China shares a border of 1,415 kilometers with Nepal, which lies entirely in the Tibet Autonomous Region, southwest of China. From the Lipulekh Pass in the west to the Jiangshang Mountain in the east, the borderline between Tibet (China) and Nepal extends along the Himalayan Mountain Ranges, passing through Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world.

There are 6 border crossing existing between Nepal and Tibet (China), namely Gyirong, Pulan, Zhangmu, Riwu, and Chengtang. Among these, the first three ports are designated as international ports, while the rest are only designated for bilateral trade. Currently, only the Gyirong Port is open to international tourists traveling between Nepal and Tibet by land.

1. Gyirong Port: The Only Border Crossing for Nepal Tibet Overland Tour

Currently, Gyirong Port is the only port open for Tibet Nepal overland tours for international tourists. Situated at the south foot of the Himalayas, Gyirong Port is at 1,818 meters above sea level in the Gyirong Valley of the Yarlung Zangbo River. Separated by a mountain, the Gyirong Port is adjacent to the Zhangmu Port, which was the former tourists port and no longer opened for foreign tourists since the Nepal Earthquake in 2015.

Only 26 kilometers northwest of the Gyirong Port is Gyirong Town, which offers accommodation and other services, like banks and restaurants for those crossing the border. There are also some attractions in Gyirong, like the Gyirong Valley and Pakba Monastery.

The stunning view of Gyirong County surrounded by the rolling Himalayan Range.

If you travel to Kathmandu via the Gyirong Port, you can obtain the Nepal Visa at the border. Please prepare passport-size photos and cash in dollar for the Nepali Visa application. The process takes few minutes. But in peak tourist season, you may need to queue for a while as this is the only port for a Tibet Nepal overland tour.

If you plan to travel from Nepal to Tibet via the Gyirong border, it is essential to arrange your trip in advance, as you need a China Group Visa and the Tibet Travel Permit to cross the border. If you don’t have a Chinese Visa, you first need to apply for the Group Visa through the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu. It takes at least 3 working days. Meanwhile, you need to book your trip to Tibet in advance, so that we can apply for the Tibet Travel Permit on your behalf.

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Things can be easier as you book a Nepal Tibet tour with us. Once you confirm your trip and make the payment, we will ensure the Tibet Travel Permit and handle everything for you. Our Nepali staff in Kathmandu will guide you to apply for the Group Visa in Kathmandu, while our Tibetan local guide will pick you up at the Gyirong border with your Tibet Travel Permit. Catch the chance to experience a truly seamless Tibet Nepal tour with us!

Our local experts pick up our guests at Gyirong Port.

Travel Tips for the Gyirong Port Border Crossing

The Rasuwa Port on the Nepal side is at 1,500 meters above sea level, while Gyirong is at 1,818 meters. After crossing the border, it is suggested to stay in Gyirong town for one night to better acclimatize to the altitude of Tibet. Whether you’re taking a Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour via the Everest area or traveling directly from Kathmandu to Mount Kailash, the altitude will rise rapidly up to 3,000 meters even 4,000 meters above sea level.

Besides the popular overland tour from Kathmandu to Lhasa, you can also cross the border by taking a cycling tour, motorcycle tour, or self-drive tour. If you plan to self-drive or ride a motorcycle to Tibet, you’ll need to apply for additional travel documents for your vehicle. Feel free to share your travel ideas with us. Our travel expert will help you arrange a seamless travel according to your needs.

2. Purang Port: The Closest Port for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

Located in Purang County, Ngari Prefecture, the Purang Port (or Pulan Port) is one of the most important trade gateways between China and Nepal, with a history of over 500 years. Now, it is also a major port for Indian pilgrims traveling to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar.

Purang Port located in Purang County.

How to Get to Mount Kailash via Purang

You need to carefully plan your trip to Mount Kailash via the Purang Port. The Chinese Visa and the Tibet Travel Permit are essential for all trips. When visiting the Mount Kailash region, you also need to apply for additional documents, like the Alien’s Travel Permit and the Military Permit. All these required documents make the process longer, so you need to book your Mount Kailash tour at least 1 month in advance.

Special Notice for Indian Pilgrims

The Tibet Travel Permit for Indian passport holders wishing to undertake the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra can only be arranged by the Foreign Affairs Office of Tibet Autonomous Region or the Pilgrim Center. Recently, it is still not open to Indian pilgrims. We will update immediately if there is any new information.

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3. Zhangmu Port: No Longer Used by Foreign Tourists Since Nepal Earthquake

Located at the southern slope of the middle section of the Himalayas, the Zhangmu Port is surrounded by Nepal to the east, south, and west. It was the former land link between China and Nepal, which was opened for international tourists traveling overland between Nepal and Tibet before the earthquake in 2015.

Nepal Tibet Zhangmu Port.

After the earthquake in 2015, the infrastructure of the Zhangmu Port was severely damaged and the port was forced to close until it reopened in 2023. Now, the Zhangmu Port is mainly used by local trade and Chinese tourists.

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4. Riwu Port (Trade-Only)

The Riwu Port - Olangchung Gola Port border crossing was opened for the first time in 1986. Located only 7.6 km away from Dinggye County in Shigatse, the Riwu Port was opened for the first time in 1986, but only for local and small trade exchange activities, which was restricted because of bad infrastructure and transportation inconveniences. Fortunately, since the construction of the road to Riwu, border trade has seen significant development.

Riwu Port

51. Lizi Port (Trade-Only)

The Lizi Port is currently only open for trade. This border is located in the western part of the Shigatse region and in the north of the Himalayan Mountains. Though only a seasonal trade fair currently exists, the transaction here is still very active, thanks to the Lizi Markets along with Pagri Market.

Lizi Port

6. Chentang Port (Trade-Only)

The Chentang Port is situated in the middle of the Himalayan Mountains and the southeast part of Mt. Everest. Only 12 kilometers long in length, the border is also only open for local trade activities. Because of its location in the mountain valley, the transportation of goods through Chentang Port seems to be a difficult problem yet to be solved.

Chengtang County

More Tips for Border Crossing between Tibet China and Nepal

Be aware of the time difference between China and Nepal. Nepal is 2 hours and 15 minutes behind China.

Whether you’re crossing the border for tourism, trade, or business, please make sure you have obtained all necessary documents in advance. To enter Nepal from Tibet, it is convenient to get a visa on arrival at the Gyirong border. However, if you plan to travel from Kathmandu to Lhasa, you need to prepare for the Chinese Group Visa and the Tibet Travel Permit in advance.

The Sample of Tibet Travel Permit

Located on either side of the Himalayas, Tibet (China) and Nepal have great altitude differences. While Kathmandu, located in the Kathmandu Valley, lies at an altitude of about 1,400 meters above sea level, Lhasa is situated at an altitude of around 3,650 meters. If you travel from Kathmandu to Lhasa, pay attention to the altitude rise after you cross the border and enter the Tibet Plateau. Check more details about how to safely adapt Yourself to Altitude Change to Travel across the Himalayas.

Last but not least, please understand the relevant policies of both China and Nepal and ensure that you do not carry any prohibited items. Declare all items truthfully in accordance with the relevant regulations, submit to customs inspection, and cooperate with customs officials.

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Conclusion

China and Nepal shares a long border of 1,415 kilometers with 6 ports for crossing. Among them, Gyirong, Purang, and Zhangmu are notable. The Gyirong Port is the only port available for international travel between Nepal and Tibet, while Purang is popular among Indian pilgrims visiting Mount Kailash, and the Zhangmu Port is now only used by Chinese tourists.

With the continuous upgrading of local infrastructure, the border crossing between Tibet (China) and Nepal become more and more convenient. However, preparing necessary travel documents in advance is still essential, especially for visiting Tibet from Nepal.

As a leading Tibet tour operator specializing in Tibet Tourism for overseas travelers, we at Tibet Vista guarantee the Tibet Travel Permit when you book a Tibet tour with us. Let us handle the paperwork, so you can pretty rest assured of your dream tour in Tibet and Nepal.