwarding the Tibet Travel permit.  Also, you can check with your Chinese Embassy if Brazilian are entitled for visa upon arrival or transit visa facilities.

Accommodation: Different options available from the 3 star category to 5 star luxury hotels

Meals:

Kathmandu: It is on a breakfast basis

Bhutan: It is on AP plan i.e. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Tibet: It is on a breakfast basis

Transportation:

All the vehicles used on the tour will be of the high class available in town.

Guide Support:

Nepal: We will have a guide who is highly efficient, huge experience guide with master in Buddhism and as well as Spanish language lecturer.

Tibet: As well we will be using the same Nepali Spanish guide as getting a language in Tibet is difficult as there are only very few.

Bhutan: Even in Bhutan language speaking guide is limited but if we book in advance, we might have a change to have one. If not then we must take from Nepal for which the cost will be little bit extra as we must pay for his flight, accommodation, visa fee, wages.

Health and Safety Tips

Generally safe destinations for travelers, though the terrain and lack of modern infrastructure can pose certain health risks. The most common illnesses are traveler’s diarrhea and respiratory infections like colds.

• Vaccinations: Although no specific inoculations are required, it is advisable to get hepatitis and tetanus vaccinations. Consult your local healthcare provider for up-to-date recommendations.
• Water Safety: Always drink bottled mineral water or treat your water with purification tablets. Tap water is not recommended for drinking.
• Altitude: Those having a long-term medical problem related to heart, lungs or other serious problem, pregnant women we do not advise because this program involves traveling to Tibet which is in the high altitude.
• Consult with the doctor: It is always wise to consult with the doctor/physician before booking the trip

Insurance:

You need to have Travel Insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and evacuation is highly recommended for all visitors.

Ideal Time to Travel to these three great Place:

Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet: April, May, mid-September, October

Flights:

Bhutan:

There almost everyday flights operated by Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines.  It is around an hour flight. But for your information the flight schedule can change anytime without any prior information.

All the flights, timing etc can change without any prior information.

Baggage Allowance: The checked baggage allowances on scheduled international flights are as follows:

•  Business Class 40 kg (88 pounds)
•  Economy Class 30 kg (66 pounds)

Infants: Infants are not entitled to any free baggage allowance.

Unchecked Baggage/Cabin Baggage Special Regulations

Druk Air Corporation’s regulations specify that all cabin baggage must fit in the overhead bin. The maximum dimensions allowed for cabin baggage are 45 x 35 x 20 cm (17 x 13 x 8 inches). The weight limit for cabin baggage is 5 kg for Economy class and 7 kg for Business class.

These regulations are in place to ensure that cabin baggage does not obstruct emergency evacuations. Please keep these limits in mind when packing your bags and ensure that any items exceeding these specifications are checked in as baggage.

Spot checks will be conducted during embarkation to ensure compliance with these regulations.

Check In is: 03 hours before the departure time.

Tickets need to be reconfirmed at least 72 prior to the departure time

Lhasa:

The only direct flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa is by Himalayan Airlines and has a schedule every Mon, Wed, Thu and Friday but this can change anytime without any prior information.

Flight Option: There are flights flying to Lhasa via Chengdu, but we will have to spend an overnight there. Flights are almost every day by different airlines.

Baggage Allowance:

Himalaya Airlines’ baggage allowance varies depending on the travel class and route. Generally, the following guidelines apply:

For Business Class passengers, the allowance typically includes two pieces of checked baggage, with a maximum weight of 30 kg (66 lbs) per piece.

For Economy Class passengers, the allowance usually consists of one piece of checked baggage, with a maximum weight of 20 kg (44 lbs).

Clothing and Accessories:

Given the high-altitude nature of Tibet, dressing appropriately is crucial to your comfort during the trip. Layered clothing is recommended to adapt to varying temperatures throughout the day.

• Recommended Clothing:
  • Light layers: shirts, sweaters, jackets, and cotton inner wear.
  • Warm clothing (October to April): woolen jackets, down feather coats, and boots.
  • Comfortable walking shoes and sun protection accessories such as a hat and sunglasses.
  • A warm jacket is essential, even during the day.
• Additional Accessories:
  • Water bottles and purification tablets.
  • Chapstick and sunscreen (Tibetan sun can be harsh).
  • Utility knife, flashlight, bandana or dust mask, and first-aid kit.
  • Medications for common cold, headache, fever, stomach issues, and Diamox (for altitude sickness).

Altitude Sickness: What You Need to Know

Given Tibet’s high altitude (average 3,600m+), travelers are at risk for altitude sickness. Symptoms can range from headaches and dizziness to nausea and difficulty breathing.

Prevention:

• Gradual Acclimatization: Spend a few days in Lhasa before traveling to higher altitudes.
• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and avoid altitude sickness.
• Move slowly and avoid overexertion.

Symptoms of Altitude Sickness:

• Headache, nausea, dizziness, and loss of appetite.
• Fatigue and sleeping difficulties.
• Breathing problems and overall unsteadiness.

If symptoms persist, the only remedy is to descend to a lower elevation as soon as possible. Always listen to your body.