How Far is Tibet from Nepal by Flight, Train and Overland?

Getting to Tibet from Nepal is a popular trend nowadays among foreign travelers, as the two regions are close to each other and shares quite a few similarities, while maintaining their unique attractive features. Based on different ways of transportation, the distance from Nepal to Tibet can vary when choosing the flight, train or overland trip. As Tibet covers a large land on the high plateau, the distance to different regions of Tibet from Nepal can also present huge difference. Read this passage to know how far is Tibet from Nepal by flight, train and overland, and to choose the proper way to get to Tibet from Nepal for yourself.

Where is Tibet and Nepal?

Tibet is located to the southwest of China and in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. At an average elevation of 4,000 meters, it borders India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar and other countries and regions, being an important gateway to the southwest border of China. Located in the southern foot of the Himalayas, Nepal is an inland country in the mountainous region of South Asia, with the north bordering China and the rest three sides adjacent to India.

Map of Tibet and Nepal and Sourrounding Areas

Sharing the majestic Himalayan Mountains, Tibet and Nepal are the closest neighbors to each other. Both are famous for the highest mountain in the world, Mount Everest. However, the culture and landscapes of Tibet and Nepal are very different. Thus, a tour of both Nepal and Tibet is one of the most amazing journeys that many tourists seek for.

How Far is Tibet from Nepal by Flight?

Covering a short linear distance of only about 600 km, the flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa is the shortest way to enter Tibet from Nepal. It is also the only one choice for tourists to get to Tibet from Nepal by flight. On this flight journey, tourists will have the chance to witness the splendid view of the soaring Himalaya ranges, including the peak view of Mount Everest. And before landing in Lhasa, you can also see the winding Yarlung Zangbo River clearly.

Departing from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, there is one direct flight flying from Kathmandu to Lhasa every day at present. It takes about 1.5 hours to arrive in Lhasa Gonggar Airport. The Kathmandu to Lhasa flights are operated by Air China and Sichuan Airlines, which are two experienced airlines providing the most frequent flights to Tibet. Check the detailed information of Kathmandu Lhasa flights as follows in the table.

Kathmandu to Lhasa Flight Schedule

Note: Since the flights to Lhasa are greatly affected by climate and seasonal change, the above timetable and schedule are just for your reference. Please check the exact information with your travel consultant.

How Far is Tibet from Nepal by Overland?

The overland distance between Kathmandu and Lhasa via Gyirong Port is about 1120km, and it takes about 25 hours for a non-stop driving. A driving from Kathmandu to Mount Everest in Tibetan side will cover a distance of about 485 km. And the distance between Kathmandu and Mount Kailash by road is about 984 km. Check the detailed distance from Nepal to Tibet as follows.

Note: The road distance from Kathmandu to Mount Everest includes two parts: the first part from Kathmandu to Gyirong (160km) and the second part from Gyirong to Mount Everest (325km).

Enjoy Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour via Gyirong

The driving road from Kathmandu to Lhasa is a classic and popular travelling route among tourists, for it is full of scenic sites and cultural attractions, like Mount Everest, Everest Base Camp, Tashilhunpo Monastery, Yamdrok Lake, and Potala Palace etc. By taking the overland trip from Kathmandu to Lhasa, you will see different sceneries changing from Kathmandu valley to soaring Himalayas and to the vast Tibetan Plateau, and have a deep discovery of Tibet landscape and culture.

It normally takes 7 days to complete this epic road journey from Nepal to Tibet. Starting from Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, you will first drive along the mountain road to the border at Nepalese side, Rashuwaghadi. It is a short crossing to the Chinese side of the border over the Resuo Bridge. Once you cross the border, your Tibetan guide and driver will meet you on the Tibetan side, and drive you to Gyirong Town. From there it is a long journey to Lhasa, passing by some of the most stunning landscapes in the world.

Travelling overland from Kathmandu to Lhasa across Yamdrok Lake

The first highlighted trip is from Gyirong to Everest Base Camp in Tibetan side, where you can appreciate the stunning peak view of Mount Everest and discover the world's highest monastery – Rongbuk Monastery. Then the route joins the well-paved national road to Shigatse and Gyantse, where you can visit the famed Tashilhunpo Monastery and get amazed by the giant Kumbum Stupa in Gyantse. As you march eastwards to Lhasa, you will also pass the turquoise Yamdrok Lake, Manak Dam Lake and Karola Glacier. The finale of this overland journey will be a 2-day Lhasa city tour, and you will get to explore this holy city through the visit of Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, and Sera and Drepung Monastery.

How Far is Tibet from Nepal by Train?

Currently, there is no railway available connecting Nepal and Tibet. But taking a train from Kathmandu to Lhasa will be hopefully realized in the coming future. According to the joint efforts of China and Nepal, the construction of railway between Nepal and Tibet is an urgent issue for the economic development and transportation in both countries. The current Lhasa to Shigatse railway will be extended 540km from Shigatse to Gyirong Port, and the potential railway is expected to pass through Gyirong to Kathmandu as well.

Permits Required for Nepal to Tibet Tour

Before you enter Tibet from Nepal, you need to get the Tibet Visa and Group Tourist Visa, which can only be obtained by your tour operator. Aliens' Travel Permit and Frontier Pass are also required when your Tibet tour includes the region of Mount Everest. Since all tours in Tibet for foreigners must be organized with a local guide, it is suggested to book your tour in advance. As a leading tourist operator in Tibet, we can offer you a hassle-free one-package service, including the permit application, tour arrangement, transportation etc. Please feel free to contact us for details.