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Zhangmu Port: The Ultimate Guide for 2026 Border Crossing Between Nepal and Tibet (China)
Zhangmu Port serves as a crucial gateway for overland travel between Tibet and Nepal. It has now reopened to international tourists, offering a convenient crossing site for overland tourists.
To help you enjoy a smooth border crossing at Zhangmu Port, this guide provides everything you may need, including its location, the required documents, border crossing procedures, transportation options, and more.
Zhangmu Port Reopens for Tibet Nepal Overland Tours in 2026
Where Is Zhangmu Port Located?
How to Cross the Zhangmu Border between Nepal and Tibet (China)?
How to Get to Zhangmu Port from Kathmandu?
How to travel from Zhangmu Port to Lhasa: Popular Route via Everest Base Camp
How to travel from Zhangmu Port to Mount Kailash?
Where to Stay and What to Eat near Zhangmu Port?
Zhangmu Port Reopens for Tibet Nepal Overland Tours in 2026
Since July 15, 2025, Zhangmu Port has reopened for international tourists, following the closure of Gyirong Port after the Sino-Nepal Friendship Bridge was damaged by flood. Now, it has been the main passage for international overland travel between Tibet and Nepal, offering travelers a convenient overland route.
International tourists now can travel between Tibet and Nepal via Zhangmu Port.Where Is Zhangmu Port Located?
Zhangmu Port is located in Zhangmu Town, Nyalam County, Shigatse in southwest Tibet. It sits in a lush valley at about 2,300 meters above sea level.
The port is approximately 740 kilometers from Lhasa, which takes around 2-3 days to reach by car, and about 120 kilometers from Kathmandu, usually taking 5-6 hours, depending on road and border conditions.
The location of Zhangmu Port on the Sino-Nepal border on the map.How to Cross the Zhangmu Border between Nepal and Tibet (China)?
You can easily cross the Zhangmu border with the required documents.
When traveling from Tibet to Nepal, you can obtain a Nepal Visa on arrival at the border. To apply for it, you need a valid passport, passport-size photos, and cash in US dollars.
When you travel from Nepal to Tibet, you need to obtain both a Group Visa and a Tibet Travel Permit in advance. The Group Visa for entering Tibet from Nepal is a special type of Chinese visa. You don’t need it if your passport is visa-free to China.
If you already have a Chinese Visa, you don’t need to apply for the Group Visa. All you have to do is get a Tibet Travel Permit from a Tibetan travel agency.
It is worth noting that it takes several business days to obtain the Group Visa and the Tibet Travel Permit, so please apply in advance.
With these documents, you can easily complete the exit formalities on either the Chinese or Nepalese side, pass through security checks, walk across the Friendship Bridge, then pass the entry inspection on the opposite side, and start your journey.
Generally, it takes around 20-30 minutes to complete these procedures. During the peak tourist season, the process may take longer due to longer queues.
A sample of Tibet Travel Permit.How to Get to Zhangmu Port from Kathmandu?
Zhangmu Port is around 120 kilometers from Kathmandu, which often takes around 6 hours by car, depending on road conditions. You can follow the Sino-Nepal Friendship Highway from Kathmandu to the border.
It’s convenient to hire a private jeep from downtown hotel to the border. Alternatively, you can take a local bus from Jadibuti Bus Park to the border at a more reasonable price.
Whether you cross the border from Nepal or Tibet, with local offices in both Kathmandu and Lhasa, we can arrange the border transfer service either from your hotel in Kathmandu to Zhangmu border or vice versa. Feel free to contact us
Please Note:
The opening hours of the Zhangmu Port are open from 10:00 to 13:00 and from 14:30 to 18:00. It’s recommended to stay overnight in the border village on the Nepal side and cross the border the next morning.
You can buy a ticket and take a local bus from Jadibuti Bus Park to the border.How to travel from Zhangmu Port to Lhasa: Popular Route via Everest Base Camp
You can follow the classic route that passes through Everest Base Camp to reach Lhasa, which covers around 760 kilometers and usually takes 8 days, allowing you to fully enjoy the most iconic landscapes in Tibet. Our 8-day Overland Tour from Kathmandu to Lhasa is one of the best routes that takes you through a thrilling adventure.
After crossing the border, you’ll visit Everest Base Camp and admire the world’s highest mountain. Next, heading to Shigatse along the scenic G318 National Highway, you can explore Tashilhunpo Monastery and see the real life of local monks there.
Then on the way from Shigatse to Lhasa, you’ll visit the ancient city Gyantse, pass the Korola Glacier, and explore Yamdrok Lake, where you can visit a local family and have lunch with the locals.
Finally, you’ll arrive in Lhasa, where you can visit sacred sites such as the Potala Palace and experience the extraordinary Tibetan culture.
Join our popular tour and enjoy wonderful experiences through Everest Base Camp from Kathmandu and Lhasa.
How to travel from Zhangmu Port to Mount Kailash?
Traveling from Kathmandu to Mount Kailash is a popular route for overseas pilgrims. You can follow the overland route to reach the sacred Mount Kailash via Zhangmu, which covers around 770 kilometers, taking about 10 days to take a round trip from the port to Mount Kailash.
Our 10-Day Kailash Pilgrimage Tour from Kathmandu is one of the best adventures, offering you the panoramic views of the holy Mount Kailash and the spiritual life of local pilgrims.
After crossing the border, you’ll head to Saga County, an important transportation hub in western Tibet. You can enjoy the breathtaking views of iconic landmarks such as Mt. Shishapangma along the way. Next, you’ll pass through Gongzhucuo Lake, cross the Mayomla Pass, and arrive in Darchen.
Starting from Darchen, you’ll enjoy a 3-day Kailash trek. You can admire the picturesque views of the sacred mountain and Lake Manasarovar, meet local pilgrims, and engage in meditation here.
The tour begins in Kathmandu, guiding you to the sacred destinations of Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarova.
Where to Stay and What to Eat near Zhangmu Port?
You can stay in Nyalam County. Nyalam is about 43 kilometers away from the port, taking around 1.5 hours.
There are many modest hotels and guesthouses, basic yet sufficient to cover basic needs. While the hotels here are not as well-equipped as those in Lhasa, there are still some hotels providing underfloor heating.
As for dining, there are many local restaurants serving a range of simple dishes. You can enjoy simple Tibetan food and other cuisines such as Chinese and Nepalese food in this county.
The room of a hotel in Nyalam County.Tips for Crossing the Border from Zhangmu Port
The roads around the port can be muddy due to heavy rain in summer and may freeze or be blocked by snow in winter, since the weather in Tibet is changeable. So it’s suggested to check the weather and road conditions in advance and be prepared to adjust your plans accordingly.
Don’t forget the time difference between China and Nepal. China is 2 hours and 15 minutes ahead. It’s recommended to plan ahead.
The border policies may change depending on the weather or road conditions. We will keep you informed of any updates to ensure you have a safe and smooth journey.
Join the classic Lhasa to Kathmandu tour to enjoy the most iconic landscapes along the way.
Conclusion
Zhangmu Port offers a new and convenient gateway for international travelers between Tibet and Nepal. Whether you travel from Lhasa to Kathmandu or vice versa, you can enjoy the breathtaking landscapes and rich culture of Tibet along the way.
If you are looking for a Tibet and Nepal overland tour, feel free to contact us to design your adventure in Tibet.
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