FAQs on How to travel from Kathmandu to Lhasa

1. How can one travel from Kathmandu to Lhasa?

At present, tourists can go overland from Kathmandu to Lhasa by 4WD along the Sino-Nepal Friendship Highway which is the only international road connecting Kathmandu and Lhasa, going through the Sino-Nepal Friendship Bridge, Zhangmu, Nyalam, Tingri and Shigatse. Besides, tourists can take a flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa.

2. How long dose it take from Kathmandu to Lhasa by overland?

It generally takes about one week to go overland from Kathmandu to Lhasa, including making a detour to the famous Everesr Base Camp and some famous tourist attractions off the highway.
 
3. How many flights are there from Kathmandu to Lhasa?

Currently, there is only one flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa, operated by Air China. It departs Kathmandu at 12:15 and arrives in Lhasa at 15:50pm. 

4. What is the air ticket price from Kathmandu to Lhasa?   

The normal price is 450USD including tax for one way and raises to more than 650USD during Tibet's peak tourism season (from April to October).

5. Can I take a train from Kathmandu to Lhasa?

At present, there is no railway between Kathmandu to Lhasa. But in the near future, it is possible to take a train from Kathmandu to Lhasa when the Qinghai-Tibet Railway is extended from Lhasa to Kathmandu.

6. Do I need a visa or a permit to board the flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa?

Of course, travelers who enter Tibet from Nepal or India are required to apply for Group Tourist Visa – a kind of single entry visa. This visa must be obtained at Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu.

7. How to acclimatize the high altitude if flying from Kathmandu to Lhasa?

Just to be optimistic. When you arrive at Lhasa, have a good rest immediately.
Don't do any strenuous activity and eat too much on the first day.
Besides, keep away from cigarettes and alcohol.
Frequent showers or bathes are not recommended so as to avoid catching a cold.
Drink enough water and eat something with high caloric content, like chocolate for fluid loss and energy consumption usually accompany the acclimatization process.
If you feel lack of oxygen, you can have an oxygen tube, but don't rely on it all the time.