The Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal and the Chinese Autonomous Region of Tibet are the Himalayan destinations defining the world's skyline. They feature exceptional natural beauty, unparalleled hospitality, endless spirituality, and rich cultures. To help you plan a trip to Tibet and Nepal, we offer you the latest travel maps and tour advice for Tibet and Nepal tours. If you need more information to arrange your Tibet and Nepal tour, you can leave us a message in the comments below.

Where is Nepal and Tibet? - Location Map of Nepal and Tibet

The Republic of Nepal occupies the soaring Himalayas for the most part. The country's neighbors are China in the north and India in the south, west, and east. With Mount Everest (8,848 meters) as the highest point and Kechana Kalan (60 meters) as the lowest, Nepal spans a multitude of climatic zones and natural environments that boast a wide range of plant and animal species.

The Autonomous Region of Tibet is a Chinese province occupying the vast Tibetan Plateau. It is the largest and highest plateau in the world, with an average elevation of over 4,500 meters above sea level. Tibet borders Xinjiang, Qinghai, Sichuan, and Yunnan provinces from northwest to southeast and India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar in the south.

Where is the Border between Nepal and Tibet? - Border Map of Nepal and Tibet

The Himalayas are what primarily define the border between Nepal and Tibet. It runs right along the crest of the imposing peaks of the mountains, making a natural demarcation point between the two regions.

At present, Gyirong Port is the only operational Nepal-Tibet border crossing for tourists. Enlarged after a strong earthquake closed Zhangmu Port in 2015, the Gyirong border crossing spans a river, just like Zhangmu, that makes a natural border between Tibet and Nepal. The bridge connecting the two sides is wide and highly functional. To reach Gyirong Port, you need to travel 160km from Kathmandu or 820km from Lhasa. Gyirong Town, some 25km away from the border, has convenient options for an overnight stay, which you should use before continuing your journey.

Where is Mt Everest in Nepal and Tibet? - Map of Mt Everest in Nepal and Tibet

Mount Everest straddles the border between Nepal and Tibet. The southern side of the mountain is within Sagarmatha National Park in Nepal, and the northern side is in Tibet. Mount Everest's iconic summit is the exact international boundary between the two regions.

Climbers usually attempt to reach the summit from the southern approach in Nepal's Khumbu region. The ascent through the northern side of Tibet is considered more challenging, with harsher weather and greater technical difficulties. North Everest Base Camp in Tibet offers a unique perspective and a closer view of the summit.

How to Travel from Nepal to Tibet - Travel Map of Nepal and Tibet

Travel between Nepal and Tibet can be done by car, air, or train.

Kathmandu to Lhasa by Overland

The 1,000-kilometer-long road trip between Lhasa, Tibet, and Kathmandu, Nepal, includes some of the top attractions of Tibet and Nepal. In addition to the iconic sites in Lhasa and Shigatse, you can admire natural wonders such as Yamdrok Lake, Karola Glacier, and Mount Everest while traveling along the route. There will be time to visit top cultural attractions such as Tashilhunpo Monastery (Shigatse), Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple (Lhasa), Rongbuk Monastery (North Everest Base Camp), Swayambhunath and Boudhanath (Kathmandu).

The picturesque journey takes around a week, including a few days, to acclimatize in either Lhasa or Gyirong, depending on where you start. Road conditions between Tibet and Nepal are mostly very well maintained, including the section that leads to Everest Base Camp in Tibetan side.

Kathmandu to Lhasa by Flight

Currently, there is only one flight that directly connects Kathmandu and Lhasa. Himalaya Airlines flies between the two cities once a week, every Monday. The flight departs from Kathmandu at 07:25, and the return flight leaves Lhasa at 12:00. It only takes 1 hour and 20 minutes to arrive, and tickets can be booked directly from Himalaya Airlines or through a travel company.

The route passes directly over the Himalayas, giving a fantastic view of Mount Everest from above. If you are flying from Lhasa to Kathmandu, Everest is to the right of the plane, while in the other direction, it is to the left. And if you can, try to stay away from the wing seat, as the wings severely obscure the view.

Kathmandu to Lhasa by Train (Under Construction)

Commuting between Kathmandu and Lhasa by train will be possible in the future. For now, travelers are able to travel by train from Lhasa to Shigatse, and the journey lasts 2 hours and 20 minutes. There are two daily departures in each direction, while the number of trains may increase in the high tourist season.

The railway section from Shigatse to Gyirong Port, the border crossing between Tibet and Nepal, is currently under construction. It will take several years before it's completed, but when it's done, travel between Lhasa and the Nepal border will become much faster.

What to See in Nepal and Tibet - Tourist Attraction Map of Nepal and Tibet

On your Tibet-Nepal tour, you can see many remarkable places. Mountain ranges and passes, scenic lakes, and historical and cultural landmarks, to name just a few. Both destinations offer some of the top sightseeing, spiritual, and pilgrimage activities in the world.

Major Tourist Attractions in Nepal

1. Occupying the top of a hill on the outskirts of Kathmandu, the Nepali capital, Swayambhunath Temple is a four-sided stupa with Buddha eyes painted on each side. Surrounded by monasteries and Buddhist shrines, Swayambhunath is also known as the "Monkey Temple" because of the monkey colony inhabiting the hill.

2. Located several kilometers east of Kathmandu, the Boudhanath is among the largest Buddhist stupas in South Asia. The 36-meter-tall landmark is the holiest site for Tibetan Buddhists in Nepal. Many monasteries surround the Boudhanath, which features all-seeing eyes of Buddha on each side.

3. Annapurna, standing at an elevation of 8,091 meters, is the highest peak of a 55-kilometer-long Himalayan mountain range. The world's tenth-highest mountain is popular among high-altitude trekkers who take the circuit that is up to 230km long. While trekking on the Annapurna mountain range, you will discover a gorge of the Kali Gandaki River, the world's deepest canyon above sea level.

3. Pokhara Phewa Lake is a tranquil place whose calm waters reflect the sky and the mountain ranges of Annapurna and Machhapchhre. The lake's emerald waters abound with fish, while the dense forest is home to many bird species. A trek through the surrounding hills offers many attractive photo opportunities.

4. Royal Chitwan National Park, flanked by the Churia range, is a gem of nature where you can see many rare wildlife species, such as Bengal Tigers, Gavials (the closest living relative to dinosaurs) and Indian One-horned Rhinoceroses. You can take a jeep safari, jungle walk, and a boat tour for a comprehensive overview of the NP.

5. The sacred gardens of the Lumbini Monastery are the birthplace of Gautama Buddha, making them among the holiest places in the world. Countless pilgrims visit the monastery to contemplate, practice yoga, and meditate. As a traveler, you should pay special attention to the Mayadevi Temple, standing in the gardens, and the Ashoka Pillar, marking the place of Buddha's birth.

Major Tourist Attractions in Tibet

1. Potala Palace is the main landmark of Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. The red and white fortress-like structure dominates the city skyline and has been a residence of the Dalai Lamas since the 7th century AD. Massive walls and turrets enclose the complex, which safeguards the gilded stupas of the Dalai Lamas and features an immense collection of murals, sculptures, and decorative art.

2. Lake Namtso means "Heavenly Lake" in Tibetan. High mountains surround the world's highest saltwater lake, whose calm surface reflects clouds traveling overhead. You can climb the nearby viewpoints to admire the surreal beauty of Namtso Lake and see herds of roaming yaks.

3. Lake Yamdrok is one of the three sacred lakes in Tibet. Here, monks congregate when the Dalai Lama passes away in search of his soul. Surrounded by mountains and featuring turquoise waters, Yamdrok Lake is an excellent destination for birdwatching in winter.

4. Mount Kailash is among the most sacred sites in the world. According to legend, each side of the mount features a different material (crystal, ruby, lapis lazuli, and gold), with each corresponding to a different river. Every year, thousands of Tibetan Buddhist, Hindu, Bon, and Jainist pilgrims and foreign travelers take a physically demanding yet incredibly enriching pilgrimage to Mount Kailash.

5. North Everest Base Camp offers spectacular views of the world's highest mountain from a short distance. From there, the view encompasses brown mountains dominated by snow-covered peaks. Rongbuk Monastery, one of the world's two highest monasteries, is also nearby and part of any visit to Everest Base Camp.

6. Jokhang Temple, located in Lhasa, is the spiritual center of Tibetan Buddhism. In the temple, you can acquaint yourself with the very essence of Tibetan Buddhism and examine the exceptional murals. From Jokhang Temple's rooftop, you can admire Lhasa's cityscape and observe Potala Palace, the crowning jewel of the city skyline.

7. Barkhor Street in Lhasa is the main commercial artery of the capital of Tibet and the autonomous province. Besides sampling the delicious specialties at the restaurants and browsing local handicrafts and outfits, you can familiarize yourself with the religious spirit of the locals here.

How to Travel to Nepal and Tibet Together? Map of Classic Tibet Nepal Tours

Seeing Tibet and Nepal together is the best way to get the full experience of the Himalayan region. Our small group overland tours are designed to take you through the best the region has to offer, with everything arranged for a comfortable and smooth adventure.

7-Day Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Tour

The 7-Day Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Tour starts in Lhasa with time to explore the city while adjusting to the high altitude. While there, you'll see the main attractions, such as Potala Palace and Sera Monastery, and have time to experience local culture.

After Lhasa, you'll set out for Shigatse, seeing the breathtaking scenery along the way. The tour stops at Yamdrok Lake, one of the holiest lakes in Tibet, and passes by Karola Glacier.

Then it's on to Everest Base Camp. Along the way, you catch glimpses of the mountain as you pass through Gyatsola and Gawula Pass. You'll spend the night under the stars in sight of the mountain and get to view the stunning colors of the sky during sunset and sunrise.

Finally, it's on the Gyirong border. Descending through the Himalayas to Gyirong, you see the landscape slowly changing as it fills with dense forests. After an overnight stay, you'll cross the border where our Nepalese staff will ensure you transfer safely to Kathmandu.

8-Day Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour

Setting out from Kathmandu, you'll first head to the border town of Rasuwa Gadi on the Nepal side. It's a bit of a bumpy journey getting to the border, but the sights of Langtang National Park make it worthwhile. On the Tibet side, you'll be in Gyirong Valley, hailed as the most beautiful valley in the world. The tranquil Sherpa villages, surrounding forests, and mountain peaks make it a relaxing place to rest before the ascent to Everest Base Camp.

The awe-inspiring views of Mount Everest are unforgettable, and you'll see the mountain set amongst the other soaring peaks of the Himalayas. After an overnight stay in Tingri, you'll set out for Shigatse and explore Tashilhunpo Monastery, the residence of the Panchen Lama.

On the next day, on the way to Lhasa, you will visit the ancient town of Gyantse, Perklor Monastery, and Kumbum Stupa. There will even be time for lunch with a family in the village near Yamdrok Lake before arriving in Lhasa.

The tour ends with a few days in Lhasa to see what makes the city unique. Potala Palace, Drepung Monastery, and Barkhor Street are among the many must-sees that you will visit before a farewell dinner with your fellow group members.

Conclusion

Tibet and Nepal may appear small on the world map, which might make you think that a complete tour of Nepal and Tibet wouldn't take more than a few weeks. However, that is far from the truth. In general, expect travel to take more time than the distance alone suggests because of the terrain, especially if you travel by car, not to mention the time for visiting the countless sites along the way.

From breathtaking landscapes to ancient monasteries, there is always something new awaiting just beyond the corner. So, if you want to explore Tibet and Nepal thoroughly, plan a really long tour or return a few times.