Cycle from Kathmandu to Lhasa - Mountain Bike Tour

A Lhasa to Kathmandu mountain bike tour is very popular and memorable. Outdoor enthusiasts can also try the opposite route: cycle from Kathmandu in Nepal to Lhasa in Tibet. You eyes will be feasted with each sights, you body will member each sweat. You’re truly a ambitious adventure! Because it is a tough task to cycle to Lhasa from Kathmandu, very good physical quality and perfect perseverance are demanded. Every effort makes harvest. The breathtaking landscape on the plateau area and such special way of travel is your great choice and precious treasure.

If you are fond of a cycling tour from Kathmandu to Lhasa, feel free to contact us and we can customize a private tour for you. Here is our hot Lhasa to Kathmandu Cycling Tours.

Cycling from Kathmandu to Lhasa

Kathmandu to Lhasa Train - Nepal Tibet Railway is Under Preparation

Train journey is always regarded as one of the most comfortable experience. Though there isn’t available railway connecting Lhasa and Kathmandu currently, taking a train from Kathmandu to Lhasa is available in the coming future. According to the Belt and Road China and Nepal Co-building, it is urgent to construct the railway between Nepal and Tibet for the economic development and cargo transport in both countries. The Buddhists in two destinations are also looking forward to the further Buddhism study and communication. The potential railway is expected to pass through Gyirong County as well. It is said that Kathmandu Railway is planned as the extended railway of Qinghai Tibet Railway. Now the railway is still in research stage, we’ll keep you updated. More about China Nepal Railway >>

Beautiful Qinghai Tibet Train

Kathmandu to Lhasa by Bus - Possible in Future

Previously, there were one or two international buses weekly running from Kathmandu to Lhasa via Zhangmu Port. Usually, it needed a bit more than 2 days to travel between Lhasa and Kathmandu by bus. Due to the earthquake in Nepal in 2015, the road to Zhangmu Port was damaged and the buses were cut off consequently.

Nowadays, you can only take a bus from Kathmandu to the border between Nepal and Tibet. After passing through the port, you must use a booked driving service from a China travel agency, like Tibet Discovery. Traveling with Tibet Discovery, we can arrange your tour from Kathmandu to Lhasa directly. There will be private guide and vehicle for you and you don’t need to worry about the complicated transfer. More about China Nepal Friendship Highway >>

Sino-Nepal Friendship Highway

Necessary Visas & Permits for Traveling to Lhasa from Kathmandu

Tibet Group Visa from Nepal

Tibet Group Visa from Nepal (Group Visa for short) is a must for anyone who wants to enter Tibet from Nepal by any transportation means. The Group Visa can be only applied from the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu by travel agency on behalf the tourists. The application will be accepted only in the morning of Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Your original passport is required for 2~3 working days for process. It usually takes 3 working days to get the ordinary Group Visa, and it is also possible to obtain it in 1 or 2 days but you need to pay more service charges. The Group Visa information will be given in a paper sheet instead of stamping on your Passport. It is usually valid for 28 days or less and can’t be extended, but you can visit China's other regions with it. See more at Tibet Group Visa from Nepal>

Tibet Travel Permit

Tibet Travel Permit is the first important document for any foreign tourists to enter Tibet from any gateway cities. Without it, you can’t apply Tibet Group Visa, or board the flight to Tibet. Only the local travel agencies are qualified to apply the permit for travelers. Tibet Travel Permit must be applied at least 20 days in advance. Just send your scanned copies of yours passport (and Chinese Visa if you enter Tibet from China's other regions), and then we can obtain Tibet Travel Permit from Lhasa Tourism Bureau. As the permit is issued, we will send it to you by post. See more at Tibet Travel Permit>

Tibet Border Pass

Tibet Border Pass is another document issued by Tibet Armed Police Border Corps, only needed when you visit the border areas in Tibet. Getting to Tibet from Nepal, you have to cross the border and Tibet Border Pass becomes indispensable. Just like other permits, Tibet Border Pass can’t be applied by the traveler individually. Before applying the Tibet Border Pass, you have to get Tibet Travel Permit first. If you take a flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa, the scanned copy of the Tibet Border Pass is ok for boarding the flight. See more at Tibet Border Pass>

Tibet Group Visa from Nepal

Tibet Travel Permit

Tibet Border Pass

Nepal to Tibet vs China's Other Regions to Tibet

In addition to Kathmandu in Nepal, China's other regions also offer many other popular gateway cities to Tibet.

The Qinghai-Tibet Railway makes Beijing, Xian, Chengdu, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Lanzhou, Xining and more cities running trains to Lhasa. The railway itself is an engineering miracle and the the Tibet trains especially-designed and equipped with different facilities like oxygen supply. Scenery outside the train is quite charming, varying from bustling cities to soaring peaks, peaceful valleys, vast prairies, fascinating lakes etc.

If you want an efficient transfer, flights to Lhasa are also available. There are over 18 cities in China operating flights to Lhasa, especially Chengdu, Beijing and Xian providing 6~17 daily flights. Within 2~4 hours, you can get to Lhasa conveniently.

It all depends on you to enter Tibet from Nepal or China's other regions. Generally, if you want a quick transfer to Tibet directly, China is more recommended. Compared with the limited flights between Kathmandu and Lhasa, there are much more choices for you to travel from China. If you want a full-scaled China tour, have a China tour before Tibet. Because the Group Visa from Nepal is only valid for at most 28 days, you can’t extend it or apply Chinese Visa again. However, Nepal is a holy destination for Buddhists or those who are interested in Buddhist culture.

Tips for Getting from Lhasa to Kathmandu

● High Altitude Sickness: On your way to Mount Everest, the altitude will increase to 5,200km (in Everest Base Camp). If it is your first time to high plateau area, you need to pay great attention to your body to avoid or reduce the high altitude sickness.

● Road Condition: The road from Kathmandu to Gyirong Port might be narrow and rugged. The road in Tibet is relatively wide and plain, but your will also experience very wind road to Mount Everest and Yamdrok Lake.

● Food Supply: It is suggested to bring enough water and food with you, because the food provided in the roadside restaurants might not stimulate your appetite. Some snacks will also be helpful to kill the long time of the road journey.

●Accommodation: Only in Lhasa and Shigatse, there are various starred hotels for your choice. Be ready for the basic accommodation with limited facilities in other areas, especially in Mount Everest.