Could fodorites who have been to both places please comment on the differences between the two, which is the more intresting place to visit, from a cultural and historic viewpoint. I am debating which place to visit for about a week later this year.

Thanks.

Also, if any fodorites can recommend companies for either destination please let me know.

Bhutan and China to compare in a sense of holiday destination choice is complex because China is a big nation whereas Bhutan is a small one. Having said that, I have visited both Tibet and Bhutan. In someways both have similarities. However we lik Bhutan better by way of her culture, people and the country as a whole where everything we have came across gave us a real sense of existence and touch.

I and my wife visited Tibet last Sept. and then flew to Bhutan via Kathmandu after some days in Nepal.
Our Tibet/Nepal/Bhutan trip was organized by Bhutan Mountain Holiday, a tour company based in Bhutan. They did very well with our trip and highly recommend them. Their email address is: [email protected] and their website: www.bhutanmountainholiday.com

I haven't been to Tibet yet, but I have been to Bhutan, and found it fascinating. Unfortunately, with the Han Chinese immigration into Tibet, from everything I've read it's getting less and less Tibetan. So you could make an argument that the sooner you get to Tibet the better. But you'd better check into the current restrictions on tourists.

Bhutan hands down. One of the few remaining places where the culture is largely intact. It is a beautiful country. It helps to like to hike and be prepared. The country is all mountains. We found the people to be some of the friendliest we have ever met in our travels.

I agree with alwaysontheroad. Bhutan. But a weeks is not very long.

We were going to Tibet in 2008 but China closed it to tourists. It was closed again in 2009. Whilst things seem to have settled down there is always the risk of further closure so we have now removed Tibet from our list. As thursdaysd points out the Hanification of Tibet has doubtless had great implications on its culture and I understand that tourists are currently monitored quite closely; another reason we have abandoned it. As an alternative we hope to see Ladakh in 2011, Indian but essentially Tibetan in culture.

Bhutan is brilliant, we spent three weeks there last year. As others have said the culture is still relatively intact, especially once you're outside Thimphu. The people are lovely and the kids are magic. A week is a very short time.

<i>"Whilst things seem to have settled down there is always the risk of further closure so we have now removed Tibet from our list."</i>

Unfortunately my recent comment appears to have been prophetic. I understand Tibet has again been closed to foreigners.

Hmm, this is novel "I and my wife" is the adult translation of "me and my girlfriend." How 2010!

Update on my earlier post.

I understand that from March 8 no permits will be issued to foreigners until 'April'. Permits already issued appear to be valid.

Permits are now being issued again.

Tibet is usually open and shouldn't be crossed of anyone's travel list -- just don't plan to go in the month of March, which is a sensitive time.

While I imagine Bhutan is spectacular, Tibet is a wonderful place to visit. Go to Tibetan areas in Eastern Tibet to see pure Tibetan culture (like Yushu, Qinghai). These places have populations ranging around 97% Tibetan.

As for companies and businesses, try to use ones that are Tibetan or at least work with Tibetans.

The only Tibetan-run travel agency I know is SnowLion Tours (www.snowliontours.com), but other popular options include Sim's Cozy Guesthouse and Spinn Cafe.

I don't know about Bhutanese travel agencies.

Large international outfitters, like GeoEx and Abercrombie&Kent run tours to Tibet, but it's very expensive and they work with local travel agencies anyway.