Traveling from Chengdu to Kathmandu is an epic route that starts in the fertile plains of the Red Basin, crosses the Tibetan Plateau, and traverses the Himalayas to reach the Kathmandu Valley. What you see along the way depends on how you travel. Flight, overland, and train routes are available. Here are the top three options to consider for your adventure.

How Far is Chengdu from Kathmandu? Understanding the Distance and Locations

Chengdu is famous for its spicy cuisine and is home to the Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. The city is nestled in the plains and rolling hills of Sichuan Province in southwest China. It's an important hub for the region with a rich history going back over 2,000 years.

Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is over 1,250 km away. The twisting road that connects the two cities stretches for 2,850 km, passing over the Tibetan Plateau and veering southwest to Nepal. Located in the central part of the country, in the Kathmandu Valley, the city is surrounded by terraced rice fields, lush vegetation, and the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas.

Despite the long distance, traveling from Chengdu to Kathmandu is easier than you might imagine. You can take a direct flight for a quick journey or opt for a scenic road trip. Combining train, flight, and overland travel is also convenient. Whatever you choose, you’re sure to have a wonderful trip from Chengdu to Kathmandu.

Chengdu to Kathmandu by Flight: The Fastest Way with Views of the Himalayas

The simplest and fastest way to get from Chengdu to Kathmandu is to fly. Air China and Sichuan Airlines offer regular flights between the two cities with a flight time of as short as 3 hours and 10 minutes. The flights depart from Chengdu Tianfu Airport and arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.

Flights from Chengdu to Kathmandu

Airline	Flight No.	Dep-Arr	Duration	Schedule	Cost from
Air China	CA437	10:10-11:05	3h 10m	M W F S S	210 USD
Sichuan Airlines	3U3901	09:30-10:40	3h 25m	M T T S S	246 USD

The flight passes over the Himalayas for a unique bird's eye view of the mountains. Only by flying can you have the experience of looking down at the peak of Mount Everest.

Chengdu to Kathmandu via Lhasa by Flight/Train and Overland: The Most Popular Way with Tibet Discovery

Combining flights, trains, and overland is a good balance between traveling quickly and seeing more of the region's landscapes close up. From Chengdu to Kathmandu, you can break the journey into two parts, traveling via Lhasa to fully enjoy the beautiful plateau scenery.

Firstly, Travel from Chengdu to Lhasa by Flight or Train

The first stage of the trip, from Chengdu to Lhasa, can be done by flight or train. The flight from Chengdu to Lhasa is very convenient and is perhaps the most popular way to reach Tibet. It takes around 2.5 hours, with more than 20 non-stop daily flights available. Tickets start at 250 USD.

Alternatively, you can take the train and experience the epic Qinghai-Tibet Railway. This 34.5-hour journey offers unparalleled scenery across the Tibetan Plateau. Train Z322 departs every other day at 21:11. Tickets cost 627.5 CNY (89 USD) for a hard sleeper and 997.5 CNY (140.5 USD) for a soft sleeper. The greater comfort and privacy of the soft sleeper are worth the additional cost.

Then, Travel from Lhasa to Kathmandu by Overland

Lhasa to Kathmandu overland is an incredible 7-day journey. Start by exploring sites like Potala Palace and Drepung Monastery in Lhasa while you acclimatize to the high elevation for a couple of days. Then, set out for the first stop, Shigatse, Tibet's second largest city. That leg of the route lets you see the holy Lake Yamdrok and explore local villages.

The next highlight is spending the night at Everest Base Camp in sight of the peak of the famous mountain. After Everest, the route begins to descend to the Gyirong Valley, passing by Mount Shishanagma as the scenery changes from the rocky, mountainous Himalayas to lush forests and grasslands.

After crossing the border into Nepal, you can see the peaks of the southern side of the Himalayan foothills, including Gaurishankar Himal (7,134 meters), Ganesh Himal (7,422 meters), and Annapurna Range's Annapurna III (7,555 meters). This is the full experience of the Himalayas, ending in the exotic surroundings of Kathmandu.

Chengdu to Kathmandu by Overland: The Ultimate Adventure along G318 and Friendship Highway

Making the whole journey overland is an unforgettable trip through awe-inspiring landscapes along the Friendship Highway and G318 Highway. Combining the 7-day Chengdu to Lhasa overland tour with the 7-day Lhasa to Kathmandu tour, it is an epic journey through some of the most unique terrain in the world.

Starting from Chengdu in Sichuan province, the route to Lhasa includes sights like the peaks of the famous Four Sisters Mountain and the Tibetan-style villages in Danba County. There's also the Maoya Grassland around Batang, with herds of sheep and cattle and wildlife like antelopes, yellow ducks, and marmots.

Continuing into eastern Tibet, Nyingchi awaits with its picturesque landscapes of mountains, lakes, and forests. Ranwu Lake, with over 20 km of shoreline, reflects stunning blue waters. Nearby, you can marvel at China's most beautiful glacier, the Midui Glacier. A highlight is the view of Mount Namcha Barwa (7,782m) from the enchanting Lulang Forest. Upon arrival in Lhasa, you can take time to explore its iconic sites before setting out for the overland journey to Kathmandu.

Since it's a long road journey across diverse terrain including mountains, valleys, gorges, and plateau, it's advisable to time your trip carefully. The best seasons to go are spring and autumn, when the weather is warm, dry, and the road conditions are favorable.

Required Permits for Travelling from Chengdu to Kathmandu

Most international travelers will need to secure a Chinese Tourist Visa before arriving in Chengdu. The Chinese Visa can be obtained at the nearest Embassy, Consulate, or Visa Service Center and usually takes four business days to process.

International travelers also require a Tibet Travel Permit (TTP) to visit Tibet. After you have obtained the tourist visa, we will apply for the TTP on your behalf. The process takes 7-14 working days, but we recommend starting at least 20 days in advance.

Besides, traveling outside of Lhasa requires additional permits. Visiting Nyingchi and Shigatse requires the Alien's Travel Permit, and the Everest and border regions need the Military Area Entry Permit and Foreign Affairs Permit. These can be applied for after your arrival, and we will handle the process as part of our tour package.

Conclusion

Traveling from Chengdu to Kathmandu can be a direct flight or an epic overland adventure. Each route offers unique experiences, from the quick convenience of flying to the profound cultural immersion of a road trip through Tibet. We can assist you in choosing the best option or arranging your Chengdu to Kathmandu tour based on your preferences. Feel free to contact us anytime for more information.