Nepal Tibet Tour – 10 Days

Nepal Tibet Tour Best Seasons

Our Nepal Tibet tour focuses on the central cities of both Nepal and Tibet which enjoy the temperate climate most of the year. Plus, Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Lhasa have excellent road highways and convenient facilities.

Therefore, you can undertake our Nepal Tibet tour 10 days trip any season and any month of the year. However, if you are looking for the best and perfect experience, then try to take this tour in between September and November which indicates the autumn time in Nepal and Lhasa.

The calm consistent weather, the rich oxygen in Lhasa air, and the temperate heat of 20 degrees Celsius make the autumn tour very delightful.

You will also get the most cultural insights through the autumn festivals like Dashain and Dipawali in Nepal and Nakchu Horse Racing Festival and Shoton Festival in Tibet.

Within March and May, you will be able to enjoy the spring weather in Nepal and Lhasa. The aromatic flowers, the green landscape, and the excellent mountains and plateaus make this period literally very enjoyable.

Since, Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Lhasa do not suffer very harsh cold temperatures, you can also join our Nepal Tibet tour within December through February.

June, July, and August bring heavy rain in Kathmandu and Pokhara making the trek to Australian Cam a bit arduous but certainly very manageable.

Lhasa on the other hand enjoys very less wet days so it will be ideal to see this Tibetan city in the summer months as well.

Nepal Tibet Tour 10 Days Trip: Difficulty Level

The Nepal Tibet tour is the introductory experience to Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Lhasa where all the excursion is concentrated around the cultural and religious centers of the cities.

For the navigation of the Nepal mountain road towards the Australian Camp, a private drive is available with the full support of our English-speaking guide and a professional driver.

Additionally, the road networks of Nepal and Lhasa that we will be traveling along are also in excellent condition. Only the brief detour towards the Australian Camp can be a bit hard along the steep slope yet it can be encountered with relative ease.

Thus, our Nepal Tibet tour 10 days trip is the most strainless, easiest and enjoyable tour that you can engage in. The absence of long-duration hikes, and only the pleasant walks around the city makes this tour an easy option for the elderly and those with joint problems.

Also, the Life Himalaya trekking team has seen to all your essential details of the tour from your sleeping hotels to your eating menus to your permits and travel mode.

The only challenge of this tour is the high altitude of Lhasa and its very thin highland air. In Nepal, you will always remain at a comfortable height below 2500 m, but once you arrive in Lhasa, you will find yourself above 3500 m.

However, to mitigate the discomfort of the altitude, we have planned one entire rest day followed by a comfortable tour for two days. So Nepal Tibet tour is nothing but the simplest and relaxing journey available for all.

Who can participate in our Nepal Tibet Tour Itinerary?

Our Nepal Tibet tour itinerary has been made to be reachable to all, irrespective of their gender, age, fitness level, or skill. The simplicity and convenience of the tour make it a very ideal trip for both children and older adults while with a touch of hiking adventure, this tour also becomes perfect for those eager to experience an adventure in the wilderness.

Its rich cultural and natural immersion also makes it an appropriate tour for those who are very eager to explore the mystical culture and striking contrast in nature and landscape.

In addition, the short time and the affordability of our Nepal Tibet tour also make it an excellent choice for those who are very busy with their schedule and who also have to make some budget considerations.

With the altitude limited to nearly 3700 m, this tour is also appropriate for those who have very mild health conditions. However, we always advise people with heart and lung conditions to get advice from their trusted doctors before taking this trip to the highlands of Nepal and Tibet.

Altitude Sickness or Acute Mountain Sickness/AMS and our Planned Acclimatization

The AMS will not be a big issue in our Nepal Tibet tour as we have endeavored to minimize its risks and occurrence for all our guests with our planned acclimatization program.

The maximum elevation you will attain in Nepal will be at Australian Camp which is just only 2055 m high. At this elevation, the air has enough oxygen content to make you feel comfortable.

In Tibet, your highest elevation will be just below 3700 m in Lhasa. The altitude may seem relatively low, however, it has been scientifically established that air in Lhasa contains around 65% of the oxygen that is found at sea level.

This has been the main culprit behind the occurrence of AMS in some of our guests. The AMS is not related to your age, fitness, or your experience of traveling, it can occur in anybody and at unseen times.

To make you adjust to the air of Asia, we have Kathmandu rest and touring days and once you are in Lhasa, we have not planned any activities so you can rest and sleep enough.

This will allow you to adjust well to the Lhasa Air making the following two days tour more comfortable and relaxed. The two days Lhasa excursion tour will also proceed at a slow, progressive, and gradual pace.

However,  some of our guests may have the appearance of mild AMS such as insomnia, appetite loss, and headaches which typically resolve quickly.

These symptoms can occur because of insufficient sleep, not enough hydration, and overexertion. If you notice any signs of AMS, please let our guide help you who is well trained regarding the issue of AMS.

If you feel dizzy and overtired, and your headaches are also very intense, then Diamox can help you get rid of them. With the prescription of a doctor with no any other health issues (particularly of Kidneys), you can start taking Diamox in Kathmandu.

Please do not neglect our advice of enough rest, sleep, and stay well-hydrated.

Physical Health, Training, and Prep for the Nepal Tibet Tour

Nepal Tibet tour 10 days trip perfectly fits those who have moderate fitness and excellent health. Since no such long hikes are part of the tour, this doesn’t require guests to prep and train themselves physically for an extended time.

For the one to two-hour upward hike towards the Australian Camp, the touring walks around the monasteries and monuments, a simple daily walking and jogging one month before the tour departure date can help you.

If you are not particularly active and more or less have the job behind the computers, it is advisable that you engage in stair climbing, and a simple walk in the nearby park.

The tour necessitates more of a humor, flexibility, adjustment, and cooperation from you. So watch about Lhasa, its climate, rules, food, and people before you get on the Nepal Tibet tour.

As for other vital prep, we remind you to make your own first aid box with your personal and common medicines for infections, diarrhea, motion sickness, and some possible simple injuries such as cuts or scrapes.

Sleeping, Eating, and Traveling Arrangements on Nepal Tibet tour

A distinguished refined and reputable three-star hotel will offer you a double room for your accommodation in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Lhasa.

Your room will be generously furnished with two comfortable single beds, your own shower, toilet, hot running tap water, and WiFi. Breakfast in Kathmandu will be at your table every morning while lunches and dinners have to be self-catered at US Dollars 25 to 30 for each tourist.

In Lhasa, breakfasts, dinners, and lunches will be served on your table every day. Nepali, Indian, Chinese, Tibetan, and other international menus will be available to you; we like to suggest you sample Sichuan noodles and Tsampa once when in Lhasa.

For your ground city tours inside Nepal and Lhasa including your hotel and TIA and domestic airport transfers, Life Himalaya Trekking gives you a private vehicle with a licensed driver and city tour guide.

We will also supervise your Kathmandu-Pokhara internal air transfer and Kathmandu-Lhasa international air transfer.

Mobile Communication and Internet/WiFi

For mobile communication in Nepal, go for Ncell or NTC physical or virtual eSIM Cards that give you 4G/LTE services with cost-effective data and voice packages.

In Lhasa, you can choose from China Unicom, China Telecom, and China Mobile for constant mobile communication and 5G connectivity.

We do not recommend you activate international roaming on your home networks, as the charges can be quite high. As for WiFi, it is free service in hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara, and in almost all tourist areas of the city.

In Lhasa, you will also find WiFi available in hotel lobbies, premium deluxe rooms, and bars. Be prepared with a trusty VPN on your mobile to access Western sites such as Google, Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp in Lhasa.

However, we cannot guarantee you that installing a VPN will work all the time. If you don’t want third parties VPN app, then you can also use the eSIM cards that come with in-built VPN along with data plans of 5 GB, 10 GB, or 25 GB for 7, 15, or 30 days respectively.

Currency Exchange, Use of Credit Cards, and Online Payment options in Nepal and Lhasa

Nepal uses mainly the Nepalese Rupee (NPR) while Lhasa the Chinese Renminbi Yuan (RMB) as their official currency. In Nepal, you can also use Indian currency (INR), euros, and US dollars in some major markets, but it is not so in Lhasa.

Please note that the code CNY will be used instead of RMB when comparing the exchange rates. The most convenient way for converting your money into NPR or CNY is in Nepal Banks which offer lower service rates with hassle-free and speedy services.

Some of such banks include the Rastriya Banijya Bank, SBI Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, Nepal Bank Ltd., Himalayan Bank, and Nabil Bank.

Remember these banks will offer the money changing services only on weekdays between 10 AM to 2:30 PM. If you choose to convert your money in Lhasa, you can do so at national bank money changing counters or also at the hotels that you are sleeping in.

Here also, the banks will operate only on weekdays so make sure to carry with you the euros or US Dollars if on-site exchange is required.

ATMs are not that tough to find in Lhasa and in Kathmandu and Pokhara, they are everywhere. But be cautious of the larger service fees so withdraw your exact needed amounts at once.

Most ATMs will accept the debit and card credits in Lhasa. Make sure you have a MasterCard, Diner, or Visa Card if you are using the credit cards. The credit cards can also be utilized to make purchases in the larger markets of Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Lhasa.

As for digital payments, in Nepal, Esewa and Khalti eWallets are the best options while in Lhasa, AliPay, WeChat Pay, and Apple Pay are accepted.

Rules and Regulations to follow for Nepal Tibet Tour 10 Days Trip

When you think about traveling in Tibet, remember that you can’t organize a solo and independent trip on your own. As of now, the Chinese government allows foreign tourists to travel up to Lhasa alone and they can walk in the markets freely.

However, to see the Potala Palace and other landmarks of Lhasa, you must go with the licensed city tour guide in a private vehicle driven by a licensed driver.

Additionally, if you wish to go further in Lhasa, then other extra permits will be essential for which you will have to be part of a group tour composed by government-recognized travel and tour agencies like us.

So to avoid the headaches of formalities, it is wise that you select the ready-made travel and tour packages.

As for the Nepal tour, once you have a tourist visa, Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan are free for you to travel independently. However, once you decide to go on any remote hiking adventures, remember that concerned permits, guides, and organized tours are essential.

Visa Needed for the Nepal Tibet Tour

For your Nepal Tibet tour 10 days trip, you will need three specific types of Visas. The initial one is the Nepal Tourist Visa which permits your entry into Nepal via its international airports and land borders.

The other two are the Tibet Visa and the Chinese Group Visa, which allow you to access Lhasa from Nepal and roam freely throughout the landscapes of Lhasa.

Nepal Tourist Visa

Nepal has employed a convenient online pre-application system for its tourist visa so you can initiate your visa arrangements before you even begin traveling.

Go to the official website of the Nepal Immigration Department and push on the online tourist visa option. Click on the ON ARRIVAL option and proceed with the instructions as you see on the screen.

No sign-up with mail is needed, just mention your Nepal entry point and your passport details. Load your photo and passport scanned copy and get the personal barcode. Print that application form with barcode and bring it with you when coming to Kathmandu.

At your Nepal entry point, show your slip, make the payment, and get your approved Visa for Nepal. Please note that the online application will stay valid only for 15 days, once crossed the time limit, you will have to make a new application.

Or our Nepal Tibet tour itinerary, a minimum visa duration of 15 days is sufficient so make the payment of US Dollars 30 per tourist at the respective bank counters at the international airport or border points.

With this tourist visa, you cannot formally work or trek but you can engage in city tours on your own.

Tibet Visa or the Tibet Travel Permit/TTP

The Tibet Visa or the TTP is a formal travel document given by the Tibetan Tourism Office to all foreign tourists intending to travel to Tibet and its counties.

Remember, this Visa or the permit will not be given to you independently but rather through the government-recognized travel and tour agency of Tibet only.

Life Himalaya Trekking works with such certified travel agency in Tibet which helps us in processioning the TTP for our guests. Once you finalize your Nepal Tibet tour, you will have to make a small deposit and forward us your photo and passport very clearly colored digital copy.

We will advance them to our affiliated Tibetan partner who will then oversee the process. 15 office days will be required for the approval and issuance of this permit so we request all our guests to make this tour official one month in advance.

After the approval of our travel program, the Tibet Tourism Office will issue an invitation letter which will be forwarded to us. We will be using this letter to get the Chinese Group Visa for all our guests.

Please note that the TTP will contain all the overview of our Nepal Tibet tour including your personal information, place of stay, vehicle, travel days, etc.

So once it is approved, no single change will be allowed so please go through all the details before proceeding with the process.

Our appointed Tibetan guide with TTP will be present at the Lhasa Airport.

Chinese Group Visa

As an international traveler planning to go to Lhasa from Nepal, the Chinese Group Visa is the essential document that is granted as one to the entire group. This arrangement necessitates all the group members to enter and leave Lhasa together.

For the attainment of this visa, you must personally appear at the Chinese Embassy inside Kathmandu to give your passport, fingerprints, and photos.

Once all the group members gather in Kathmandu, the Life Himalaya Trekking team will accompany you to the embassy and look after this visa cost and process.

Remember to give a 51 mm by 51 mm photo in the embassy captured against the plain white background with no makeup and specs. The embassy will keep all the original passport for the identification and authorization and return it with the visa.

There are primarily two ways to get the Chinese group Visa: none through the standard method and the second is through the Express method.

1. Standard Method

The Chinese Group Visa processing using the standard method will take 4 weekdays and costs 175 American Dollars per person for American passport holders and 70 to 170 American Dollars per person for other passport holders.

2. Express or Urgent Method

The Chinese Group Visa processing using the express method will take 3 weekdays and costs 185 American Dollars per person for American citizens and 90 to 180 American Dollars per person for other citizens.

Trekking Permits Essential for Nepal Tibet Tour Itinerary

Normally, Nepal Tibet tour do not require any trekking permit but we will be taking you to Australian Camp as well nestled inside the Annapurna Conservation Area.

So, the ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) and the TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card must be procured before or during the Nepal Tibet tour.

The respective cost for ACAP is NPR 3000 and for TIMS is NPR 2000 for each tourist taken care of by us already. Further, our guide will procure them in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

Travel Insurance for Nepal Tibet tour

Please know that you will not get any free medical care or cost in Nepal or Lhasa so if anything goes wrong in the Nepal Tibet tour, then help will be offered but the related expenses will be on added as extra load on your shoulder.

Thus, we kindly urge you to get international travel insurance that offers you comprehensive services when you are traveling abroad. The services should have the heli evacuation, transport, and rescue up to 3700 m, the medical expenses when and if needed, tour delays or cancellations along with the loss of your personal gear.