Travel from Lhasa to Kathmandu, by Land or by Flight?

You have two viable options for traveling from Lhasa to Kathmandu. You can either make an overland tour from Lhasa to Kathmandu or book a flight from Lhasa Gonggar Airport(LXA) to Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport(KTM). Each option brings in different scenic highlights and itineraries. For travelers who can't decide which transportation modes to take, this guide will show you the details of these options.

Overland Tour from Lhasa to Kathmandu

The Friendship Highway from Lhasa to Kathmandu curves around the Yarlung Tsangpo on the highest Qinghai-Tibetan plateau in the world to the valley plain. The holy city of Lhasa at an altitude of 3650 meters, is the starting point of this highway. Along the road, you can pass the holy Yamdrok Lake, the ancient Gyantse Dzong with the legend of heroes, Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse, the unique Sakya Monastery, and Mount Everest- the highest peak in the world. It extends via Gyirong port out of Tibet and finally gets to Kathmandu, at an altitude of 1370 meters.

Why Travel Overland from Lhasa to Kathmandu?

Lhasa to Kathmandu overland tour is the recommended itinerary by most travel agencies, not just because it allows you to adopt the altitude in Lhasa city first before ascending to higher elevation gradually till Everest Base Camp at 5200m, but also it can help you avoid the detour. As there's only a 160km linear distance from Everest Base Camp to Kathmandu.

There's an 820-kilometer distance between Lhasa and Gyirong Port. After crossing it, there are another 168 kilometers to Kathmandu, which takes 6 to 8 hours due to the weather and road conditions. By taking this route, you will have the opportunity to witness the beautiful friendship highway, as well as the profound Buddhist culture and highland scenery along the way.

Highlights of the Tour

Day by Day Itinerary

Before starting this tour, please carry your Travel documents including your China Visa, Tibet Travel Permit, and Alien's Travel Permit. Travel with us, we can arrange everything for you for your overland trip from Lhasa to Kathmandu.

Day 1: Arrival at Lhasa's Gonggar Airport

Upon arrival at Gonggar Airport, you will be greeted by your local guide at the airport. You can have your group photo at the airport before boarding the coach that will transfer you to your hotel. Once in your hotel, you can take a rest to acclimate yourself to the city's high-altitude weather. You'll stay overnight in Lhasa.

Day 2: Sightseeing at Lhasa!

Lhasa is a large city. Hence, you will need at least two days to explore it. After breakfast, your guide will lead you to the most iconic building of Lhasa - Potala Palace.

You'll also get to the famous Jokhang Temple, which was called "Temple of the Lord", derived from Jowo Shakyamuni Buddha, its primary image. You will know why it's regarded as the spiritual heart of Tibet and will have a better understanding of Tibetan Buddhist culture.

Day 3: Sightseeing at Lhasa!

On your third day, you will visit the Sera Monastery and Drepung Monastery.

At Sera Monastery, you can take a short hike uphill to behold the lovely valley scenery. Sera Monastery is called the “Court of Wild Rose" because roses are everywhere in that monastery. There, you may get the chance to listen to the famous debates of monks. Drepung Monastery is the largest Tibetan monastery housing more than 10,000 monks.

Tips: Besides the scenic spots above, you also can also visit Ramoche Temple, Norbulingka, and Ani Sangkhung Nunnery, Ganden Monastery, etc. But it takes one or two more days.

Day 4: Lhasa - Yamdrok - Shigatse!

The Lhasa to Shigatse trip covers a distance of around 340 kilometers. After passing by Kamba La Pass(4,700m), you will first have a fantastic glimpse of Lake Yamdrok(4,447m). It's one of the top three holy lakes in Tibet, with an amazing turquoise color. For Tibetans, Yamdrok Lake is regarded as "The turquoise earrings scattered by the goddess".

Then you will continue to Karo La Pass (5,000m). From there, you'll get to view the magnificent glaciers exposed on the roadside. You'll also see a stupa along with thousands of fluttering prayer flags.

Later, you get to descend to the city of Gyantse (4,025m), which is known for a massive hilltop military fort called "Gyantse Dzong." You will also get to visit the Pelkor Chode Monastery in Gyantse, and its stunning 32-meter stupa, known as the Gyantse Kumbum, the only one of its kind in Tibet.

After all the visiting, you will continue your trip to Shigatse in the late afternoon. You will stay overnight at Shigatse(3,845m).

Day 5: Shigatse to Everest Base Camp!

In the morning, you will visit Tashilhunpo Monastery which is the home of the Panchen Lamas. You will also get to visit the nearby Shigatse Dzong which was originally built in the 17th century.

After lunch, you will then continue to Everest Base Camp along the Friendship Highway which covers a distance of around 340 kilometers, about a 7-hour drive. At Gawula Pass(5,200m), you'll get an amazing view of the Himalayan Mountains like Mt. Everest and Mt. Lhotse. Mt. Makalu, and Mt. Shishapangma.

In the afternoon, you will reach the Rongbuk Monastery which is considered the highest monastery in the world. From here, you can see clearly the northern face of Mt. Everest. If the weather is good, you can also see the golden summit of Mt.Everest in the sunset. Most travelers consider it the most amazing moment.

This night, you will stay at the base camp or Rongbuk Hotel. If you are not able to sleep because of the high elevation of the place, you can get up to see the starry sky.

Day 6 Everest Base Camp to Gyirong!

In the early morning, you will see the golden sunrise at EBC. After breakfast, your group will move towards Gyirong which is around 366 kilometers away and takes 7 hours. You could see along the way the lovely Lake Pelku with the majestic Shisha Pangma as a background. Shisha Pangma is the 14th highest mountain in the world and the only eight-thousand-meter mountain that is totally located in Tibet.

Upon arrival at Gyirong Town, you will stay overnight there. Gyirong isn't a huge town and doesn't have plenty of spectacular sites to offer. Yet, it is a good stopover before going to Nepal.

Day 7 Gyirong to Kathmandu

Since the earthquake destroyed the Zhangmu Port in 2015, Gyirong Port is the only border crossing between Nepal and Tibet. In the morning, you will transfer to Gyirong Port, where you will exit China through their immigration desk, before crossing Resuo Bridge into Nepal. There, you need to secure your visa-on-arrival which may cost you around $30.

The drive from Gyirong to Kathmandu takes around 6 to 8 hours covering 168 kilometers. You will cross the Himalayas so it's rough and may be dangerous. Along the way, you will pass through the Langtang National Park, one of the most beautiful foothill forest areas in northern Nepal.

Tips:

√ 7 Days Lhasa Mt. Everest Kathmandu Overland Group Tour

Lhasa to Kathmandu Flight

The flight travel distance from Lhasa to Kathmandu is around 609 kilometers. It usually takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes. It is the most convenient and comfortable way of traveling from Lhasa to Kathmandu. From Lhasa's Gonggar International Airport, you can board a plane that goes to Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport.

Why Take Flight Travel from Lhasa to Kathmandu?

If you are unwilling to experience long-lasting land travel, or if you just want to visit Lhasa and nearby areas, then taking a flight will be a good choice for you. Although a bit expensive, it only takes 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach Lhasa Gonggar Airport from Kathmandu. In addition, if the weather is fine when the plane flies over the Himalayas, you will be lucky to see the view of Mount Everest. Please choose the right-side seats next to the window.

Travel Highlights:

The highlight of this flight is the birds-eye view of the majestic Himalayas. You'll get to see Mount Everest's top from your plane.

Currently, only Himalaya Airlines operates this route and it runs on Monday/Wednesday/Friday.

>> See more about Lhasa to Kathmandu Flights

How to Purchase Cheaper Flight Tickets from Lhasa to Kathmandu?

Although the flight distance between Kathmandu and Lhasa is short, the airfare is not as cheap as many people think. The cost of a flight ranges from $267 to $540. If you want to buy cheap flights, the best option is to avoid the tourist season. The high season is usually from July to October when the range of ticket prices is from $432 to $820, while the low season is from November to February and tickets range during this season from $216 to $384. In addition, it would be good to book your flight 60 days or less in advance so that you can get a discount.

Conclusion

You can choose how to travel between Lhasa and Kathmandu based on your travel duration, budget and physical condition. The land trip takes 7 days, but it covers the famous sights and cultural heritage of several major cities in Tibet. Following the same route, along the Sino-Nepal Friendship Highway, you can also travel by bicycle or motorcycle. If the speed of traveling is of the utmost importance, taking a plane is your best choice, and at the same time, the comfort level will be higher.

If you intend to take this once-in-a-lifetime journey, you should never hesitate to contact us and we will be more than willing to facilitate everything for you.

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Typically Asked Questions from Our Clients

From Shanghai via Train to Lhasa then bike ride to Kathmandu via EBS

Dear Homer Koster,

We can arrange Shanghai to Lhasa soft-sleeper train ticket for you. For the biking tour, unlike other places in China, it's required Tibet Travel Permit, which is the essential document for foreign travelers to board the train/flight to Tibet. If you want a biking ride from Lhasa to Kathmandu, you will be accompanied by an English-speaking Tibetan Travel Guide, a private vehicle, tent, or even cook, related cooking services and take about 18 days from Lhasa to Gyirogn Port - the border to Kathmandu. So the cost would be very high. Here's the biking tour itinerary. 

Would you consider joining our group tour going from Lhasa to Kathmandu via Everest Base Camp? We also can arrange 2 days private biking tour outside of Lhasa city. Therefore you can not only tour from Lhasa to Kathmandu at a good price but also enjoy biking on Tibet Plateau. What do you think?

Marta Giliga

Hi! I would like to request an offer for a private, 6 person trip to Nepal-Tibet/or only Tibet. We arrive to Kathmandu on 20th October at 01:00, we would spend the day there and then fly to Lhasa on 21st. We would like a 6 day trip in Tibet (with jeep), mainly focusing on the natural and religious attractions, via the Everest Base Camp and passing on foot (at Kodari) the Tibet- Nepal border. We should arrive to Kathmandu on 26th October evening the latest and on 27th a one day trip in the Kathmandu valley. The group is in good health, would only need simple accomodation and local support. Thank you in advance for your offer.

Dear Mart****, 

We can arrange 6 days Lhasa Everest base camp Kathmandu tour departing on 21 October for you.

Foreign tourists in Tibet are required to arrange a tour guide and local driver during the whole trip. We have 5-seat jeeps, which is not enough for you. We can arrange two jeeps for you. But it is not a good deal. For 6 pax, we usually suggest a 15-seat travel bus.

Up to now, Dram Port is not open to foreign tourists. You may go to Kathmandu overland via Gyirong port.