Traveling from Lhasa to Kathmandu by public bus used to be a popular option for global travelers journeying from Tibet to Nepal. However, since 1980, overseas travelers can only travel in Tibet on a guided tour, and with the development of transportation in Tibet, there is currently no direct Lhasa to Kathmandu bus available.

So, in this travel guide, we offer you the 3 best alternatives to easily navigate your way from Lhasa to Kathmandu by train, tourist bus, and more for this epic ride across the mighty Himalayas.

Currently, No Direct Lhasa to Kathmandu Bus Is Available

Traveling by bus from Lhasa to Kathmandu spans around 1,000km and used to take three days, with two major stops at Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city, and Gyirong Port, the current Sino-Nepal border before crossing it for the final 140km drive down to vibrant Kathmandu Valley.

For centuries, this legendary route across the central Tibetan Plateau and Great Himalayas has been a vital link for locals, traders, and travelers moving between Tibet and Nepal.

However, since this travel route stretches too long and crosses the China and Nepal border and now travelers have more options to travel from Tibet to Nepal, currently no public transportation company operates a direct Lhasa to Kathmandu bus. With that said, there are three best alternatives available. Please read on to learn more.

Lhasa to Kathmandu bus travel route on the map.

Alternative 1: Ride the Train to Shigatse, Then Board Bus to Gyirong and Kathmandu

The first alternative works for travelers who only want to quickly travel from Lhasa to Kathmandu by road.

Firstly, you take the train from Lhasa to Shigatse in 2hr20min. The Lhasa to Shigatse train (C887, ticket: CNY225/USD 31.4) departs from Lhasa at 13:00 and arrives in Shigatse at 15:20. Once you are in Shigatse, take a taxi to Shigatse Bus Station to buy a ticket (CNY210/USD 28.97) for Shigatse to Gyirong town bus that leaves tomorrow.

The next morning, board the bus from Shigatse to Gyirong, the border town close to the Sino-Nepal border. The Shigatse to Gyirong town bus departs at 08:00 (summertime)/ 08:30 (wintertime) and the long ride covers 535km in 11 hours with lunchtime included. You will reach Gyirong town at around 19:00 and overnight at a hotel in Gyirong for the border crossing the next day.

On day three, you will cross the Gyirong Port into Nepal at Rasuwa Gadhi where you can apply for a Nepali visa on arrival and take a bus to downtown Kathmandu that covers about 140km in 6 to 8 hours.

The spacious and clean Shigatse to Gyirong town bus.

Alternative 2: Enjoy Our Tourist Bus for Classic 7-day Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Tour

While the first alternative offers you a quick way to travel from Lhasa to Kathmandu by bus, you miss out on jaw-dropping Himalayan attractions Tibet has to offer along the way and face hassles booking local hotels and arranging border transfers for the Gyirong border crossing.

So, to most overseas travelers, if you have enough time and wish to maximize your travel experience from Lhasa to Kathmandu by tourist bus, the best option is to sign up for our classic 7-day Lhasa to Kathmandu overland small group tour with fixed and multiple departures each month.

7 Days Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Small Group Tour: Traverse from the North Side to the South Side of Mt.Everest for the Best of the Himalayas

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Gyirong - Kathmandu

Price from USD989 p.p

Joining a guided tourist bus for the classic 7-day Lhasa to Kathmandu overland tour is the best choice for most overseas travelers.

In this way, not only can you enjoy our local expert’s guided tour for a smooth bus ride all the way from Lhasa to Kathmandu, including the Gyirong border transfer, but also split the hefty transportation and accommodation fees with global travelers.

With everything taken great care of by us, you can immerse yourself in exploring Tibet’s Himalayan wonders like Mt. Everest at Tibet Everest Base Camp and admiring dazzling turquoise holy lakes and sacred Tibetan monasteries along the way, 100% worry-free.

Our guests enjoy the Lhasa to Kathmandu overland tour with our local experts.

Ultimate Alternative: Cycle or Drive from Lhasa to Kathmandu with Our Team Support

If you are a cycling enthusiast or a road trip lover with enough time and budget, another ultimate alternative to the Lhasa to Kathmandu bus is pedaling your mountain bike or driving a 4WD on a thrilling rollercoaster ride from Lhasa to Kathmandu across the mighty Himalayas.

Biking from Lhasa to Kathmandu is a physically challenging thing, given the high altitude and tough uphill ride. However, with well-paved roads in Tibet and our professional team support, you can enjoy a safe and action-packed ride from Lhasa to Kathmandu.

You can rent our mountain bikes or bring your own, and our biking team leader will provide a test ride in Lhasa to help you adjust to the altitude and roads. Your daily cycling distance is flexible, and our cycling leader will ride alongside you. Meanwhile, our support vehicle carrying oxygen, bike repair gear, food, and other logistics supplies and staff are ready to offer you attentive and prompt help. So, you can enjoy the crisp air and pedal past emerald holy lakes, towering Himalayan peaks, and lush forests in deep valleys to Kathmandu. Learn more about Tibet bike tours.

16 Days Cycling across the Himalayas, Lhasa to Kathmandu Bike Adventure

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyangtse - Shigatse - Lhatse - Everest Base Camp - Rongphuk - Gyirong - Kathmandu

Price from USD2790USD p.p

Pedal your mountain bike for a roller coaster ride from Lhasa to Kathmandu with our full team support.

For self-driving from Lhasa to Kathmandu, we will provide you with a 4WD and a leading local expert as your co-driver. With our local Tibetan expert navigating the roads and sharing deep insights into Tibetan Buddhism and culture, you feel safe and enjoyable while taking control of the wheel.

You can stop at any off-the-beaten monastery, take photos of wild yaks by a turquoise lake, or enjoy a roadside picnic with a backdrop of Mt. Everest. You call the shots. With our professional team supporting you every step of the way, you’ll experience the thrill of driving from the Roof of the World to the lush Kathmandu Valley.

7 Day Lhasa to Kathmandu Self Drive Road Trip via the Sino-Nepal Friendship Highway

Tour Route: Lhasa - Yamdrok Lake - Gyantse - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Gyirong - Kathmandu

Price from USD1,599 p.p

Take the wheel and embark on an epic self-drive adventure from Lhasa to Kathmandu with our local experts.

More Insider Tips for Travel from Lhasa to Kathmandu by Bus

Since traveling from Lhasa to Kathmandu by bus involves a long ride through high mountain passes and many winding roads, you may bring some motion sickness pills or download your favorite audiobook and soft music on your smartphone to ease carsick.

In addition, during the long bus ride, bring some snacks and a thermal water bottle with warm water to stay refreshed and hydrated.

For newly arrived tourists in Lhasa, it’s advisable to set aside 2 or 3 acclimatization days in Lhasa to adapt yourself to the high altitude before hitting the road to Kathmandu.

Additionally, by the time travelers reach Gyirong, the office hours at Gyirong Port are usually over. As a result, travelers will need to overnight in Gyirong and cross the border the following morning. No worries! We can help you book comfortable local hotels.

As to border crossing from Tibet to Nepal, you may either apply for a Nepali visa on arrival at Nepal’s immigration at Rasuwa Gadhi after you cross Gyirong Port or apply for a Nepali visa at the Consulate General of Nepal in Lhasa (Norbulingka Road-13, Lhasa).

The road conditions from Lhasa to Gyirong Port are well-paved, but for the final 140 km from the Nepal border to Kathmandu, you can expect about 45 km of bumpy, pothole-filled roads.

The bumpy ride from the Nepal border to Kathmandu.

Conclusion

Though there is no direct Lhasa to Kathmandu bus available, you do have other workarounds. To most travel travelers, joining our guided 7-day Lhasa to Kathmandu overland tour with a smooth border transfer is your best alternative, saving you from tons of hassles. If you have more questions about travel from Lhasa to Kathmandu by road, don’t hesitate to email us for a free and expert travel solution. Cheers!