The distance between Kathmandu to Lhasa: The straight-line distance from Kathmandu (1,400 meters) to Lhasa (3,658 meters) is 609 kilometers, while the land distance is about 1300 kilometers. 

As a foreign traveler, you can only enter Tibet from Nepal through an organized group tour. To join an organized group tour, you need to secure the necessary documents and permits like the Tibet Visa and the China Group Visa. Moreover, your group should at least include three travelers to quality as a group tour.

Three (3) Simple Steps about how to get Tibet visa

•  Consult with your chosen travel agency about your preferred tour date and itinerary. Finalized your proposed tour itinerary and sign the contract for the tour.
• Scan the passport main page of you and your fellow travelers and email us the scanned copies. We will then use the copies to apply for your Tibet Travel Permit and to get to the China Group Visa Invitation Letter from Tibet Tourism Bureau. This may take 7 to 10 working days. Please note, your tour itinerary cannot be modified after submitting your application.
• After your invitation letter has been issued, we will send the copy to you or your entrusted travel agency in Nepal to apply for your China Group Visa.

Nota Bene: The processing of Tibet Travel Permit usually takes 7 working days. Hence, you should provide the necessary documents to your travel agent as early as possible.

Nepal is adjacent to Tibet. Currently, you have two options to get to Tibet from Nepal. You can either board a flight to Lhasa, Tibet from Kathmandu, or take the overland route to Tibet.

1.The Most Recommended Route: Flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa

The fastest way to reach Lhasa, Tibet from Kathmandu, Nepal is by air. It will save you enough effort and time. Usually, there are two direct flights between Lhasa and Kathmandu, operated independently by Sichuan Airlines and Air China. Sichuan Airlines departs every other day. Please feel free to contact our experienced travel consultants for professional advice.

Equipped with your passport, Tibet Travel Permit, and China group visa, you can easily board a flight to Lhasa. Upon arrival at Lhasa, your Tibetan travel guide will meet you at the airport.

Travel Tips: The flight from Nepal to Tibet will bring you a stunning aerial view of the mountain tops - Mount Everest (8844.43 meters) and the incredible Himalayas. Since there will be a huge ascent from Kathmandu Valley (1,400 meters) to Lhasa (3,658 meters), it is best to take a good rest in the first few days in Lhasa to accommodate the altitude change.

2.Overland Route

Traveling from Nepal to Tibet by car through the Sino-Nepal border is the easiest way for Nepali and other international tourists to reach Lhasa. Currently, the 1300-kilometer road trip from Kathmandu via the Sino-Nepal Highway (also known as the Friendship Highway) took approximately 3-5 days. This road trip is spectacular because there are many tourist attractions on the road that are worth visiting. Everest Base Camp is an essential place to visit. This route is not recommended for everyone because it is a long and circuitous journey that takes at least three days to complete.

The overland route: Kathmandu → Gyirong → Tingri → EBC → Shigatse → Lhasa

So far, there is no railway linking Lhasa and Kathmandu. But the railway between Lhasa and Kathmandu is being designed by the governments of China and Nepal. It is said that the famous Qinghai-Tibet Railway will extend from Lhasa to Kathmandu. The first extension project of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway from Lhasa to Shigatse is in operation now. In the near future, you can take the train from Kathmandu to Lhasa.