How to enter to Nepal, Tibet & Bhutan?

How to Get to Bhutan ?

By Air

Bhutan has only one international airport, located in Paro, which is connected to select destinations worldwide. Two airlines operate international flights to and from Bhutan:

  • Druk Air (Bhutan's national carrier)
  • Bhutan Airlines

These airlines operate flights to Paro from:

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

Since Bhutan has limited flight options and high tourist demand, it is advisable to book air tickets well in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.

By Land

Travelers can also enter Bhutan via Phuentsholing, the southern border town near India. The nearest airport to Phuentsholing is Bagdogra Airport (West Bengal, India), which is approximately a 5-hour drive. This route is commonly used for visiting Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Sikkim.

Entry Requirements for Bhutan

  • Visa: All travelers (except Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian citizens) must apply for a Bhutanese visa through a licensed tour operator. The visa is issued upon approval from the Bhutanese government and must be arranged before arrival.
  • Tour Package: Independent travel is not permitted; visitors must book a guided tour with a registered Bhutanese travel agency.
  • Valid Passport: Required with at least six months of validity.

How to Get to Tibet ?

By Air

Lhasa Gonggar Airport is Tibet’s main airport. Flights to Lhasa operate from:

  • Mainland China: Chengdu, Kunming, Beijing, Shanghai, Shangri-La, Xi'an, and Chongqing.
  • Outside China: Kathmandu, Nepal (the only international flight route).

By Train

The Qinghai-Tibet Railway, completed in 2006, is the most popular and scenic way to enter Tibet. Key train routes to Lhasa include:

  • Beijing (about 40 hours)
  • Shanghai (about 47 hours)
  • Chengdu (about 36 hours)
  • Xining (about 24 hours, recommended for better acclimatization)
  • Xi'an (with a possible stopover to visit the Terracotta Warriors)

By Overland Route

  • From China: Various overland routes connect Tibet with different regions of China.
  • From Nepal: The Kerung (Gyirong) border is open for tourists traveling from Nepal to Tibet.

Entry Requirements for Tibet

  • Tibet Travel Permit (TTP): Issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau, this is mandatory for all foreign travelers and must be arranged through a registered tour operator.
  • Chinese Visa: Required for entering Tibet from mainland China.
  • Group Visa: If entering Tibet from Nepal, travelers must obtain a special Chinese group visa from the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu.

How to Get to Nepal ?

By Air

Nepal has one international airport: Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu. International airlines operating flights to Nepal include:

  • Middle East & Gulf: Qatar Airways (Doha), Etihad Airways (Abu Dhabi), Oman Air (Muscat), FlyDubai (Dubai)
  • South Asia: Air India (Delhi, Kolkata, Varanasi), Biman Bangladesh (Dhaka)
  • East Asia & Southeast Asia: Thai Airways (Bangkok), China Southern (Guangzhou), Dragon Air (Hong Kong), Silk Airways (Singapore), AirAsia (Kuala Lumpur)
  • Other Airlines: Nepal Airlines (Bangkok, Delhi, Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Doha), Druk Air (Paro, Delhi, Kathmandu), IndiGo Airlines (Delhi), Spice Jet (Delhi)

By Land

Travelers entering Nepal by land can use the following border points:

  • From India: Kakarbhitta, Birgunj, Sunauli, Nepalgunj, Dhangadhi, Mahendranagar
  • From Tibet (China): Kerung (Gyirong) and Kodari (currently closed for tourists after the 2015 earthquake)

Entry Requirements for Nepal

  • Visa on Arrival: Available at Tribhuvan International Airport and all major land border crossings.
  • E-Visa: Can be obtained online before arrival.
  • Passport: Must be valid for at least six months.
  • No Visa Requirement: Citizens of India do not require a visa but need a valid government-issued ID.

Additional Tips

  • Always check travel advisories and visa regulations before planning your trip.
  • Book flights and permits in advance, especially during peak seasons.
  • Ensure you have valid travel insurance covering high-altitude travel.
  • If traveling overland, confirm the latest border crossing regulations.