China-Nepal Highway: Friend Ship from Lhasa to Kathmandu

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Overland trip from Lhasa to Kathmandu is absolutely one of the greatest overland routes in the World. From the holy land Lhasa, driving west to Kathmandu, you will pass by the Yamdrok Lake en route, and visit Everest Base Camp at the north face of Mount Everest in Tingri, Tibet. All most of the top Tibet attractions are along the highway from Lhasa to Kathmandu.

China-Nepal Highway between Lhasa and Kathmandu

China Nepal Hihghway, also known as the Friend Ship Highway, covers the most western part of China National Highway 318 (G318). Along the 800 kilometers’ journey from Lhasa to the China-Nepal border, there are many famous attractions, such as the holy Yamdrok Lake, the Pelkor Monastery in Gyantse, Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse and the Everest Base Camp at the north face of Mount Everest.

The highway from Lhasa to Kathmandu includes 67 kilometers of second level tar road, 251 kilometers of third level tar road and 430 kilomters of third level sand road. From Lhasa to Shigatse, there is driving speed limit. After Latse, the highway seperates into two route, including the East Route to Niyelamu and West Route to Gyirong. Since the former Zhangmu port was destroyed by the Nepal Earthquake, the new border for Tibet Nepal overland trip is Gyirong. However, it is still not opened for overseas travelers till now.

China Nepal Highway Map Let's drive along the China Nepal Highway to do an overland trip from Lhasa to Kathmandu!

Altitude Changes along Tibet Nepal Overland Route

The altitude along the way from Lhasa to Kathmandu rises from 2,650 meters above the sea level in Lhasa to 5,160 meters at Everest Base Camp and drops down to 2,200 meters at the border port. It climbs over four mountains, including Tsola Mountain (4,950m), Gyatsola Mountain (5,220m), Tong La Mountain (5,324m) and Yaruxiongla Mountain (5,672m).

Tibet Nepal Overland Trip Altitude Check the altitude changes during the overland trip between Tibet and Nepal.

If you take an overland tour from Nepal to Tibet, please pay attention to the altitude raising from 1310 m at Kathmandu to cross over the mountain pass at 5120 meters in just one or two days.

Attractions along the Way from Tibet to Nepal

Lhasa (3,650 meters)

Lhasa, the capital of Tibet Autonomous Region, is one of the lifetime destinations for most travelers. During your days in Lhasa, you can visit the Potala Palace, which is the landmark of Lhasa city, and the Jokhang Temple, the most imporatant monastery in Tibet, as well as witness the famous Monk Debating at Sera Monastery. Also, you can buy many souvenirs in the Barkhor Street.

Tibet Nepal Highway Lhasa The most popular overland trip from Lhasa is to Kathmandu, Nepal.

Yamdrok Lake (4,400 meters)

Yamdrok Lake, one of the three holy lakes in Tibet, is located 100 kilometers southwest to Lhasa. After 4,400 meters above the sea level, Yamdrok Lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and like turquoise when the sun is shining,

Tibet Nepal Highway Yamdrok Lake From Lhasa to Kathmandu, you can visit the holy Yamdrok Lake before arriving in Shitage.

Gyantse (4,000 meters)

When you pass Yamdrok Lake, you will get to Gyantse before arriving in Shigatse. The famous attractions in Gyantse include the Pelkor Monastery. Located at the west of Gyangtse Town, Pelkor Chodo Monastery consists of four parts, including the Buddhist halls, the Kumbu tower, Zhacang and surrounding wall. Not only as an important monastery for yellow hat section of Tibet Buddhist, it is also a good place for tourists explore the fine arts with its sculptures, murals and carvings in the monastery.

Tibet Nepal Highway Gyantse Pelkor Monastery The Pelkor Monastery is the top attraction in Gyantse town.

Shigatse (3,836 meters)

Shigatse is the second largest city in Tibet. Located on central Tibet, Shigatse is the hub of the road network between Lhasa, Nepal and Ngari area in the far west Tibet. In Shigatse, there are many important monasteries, such as Thashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse down town, Sakya Monastery on the way to Mount Everest, and Rongbuk Monastery near the Everest Base Camp.

Tibet Nepal Highway Shigatse Thashilhunpo Monastery When you arrive in Shigatse, you can visit the famous Thashilhunpo Monastery.

Mount Everest (Over 5000 meters)

Mount Everest, located on the border between China and Nepal, is the top of the world with the highest peak at 8848 meters above the sea level. The Everest Base Camp at the northern face of Mount Everest in Tibet is the best place to view Mount Everest.

Tibet Nepal Highway Mount Everest During the Tibet Nepal overland tour, you can get to the Everest Base Camp to closely enjoy the great Mount Everest.

Documents Required for Tibet Nepal Overland Tour

To do the Tibet-Nepal overland tour, you need to apply for Tibet Travel Permit before you go. And there are also other permits to do the overland tour in Tibet. You can check the detailed information as before, or contact us to learn more about how to apply for Tibet Permit.

Chian and Nepal Visas

If you do the Tibet-Nepal overland tour, you need to apply for China visa first, and apply for the Nepal visa at the border port.

If you do the Nepal-Tibet overland tour, you need to apply for a Group Tourist Visa at the Chinese Embassy at Kathmandu for entering Tibet from Nepal.

Tibet Travel Permit

For all foreign travelers to visit Tibet, they need to apply for the Tibet Travel Permit for entering Tibet. And it will be check at the airport or train station when getting to the plane or train to Tibet.

Alien’s Travel Permit

The Alien’s Travel Permit is required for tourists visiting the unopened areas outside Lhasa, such as Shigatse, Gyangtse, Nyingchi, Ngari, etc. Since the Tibet-Nepal overland tour includes trips crossing Gyangtse and Shigatse, you need to apply the Alien’s Travel Permit when you arrive in Lhasa. It is very easy to apply for this permit. You just need to offer your passport and Tibet Travel Permit to your guide, and it will be done for only several hours.