Nepal to China by Road Via Tibet: Enjoy a Nepal Tibet China tour along with Nepal China friendship highway

Duration5 Days
Trip GradeEasy
Maximum Altitude5200
ActivitiesTour & Sightseeing
Group Size4 People +
StartsKathmandu
EndsMainland China
Best TimeApril to December

Highlights of Nepal to China Tour via Tibet

  • Experience a scenic drive to the Kerung Border through Nepal’s countryside. You’ll witness the beauty of the Himalayas, hills, and small towns.
  • Get the first Glimpse of Tibetan culture and lifestyle in Kerung Town which is surrounded by mesmerizing mountain views.
  • Get Panoramic views of the Himalayas such as Mt. Cho Oyu (8,201m), Mt. Xishapangma(8,012m), and Mt.Everest (8,849m) from Tingri.
  • Experience driving through the highest point of the route, Gyatchu La Pass(5,220m). From here, get the views of rugged mountains, open plains, and glimpses of monasteries.
  • Explore Shigatse by visiting its rich cultural heritage and traditional Tibetan architecture.
  • Visit the renowned Potala Palace and explore each section: The White Palace and The Red Palace. The palace walls are decorated with numerous murals depicting Buddhist stories, Tibetan history, and legends. Also, many extraordinary Thangkas have intricate artwork. Enjoy the breathtaking views of Lhasa and surrounding hills and mountains from the vantage points within the Palace.
  • Visit Jokhang Temple which is very rich in architecture. Witness monks and pilgrims perform prayers, chants, and rituals. The temple houses a collection of religious artifacts, statues, Thangkas, and many more. Also, get the panoramic views of Lhasa from the temple’s rooftop.
  • Soak in the vibe of Barkhor Bazaar, a lively market. It’s the best place to buy Tibetan handicrafts, jewelry, and clothes.
  • Experience the Train journey from Lhasa to Mainland China as you can get the tickets easily.

Overview of Nepal to China by Road Journey

Nepal to China via Tibet is one of the shortest overland tours to China from Nepal. You get to explore Tibet and travel to China where you can choose the train journey from Lhasa. You get train tickets from Lhasa to Golmud, Xian, Xinning, Chengdu, Beijing and Shanghai.

The journey begins with a drive from Kathmandu to the Tibet Border through Nepal’s beautiful countryside. Crossing the border, you arrive at Kerung Town, a gateway to the sacred Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake. The drive continues to Tingri and you’ll get an amazing view of the Himalayas such as Mt.Cho Oyu, Mt.Xishapangma, and Mount Everest.

Then, the journey takes you through the Gyatchu La Pass(5,220m). From here, you’ll see panoramic views of the Himalayas. As we arrive in Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city, we explore its lively streets and cultural heritage.

Finally, reaching the heart and soul of Tibet, Lhasa, we explore its must-visit landmarks such as the Potala Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former winter residence of the Dalai Lama. This palace will leave you in awe as it houses unique murals, Thangka paintings, and Buddhist legends. The view from the Palace is equally breathtaking. We continue exploring Lhasa visiting Jokhang Temple. Here we witness monk's and pilgrims’s rituals, prayers, and numerous religious artifacts, statues, and beautiful Thangkas. Also, the view of the city from the temple’s rooftop is indescribable.

Then, we stroll through the buzzing market of Lhasa, Barkhor Bazaar. Here, you’ll see people circumambulating the Jokhang Temple, locals buying goods, and monks chanting prayers. The market is full of Tibetan handicrafts like woven carpets, silver jewelry, clothes, and many more. We can also find delicious local delicacies like tsampa and dumplings. This experience completes the Lhasa tour.

Nepal to China via Tibet Tour wraps up with a smooth journey from Lhasa to mainland China offering a memorable train journey. From Lhasa, the tickets are easily accessible to Golmud, Xian, Chengdu, Beijing or Shanghai.

This is a 4 night 5 days journey. Five days is the perfect amount of time to balance exploration and relaxation.

On the first day, you will drive from Kathmandu to the Kerung Border, a 6-7 hour journey that will introduce you to the different landscapes of Nepal. After reaching the border, we complete the border formalities and continue driving to Kerung Town for an overnight stay.

The second day involves driving to Tingri or Lhatse where you’ll be treated to spectacular Himalayan views including the Everest. We arrive in Shigatse crossing the Gyatchu La Pass. Day three begins with a scenic drive to Lhasa through lovely Tibetan villages and the Himalayas. Upon arrival, we stroll around the city. On the fourth day, we explore Lhasa with a visit to Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Bazaar. On the last day, you will depart Lhasa and can take the train to mainland China and finish the trip that combines the best of Nepal, Tibet, and China.

Cost Details
Includes
  • PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION BY VAN
  • TIBET TRAVEL PERMIT
  • ENGLISH SPEAKING TIBETAN GUIDE.
  • ACCOMMODATION ON TWIN SHARING ROOM BASIS
  • SIGHTSEEING AND MONASTERY ENTRANCE FEES AS PER OUR ITINERARY
  • DAILY BREAKFAST.
  • LHASA TO MAINLAND CHINA TRAIN TICKET ON REQUEST
Excludes
  • LUNCH AND DINNER
  • INSURANCE OF ANY KIND
  • PERSONAL EXPENSES SUCH AS A DRINK, TIPS & ETC.
  • ANY ADDITIONAL COST DUE TO NATURAL CALAMITIES AND UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCE
Essential Information

How is the Road conditions between Nepal to China Friendship Highway?

The Friendship Highway, known to many as the China-Nepal Highway, is an 806-kilometer route that links the China-Nepal border and Lhasa. The highway runs parallel to two different highways. From Lhasa, it travels along the Lhasa River before heading west through the Yarlung Valley to Shigatse. The road splits into two paths after it reaches Lhatse. Between Zhangmu and Kodari, the Sino-Nepal Friendship Bridge is reached by turning south on the main Friendship Highway. The alternative route travels through Saga in a westerly direction before heading south to the Gyirong Border. The majority of the paved, well-maintained roads that connect Lhasa and Kathmandu are in excellent shape. The good route between Shigatse and Lhasa makes it possible to travel the distances comfortably. It's pretty much the same going on to Lhatse. The road section of Nepal is quite bumpy. Overall, the road conditions between Nepal to China Friendship highway are good.

What is the Distance between Kathmandu to Lhasa?

The overland route distance along the Friendship Highway is approximately 1300 kilometers(808 miles). On the other hand, the flight distance is around 600 kilometers(375 miles). The direct flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa takes about 1.5 hours. Air China and Sichuan Airlines operate the flights.

How’s the Train Journey from Lhasa to Mainland China?

The train journey from Lhasa to Mainland China is quite an experience. The primary route connects Lhasa to Xining which is the capital of Qinghai Province. The journey takes about 21 hours. From Xining, you can connect to other cities in China. The most popular train is the T22, Tibet Express. The Train ticket options from Lhasa to different destinations in Mainland China are:

Lhasa to mainland Train Journey: Distance, Train cost and Train Duration: 

  • Lhasa to Golmud:

Distance: 750 km

Duration: 8 hours

  • Lhasa to Xian:

Distance: 2,900 km

Duration: 36 hours

  • Lhasa to Xinning:

Distance: 850 km

Duration: 10 hours

  • Lhasa to Chengdu:

Distance: 2,300 km

Duration: 28 hours

  • Lhasa to Beijing:

Distance: 4,000 km

Duration: 48 hours

  • Lhasa to Shanghai:

Distance: 4,300 km

Duration: 52 hours


Are we prone to altitude sickness on the trip?

Yes, we may be affected by altitude sickness. The highest altitude en route is Gyatchu La Pass at 5,220 meters. Not to mention, altitude sickness can occur at elevations above 2,500 meters and can affect anyone. The major symptoms of Altitude sickness are headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, and difficulty sleeping. If these symptoms occur during the tour, make sure you contact the guide. We suggest you stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids and water. Also, carry Diamox.

Is there a train between Nepal to China?

No, there is no direct train between Nepal to China currently. Other alternatives are traveling overland and by air. The common way to travel between Nepal to China is by taking a vehicle from Kathmandu to the Nepal-Tibet border at Kerung. From there, continue your journey by bus or train to Lhasa, and from Lhasa hop on a train to  China.  Also, there are direct flights from Kathmandu to Lhasa and connecting flights to other cities in China.

How long does it take from Nepal to China By road?

The road journey from Nepal to China takes about 3 to 7 days. The journey includes traveling from: Kathmandu to Kerung Border: This part of the journey is around 145 km and usually takes 6-7 hours. Kerung to Lhasa: The distance is approximately 250 km, and the drive can take 6-8 hours, depending on road conditions.

Lhasa to Other Destinations in China: The travel time from Lhasa to other cities in China will vary depending on the destination and chosen mode of transport (train, bus, or plane).

What is the visa process for China?

You must have a valid Chinese visa in order to enter China. Before your journey, you can get this from a Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country. Also, A Tibet Travel Permit (TTP) is required. We Dream Tibet Team manage all your visa documentation and permits.

Can I travel from Nepal to China by train?

No, you cannot travel from Nepal to China by Train. However, you can travel to China by Air from Nepal. If you want to travel to China by train, you can travel overland from Nepal to Lhasa and hop on the train from Lhasa to China.

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