2 independent reviews for Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet Tour
Reviews for Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet Tour
Ruth Humphreys review 17 Jun 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The most memorable part was the interactions with guides and local people, including the support provided by the Nepal based agent who organise the tour and connect with other local agents in Bhutan and Tibet. The most exciting part was seeing places like the Potala Palace in Lhasa, walking up to the Tiger's Nest Monastery in Bhutan and feeding elephants in Chitwan!2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Recognise there is a lot of time - sometimes 8 hours a day - spent travelling, especially in Tibet. Side trips to Chitwan and Pokhara also involved 8 hour bus journeys. This is clear from the description, but travel sickness would not enhance the experience. As a retiree, I'd have found a rest day in Kathmandu between countries helpful, as I didn't have enough time to explore the city, or even the area Thamel near the hotel, independently. But this would make the tour longer and slightly more expensive so it would depend on the individual. Other advice would be investing in some Diamox in case of altitude sickness, as the Tibet tour involves travel to altitudes over 5,000 metres, and most of the small group were impacted by this (headaches, rapid respiration, and dizziness) even though we weren't doing anything strenuous. Impact were mild, however, and the tour transport carries oxygen in case people are more seriously affected. In terms of clothing, you will need to be prepared for some cool weather and chilly nights, as well as hot weather and some steamy nights (at least during aMay/June tour).3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes to some extent given hotels were locally owned rather than 'international' and clients are advised on the level of tips (for guides and drivers) which is obviously cash in hand. I was aware that the season during which guides (in Kathmandu, for example) can earn money from guiding is quiet over the wet season so tips are a valuable source of income. I don't think tourism of any kind can not have some environmental impact - but higher end tourism in Tibet, for example, usually includes some flying or helicopter travel - so this level of tour had less impact and guide and driver were Tibetan. I’d just comment also about plastic. I’m aware there is one plastic recycling facility in Nepal, but all over the countryside, plastic is used and sometimes reused but discarded everywhere. Because there is (some) recycling, people think it isn’t a problem – but uses of recycled plastic are limited and recycling is not a solution that means plastic is OK. Some hotels (Bhutan & Nepal) had water in rooms in glass bottles – more of this type of intervention would be good.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I thought this three week tour of Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet was great - it did what it said on the tin! Yes, there was a lot of overland travel - but it was necessary to cover the vast distances in the time available and clear in the description. It was an amazing opportunity to have a glimpse of three different countries in a brief break from work. It was great that all the visas were handled by this operator in Nepal, so all I had to do was book my flight, pay and turn up!Leah Stolte-Doerfler review 15 Oct 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
So many things…. The amazing hospitality of the folks along the way….a truly remarkable landscape….foods that delighted.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Make a good plan and then be flexible. Floods and landslides were part of the story during my recent visit. Just when I thought there was no way, the company helped find one.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Taxes for overnight visitors and fees to visit significant sites, various guides made a point of the positive financial impact of tourism. Yes, I was also aware of how well I was treated and fed along the way. This has to be hard on the average citizen.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
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