Traveling from Lhasa to Kathmandu is one of the most thrilling and scenic journeys across the Himalayas. While taking a train to Tibet is a popular option, there is no direct train from Tibet to Nepal at present. But the railway is under the plan and the initial part from Lhasa to Shigatse has been completed.

In this article, we will guide you through everything you need to know about Lhasa to Kathmandu train travel. Read to learn about the current progress of the Lhasa to Kathmandu railway, the best alternative way, the required travel documents, and more!

Is There a Train from Lhasa to Kathmandu? - No Direct Train Currently

At present, there is no direct train from Lhasa to Kathmandu. Lying on the highest plateau in the world, Tibet has an average altitude of 4000 meters. This means the railway from Lhasa to Kathmandu will run at this high elevation and pass through complex terrain of the Himalayas.

However, the first stage of the railway, Lhasa to Shigatse, has been completed. It is an extension of the world-famous Qinghai-Tibet Railway, which runs from Xining to Lhasa. Covers a distance of 253 kilometers, this train route can take you to the second largest city in Tibet.

In the future, following the railway from Lhasa to Shigatse, the next stage will extend the line to Gyirong border, and eventually on to Kathmandu. The full route will cover about 600 kilometers: 527 kilometers to the border, and another 72 kilometers from there to Kathmandu.

Once completed, this railway will offer a more convenient way to travel between Lhasa and Kathmandu. For now, you can still choose other reliable options, such as overland travel, or combination of train and road travel.

You can travel overland from Lhasa to Kathmandu for an immersive experience.

Part of the Route is Available: Lhasa to Shigatse Train

Although it is not possible to travel all the way from Lhasa to Kathmandu by train, you can now take a train to Shigatse. The railway line from Lhasa to Shigatse has been in operation since 2014, and includes 13 stations along its 253-kilometer route.

The train from Lhasa to Shigatse departs twice daily, one at 08:00 am and the other at 1:30 pm. The journey takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes. Ticket price is 103 RMB for first class, 64 RMB for the second class, and 225 RMB for the business seat.

Along the way, the train follows Lhasa River, and travels westwards the Yarlung Zangbo River, crosses the 90-kilometer gorge before arriving in Shigatse. You can appreciate breathtaking scenery of Tibetan countryside and traditional villages during the ride.

After arriving in Shigatse, you can go to explore the magnificent Tashilhunpo Monastery, the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama. Moreover, since Shigatse is the closest major city to Mt. Everest, it is a convenient stop for those visiting Mount Everest Base Camp.

Recommended Alternative Way: Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland via Gyirong

At present, the most popular way to travel from Lhasa to Kathmandu is to take the overland tour via the Gyirong port. It is an epic journey that brings you to see the best of Tibet has to offer, including the mighty Mount Everest.

The road trip follows the famous Friendship Highway, passing through Gyantse and Shigatse, moving westwards to Gyirong border, before exiting Tibet to reach Kathmandu. Along the way, you will see stunning sights like Yamdrok Lake, Karola Glacier, Rongbuk Monastery. You will also stay overnight at Everest Base Camp, where you can admire its sunrise or sunset over the world’s highest peak.

Covering about 1300 kilometers, this overland route usually takes about 7 days to complete. A 3-day Lhasa sightseeing is included, which allows you to explore the city’s highlights like Potala Palace, and acclimatize to the altitude before venture to higher regions. You will also spend one night in Gyirong, before crossing the border and continuing on the rough road to Kathmandu.

To make your trip smooth and worry-free, we recommend joining our 7-day Lhasa to Kathmandu overland tour with best services. We take care of all essential arrangements for you, including travel documents, transportation, accommodation, local guide and driver, etc. You can just relax and enjoy all the unforgettable moments this world-class journey has to offer.

We promise you a seamless Lhasa to Kathmandu overland journey!

Another Option: Lhasa to Shigatse Train, Then Overland to Kathmandu

If you still want to enjoy a train experience from Lhasa to Kathmandu, you can combine train travel with a road trip. First, take the train from Lhasa to Shigatse, and from there, you can take the road trip to Nepal border and finally to Kathmandu.

The first part of the route takes only 2 hours by train, largely cutting down your travel time, although you will miss the scenic Yamdrok Lake. It allows you to enjoy a comfortable train ride with beautiful views from your window, without the need to drive across high mountain passes and winding roads.

On the second overland part, you can also visit some major highlights of Tibet, like Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse, the Everest Base Camp, as well as the lush Gyirong Valley. This part of trip may take two or three days depending on your itinerary.

If it feels complicated, don’t worry! We can help you customize this route according to your needs. Just feel free to contact us and tell us your travel ideas!

Required Documents for Traveling from Lhasa to Kathmandu

There are several important travel documents for you to obtain before taking the tour from Lhasa to Kathmandu. Firstly, before entering Tibet, you must obtain the Chinese Visa and Tibet Travel Permit.

The Chinese Visa is obtained on your own in your home country or a third country. However, the good news is that China now offers visa-free entry to many countries. If you are from one of these countries, you can just obtain the Tibet Travel Permit.

The Tibet Travel Permit is required for all international tourists to visit Tibet. It cannot be obtained through individual application, but no worries - we can help you to get it easily when you book your Tibet tour with us.

Then, when travel beyond Lhasa to western regions of Tibet, such as Mount Everest region, you will also need the Aliens’ Travel Permit. Finally, before entering Nepal, you will need a Nepal Visa, which can be obtained on arrival at the border crossing point.

We will help you to handle all the necessary travel documents as long as you book your Tibet and Nepal tour with us. Just make sure to contact us at least 20 days in advance to ensure a smooth permit processing.

We take care of every details for your Lhasa to Kathmandu journey!

Conclusion

The train from Lhasa to Kathmandu may be currently unavailable, but it will open in the future. In the meantime, you can travel overland from Lhasa to Kathmandu, to enjoy a more immersive experience and visit iconic sights like Mount Everest. You can also take the train from Lhasa to Shigatse, then continue overland to Kathmandu.

If you still feel confused about travelling between Lhasa and Kathmandu, just contact us for any queries. As the leading Tibet tour operator with years of experiences, we are always here to make your journey smooth, simple and worry-free!