Tibet Permit Guide for the Friendship Highway from Nepal
First of all, you can't enter Tibet without a Tibet Entry Permit. No exceptions. This little document is your key to border checkpoints, Lhasa hotels, and even iconic spots like the Potala Palace. You can't apply for it yourself. You'll need a registered Tibetan travel agency to handle it—they'll sort out the paperwork, coordinate with local authorities, and make sure everything's in order. Pro tip? Start this process at least a month before your trip. Rushing leads to stress, and nobody wants that.
Navigating the Chinese Group Visa from Kathmandu
If you're entering Tibet from Nepal, your visa situation is unique. Listen up! Even if you already have a valid Chinese tourist visa in your passport, you will need to obtain a Chinese Group Tourist Visa from the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu. And here's the kicker: once you get this group visa, any existing Chinese visa in your passport is automatically canceled.
This visa requires a minimum of four people. We can easily match you with a small group to meet the requirement. Just keep in mind that with a group visa, you'll be traveling on a fixed itinerary with your group. If you hold a passport from a country eligible for China's 15 or 30-day visa-free policy, you're in luck! You can skip the group visa process and just need the Tibet Travel Permit and valid passport to Tibet.
Crafting Your Perfect Friendship Highway Itinerary
So, what does this epic road trip actually look like? The entire journey from Kathmandu to Lhasa covers roughly 1,000 kilometers. A well-paced trip takes about 7–10 days, allowing you to acclimatize and soak in all the sights.
From Kathmandu to the Gyirong border is about a 6-hour drive. Once you cross into Tibet, the real adventure begins with a 4–5 day journey to Lhasa. This is where the magic happens. Your route will take you to Everest Base Camp, where you can stand in awe of the world's highest peak. You'll pass the stunning turquoise waters of Pelku Tso Lake and the sacred Yamdrok Lake. For the spiritually adventurous, a detour to Mount Kailash for a kora is a life-changing addition.
Conclusion
The Gyirong Port to Lhasa route boasts well-maintained, flat roads that ensure a safe and comfortable drive. As you travel from the Nepal border to Tibet's capital, enjoy panoramic Himalayan vistas and the occasional sight of grazing yaks—a perfect introduction to Tibet's majestic landscapes.
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35 Comment ON "Tibet Permit Guide for the Friendship Highway from Nepal"
Asked by Liliana Me** from Macau
plan a 7-8days trip for me and my boyfriend in April
Hi! I would like to plan a 7-8days trip for me and my boyfriend in April (3rd to 10th ideally) to Nepal, Tibet, and, if possible, Bhutan. Do you think it would be doable? Based on what I read, there are some places/things to do to consider: Nepal: Everest Base Camp trek and the Annapurna Circuit, ancient temples, sacred sites like Lumbini, Kathmandu, Tibet: The Potala Palace in Lhasa and the Jokhang Temple. eventually the holy Mount Kailash or the high-altitude plains. Bhutan: Thimphu, Paro, and the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery. To take part in cultural traditions, yoga, meditation... Of course I am open to any recommendations you could make. For your reference, we are both based in Asia: him, in Bangkok and myself in Macau. Thank you so much for the information you could provide and, if possible, an estimated budget for your offer.
Asked by Ke** from Singapore
Cycling Tour to Mt Kailash
Hi , we are planning a Cycling Trip once Tibet opens for Tourism. The plan is we shall arrive to Kathmandu , travel to the border and enter via Kerung. Can you pls send a day to day Itinerary starting from Kerung - Lake Manasarovar - Darchen - Asthapath. We shall go around Kailash on foot and resume Cycling back to Kerung. We are a Group of 6-8 persons. Thanks Pls send ur reply to Kevin
Asked by Debo** from USA
Please can you tell me the prices and dates for the Tibet Luxury Tour.
Also, could you please provide a detailed itinerary - I want to see how many hours are spent on buses/vehicles. Thank you! Deborah
Asked by S** from HongKong
Tibet Tour from HK
May I know if holding Mainland Travel Permit for HK Residents. is it also need to get the visa permit to Tibet and what is the procedure if need to apply? Thank you
Asked by Na** from USA
Is Kailash Mansarovar Trip open for Indian Passport Holder?
Is it open for Indian Passport Holder?
Asked by A** from Singapore
Enquiry on private tour
We are planning a trip from Hong Kong to Tibet during the 12th to 21st of April. We want a private tour that covers all the scenic places as well as the EBC. Please advise an itinerary along with the cost breakdown. Thanks.
Asked by Na** from Canada
We would like to take the train from Xining to Lhasa
Asked by Gr** from Canada
The "Tibet Entry Permit" should be apply
Asked by Tam** from Singapore
Sightseeing Potala Palace
Asked by Ka** from Singapore
plan to travel to Mount Kailash