Traveling from Nepal to Tibet has become increasingly convenient, with multiple transportation options available. If you plan to enter Tibet via mainland China, you must first obtain a Chinese tourist visa from the Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country. (If you hold a non-“L” visa, additional documentation may be required—please consult with our professional travel consultants for specific requirements.)
Once you have your Chinese visa, you can fly from Kathmandu to Chengdu, Guangzhou, or Xi’an, and then continue to Lhasa by domestic flight or train after obtaining your Tibet Travel Permit.
Alternatively, since Nepal shares a border with Tibet, you can enter Tibet directly from Nepal. In this case, you’ll need a Tibet Travel Permit and a Group Tourist Visa. You can either take a direct flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa or travel overland. As an experienced Tibet travel agency, we offer various tour options covering China, Tibet, and Nepal.
How to Get from Nepal to Tibet?
There are two main options:
Option 1: Nepal – Mainland China – Tibet
Fly from Kathmandu to a Chinese city like Chengdu, Guangzhou, or Xi’an, then travel to Lhasa by train or plane.
Option 2: Nepal – Tibet Directly
Travel directly from Nepal to Tibet via flight or overland route.
Route 1: Kathmandu – Chengdu/Guangzhou/Xi’an – Lhasa
1.Kathmandu – Chengdu – Lhasa
- Kathmandu to Chengdu
There are several flights from Kathmandu to Chengdu, operated by multiple airlines.
The most affordable option is Air China flight CA438 (14:40–20:10), with a direct fare of around $330. Flight time is about 3 hours 15 minutes.
- From Chengdu to Lhasa:
Flight: Many daily flights, e.g., Air China CA4401 (07:25–10:00). One-way ticket: approx. 1,900 CNY (including fees).
Train: Train Z322 departs every other day (21:37–09:55, 36h 18m). Soft sleeper ticket: approx. 1,000 CNY. Hard to book during peak season.
2.Kathmandu –Guangzhou – Lhasa
- Kathmandu to Guangzhou
Direct flight: China Southern Airlines CZ6068 (13:10–19:05), approx. $500, around 3h 40m.
- From Guangzhou to Lhasa:
Flight: Only one flight per day, CZ3463 (08:25–14:30). Fare: approx. 2,990 CNY.
Train: Train Z264 (11:45–16:19), travel time: 52h 32m. Soft sleeper: approx. 1,468 CNY.
3.Kathmandu –Xi’an – Lhasa
- Kathmandu to Xi’an
Flight: Tibet Airlines TV6020 (12:30–20:35), approx. $300, about 5h 50m.
- From Xi’an to Lhasa:
Flight: Multiple daily flights, e.g., MU2333 (07:55–11:20). Fare: approx. 2,310 CNY.
Train: Two daily trains: Z265 (09:45–16:19) and Z165 (11:24–19:30). Travel time: ~30h 34m. Soft sleeper: around 970 CNY.
Route 2: Kathmandu – Lhasa Direct
1.Direct Flights from Kathmandu to Lhasa
Kathmandu is the only city outside China with direct flights to Lhasa.
Two available flights:
- CA408 (12:10–16:00)
- 3U8720 (11:30–15:10)
Flight distance is 600 km, taking about 1.5 hours. Fares start at ~$300.
2.Overland Travel from Kathmandu to Lhasa
Many travelers prefer this scenic land route.
Our staff will escort you from Kathmandu to the Gyirong border (the current China–Nepal border crossing). After crossing customs, our Tibetan guide will receive you in Tibet.
You’ll stay in Gyirong County to acclimatize before continuing east to Tingri, Everest Base Camp (EBC), Shigatse, and finally Lhasa.
This classic route offers:
- Stunning Himalayan landscapes
- Sacred lakes and monasteries
- Authentic encounters with Tibetan locals and their unique culture
Tibet Travel Permit Application for Nepali Travelers
Tibet Travel Permit
1. Entering Tibet from Mainland China
- Foreign tourists must present both a valid passport and Tibet Travel Permit when boarding a train or plane to Tibet.
- Please send us a scanned copy of your passport and visa at least 30 days in advance.
- If holding a non-tourist visa, extra documentation (e.g., work certificate, invitation letter) is required.
- Permit processing usually takes 7–10 days.
Delivery:
Train: We will email a scanned copy of the permit for you to print.
Flight: We will mail the original to your domestic departure city in China (required for boarding).
2. Entering Tibet from Nepal
You will need a Tibet Permit and a Group Tourist Visa (even if you already hold a Chinese visa—it will be invalidated).
We will assist you in obtaining both.
- Process:
You only need to provide your passport copy.
We will prepare the Tibet Permit and invitation letter, send them to our Kathmandu office.
Once you arrive in Kathmandu, our staff will help you apply for the Group Visa at the Chinese Embassy.
- Timeline:
Day 1: Our staff collects your passport and helps you fill out the application.
Day 2: Visa issued and delivered to your hotel.
Day 3: Enter Tibet with Group Visa, Tibet Permit, and original passport.
Note: Although it’s called a “Group Visa,” you do not need to be in a tour group to apply.
