How to Reach Lhasa from Kathmandu

An increasingly popular tourist destination, Tibet Autonomous Region, at the roof of the world, is easily accessible from Nepal. Most western countries do not need a visa to travel to Nepal, which makes it an ideal starting point for a tour of Tibet. From Nepal, there are several ways to get into Tibet. Flights from Kathmandu run daily, and it makes sense to travel from Kathmandu to Tibet for the ease of travel. The Sino-Friendship Highway creates the perfect chance for an epic trip from Kathmandu to Lhasa. It is also an advantage if you are intending to tour around the Lake Manasarovar area, and walk the kora of Mt. Kailash. Check this passage to know more details on how to get to Lhasa from Kathmandu.

Option 1: Kathmandu to Lhasa by Flight

Obviously, the fastest way to get to Lhasa from Nepal is by air, from Kathmandu. There are two airlines that run flights from Kathmandu to Lhasa; Sichuan Airlines and Air China. Air China runs flights daily, both ways, while Sichuan Airlines flights run every other day, again in both directions. Flight departure details can be read on the Tribhuvan International Airport website.The distance from Kathmandu to Lhasa is around 600km, and the flights take around an hour.

Tribhuvan International Airport

Tribhuvan International Airport is situated around six kilometers from Kathmandu city center, on the Kathmandu Ring Road. As Nepal’s only international airport, your flight from your home country would land here. Your connecting flight to Tibet will depart from TIA through the international flight departure area. The flight takes around three and a half hours, and your will be in Lhasa by mid-afternoon. Direct flights can cost between US$280-US$300, plus airport taxes and transfers.

The airline from Kathmandu to Lhasa

Kathmandu is not high enough to really allow proper acclimatization to the higher altitudes of Tibet, so it would be a good idea to rest for a day, at least, on your arrival in Lhasa, to reduce the risk of altitude sickness.

Option 2: Kathmandu to Lhasa by Overland

Currently, it is available for international tourists to travel overland from Kathmandu to Lhasa, owing to the opening of the border crossing at Gyirong Port. From Kathmandu, it is only six hour’s drive to get to Gyirong Port. And after entering Tibet, the way smoothly leading to joint with the famous G318 Highway in China. With well-paved asphalt road, it is quite convenient and easy to make the drive across the Tibetan Plateau.

In fact, the overland trip from Kathmandu to Lhasa can award you more, as it passes some of the most highlighted attractions in Tibet. You can visit the famous Everest Base Camp in Tibetan side, the historical cities of Shigatse, the famous holy lake of Yamdrok, the splendid architecture of Gyantse Kumbum etc., Altogether it will take only 8 days to complete this wonderful trip, plus a two day sightseeing in Lhasa city.

Option 3: Cycling from Kathmandu to Lhasa

One great way to tour Tibet is by bicycle. A cycling tour in Tibet is challenging, both physically and psychologically, but it is more rewarding as you get to see more of the unique scenery of this beautiful region. Every year more people choose to tour the region by mountain bike, touring the region with a guide to get the best out of the trip.

Getting to Tibet by bicycle

You can take your own bike, or you can buy or hire them in Lhasa. It is a good idea, if you are traveling in a group, to all use the same type of bike, as this will make it easier to share spare parts you may need along the route. The average cost of buying a mountain bike in Lhasa is around $75, or they can be hired for around $9 per day. If you wish to bring your own bike, it can be shipped by air or you can take it on the train.

Packing list for cycling tours

Some of the things you will need are additional to what a normal tour in Tibet requires. A good, waterproof tent is a must, as is a warm sleeping bag. Always carry a basic first-aid kit, for emergencies, and plenty of food. You will be able to get the basics of Tibetan food, such as tsampa or beef, but many other foods will be scarce outside Lhasa. As you are required to have a guide with you during your visit, they will be able to show you some of the routes you can try, but a map is still a good idea, so you can plan your own route, with your guide.

Packing things for cycling tours

Tibetan climate is harsh, and you will need warm clothes for when it is cold, and waterproofs for rain. In summer, cycling gear is fine, as long as you have warm clothes for when you stop, or at night, as the night-time temperature can drop below freezing even in the summer. And it is important to remember to warm up before you start the day, and stretch after the day is over, to reduce the chance of muscle cramps, which can occur more in the higher altitude.

Waterproof tent is a must

Can I Take the Train from Kathmandu to Lhasa?

As of this time, there is no overland railway linking Nepal with Tibet. The Lhasa to Shigatse extension of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway was opened in August 2014, and the Chinese government has plans of further extending the line into Nepal, for better travel between Nepal and Tibet. Once completed, the railway line from Kathmandu to Lhasa will cover a total distance of almost 1,000 kilometers, and will take less than one day to traverse.

Travel Documents Needed for Travelling from Kathmandu to Lhasa

Before you can travel from Nepal to Tibet, you need to get your Group Tourist Visa and Tibet Travel Permit. Tourist travel in Tibet is not allowed without a proper visa, travel permit, driver, and private vehicle. Our tour operator can help you apply for your visa, and will send you the relevant paperwork needed in Kathmandu. It takes around 5-7 working days to receive the travel permit, and around two working days to receive the visa for travel into Tibet.

For those wishing to travel overland into Tibet, it is recommended that your international flight culminates at one of the major airports in China, such as Beijing or Chengdu, where you can take the train from any of seven cities that run direct to Lhasa.

Conclusion

Travelling to Lhasa from Kathmandu is a good way to get to Tibet  for many overseas tourists. And there are mainly two options: take the direct flight or travel by overland. It depends on yourself to choose the best way to get to Tibet. And if conditions allowed, tourists can also take a bike trip from Kathmandu valley to cross the plateau.

As a trustworthy local tour agency with years of experience, we handle a collection of Nepal Tibet tours for different choice. As long as you book your tour with us, you will rest assured to enjoy your trip from Nepal to Tibet, with no worry on the permit application etc. We can also customize your perfect itinerary according your own needs.