Planning a journey to the Himalayas requires understanding the best and most practical ways to reach Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet, each of which has its own travel routes and entry regulations. Whether you are arriving by air, traveling overland, or entering Tibet by scenic train routes, proper planning is essential for a smooth experience.
This guide provides a clear overview of international flights, land border crossings, train connections, and entry requirements, helping you choose the most convenient and efficient way to begin your Himalayan adventure with confidence.
Reaching 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)
Reaching Nepal by Land
Nepal Entry points from:
- India: Kakarbhitta, Birgunj, Sunauli, Nepalgunj, Dhangadhi, Mahendranagar
- Tibet (China): Kerung (Gyirong) border; Kodari is closed after the 2015 earthquake.
Nepal 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.
Reaching Bhtuan 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.
Reaching Bhutan 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.
Bhutan 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.
Reaching 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)
Reaching Tibet 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)
Reaching Tibet by Land
- From China: Several overland highways connect Tibet with different provinces.
- From Nepal: Entry via the Kerung (Gyirong) border.
Tibet 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.
