Nesting between the towering peaks of the Himalayas, Gyirong County is the only overland gateway between Tibet and Nepal. More than just an important border town, it is also famous for its mild climate, abundant vegetation, and unique blend of Tibetan and Nepalese cultures.

Whether you are traveling from Tibet to Nepal or making the reverse journey, staying in Gyirong is a great way to rest and acclimatize before or after crossing the border. Read this ultimate guide about Gyirong County, and learn how to get there, where to stay and eat, the best time to visit, and more insider tips.

Where is Gyirong County? Is Gyirong in Tibet or Nepal?

Gyirong County is located in the southwest of the Tibetan Autonomous Region, within the Shigatse Prefecture. It borders Nepal to the south, with a shared border stretching 162 kilometers. At about 2700 meters, Gyirong is one of the lower-elevation towns in Tibet, making it easier for tourists to acclimate to the altitude.

Thanks to its advantageous location, Gyirong County serves as an important border crossing for tourists traveling between Tibet and Nepal. Known as the “Back Garden of Mount Everest”, it also enjoys a mild climate and boasts rich landscapes, making it a rewarding destination for exploration.

Join our popular Lhasa to Kathmandu overland tour for a seamless travel experience!

How to Get to Gyirong County from Lhasa? Follow the Classic Road Trip via EBC

The best way to travel from Lhasa to Gyirong County is to take the classic overland trip via Everest Base Camp (EBC). Covering about 820 kilometers, the journey takes about 3 days, with stops at some of Tibet’s most iconic landscapes along the way.

Leaving Lhasa, you will first travel to Shigatse via Gyantse. En route, you can visit the turquoise Yamdrok Lake and the stunning Karola Glacier. Then continue to EBC via Tingri, where you will see the panoramic views of the Himalayas from Gawula Pass. At EBC, you will have the rare chance to witness Mount Everest up close.

After enjoying the stunning sunrise at EBC and exploring the Rongbuk Monastery, the world’s highest monastery, you can continue to Gyirong. You will pass Shishapangma Peak and the serene Lake Paiku Tso, before finally reaching to the lush valley at Gyirong.

It is recommended to take our classic 7-day Lhasa to Kathmandu overland tour. With two days of sightseeing in Lhasa, you can better adjust to the altitude and be ready for the adventure. After Gyirong, you can rest before crossing into Nepal. Throughout the journey, our local guide and driver will ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience.

How to Get to Gyirong County from Kathmandu? Prepare Required Permits in Advance

If you are traveling from Nepal to Tibet, Gyirong is the primary entry point. The distance from Kathmandu to Gyirong Port is only about 130 kilometers, but due to the rough road conditions and mountainous terrain, the drive will take about 7 to 8 hours.

Before crossing the border, you need to first obtain a Chinese Group Visa and Tibet Travel Permit. The Chinese Group Visa can only be obtained through the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu, and must be arranged by a travel agency. But if you are from Chinese-visa free country, you will only need the Tibet Travel Permit.

To make it simple and smooth, we will help you to arrange both the Chinese Group Visa and Tibet Travel Permit on your behalf. We will also provide a seamless border transfer for you from Nepal to Tibet via Gyirong Port. Just contact us in advance to allow enough time for permit application.

For an immersive journey to take in the best of Tibet, it is recommended to join our popular 8-day Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour. After crossing into Tibet, you will visit Everest Base Camp and other scenic highlights along the way to Shigatse and Lhasa. With permits, hotels, local guides and more well-arranged for you, you can enjoy a worry-free adventure.

Where to Stay and What to Eat in Gyirong County?

When take an overland tour between Tibet and Nepal, you can stay overnight in Gyirong town, before or after crossing the border. Located only about 25 kilometers from Gyirong Port, this small town offers a selection of mid-range hotels with comfortable beds and essential facilities.

One of the most recommended hotels is the QoMoLangZong Hotel, a newly opened four-star hotel featuring clean and spacious rooms, as well as convenient access to nearby attractions. Other good choices include Yuntian Intercontinental Hotel, Geladandong Hotel and Shigatse Silver Star Hotel.

When is comes to food, Gyirong offers a mix of Tibetan, Chinese and Nepalese cuisine to meet different needs of tourists. You can savor tasty food like Tibetan momos, Thukpa, Yak Meat dishes, Nepalese Dal Bhat etc. You can also enjoy butter tea and local Tibetan bread in small tea houses here.

Join our popular Lhasa to Kathmandu overland tour with carefully chosen suitable accommodations!

Top Attractions to Explore in Gyirong County

Located in the heart of the Himalayas, Gyirong County also boasts stunning landscape and rich cultural heritage waiting to be explored.

1. Gyirong Valley: With its dense forests, snow-capped mountains and moderate climate, Gyirong Valley is one of the most picturesque spots in the region, offering breathtaking natural scenery.

2. Pakba Monastery: Pakba Monastery is an ancient temple with a history of over 1000 years. It is greatly influenced by Tibetan and Nepalese Buddhism, and is a must-visit for those interested in culture and history.

3. Lake Paiku Tso: Being the largest lake in Shigatse, Lake Paiku Tso covers over 300 square kilometers. Surrounded by towering mountains, the lake is a serene destination suitable for photography and reflection.

4. Nai Village: The village is a hidden gem in Gyirong, offering stunning scenery and a peaceful countryside atmosphere. Here you can experience the warm hospitality of the locals and immerse yourself in Tibetan traditions.

How is the Climate in Gyirong County? When is the Best Time to Visit Gyirong?

Compared to other parts of Tibet, Gyirong County enjoys a mild and humid climate owing to its lower altitude and close location to Nepal. Here you can enjoy moderate temperatures and more rainfall than in central Tibet.

The best time to visit Gyirong County is from April to May and September to November, during spring and autumn. In spring, the landscape is filled with blooming flowers and pleasant temperatures, making it ideal for sightseeing. Autumn also offers stable and mild weather, with clear skies and breathtaking views of the Himalayas.

Summer in Gyirong is warm with lush greenery, but occasion heavy rainfall may cause road disruptions. Winter is cold but not as harsh as other parts of Tibet. While snowfall is possible, the border remains accessible for travelers.

Our Lhasa to Kathmandu offers the best departure dates for the best views of Tibet.

More Tips for Visiting Gyirong County

Before you travel from Tibet to Nepal or vice versa, always ensure you have the required documents in advance. As the leading tour operator with years of experiences, we will help arrange all necessary Tibet travel documents for you, including the Tibet Travel Permit.

Besides, pack warm clothing, as the temperatures may vary a lot throughout the day. If you are prone to motion sickness, bring medication for the drive between Kathmandu and Gyirong. For those traveling into Tibet, altitude sickness medication is also recommended even after resting and acclimating in Gyirong.

While accommodation and dining options are available, the choices are limited, so bringing some snacks is advisable. Finally, please be aware of local customs and respect Tibetan culture when exploring this beautiful border town.

Conclusion

Gyirong County is more than just a border town; it is a breathtaking destination featuring stunning valleys, ancient monasteries, and a pleasant climate. Whether you are taking a road trip from Lhasa to Kathmandu or vice versa, Gyirong is a must-visit spot where you can explore its charm while resting and acclimatizing. For more questions, feel free to contact us or book your tour with us today!