Planning a journey to the Himalayas requires knowing the best ways to enter Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet, as well as their unique entry rules. Below is a complete guide to air, land, and train access to these destinations.

Nepal

By Air

Nepal’s main international gateway is Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu. A wide range of international airlines operate flights:

• Middle East & Gulf: Qatar Airways (Doha), Etihad Airways (Abu Dhabi), Oman Air (Muscat), FlyDubai (Dubai), Air Arabia Abu Dhabi, Kuwait Airways, Jazeera Airways
• South Asia: Air India (Delhi, Kolkata, Varanasi), Biman Bangladesh (Dhaka), IndiGo Airlines, SpiceJet
• East & Southeast Asia: Thai Airways (Bangkok), China Southern (Guangzhou), Dragon Air (Hong Kong), SilkAir (Singapore), AirAsia (Kuala Lumpur), Malindo Air (Kuala Lumpur), Korean Air (Seoul)
• Europe & Others: Turkish Airlines (Istanbul)
• National Carriers: Nepal Airlines (Bangkok, Delhi, Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Doha), Druk Air (Paro, Delhi, Kathmandu)

By Land

Entry points from:

• India: Kakarbhitta, Birgunj, Sunauli, Nepalgunj, Dhangadhi, Mahendranagar
• Tibet (China): Kerung (Gyirong) border; Kodari is closed after the 2015 earthquake.

Entry Requirements

• Visa on Arrival: Available at TIA and most land borders.
• E-Visa: Apply online before arrival for convenience.
• Passport: At least 6 months validity.
• Indian Citizens: No visa required; valid government ID is sufficient.

Bhutan

By Air

Bhutan’s only international airport is in Paro, served by two airlines:

• Druk Air (national carrier)
• Bhutan Airlines

They connect Paro with:

• India: Delhi, Kolkata, Gaya
• Nepal: Kathmandu
• Thailand: Bangkok
• Bangladesh: Dhaka
• Singapore: Singapore

👉 Due to limited seats and high demand, book flights well in advance, especially during peak season.

By Land

Travelers can also enter Bhutan through Phuentsholing, the border town near India. The nearest airport is Bagdogra (West Bengal, India), about a 5-hour drive. This route is often used by visitors combining Bhutan with Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Sikkim or Nepal.

Entry Requirements

• Visa: Mandatory for all except citizens of India, Bangladesh, and Maldives. Must be arranged through a licensed tour operator in advance.
• Tour Package: Independent travel is not allowed; visitors must book a guided tour.
• Passport: Minimum 6 months validity required.

Tibet

By Air

Lhasa Gonggar Airport is Tibet’s main gateway. Flights connect Lhasa with:

• Mainland China: Chengdu, Kunming, Beijing, Shanghai, Shangri-La, Xi’an, Chongqing
• International: Kathmandu, Nepal (only international route)

By Train

The Qinghai–Tibet Railway offers one of the world’s most scenic journeys to Lhasa. Popular routes:

• Beijing (~40 hrs)
• Shanghai (~47 hrs)
• Chengdu (~36 hrs)
• Xining (~24 hrs, recommended for acclimatization)
• Xi’an (possible stop for the Terracotta Warriors)

By Land

• From China: Several overland highways connect Tibet with different provinces.
• From Nepal: Entry via the Kerung (Gyirong) border.

Entry Requirements

• Tibet Travel Permit (TTP): Mandatory, arranged through a registered tour operator.
• Chinese Visa: Required when entering from mainland China.
• Group Visa (Kathmandu only): If entering from Nepal, you must obtain a special Chinese group visa issued by the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu.

Additional Travel Tips

• Always check the latest travel advisories and visa rules before planning.
• Book flights and permits well in advance during high season.
• Carry comprehensive travel insurance, especially for high-altitude areas.
• If traveling overland, confirm border crossing status as conditions may change.