Himalaya Travels Across Five Countries: Which One Captures Your Heart?
The Himalayas, the highest mountain range in the world, is located in south Asia, forming the natural border of several countries, including China, Nepal, Bhutan, India, and Pakistan. Each country offers unique scenery and travel experiences of the majestic Himalayas.
In this article, we’ll introduce the highlights of Himalayan tours in each country and explore the best routes to experience the range, whether by land or air.
Which Countries Can See the Himalayas?
The Himalayas in China: The Longest Stretch of the Range, from East to West
The Himalayas in Nepal: The Paradise for Trekkers
The Himalayas in Bhutan: An Off-the-Beaten-Path Experience
The Himalayas in India: the Western Region to Explore
The Himalayas in Pakistan: the Less Crowded Southern Region to Discover
The Best Himalayan Travel to Mount Everest: Everest Base Camp Tour in Tibet (China)
The Best Overland Travel Across the Himalayas: Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Journey or Vice Versa.
The Best View of the Himalayas from Above: Flying between Nepal and Tibet or Nepal and Bhutan
Which Countries Can See the Himalayas?
The Himalayas stretch across five countries in South Asia: India, Nepal, Bhutan, China, and Pakistan. The highest peak in the Himalayas, Mount Everest, is located on the border between China and Nepal. The northern and eastern slopes of Mount Everest can be viewed from the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, while the southern slopes can be viewed from Nepal. Bhutan's northern border is dominated by the Eastern Himalayas, while in India, the Himalayas stretch across the northern states. The northern region of Pakistan is a major extension of the Himalayas, with peaks such as K2 and Nanga Parbat.
The Top highest peaks of the Himalayas, including Mt. Everest can be seen from Tibet, China.
The Himalayas in China: The Longest Stretch of the Range, from East to West
The Himalayas in China stretch for about 1,500 kilometers along the southern border, making it the longest part of the range. The best place to witness the Himalayas in China is the Tibet Autonomous Region. From Nyingchi in eastern Tibet to Mount Everest in Shigatse in southern Tibet, and extending to Mount Kailash in western Tibet, most of the Himalayas can be seen from Tibet, China.
Mount Everest in Shigatse (Southern Tibet)
Located on the Sino-Nepal border, Mount Everest, the highest peak of the Himalayas and the world, is one of the top destinations for tourists traveling to the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. From the Tibetan side, Everest looks more massive and imposing at the Everest Base Camp in Tibet. At such a high altitude, the mountains are almost devoid of vegetation. All you can see is the snow-capped, pyramid-shaped peak, rising above the rubble and yellowish mountains that stretch endlessly into the horizon.
While visiting Everest Base Camp in Tibet, you can see Mount Everest up close.
There are also Everest Base Camp treks available in Tibet, which offer in-depth exploration of Mount Everest and the Himalayas in Tibet. In addition to the popular Tingri to Everest Base Camp trek, there is also the Gama Valley trek. The Gama Valley trek goes through the eastern slope of Mount Everest, offering one of the Top 10 Landscapes in the world. Along the way, you will marvel at iconic peaks of the Himalayas, such as Mount Everest (the world's first), Mount Lhotse (the world's fourth), and Mount Makalu (the world's fifth).
The Gama Valley Trek is one of the most beautiful trekking routes in the Everest region of Tibet.
Namcha Barwa in Nyingchi (Eastern Tibet)
With an elevation of 7,782 meters, Namcha Barwa is one of the highest mountains in the eastern Himalayas. It lies at the junction of the Yarlung Tsangpo River and the Great Bend in Nyingchi in the southeastern part of Tibet.
From the Tibetan side, Namcha Barwa presents a stunning and towering profile. The peak is typically seen rising sharply above the surrounding landscapes, which include thick forests, steep cliffs, and the winding river below.
Witness Namcha Barwa in Nyingchi.
However, due to the humid environment, there are many clouds and fogs, and most of the time it is hidden by clouds and fog. Therefore, it is considered a fortunate thing to see Nanga Bawa during your Nyingchi tour.
Mount Kailash in Ngari (Western Tibet)
Mount Kailash, the holiest mountain for Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon, is located at the western end of the Himalayas in Ngari (Western Tibet). Typically, the Kailash Kora takes 3 days to trek around the sacred mountain. The full journey from Lhasa to Mount Kailash takes 15 days, with a visit to Everest Base Camp en route. On the way from Mount Everest to Mount Kailash, you will pass by Mount Shishabangma (8,027m), the only 8,000-meter peak located entirely in China.
The best time to visit Mount Kailash is from May to early October when the weather is relatively mild and conditions for trekking and kora are most favorable.
This is the most epic Kailash Mansarovar yatra with a 3-day trek around Mount Kailash.
The Himalayas in Nepal: The Paradise for Trekkers
The Himalayas in Nepal offers some of the most stunning mountain landscapes in the world. You can see eight of the world’s highest peaks in Nepal, such as Mount Everest (8,848 meters), Kanchenjunga (8,586 meters), Lhotse (8,516 meters), and Annapurna (8,091 meters). As a paradise for trekkers, there are kinds of Himalayan treks in Nepal, including the Everest Base Camp trek, Annapurna Circuit, Langtang Valley, and the remote Manaslu Circuit.
Enjoy the Everest Base Camp trek in Nepal.
The best time to visit the Himalayas in Nepal is in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), which offer clear skies and stable weather that is favorable for trekking and mountain views. The summer months, from June to August, are the monsoon season in Nepal, which is not an ideal time for mountain trekking due to heavy rainfall and high humidity.
The Himalayas in Bhutan: An Off-the-Beaten-Path Experience
Bhutan, located at the eastern end of the Himalayas between China and India, is known as the Himalayan Kingdom. The tiny country is an undiscovered paradise with lots of mystic and spiritual sites that are unexplored by normal tourists.
The Snowman Trek in Bhutan is a challenging yet popular route among global trekking enthusiasts.
Bhutan is also a paradise for mountain hiking with various kinds of Bhutan trekking tours in the Himalayan Region. The famous Snowman trek is one of the most challenging routes in the world, offering unparalleled views of the highest peaks of the Himalayas in Bhutan. Thimphu, Punakha and Paro are the most popular destinations in Bhutan that you can enjoy the great view of the Himalayas, experience the classic must-sees and indulged in the heart of Bhutanese culture.
The best time to visit the Himalayas in Bhutan is from March to May and from September to November with the finest weather for mountain hiking, horse-riding, white water rafting, and some other outdoor activities.
The Jomolhari trek is a popular Himalayan trek in Bhutan.
The Himalayas in India: the Western Region to Explore
Tibet and Nepal are always the first places you may think about while talking about visiting the Himalayas. However, there are also some places where you can enjoy different views of the Himalayan Mountains in India, especially the northern India on the western and southern sides of the Himalayas.
Kinnaur is an important Buddhist center in Himachal, the lesser Himalayas. Many ancient monasteries were built in the 11th century, such as the Key Monastery, Dhankar Monastery, and Tabo Monastery. Nowadays, in Kunnaur, the west region of the Himalayas, there are still some wooden carved temples that you can hardly see in Tibet. It could be a great experience to practice yoga or do meditation in an ancient monastery at the foot of the Himalayas in India.
Visit Kinnaur, an important Buddhist centre in Himanchal
The Himalayas in Pakistan: the Less Crowded Southern Region to Discover
Every section of the Himalayas has its own charm in a way. Compared with the Himalayas in China, Nepal, and India, the Pakistani Himalayas tend to be less crowded. On the southern side of the Himalayas, Pakistan is the home of some of the highest peaks of Himalayan mountains over 8,000 meters. Traveling along the Karakoram Highway is a good way to enjoy the marvelous landscape of the Himalayas, the Karakoram, and the Hindukush between Kashgar of Xinjiang, China, and Islamabad, Pakistan. You can also hike across a glacier in the Pakistan Himalayas in Passu in the north of Pakistan to explore the Himalayas. A trip to the Deosai Plains National Park will take you to the west of the Himalayas to see the wildlife in northeastern Pakistan.
Driving to the Himalayas in Pakistan through the Karakoram Highway/
The Best Himalayan Travel to Mount Everest: Everest Base Camp Tour in Tibet (China)
For ordinary tourists who want to experience the majestic peak of Everest, the highest peak of the Himalayas, the best way is to visit the Northern Everest Base Camp in Tibet, China.
Nearly 5,200 meters above sea level, the Everest Base Camp in Tibet is the highest place that general tourists can reach without trekking and hiking. You can arrive at the base camp directly by taking the eco bus of the Qomonglangma National Reserve. There are tent hotels and the Rongbuk Guesthouse that offer accommodations at the base camp, providing great chances to witness the stunning sunset and sunrise over the world’s highest peak.
Visit Mount Everest in Rongbuk Monastery hotel.
The most popular Lhasa to Everest Base Camp trip takes 8 days, including a few days sightseeing in Lhasa city and a visit to highlighted attractions from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp, such as the turquoise Yamdrok Lake, the amazing Karola Glacier, and Shigatse, the second largest city of Tibet. On the way to the base camp, you will also enjoy a panoramic view of the top 5 highest peaks of the Himalayas at Gawula Pass, including Mount Everest (8,848m), K2 (8,611m), Kangchengjunga (8,586m), Lhotse (8,516m), and Makalu (8,485m).
Join our most popular Everest Base Camp tour to explore the best of the Himalayas in Tibet!
The Best Overland Travel Across the Himalayas: Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Journey or Vice Versa.
The overland journey between Nepal and Tibet is the best way to travel across Mount Everest. As one of the epic overland routes in the world, the Lhasa to Kathmandu overland tour, or vice versa, takes you exploring the best of Mount Everest from one side to the other, following the world-famous Sino-Nepal Friendship Highway, you will experience the different landscapes on either side of the Himalayas, from the world’s highest Tibetan Plateau to the lush forests in the southern Himalayas.
Enjoy the panoramic view of the Himalayan Range at Gawula Pass in Tibet.
Typically, the overland journey from Lhasa to Kathmandu via the Gyirong border takes 7 days, while the Kathmandu to Lhasa overland trip takes 8 days as it is better to stay in Gyirong for one day to better acclimatize to the high altitude of Tibet.
The best time to take the Tibet Nepal overland journey through the Himalayas is from April to May and September to October as you can enjoy a clear view of the Himalayas with dry and pleasant weather. July and August are the monsoon season, during which there is great rainfall, especially on the Nepal side, the clouds will cover the mountain peaks, and the rainfall may destroy the road at the border. So if your time is flexible, try to avoid taking a Tibet Nepal tour through the Himalayas, whether from Nepal to Tibet or vice versa, during the summer months.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime overland journey across the Himalayas from Lhasa to Kathmandu.
The Best View of the Himalayas from Above: Flying between Nepal and Tibet or Nepal and Bhutan
Since the Himalayas lies on the border between China, Nepal, and Bhutan, the Lhasa-Kathmandu flights and Kathmandu-Paro flights offer breathtaking views of the Himalayas from above. You can witness the Himalayan mountain ranges, the world’s highest mountains from the plane.
If you are flying from Kathmandu to Lhasa, it is suggested to choose a seat on the left side for the best view of Mount Everest. If you are flying in the opposite direction, then choose a seat on the right side of a Lhasa to Kathmandu flight ensuring a better view of Mount Everest.
Appreciate the amazing view of the Himalayas from the Kathmandu to Lhasa flight.
The flight between Kathmandu and Paro is the only transfer option for a Nepal Bhutan tour. It offers stunning views over the Himalayas. On the Kathmandu to Paro flight, Mount Everest is visible from the left side of the plane, while on the Paro to Kathmandu flight, the Everest can be seen from the right side.
If you want a better seat to overlook the Himalayas from the air, it is recommended to check in as early as possible to get more chances to take your desired seat.
Explore the charming Himalayan kingdoms on the southern side of Mount Everest in one journey!
More Insider Tips
The Himalayas are mostly located in border areas among those countries. No matter which country you want to visit for the Himalayas, please check in advance whether you need special travel documents or not. For example, you need both a Chinese Visa and a Tibet Travel Permit, along with the Alien’s Travel Permit to visit the north Everest Base Camp.
Our Nepal to Tibet overland tour covers all necessary travel documents for your Himalayan journey from Kathmandu to Lhasa.
When you travel to the Himalayas, be aware of the high altitude, especially to the Tibetan Plateau on the northern side of the ranges. It is common to get altitude sickness in Tibet for your first visit to the region. The average altitude of Tibet is over 4,000 meters, and the altitude of Lhasa City is 3,650 meters. It is recommended to avoid strenuous exercise when you first arrive at a high altitude area, arrange an easy itinerary, gradually increase the altitude, and avoid ascending to high altitude too quickly.
Spend a few days in Lhasa to acclimate to the altitude and visit iconic landmarks.
The weather in the Himalayan mountains is changeable. No matter when you go, it is suggested to prepare a jacket that is easy to put on and take off in case the temperature drops in the morning and evening. A windproof and waterproof jacket or down jacket is recommended.
This is our top Himalayan small group tour to explore Tibet, Nepal, and Bhutan.
Conclusion
The Himalayas, the world’s highest mountain range, spans across China, Nepal, Bhutan, India, and Pakistan, serving as a natural border between these countries. Stretching 2,400 kilometers from east to west, the Himalayas offers abundant natural and tourism resources, making these Himalayan destinations some of the top travel spots in the world.
China, with the longest stretch of the Himalayas, not only provides stunning views of Mount Everest, but also features other famous peaks such as Namcha Barwa, Mt.Shishapangma, and Mount Kailash. Nepal and Bhutan offer divers trekking routes, allowing you to experience the Himalayas up close. While the Himalayan tours in India and Pakistan are less famous, they still hold unique appeal and are definitely worth exploring.
No matter you are looking for an in-depth Everest tour or want a long multi-destination tour, feel free to share your travel ideas with us. Headquartered in Lhasa, with local offices in Chengdu and Kathmandu, we at Tibet Vista ensure smooth travel to the most iconic Himalayan destinations, offering you an unforgettable journey to the Himalayas.

With fluent English skills rivaling a native English speaker, Khamsang often impresses our travelers with her gifted language capacity and deep understanding of Tibetan culture and history.
Professional, flexible, and attentive, throughout her 10+ years of guide experience, Khamsang has received zero complaints from her guests. Besides, as a mom of two lovely sons, Khamsang is also a devoted mother and loves writing expert travel articles to help travelers longing for a Tibet adventure.
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Which Countries Can See the Himalayas?
The Himalayas in China: The Longest Stretch of the Range, from East to West
The Himalayas in Nepal: The Paradise for Trekkers
The Himalayas in Bhutan: An Off-the-Beaten-Path Experience
The Himalayas in India: the Western Region to Explore
The Himalayas in Pakistan: the Less Crowded Southern Region to Discover
The Best Himalayan Travel to Mount Everest: Everest Base Camp Tour in Tibet (China)
The Best Overland Travel Across the Himalayas: Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Journey or Vice Versa.
The Best View of the Himalayas from Above: Flying between Nepal and Tibet or Nepal and Bhutan