Kathmandu to Lhasa Tours

Frequently Asked Questions about Kathmandu to Lhasa Tour

Can I take a flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa?

Of course. The flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa is available and departs daily from the Tribhuvan International Airport. Covering a shorter liner distance of around 600 km, the Kathmandu to Lhasa flight takes only about 1.5 hours, with no stop on the way. Air China is one of the two airlines that operate the flight, and the Air China Kathmandu to Lhasa flight departs every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday around the noon time. If travelling overland is not your liking or you have a limited time for travel, then taking the  flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa could be your perfect choice. Besides, you can also sot the amazing view of Himalayan mountain ranges from the window.

How to travel from Kathmandu to Lhasa by road?

It is wise to take an overland trip from Kathmandu to Lhasa, as one can appreciate the extraordinary landscape along the way. The road distance from Kathmandu to Lhasa is about 1100 km, requires more than 20 hours for a nonstop driving. Starting from Kathmandu, it is a 7-8 hours’ driving to the Gyirong Port, the border between Nepal and Tibet. After checking permits and entering Tibet, you can follow the well-paved G318 Highway, drive to Tingri, Shigatse, Gyantse and then to Lhasa. Also, you can make a detour to Mount Everest from Tingri, as well as stop to visit great attractions of Yamdrok Lake, Tashilhunpo Monastery etc. before you advance. You are recommended to spend 4 to 6 days for the entire trip from Kathmandu to Lhasa by road.

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

Currently there is no railway connecting Kathmandu and Lhasa, however there soon will be. Both China and Nepal have agreed to build a complete line that links Kathmandu and Lhasa, via the border crossing at Gyirong Port. This is so-called China Nepal Railway. The first part of this project, Lhasa to Shigatse Railway, has been completed and open since August 2016. And the part from Shigatse to Gyirong is still under construction. Therefore, in the near future, one can expect to take Kathmandu to Lhasa train for travel.

What travel documents are required to take a Tibet tour from Kathmandu?

One need to obtain the Tibet Travel Permit and Chinese Group Visa to travel to Tibet from Kathmandu, Nepal. The Tibet Travel Permit, also known as Tibet Visa, can only be applied through a local travel agency from the Tibet Tourism Bureau. Your travel information including the entry and departure date, itinerary, tour number will be written on the permit.

The Chinese Group Visa, different from what you might suppose, is a special type of single-entry Chinese Visa. It can only be applied through the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu, and individual application is not permitted. Together with the Tibet Travel Permit, the Group Visa will be obtained by your tour operator.

Do I must join in a group to enjoy my Kathmandu to Lhasa tour?

Well, it is compulsory for foreign travelers to join in an organized tour with a guide and a driver within the Tibet Autonomous Region. So, even if you have travel alone well in Kathmandu or somewhere else, you should contact a local Tibet tour agency to arrange your itinerary before you step into the land of Tibet. They will also help to get the travel permits required for your entire Tibet tour.

But if you don’t want to travel with unfamiliar person, you can also choose to join in a private tour, which can contain only one person of yourself, or just your families or friends. As a trustworthy tour operator, we can help to customize your Kathmandu to Lhasa tour according to your needs, whether you prefer travel alone or in a group. Just contact us for details.