Nepal to Tibet by Train: How to Travel from Kathmandu to Lhasa by Train

Although Nepal and Tibet are geographically close, there is currently no direct train connecting the two destinations due to the complex geological conditions of the Himalayan region. The much-anticipated China–Nepal Railway is still in the planning stage, and it will likely take several more years to complete.

But don’t worry — this doesn’t mean a Tibet train experience is impossible for a Nepal-Tibet trip. As a trusted Tibet travel agency, we’re here to guide you through three alternative routes that incorporate train travel, each offering its own unique experience. Read on to discover the route that suits you best.

There is No Direct Train from Nepal to Tibet Currently

Currently, there is no direct train connection between Nepal and Tibet. This is because building a railway in the Himalayas is a challenging project, with extreme geological conditions, high altitudes, and temperature variations. Therefore, at present, travelers must combine other modes of transport with the Tibet train experience.

Hopefully, the ambitious China-Nepal Railway Project is already under development. This railway line will connect Kathmandu to Lhasa, via the border crossing at Gyirong Port. Once completed, it will greatly improve travel between the two regions and provide an even more scenic and comfortable route to Tibet.

Though a direct train is not available yet, there are several other ways to incorporate train travel into your journey from Nepal to Tibet. These routes offer not only a convenient way to reach Tibet but also provide travelers with the chance to experience the incredible landscapes of the Tibetan Plateau.

Alternative Travel Route One: Overland Journey from Kathmandu to Lhasa, Then Take the Tibet Train Out

Traveling overland from Kathmandu to Lhasa is one of the most amazing journeys in the world and a great way to experience the wonders of the Tibetan plateau, ending with a tour of Lhasa, the center of Tibet.

Overland Journey from Kathmandu to Lhasa

Your journey begins in Kathmandu with a scenic seven-hour drive (130 km) to the border town — Rasuwa Gadi, passing through the breathtaking Langtang National Park. After entering China via the Gyirong border, you’ll have the chance to explore the most beautiful valley in the world — Gyirong Valley. The highlight of this journey is visiting Everest Base Camp and the highest temple in the world — Rongbuk Monastery.

The next destination is Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet, where you can visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lama. On the way from Shigatse to Lhasa, you can spend some time enjoying the Korola Glacier and the Yamdrok Lake. Upon your arrival in Lhasa, take your time to visit the famous attractions like Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street.

Take the Tibet Train from Lhasa to Mainland China

After finishing your Tibet tour, you can board a train from Lhasa to mainland China. A direct train connection is available from Lhasa to several major cities in China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi’an, Lanzhou, and Xining. The whole train journey takes around 20 to 55 hours, depending on your destination.

The most scenic stretch along the train route is from Lhasa to Xining, which is known as the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. The train passes through the Tibetan plateau, offering spectacular views of snow-capped mountains, vast grasslands, and pristine lakes. Unlike trains heading to Lhasa, which often involve overnight travel, trains departing Lhasa typically travel during the day, allowing you to enjoy the scenery to the fullest.

Alternative Travel Route Two: Fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa, Explore Tibet, and Then Take the Tibet Train Out

If you want to start a Tibet trip as quickly as possible, flying to Lhasa is undoubtedly the best choice. Once you arrive, you can explore Tibet at your leisure, and finally take the train from Lhasa to the mainland China.

Fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa

For travelers who prefer a quicker and more direct route to Lhasa, flying from Kathmandu to Lhasa is a popular choice. The flight from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu to Lhasa Gonggar Airport takes 1 hour 20 minutes, making it the fastest way to reach Tibet from Nepal. The flight is also an amazing experience, as its flight path flies directly over the summit of Mount Everest.

The Tribhuvan International Airport lies around six kilometers from the city center, and you can get there by car or taxi within 20 minutes. Upon your arrival at Lhasa Gonggar Airport, our tour guide and driver will be there to meet you and lead you to the hotel for a rest before your Tibet trip officially begins.

Explore Tibet After Your Arrival

Once you've acclimatized, you can begin exploring many incredible destinations in Tibet. As a reliable travel agency with years of experience organizing Tibet tours, we can help you customize an itinerary based on your interests and schedule. Whether you want to visit the iconic Potala Palace, explore the ancient monasteries, or take a trip to the majestic mountains and the sacred lakes, you can find a Tibet tour that suits you best.

Take the Tibet Train Out

After exploring Tibet, you can extend your journey to other destinations in mainland China by the Tibet train. For example, you can head to Chengdu to see the cute pandas and enjoy Sichuan cuisine, or to Beijing to visit the Great Wall and Forbidden City. Taking the Tibet train from Lhasa to mainland China is sure to be an ideal way to conclude your Tibet journey, offering stunning landscapes along the route.

Alternative Travel Route Three: Fly from Kathmandu to Chengdu, Then Take the Chengdu-Lhasa Train to Tibet

For those who want to experience the full Tibet train journey at the very beginning, flying from Kathmandu to Chengdu and then taking the Chengdu-Lhasa train is an excellent option.

Fly from Kathmandu to Chengdu

Among the limited direct flight options from Kathmandu, Chengdu is a convenient choice as the starting point of your Tibet train journey. There are one or two flights departing from Tribhuvan International Airport and arriving at Chengdu Tianfu International Airport every day. The whole journey takes about 3 to 4 hours.

Take the Chengdu-Lhasa Train to Tibet

The Chengdu-Lhasa train is one of the most popular routes to Tibet, offering a unique and unforgettable travel experience. The train departs Chengdu every other day and takes approximately 35 hours to reach Lhasa. Along the way, travelers are treated to breathtaking views, including the vast Changtang Grasslands, the majestic Kunlun Mountains, and the azure Qinghai Lake.

How to Prepare for the Nepal to Tibet Train Journey

No matter which route you choose to take, proper preparation is key to having a smooth and enjoyable journey to Tibet. Here are some important things to keep in mind when planning your trip:

Get the Essential Documents Ready

As a foreign traveler, you will need a Chinese visa to enter China. You can apply for it at a Chinese Embassy in your home country or in a third country where you are legally residing. To visit Tibet, the Tibet Travel Permit is a must, and you cannot board any flight or train bound for Lhasa if you do not have it. For some restricted areas, foreign travelers will also need the Alien’s Travel Permit and the Military Permit.

Please note that these Tibet travel documents can only be arranged through a licensed local travel agency, and any individual application is not allowed. If you join our Tibet tour, we will apply for all the documents on your behalf, offering you a hassle-free journey.

Be Prepared for the High Altitude

Tibet is known for its high elevation, with most destinations — including Lhasa, Everest Base Camp, and other popular regions — sitting well above 3,600 meters. Whether you enter Tibet by train, by air, or overland, it is important to be aware of the risk of altitude sickness.

If you are taking the Qinghai–Tibet Railway, you will travel along the highest railway in the world, which reaches its peak at Tanggula Pass (5,068 meters). Although every Tibet train is equipped with two types of oxygen supply systems, proper preparation is still essential.

Therefore, whether you are on your way to Tibet or have already begun your trip, always remember to bring medication for altitude sickness if needed, avoid strenuous activity, and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Pack Essential Items for Your Tibet Trip

When traveling to Tibet, you need to be prepared for fluctuating temperatures. Even in summer, temperatures can drop significantly in the evenings. Pack warm clothing, especially if you plan to visit high-altitude regions or take the train to or from Tibet. Additionally, bring essentials such as sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun’s intense rays.

For a Tibet train journey, hygiene items such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and wet wipes can help you stay fresh and comfortable. You may also want to bring your own food and drinks, and download movies or music playlists onto your electronic device to make your train trip more enjoyable.

Book Train Tickets in Advance

Tibet train tickets are always in high demand, especially during peak travel seasons. Therefore, it’s best to book your tickets well in advance — ideally at least 15 days before departure. If you are not familiar with China’s railway booking system, you can ask us to help you pre-book your train tickets without any complicated procedures.

Conclusion

While there is no direct train from Nepal to Tibet at the moment, there are still several exciting and rewarding ways to include a Tibet train journey in your trip from Nepal. Whether you choose to travel overland from Kathmandu to Lhasa and then take the train out, fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa and explore before boarding the train, or fly to Chengdu and take the scenic Chengdu-Lhasa train, you're sure to have an unforgettable adventure.

With the future opening of the China-Nepal Railway, direct train travel between Kathmandu and Lhasa will eventually become a reality, making this journey even more accessible and unforgettable for travelers. If you need further help regarding your trip from Nepal to Tibet, do not hesitate to contact us — our professional team is here to answer all your questions!