When is the Best Time to Visit Nepal? Lhasa to Kathmandu Tour

For many people touring in the Himalayas, combining a tour of Tibet with a tour of Nepal is a great way to experience the unique cultures of both places. Although China Tibet and Nepal are the closest neighbors, Mount Everest located between them makes big differences in the climate in Tibet and Nepal.

While planning to take a combined trip to both Tibet and Nepal, the best time to go is one important thing you need to be concerned about as the weather affects your travel experiences a lot on both sides of Mount Everest.

1. The Geographic and Climate Features of China Tibet and Nepal

Tibet, known as the ‘Roof of the World’, is the world’s highest plateau located on the northern side of Mount Everest. At an average altitude of 4,000 meters, it experiences extreme weather conditions, featuring long and harsh winters and short, cool summers. The four seasons in Tibet are distinct with a monsoon period in summer.

Located on the southern side of Mount Everest, Nepal has more types of landscapes, from subtropical jungles in the lowlands to alpine meadows in the highlands. The climate of Nepal varies from subtropical in the lowlands to alpine in the mountains, with wet and dry seasons influenced by the monsoon.

The Himalayas between Tibet and Nepal create different climates in the two neighboring regions.

2. The Best Time to Visit Tibet is from April to November

The best time to visit Tibet is from April to November, especially the spring and autumn seasons.

Spring is the start of the tourist season in Tibet. From April to May, not only is the weather mild and comfortable, but with the clear skies, views of Mt. Everest and other mountain peaks are often better at this time of year. And with a little snow sometimes still on the ground, it makes the landscape look even more desolately beautiful than it already is.

The same climate can be found in autumn, from September to October. Once the rains have cleared and the skies are once again free from clouds, views are at their best.

Compared to spring, autumn in Tibet offers even more stunning scenery as the landscape is still in the throes of greenery, with the lush grasses that flourished during the rainy season still as florid as before.

3. The Best Time to Visit Nepal is from October to November

Autumn, from October to November, is the best tourist season in Nepal as the weather is highly pleasant so are the mountain views. This is also the peak season for trekking in Nepal as mountain views are at their best when there is very little chance of rain and snow in Nepal.

If you are a kind of cultural enthusiast, don’t miss the chance to visit Nepal in autumn, because it is the season of festivals as Nepal celebrates the biggest Hindu festival Danshain followed by Tihar.

The best time to visit Pokhara, Nepal, begins in October, offering clear views of the mountain peaks and comfortable weather.

4. The Most Ideal Time to Visit Tibet and Nepal Together is from October and November

After comparing the climate and weather conditions of both regions, it is clear that the best months to visit Tibet and Nepal are October and November. The fine weather on both sides of Mt.Everest makes it not only perfect for city sightseeing but also ideal for trekking and hiking in mountain areas.

In Nepal, there is very little rainfall during October and November, and snowfall is minimal in most areas. Meanwhile, in Tibet, the winter season allows for visiting most places, including the Everest Base Camp on the northern side of Mt.Everest.

5. April, May, and September are Also the Most Recommended Time to Visit Tibet and Nepal

Besides the winter season, spring and early autumn are also ideal times for a Tibet Nepal tour. The temperatures of Tibet and Nepal are mildly warm in April, May, and September, making it pleasant to explore the cities. The less rainfall makes it ideal to get a clear view of the mountain views. And spring in April and May is also the time for flowers to blossom. It is a rare chance to see the mountains swept with colorful flowers.

You will be pleasantly surprised by the charming spring of Nepal with rhododendron flower blossom.

6. Try to Avoid June, July, and August if Visiting Tibet and Nepal Together

Summer is the monsoon season in both Tibet and Nepal. It is hot and humid during the summer months in Nepal and the temperature can rise above 45 degrees. The rain is not as much as the south side of the Himalayas gets, but it does rain in Tibet during the summer. The could cover is often thick so getting clear views of Everest and the Himalayas is not as common as it is during the rest of the year. If visiting Mount Everest is the main purpose of your Tibet Nepal tour, try to avoid visiting in the summer.

For overland tours between Tibet and Nepal, the rainfall in summer may lead to landslides near the Gyirong border, especially on Nepal’s side. If you are thinking of doing a Tibet Nepal tour by land during summer time, pay attention to this problem.

Prepare for a Mount Kailash Kora on a rainy day in August.

7. December, January, and February are the Winter Time for Both Destinations

Both Tibet and Nepal have long winters, and the winter at high elevation regions may last from late November to early March. The weather in winter is cold, but the clear sky and great sunshine make it also possible to visit cities like Lhasa, Shigatse, Kathmandu, and Pokhara.

The trip to Mount Kailash is not available in the winter season because it is too cold to visit at such a high altitude, over 5,000 meters above sea level. Sometimes the road to Namtso Lake may also be closed due to the heavy snow. You can contact us for the latest local travel information while planning your trip in winter.

Besides the weather conditions, winter is a good time for a budget trip to Tibet. During the low tourist season in Tibet, many hotels, tourist attractions, and even flights to Tibet offer great discounts, making a Tibet winter tour more affordable. So if you want to cut down the cost of your Tibet Nepal tour, taking a winter trip can be a favorable choice.

Enjoy a winter trip to the Everest Base Camp in Tibet.

8. More Tips for Visiting Tibet and Nepal

If you plan to travel from Lhasa to Kathmandu, make sure you have a Chinese Visa in advance. You also need to apply for the Tibet Travel Permit, which can be only applied through a local travel agency. Once you book your Lhasa to Kathmandu tour with us, simply provide the scanned copies of your Chinese visa and passport, and we will do the rest for you.

If you want to visit Nepal first and then continue your journey to Tibet, you need to get a Chinese Group Visa together with the Tibet Travel Permit. The Group Visa should be applied through the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu. Don’t worry, our Nepali staff at our Kathmandu Office will guide you on how to obtain the Group Visa for entering Tibet from Nepal.

Getting a Nepal visa is much easier than a Chinese Visa. It is convenient to get a visa-on-arrival upon arrival at the Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport. If you take a Lhasa to Kathmandu overland tour with us, you will get a Nepal Visa on the land border.

There are huge altitude differences between Nepal and Tibet. While Kathmandu is at 1,400 meters above sea level, the elevation of Lhasa is 3,650 meters. It is common to get altitude sickness when traveling through high-altitude regions in a short period. So it is suggested to avoid making your tour itinerary too tight and to consult with a doctor before traveling about altitude sickness prevention.

There is a time difference of 2 hours and 15 minutes between China Tibet and Nepal. If you’re taking a flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa, or vice versa, pay attention to local departure and arrival times.

A reputable local tour operator for a combined Nepal and Tibet tour could guarantee your trip is seamless and more cost-effective. With local offices in both Kathmandu and Lhasa, we, Tibet Vista, guarantee you the Tibet Permit and ensure you have a great trip across the Himalayas at the best reasonable price.

Whether it's a pre-arranged group tour or a customized trip, we provide you with the best Tibet and Nepal travel experience.

Conclusion

A combined tour of Tibet and Nepal is the best way to experience the full beauty of the Himalayan region. And visiting at the right time could make the most of your trip.

Most of the destinations in Tibet and Nepal can be visited throughout the year, with the autumn months often considered the best time to visit both regions. Avoiding the summer monsoon season can make your outdoor activities more enjoyable, while traveling in winter can offer better value for money.

Feel free to share your travel ideas with us and learn more information to start planning your Tibet Nepal tour today.