Kathmandu to Lhasa Tours

Kathmandu to Lhasa Tour FAQs & Travel Tips

• Do I need a Chinese Visa to travel from Kathmandu to Lhasa?

  Yes, you must obtain a special Group Visa through the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu for your trip to Tibet from Nepal.

  If you already have a Chinese Visa, your previous visa will be invalidated when the group visa is issued. Therefore, it is not recommended for tourists who already have a Chinese Visa to enter Tibet from Nepal.

  If you enjoy a visa-free stay in China, you don’t need to apply for a group visa. After you book your Nepal Tibet tour with us, simply provide a copy of your passport with us. We will handle the rest for you and guarantee your Tibet Travel Permit.

• Can I extend my group visa so that I can visit other regions of China?

  Generally, the Group Visa is valid for 30 days from the date of issuance. So you can extend your journey to other regions of China after visiting the Tibet Autonomous Region.

  With local offices in Lhasa, Kathmandu, and Chengdu, we can arrange hassle-free China Tibet Nepal tours. Feel free to share your travel ideas with us. Our travel expert will help you arrange the seamless travel according to your needs.

• How to get a Tibet Travel Permit for a trip from Kathmandu to Lhasa?

  Since individual applications are not accepted, you need to apply for the Tibet Travel Permit through a local travel agency, who offer the Tibet tour service for you.

  As the best-known local Tibet travel agency, we guarantee the Tibet Travel Permit for you. Once you book a trip from Kathmandu to Lhasa with us, you just need to email the copy of your passport, and we will handle the rest for you. Our Nepali staff will also help you apply for the Group Visa in Kathmandu, ensure a smooth travel experience from Nepal to Tibet.

• What’s the best time to visit Lhasa from Kathmandu?

  The most ideal time for traveling from Kathmandu to Lhasa is April to May and September to October. During these months, you can enjoy the best landscapes with clear views of the Himalayas from Kathmandu to Lhasa.

  Winter is the off-season for Tibet tourism but a good time for budget travel, as there are great discounts on accommodation and attractions fees for Tibet winter tours.

  Summer is the monsoon season, which often leads to landslides and muddy roads in border regions. So, if you plan to take an overland journey from Kathmandu to Lhasa, it is suggested that you avoid visiting in summer.

• How long is the overland journey from Kathmandu to Lhasa?

  Generally, it takes 7 to 8 days to travel from Kathmandu to Lhasa by land. To better adapt to the altitude rising, we specially designed our Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour in 8 days, ensuring a gradual and safe ascent from the lower Kathmandu Valley to the roof of the world via the Everest region in Tibet.

  After crossing the Gyirong border, you will spend one night in Gyirong town to acclimate to the altitude of 2,800 meters above sea level. Then, you will follow the epic Friendship Highway to to the Everest Base Camp in Tibet before heading to Lhasa.

• How about the road conditions from Kathmandu to Lhasa? Is it safe to travel?

  As one of the world-class overland routes, it is quite safe to experience the overland journey from Kathmandu to Lhasa.

  The road from Kathmandu to Gyirong is winding and partly paved, with some bumpy and landslide-prone sections, especially during the monsoon season.

  After passing through the border, the road conditions in Tibet China are quite good. The Friendship Highway is mostly a well-paved asphalt road.

  However, lots of winding roads and sometimes up to 9-10 hours of driving are involved, it’s advisable to bring the motion sickness pills or download podcasts just in case you might need them.

• Are there direct flights from Kathmandu to Lhasa?

  Recently, there is one pair of direct flights flying between Kathmandu and Lhasa. The Kathmandu to Lhasa flight departs every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. It takes 1 hour and 20 minutes from Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport to Lhasa International Airport, which is the fastest way to get to Lhasa from Kathmandu.

• Is it better to travel overland or by air from Kathmandu to Lhasa?

  If you are short on time, flying from Kathmandu to Lhasa is a good option. This way, you can enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Mount Everest and the Himalayas. However, you’ll miss out on the real road travel experience across the legendary Himalayas.

  The fixed flights and limited number of tickets will also restrict your travel plans. Therefore, in order to travel more flexibly, it is strongly recommended that you visit Lhasa from Kathmandu by land.

• How can I prevent altitude sickness when traveling from Kathmandu to Lhasa?

  Indeed, traveling overland from Kathmandu to Lhasa is more challenging than doing it in reverse, due to the huge altitude gain. However, there is no need to panic about it.

  To ensure a safe and enjoyable journey, we extended the original 7-day Kathmandu to Lhasa tour to 8 days. So you can spend one night at Syabrubesi (2380m) and Kyirong town (2700m) respectively for the border crossing, and slowly travel to Shigatse (4000m). You’ll get enough time to get used to the high altitude in Tibet.

  Meanwhile, we provide bottled oxygen supply and our seasoned local guide will closely follow your health and provide necessary help when needed, ensuring you a safe and pleasant journey from Kathmandu to Lhasa.

• What to pack for a Kathmandu to Lhasa tour?

  Traveling light is preferred, but be sure to pack for the high altitude and cold temperatures of Tibet. Bring warm clothing and a windproof jacket to protect yourself from strong winds at high elevations in Tibet.

  The air is thin and dry in Tibet, and there is strong radiation, so make sure to bring moisturizer, lip balm, and sunscreen to keep your skin protected.

  If you’re traveling from Kathmandu to Lhasa by land, especially through the border and the Everest region in Tibet, accommodation and dining options are quite basic. It’s advisable to pack disposable cleaning items like wet wipes. You can also bring along your favorite snacks to stay energized through the journey.