Tibet Nepal Tour Costs Explained, Lhasa to Kathmandu Tour

Tibet and Nepal are two of the best tourist destinations for outdoor adventures around the mighty Himalayas, especially for seeing Mount Everest. Despite being neighbors, travel seasons, transportation, and accommodation vary between the two countries, leading to different travel costs.

So, for travelers planning the cost of the Tibet Nepal tour, we've broken down the Tibet Nepal tour cost in this tutorial, helping you plan a budget-friendly tour to explore Tibet and Nepal.

The Cost for Tibet Travel Permits and Nepal Visa

To visit Tibet, international travelers are expected to get a Chinese tourist visa first and then depend on your pre-booked Tibet travel agency to apply for the Tibet Travel Permit, a must-have document to visit Tibet.

A Chinese tourist visa (L visa) is easily obtained through the nearest Chinese Embassy, Consulate, or Visa Service Center. A 30-day, single-entry tourist visa usually takes four working days to process. The cost varies by country. For US citizens, it costs 140 USD, and for other countries, the fee ranges between 20 and 70 USD.

A sample of Chinese Tourist Visa (L Visa)

After obtaining a Chinese Tourist Visa, you can email the image of the passport information page and Chinese visa page to us, a local Tibet travel agency, to apply for the Tibet Travel Permit on your behalf for free. The process takes 8-9 working days, but we recommend starting at least 20 days in advance.

Passport holders from some countries can enjoy visa-free entry for stays of 15-30 days. Citizens from these countries may directly apply for a Tibet Travel Permit with a valid passport.

Bonus: China Visa-Free Countries in 2024

Nepal visas can be obtained on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, from a Nepalese Embassy, or online. A 30-day, multi-entry visa costs 50 USD.

A sample of Nepalese on Arrival Visa.

The Cost of a Classic Tibet Nepal Overland Tour Package All-inclusive: Usually 7-8 Days, about 140 USD/person Per Day

If you intend to travel overland from Tibet to Nepal, the most classic overland tour from Lhasa to Kathmandu takes around 7 days. The cost of a seven-day Tibet to Nepal overland tour starts from around 140 USD per person.

This price includes handling of local travel permits, excluding visas, local transfers in a private vehicle with a driver, entrance fees for all tourist sites and hotels, most meals, travel insurance, and an English-speaking local guide. You can save an additional 5% by booking as a small group of three or more people or by booking three months in advance.

What is not included is the cost of international flights to China and home from Nepal and border transfer (60 USD per person) from Gyirong to Kathmandu. Tips for the guide and driver are optional, but a 7 USD/day tip to be shared between them is recommended.

You can also choose to upgrade your accommodations. The standard tour package includes three-star hotels. Four-star and luxury hotels (280-350 USD) are available in big cities like Lhasa, Shigatse, and Kathmandu.

The Cost of Flight between Tibet and Nepal

It's possible to fly between Tibet and Nepal. Kathmandu to Lhasa is the only direct international flight to Tibet. Himalaya Airlines flies non-stop between the two cities three times per week, on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The flight takes 1h and 53m and flies directly over Mount Everest for a unique bird's-eye-view of the iconic mountain. Learn more about the flight from Nepal to Tibet.

The flight can be booked online directly from Himalaya Airlines or through a travel company. Tickets start from around 440 USD.

Travel Tips:
● Booking your flight early can save you money.
● If you are flexible with your dates, check different times of the year for the best rates.

Enjoy the flight from Kathmand to Lhasa over the Himalayas.

Breakdown Price: Accommodations in Tibet and Nepal, about 20% of the Whole Trip

Accommodations are a significant part of any tour cost. For Tibet and Nepal, they make up about 20% of the total. Larger cities in Tibet, like Lhasa and Shigatse, and Kathmandu in Nepal, have a wide range of hotel options, from budget guesthouses to luxury hotels. Learn where to stay in Tibet.

We recommend staying at least in 3-star hotels. Prices average around 30 USD per night. To enjoy more amenities and comfort at a 4-star hotel, you can expect to spend 60-100 USD per night. Luxury hotels cost 200 to 300 USD per night and up.

Outside of larger cities, accommodation options are more limited. On average, staying in remote areas will cost 20-25 USD per night. Amenities will be basic, but you can expect warm and clean rooms.

The luxury Lhasa Shangri-La Hotel.

Travel Tips:
● In peak season (May to October in Tibet, October to November in Nepal), book your accommodation well in advance.
● Consider staying in family-run guesthouses for an authentic experience and lower costs.

Breakdown Price: Vehicle in Tibet and Nepal, 30%

Transportation costs on Tibet’s side are much higher. Destinations tend to be far apart, requiring a lot of driving. The distance from Lhasa to EBC, for example, is 1,340km. costs can also vary by season and the type of vehicle.

The cost of a vehicle is usually between 140 and 250 USD per day. A driver or guide is also needed to travel in Tibet, which adds an additional 55 USD daily. The best way of managing this cost is by joining a small group tour. Spreading transportation costs among a group of like-minded travelers brings the individual cost down significantly.

In Nepal, you have more options for getting around. Taxis or carpooling in cities can cost as little as a few dollars per trip. Domestic flights cost around 100-200 USD. Buses are also available. A ticket to travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara costs around 20 USD. Browse through thrilling Tibet Nepal Tours.

Travel by taxi in Nepal.

Breakdown Price: Meals in Tibet and Nepal, 10%

Food in Tibet and Nepal is hearty and delicious. Hotels usually provide breakfast. For lunch and dinner, we strongly recommend trying small local establishments for the authentic cuisine and atmosphere. A basic meal of Tibetan Noodle Soup, momo dumplings, and butter tea can cost between 2 and 5 USD. Higher-end restaurants, including Western food, will cost around 10 USD.

Eating in local eateries in Tibet.

In remote areas, food tends to be simple, like fried rice, yak meat, and some vegetables. The price is the same as in big cities due to the cost of transporting ingredients over long distances, but the meals will keep you warm and energized. Overall, expect to spend 10-20 USD per day.

Breakdown Price: Local Tour Guide Service and Tips in Tibet Nepal Tour, 15%

Travel regulations require a local tour guide in Tibet. Our professional English-speaking tour guides will help with arrangements and translation and are highly knowledgeable about local history and culture. Guides are not required in Nepal but are very helpful for trekking and exploring remote areas.

Tips are not mandatory but are always appreciated. Our guides and drivers are dedicated to providing the best travel experience and will go out of their way to make sure you enjoy your time there. Recognizing their service with a tip is up to you. Some people choose to tip the driver between 75 and 125 yuan per day and the tour guide 100 to 500 yuan per day.

Travelers visit Drepung Monastery with a local guide in Tibet.

Breakdown Price: Entrance Fee of Tour Attractions, 15%

Entrance fees vary widely depending on the attraction. Remote monasteries or temples might only ask for a small donation. Larger attractions like Potala Palace and Everest Base Camp cost between 20-30 USD. Here's a list of popular tourist sites in Tibet:

● Potala Palace 200 CNY (29.00 USD)
● Jokhang Temple 50 CNY (7.30 USD)/85 CNY (12.30 USD)
● Palcho Monastery 60 CNY (8.70 USD)
● Tashilhunpo Monastery 100 CNY (15.00 USD)
● Rongbuk Monastery 30 CNY (4.40 USD)
● Everest Base Camp 90 CNY (13.10 USD) /180 CNY (26.10 USD)

Travelers visit Potala Palace in Lhasa.

In Nepal, entrance fees usually range between 2 and 10 USD.

● Kathmandu Durbar Square NPR 1000 (10 USD)
● Swayambhunath Stupa NPR 200 (USD 2)
● Pashupatinath Temple NPR 1000 (10 USD)
● Nepal EBC 3390 NRs (32.73 USD)
● Botanical Garden Godavari NPR 260 (2.6 USD)
● Chitwan National Park NPR 1695 (17 USD)

Visit Kathmandu Swayambhunath Stupa.

Breakdown Price: Personal Expenses in Souvenirs, Personal Items

Personal expenses will depend entirely on what you are looking for. Souvenirs from Nepal and Tibet include things like prayer flags, pashmina shawls, and Tibetan jewelry. Prices can range from 5 to 50 USD based on size and quality. Bargaining is common in both places. Don't be too aggressive when shopping in local markets, but don't accept the first price you're offered.

Typical Tibetan souvenirs.

A local SIM card in Nepal to stay connected costs around 1-2 USD. For Tibet and the rest of China, a SIM card with pre-paid data is around 15 USD. The average costs of travel insurance are between USD 7 and USD 15 per day.

How to Enjoy a Budget Tibet Nepal Tour: Low Season, Pre-booking, Right Travel Agency

The least expensive time to visit Tibet is from Late October to May while in Nepal is the shoulder season from late February to May.

The Tibet tour peaks in early May and early October and June to August, the summer break, when there are many domestic travelers. April, mid-May, and September to mid-October are less busy and not too cold. These months have the best balance between cost and weather.

Travelers touring turquoise Yamdrok Lake in Tibet.

Pre-booking your trip in advance can also help. Flight tickets often rise closer to the date of departure. Booking 3-6 months in advance can let you secure the best price. We also offer a 5% discount for tours booked 3 months in advance.

Finally, saving is only about the lowest cost, it's also essential to get the best value for money. Choosing an experienced and reputable local Tibet travel agency, like us, will ensure you get the most for what you pay. We have offices and local experts in Lhasa and Kathmandu with on-the-ground knowledge and well-established logistics. Your safety, comfort, and enjoyment are our first priorities when visiting Tibet and Nepal.

Conclusion

Traveling through Tibet and Nepal is the best way to fully experience the rich culture and diverse landscapes of the Himalayan region. Knowing the costs involved will help you prepare for an unforgettable experience, seeing unique sights not found in other parts of the world. Our Tibet and Nepal tours are expertly crafted to include the best of the region. Contact us anytime to book your tour.