Nepal and Tibet are two popular adjacent destinations sharing a longer border of 1414 kilometers at the foot of the Himalayas. While there are several border ports between the two regions, the Gyirong Border is now the most popular and convenient for tourists to cross.

In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about crossing the Gyirong border, whether you are traveling from Tibet to Nepal or vise versa. Read to know about the travel documents, the time it takes, how to continue your trip after the crossing, the best time to cross, etc. Prepare for a smooth journey between Tibet and Nepal!

Gyirong Border is the Most Convenient Border for International Tourists between Tibet and Nepal

For international tourists who plan to travel between Tibet and Nepal, the Gyirong Port (also known as Gyirong border) is now the major crossing point with convenient route. Located about 25 kilometers from Gyirong town in Tibetan Autonomous Region, it lies about 130 kilometers north of Kathmandu and 600 kilometers west of Lhasa.

The border connects the Gyirong town of Tibet with the Rasuwa town in Nepal, and sits at a lower altitude of 1818 meters, nestled at the foot of the Himalayas. It replaced the former Zhangmu Port, which was closed after severe damage in the 2015 Nepal Earthquake.

The climate in Gyirong town is quite milder compared to other high-altitude regions on the plateau. You can enjoy stunning views of towering mountains, lush vegetation, and tradition Tibetan villages. If you have some extra time, the beautiful Gyirong Valley is worth a visit before or after your crossing.

Join our most popular Lhasa to Kathmandu tour for a smooth travel experience.

What Travel Documents are Required to Cross Tibet Nepal Border at Gyirong Port?

Whether you are traveling from Tibet to Nepal or Nepal to Tibet, certain documents are needed before crossing the Gyirong Border. Let’s break down the documents required for both directions:

Travel from Tibet to Nepal

First, before you can travel from Tibet to Nepal, you need to obtain the Chinese Visa and Tibet Travel Permit to enter Tibet.

The Chinese Visa is obtained on your own, while if you are from a visa-free country, you will no longer need it. As for the Tibet Travel Permit, we can help to obtain it on your behalf through a simple process. Just contact us around 20 days in advance.

Besides, as you travel to Gyirong Port from Tibetan side, you will also need the Alien’s Travel Permit, which is required for visiting border regions. We will also help you obtain this permit, and the process only takes 1 to 2 hours.

For the Nepal Visa, you do not need to get it in advance, since it can be applied for at the border. Simply prepare your valid passport, passport-size photos, and cash in US dollars for the application. Processing generally takes only a few minutes, though it can be longer during peak season.

Travel from Nepal to Tibet

If you plan to enter Tibet from Nepal via Gyirong border, you will need to obtain the Chinese Group Visa and Tibet Travel Permit in the first place.

Different from traveling the opposite direction, the Chinese Group Visa can only be obtained in Kathmandu through a travel agency. But no worries! We can arrange the Chinese Group Visa together with the Tibet Travel Permit on your behalf. Just remember to arrive in Kathmandu at least 5 days in advance for the process.

Also, after entering Tibet, you will need other documents, like Alien’s Travel Permit for “restricted areas” like Mount Everest, and Military Travel Permit and Foreign Affair Permit if you go to Mount Kailash region. All these Tibet travel documents can be well arranged by us as long as you book your Tibet tour with us.

How Long Does It Take to Cross the Gyirong Border?

Crossing the Gyirong Border is straightforward. When traveling from Tibet to Nepal, you will first pass through the Chinese Customs at Gyirong, and then walk across the Friendship Bridge into Nepal. After completing the checks at Nepalis Customs, you can officially start your tour in Nepal.

The procedures is similar when crossing from Nepal to Tibet, and the total process only takes about 20 to 30 minutes. However, during the peak season from April to October, it may take longer due to the queues.

Our Tibet and Nepal tours ensure a seamless crossing at the Gyirong border.

How to Travel to Lhasa or Kathmandu After Crossing the Gyirong Border?

After crossing the Gyirong border, you can start your journey to either Kathmandu in Nepal, or Lhasa in Tibet. Here are the guide for these two different routes:

Get to Kathmandu, Nepal from Gyirong Border

The journey from Gyirong Border to Kathmandu is relatively simple, thanks to the short distance of only 130 kilometers. The ride typically takes about 7 to 8 hours, since the road is bumpy and winding. However, the stunning views of the Himalayas along the way will captivate your eyes.

You will find both local buses and private cars available to take you to Kathmandu, at the Nepalese side of the border. For more privacy and comfort, you can choose a private car transfer, which costs around 60 USD per person. While, if you take the public local bus, you can save more than 50% on the cost.

Get to Lhasa, Tibet from Gyirong Border

The journey from Gyirong Border to Lhasa is much longer, but it is not complicated since you will be travelling with a tour. All international tourists must join a tour to visit Tibet, including those entering Tibet from Nepal.

Therefore, after you cross the border and enter Tibet, your Tibetan guide will welcome you and take you to Lhasa. Following the Friendship Highway, the journey will take you to visit Tibet Everest Base Camp, the Shigatse city, and the turquoise Yamdrok Lake en route, before reaching Lhasa.

This overland route from Kathmandu to Lhasa is an epic journey, allowing for a thorough exploration of Tibet. Normally taking about 8 days to complete, the trip include a wonderful 2-day Lhasa sightseeing in the end.

Besides, if you want to visit other places of Tibet after the crossing, like Mount Kailash, you can take the trip from Kathmandu to Kailash directly. The tour takes about 10 days and includes a holy 3-day Mount Kailash kora. And you will finally travel back to Kathmandu after the exploration.

When is the Best Time to Cross Tibet Nepal Border at Gyirong Port?

The Gyirong Port is generally open for crossing throughout the year, while the best times to cross are from April to June and September to November. During these months, the weather is stable and mild, with clear skies, and the roads are also in good condition, free from landslides.

It is best to avoid traveling from July to August, as this is the rainy season of Nepal. During this time, mudslides or landslides may occur in the border area, potentially blocking the road.

From December to March, the cold winter in Tibet can cause snow, making the road icy and slippery. So extra caution is suggested if you travel during this time.

Join our most popular Kathmandu to Lhasa tour with the best tour departure dates.

More Insider Tips for Nepal Tibet Border Crossing

Here some more insider tips from our expert local travel guides for a smooth Nepal Tibet border crossing at Gyirong border:

1. Stay one night at Gyirong for better altitude acclimatization

For tourists traveling from Nepal to Tibet, you will experience a significant altitude increase from 1355 meters in Kathmandu to 1818 meters in Gyirong. While on your subsequent journey in Tibet, the altitude will rise even higher, reaching an average of 4000 meters on the plateau.

Therefore, it is highly recommended to stay one night at Gyirong town after crossing the border, to help yourself acclimatize before heading further into Tibet. The accommodation in Gyirong town include hotels and guesthouses. Though basic, they offer a comfortable stay amidst the scenic backdrop of the surroundings.

2. Prepare for the road condition between Kathmandu and Gyirong

The road between Kathmandu and Gyirong border is quite bumpy, winding and narrow. If you are prone to motion sickness, it is best to carry some motion sickness medicine with you.

Some sections of the road are prone to landslides, especially during the rainy season. So, expect potential delays during the drive, and in some extreme cases when the road is closed, you may need to return to Kathmandu or Lhasa for the flights.

3. Book a Tibet and Nepal tour in advance for smooth travel

Crossing the border between Nepal and Tibet needs document applications and trip arrangements. Therefore, it is recommended to book a Tibet and Nepal tour in advance, allowing your tour agency to handle both your border crossing and the entire journey.

As the leading tour operator with offices in both Lhasa and Kathmandu, we have years of experiences in organizing Tibet and Nepal tours for tourists across the globe. Whether you are travelling to Tibet from Nepal or vice versa, we ensure a worry-free journey. From permits to hotels, vehicles to local guides, we handle everything for a seamless experience.

Join our Nepal Tibet tour for a worry-free experience.

Conclusion

The Gyirong Border has become a major cross-border port between Tibet and Nepal, making it easier for tourists to visit the two charming regions together. With proper travel documents and some preparation, you can easily cross the border for a lifetime adventure. If you still have any questions about Nepal Tibet tour travel, feel free to contact us or book your tour with us today!