Kathmandu to Lhasa Tour

FAQs and Travel Tips for Kathmandu to Lhasa Tour

• Can I take a flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa?

  Of course. Flights from Kathmandu to Lhasa are available and depart from Tribhuvan International Airport. Covering a shorter linear distance of around 600 km, the Kathmandu–Lhasa flight takes only about 1.5 hours with no stops along the way.

  Himalaya Airlines operates this route, with flights departing on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. If overland travel isn't your preference or you have limited time, taking a flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa is an excellent choice. Plus, you can enjoy stunning views of the Himalayan mountain ranges from the window.

• How to travel from Kathmandu to Lhasa by road?

  Taking an overland trip from Kathmandu to Lhasa is a great choice, as you can enjoy the extraordinary landscapes along the way. The road distance between the two cities is about 1,100 km and requires more than 20 hours of nonstop driving.

  From Kathmandu, it takes about 7–8 hours to reach Gyirong Port, the border between Nepal and Tibet. After completing the permit checks and entering Tibet, you will follow the well-paved G318 Highway, traveling through Tingri, Shigatse, and Gyantse before reaching Lhasa.

  You can also make a detour to Everest Base Camp in Tibetan side, and stop to visit major attractions such as Yamdrok Lake and Tashilhunpo Monastery along the way.

  It is recommended to spend 7 to 8 days completing the entire overland journey from Kathmandu to Lhasa.

• Is it possible to travel from Kathmandu to Lhasa by train?

  Currently, there is no railway connecting Kathmandu and Lhasa; however, one is planned for the future. China and Nepal have agreed to build a railway line linking Kathmandu and Lhasa via the Gyirong Port border crossing. This is known as the China–Nepal Railway.

  The first section of the project—the Lhasa to Shigatse Railway—was completed and opened in August 2016. The section from Shigatse to Gyirong is still under construction. Therefore, in the near future, it is expected that travelers will be able to take a train from Kathmandu to Lhasa.

• What travel documents are required for a Tibet tour from Kathmandu?

  To travel from Kathmandu to Tibet, you will need both a Tibet Travel Permit and a Chinese Visa.

  The Tibet Travel Permit can only be applied for through a local travel agency and is issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau. Your permit will include details such as your entry and exit dates, itinerary, and tour number.

  A Chinese Visa must be obtained independently through the Chinese Embassy in your home country. Alternatively, you can apply for a Chinese Group Visa at the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu after arriving in Nepal.

  If your trip includes visiting Everest Base Camp or Mount Kailash, you will also need additional documents such as the Alien's Travel Permit and the Military Permit. Don't worry—we will take care of all the required permits on your behalf.

• Do I have to join a group for my Kathmandu to Lhasa tour?

  Yes. All foreign travelers are required to join an organized tour with a licensed guide and driver when visiting the Tibet Autonomous Region. So even if you are used to traveling independently in Kathmandu or elsewhere, you must contact a local Tibet travel agency to arrange your itinerary before entering Tibet. The agency will also help you obtain all the necessary travel permits.

  However, if you prefer not to travel with strangers, you can choose a private tour, which can be just for yourself or for you and your family or friends. As a trusted tour operator, we can customize your Kathmandu to Lhasa trip based on your preferences—whether you want to travel solo or with a group. Just contact us for more details.

• What to pack for a Kathmandu to Lhasa tour?

  Pack light, but make sure you're prepared for Tibet's high altitude and cold, changeable weather. Warm layers and a windproof jacket are essential for staying comfortable in the strong winds and lower temperatures.

  Tibet's air is thin, dry, and exposed to strong UV radiation, so bring moisturizer, lip balm, and sunscreen to protect your skin.

  If you're traveling overland from Kathmandu to Lhasa—especially through the border areas and the Everest region—be aware that accommodation and dining options can be quite basic. It's helpful to carry disposable cleaning items like wet wipes, as well as your favorite snacks to keep your energy up during the journey.

• Flights between Lhasa and Kathmandu: Travel to Tibet and Nepal by Air
• Kathmandu to Lhasa Train: Can I Travel from Nepal to Tibet By Train?
• Nepal China Borders: 6 Border Ports Between Nepal and Tibet for Different Uses
• How to Travel from Nepal to Tibet: The Ultimate Guide in 2026
• Nepal Tibet Trekking: Enjoy a Once-in-a-lifetime Trekking Experience in the Himalayas
• Lhasa to Kathmandu or Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland: Which Way to Travel?
• Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour 2026: The Ultimate Guide for Your Nepal to Tibet Overland Adventure
• Nepal Tibet Map: Where is Nepal and Tibet and How to Travel Them Together?
• Nepal Tibet Border Crossing: How to Cross Gyirong Border between Tibet and Nepal?
• Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland: The Ultimate Guide
• Lhasa to Kathmandu Train Travel: Guide on Progress, Alternatives, Documents and More
• Travel Tibet from Nepal: Chinese Group Visa & Tibet Travel Permit are the Musts