China Tibet Nepal Friendship Highway

1. East Line of Tibet Friendship Highway

Route: Lhasa - Shigatse - Lhatse -Tingri - Niemu - Zhangmu Port (Kordari Port) - Kathmandu

Length: about 943km (582 miles)

The east line was completed in 1965 and began to serve travelers since then. The Friendship Highway in Tibet side (Lhasa-Zhangmu section) is also one part of the famous China National Highway 318 - honored as the Most Beautiful Highway in China. Due to the huge earthquake occurred in Nepal in 2015, the road near the border was broken and the Zhangmu - Kodari Port has been closed for a short time. After the reconstruction, it is open for trade only.

2. West Line of Tibet Friendship Highway

Route: Lhasa - Shigatse - Lhatse - Tingri - Gyirong County - Gyirong Port (Rasuwa Port) - Kathmandu

Length: about 1,120km (696 miles)

The west line has restarted offering overland travel between Tibet and Nepal along with the reopening of Gyirong Port in August 2017. Though the distance is longer than the east line, the scenery is as good as the other route. Great experiences and beautiful views are guaranteed.

The road from Lhasa to Gyirong Town in Tibet is a well-paved national highway and you can enjoy a smooth and comfortable driving experience. In order to ensure safety, there is a rate-limiting policy in the most roads of Tibet. So the drivers need to keep the speed at the limited speed and serve you a safe journey.

After crossing Gyirong Port, the road to Kathmandu is not in good condition. There are about 50km-long cramped and miles of twisting mountain road. The mountain road is rather narrow that only one car can access in some segments. In the rainy season (June ~ September) during summer and early autumn, traffic jam caused by landslides may usually occurs, so a normal driving journey from Gyirong to Kathmandu may be extended from 6~7 hours to over 10 hours long. Remember to pay close attention to the weather before your driving trip between Kathmandu and Gyirong Port.

No matter you start your overland journey from Tibet or Nepal, you are able to appreciate the same impressive scenery. According to our experience, it's more recommended to start your trip from Tibet to Nepal, especially for travelers who want to visit Everest and Ngari.

Firstly, traveling from Lhasa, you will have more time to adapt to the high altitude in Tibet. The average altitude of Lhasa is 3,650 meters (11,975 ft) and the altitude of Rongbuk Monastery (the best viewing-deck for Mount Everest) is 4,980 meters (1,6338 ft). You will spend 2 days touring Lhasa and another 2 days travelling from Lhasa to Mount Everest. So you can have at least 4 days to acclimatize your body to the higher altitude gradually. The average of Kathmandu City is lower than 2,000 meters (6,562 ft) and you will travel to Rongbuk Monastery with an altitude of about 5,000 meters in only 2 days. Travelers are more likely to suffer from high altitude sickness.

Secondly, there is no need to apply for Tibet Group Visa if you travel Tibet from Nepal. Tibet Group Visa should be applied by a group of travelers with at least 5 members and they have to enter Tibet and exit Tibet or China's other regions exactly on the same date.

Of course, if you skip Mount Everest and travel with your family or friends (at least 5 members), traveling from Nepal to Tibet is convenient as well.

It is the shortest driving journey to view the Golden Triangle Cities of Tibet, namely Lhasa, Gyantse and Shigatse. After you sightseeing in Lhasa, you can spend three days driving to Kathmandu.

On Day 1, drive to Shigatse via hero city Gyantse. During your journey, you will get an opportunity to see Tibet’s several natural wonders, including tranquil turquoise Yamdrok Lake, bright Karola Glacier which can be seen from the road, snow-covered Simila Peak and jade-green Manla Reservoir. In addition, you won’t miss the cultural treasures in Gyantse and Shigatse as well. The Kumbum Stupa in Palcho Monastery is a featured Nepal-style stupa cherished with about 10,000 images and statues of Buddha.

On Day 2, when in Shigatse, pay a visit to Tashilhunpo Monastery - the home of Panchen Lamas in the morning and then drive to Tingri for accommodation

On Day 3, continue driving from Tingri to Gyirong Town and stay overnight

On Day 4, cross the Gyirong Port and spend more than half a day driving to Kathmandu.

Most Popular China Nepal Tours (Lhasa/Gyantse/Shigatse/Kathmandu):

>> 7 Days Join-in Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Tour

>> 7 Days Overland Tour from Lhasa to Kathmandu

Route 2: Lhasa -→ Gyantse -→ Shigatse -→ Everest -→ Gyirong -→ Kathmandu

If you love the breathtaking landscape of the high plateau more, don’t miss Mount Everest. You will spend about 4 days on the driving journey.

On Day 1, drive to Shigatse from Lhasa via Gyantse

On Day 2, drive from Shigatse to Everest via Tingri. You will reach Rongbuk Monastery - the highest (altitude) monastery in the world and the best viewing-deck for Mount Everest. If you are lucky enough, you will see the amazing sunrise, sunset and starry sky over Mount Everest.

On Day 3, drive to Gyirong from Rongbuk Monastery. On the clear days, you will see the face of Shishapangma Peak and the enchanting face of Pekutso Lake. Stay overnight in Gyirong Town

On Day 4, cross the Gyirong Port and leave for Kathmandu.

>> 8 Days Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Tour via Mount Everest

>> 9 Days Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Tour with Namtso and Everest

On Day 1 ~ 2, you will get to Mount Everest via Gyantse and Shigatse.

On Day 3, drive to Saga from Rongbuk Monastery.

On Day 4 ~ 7, travel to holy Mountain Mount Kailsh and undertake a kora or trek around Mount Kailash. After the kora or trekking, drive to Lake Manasarovar which is honored as the Mother of Sacred Lakes for sightseeing and accommodation there.

Day 8 ~ 10, drive to Gyirong Town from Lake Manasarovar via Saga.

Day 11, cross the Gyirong Port and get to Kathmandu

The road trip will be longer if you with Mount Everest and Kailash both.

>> 13 Days Tibet Nepal Overland Tour via Holy Mountains Everest and Kailash

>> 14 Days Mount Kailash Tibet Highlights Tour from Kathmandu