Gyirong Port
The Gyirong (also called Kyirong or Kyrung) Port is located in Gyirong County, in the southwestern part of the Tibet Autonomous Region. About 831 km from Lhasa and 175 km from Kathmandu, it lies on the southern side of the Himalayas and has long served as an important gateway between Tibet, Nepal, and South Asia.
Gyirong has also played an important role in the history of cultural exchange between Tibet and South Asia. According to historical records, Princess Bhrikuti of Nepal traveled through the region when she came to Tibet to marry King Songtsen Gampo; the Tang Dynasty diplomat Wang Xuance passed through the Himalayan region on his journeys to India; and the Indian Buddhist master Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) is traditionally associated with entering Tibet through this region.
Current Status of Gyirong Port
Gyirong Port was closed on August 26, 2026, after a major mudslide and flash flood triggered by a glacier collapse severely damaged the border area.
Zhangmu Port, another China–Nepal border crossing, has been used as an alternative route during disruptions at Gyirong in the past. However, as of August 2026, Zhangmu is also not currently operating normally due to road damage on the Nepal side. Travelers should check the latest border conditions before planning an overland journey between Tibet and Nepal.
Gyirong Port and Overland Travel Between Tibet and Nepal
Gyirong Port officially opened to foreign travelers in August 2017, allowing international visitors to enter Tibet from Nepal or leave Tibet for Nepal by land. It subsequently became the principal overland gateway for foreign travelers between the two regions.
The port also became an important trade and transportation hub between China and Nepal. The completion of improved roads connecting Gyirong with Lhasa and Kathmandu further strengthened its role in cross-border trade and tourism.
Before Gyirong became the main gateway for international travelers, Zhangmu Port was the traditional land route between Tibet and Nepal. The port had been one of Tibet's most important border trading centers and was particularly prosperous because of its proximity to Kathmandu.
The 2015 Nepal earthquake severely damaged Zhangmu and its border infrastructure, and the port was subsequently closed to passenger traffic. Gyirong then developed into the main international land crossing for travelers between Tibet and Nepal. Zhangmu later resumed passenger services, providing an alternative route between the two countries.
With the closure of Gyirong Port in August 2026, Zhangmu has once again become particularly important for overland travel between Tibet and Nepal.
How to Get to Tibet from Kathmandu via the China–Nepal Border?
Before the 2026 closure, travelers from Kathmandu could travel north toward Gyirong Port and enter Tibet by land. The route passed through the scenic Gyirong Valley, often regarded as the gateway to southern Tibet.
For travelers using the Zhangmu Port route, the border crossing connects Nepal's Kodari area with Zhangmu Town in Nyalam County, Tibet. From Zhangmu, travelers can continue toward Nyalam, Tingri, Mount Everest, Shigatse, and Lhasa.
The route is also strategically located for travelers heading toward some of Tibet's most famous destinations. From the Nyalam–Tingri area, travelers can continue toward Everest Base Camp, while routes from Shigatse and western Tibet lead toward Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar.
Necessary Permits for Overland Travel from Nepal to Tibet
Foreign travelers entering Tibet from Nepal need the necessary travel documents and permits, including a China Group Visa, Tibet Travel Permit, and Tibet Border Pass.
Group Visa
The China Group Visa is a special type of Chinese visa issued in Kathmandu for travelers entering Tibet from Nepal. It is arranged through a registered Tibet travel agency and is checked when crossing the China–Nepal border.
Travelers normally need to apply as a group, with a minimum of four applicants. The Group Visa also allows travelers to continue their journey to other destinations in mainland China after their Tibet trip.
>> See more about China Group Visa
Tibet Entry Permit
The Tibet Entry Permit, also known as the Tibet Travel Permit, is required for foreign travelers entering Tibet. It is issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau and must be arranged through an authorized Tibet travel agency.
>> See more about Tibet Travel Permit
Tibet Border Pass
Travelers entering the China–Nepal border area also need a Tibet Border Pass, issued by the relevant border authorities in Tibet. Individual travelers cannot apply for it directly; your Tibet travel agency will arrange the permit on your behalf.
Planning to Cross the China–Nepal Border?
Gyirong Port has long been an important gateway between Tibet and Nepal, but its current closure means overland travel through this crossing is temporarily unavailable. Zhangmu Port may serve as an alternative when conditions permit, but border and road conditions can change quickly, so travelers should check the latest situation with their Tibet travel agency before planning their journey.
Lhasa - EBC - Gyirong - Kathmandu - Paro - Punakha - Paro
Cross the Roof of the World, experience the unique charm of Tibetan culture and the serenity of Bhutan.
Kathmandu - Gyirong - Saga - Manasarovar - Kailash - Saga - Gyirong - Kathmandu
A classic overland pilgrimage from Kathmandu via Gyirong to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, featuring a three-day kora before returning.
Lhasa - Lake Namtso - Nyingtri - Tsedang – Shigatse - EBC - Gyirong – Kathmandu
Visit holy Lhasa, enjoy fascinating Nyingtri and historical Tsedang, admire Everest and cross Himalayans to Kathamandu.
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Typically Asked Questions from Our Clients
Luis***
Hello, I want to go Kathmandufrom Lhasa tour with a flight to Lhasa from Kathmandu. How many time do I take from border Friendship bridge to Kathamndu?
Dear Luis,
We can arrange the Lhasa Kathmandu overland tour for you. There are 2 options for you, enter Tibet from Kathmandu by land or leave Tibet to Kathmandu by land. It takes about 8 hours from the Gyirong Border to Kathmandu.
I. 7 Days Lhasa Mt. Everest Kathmandu Overland Group Tour
II. 8 Days Kathmandu Gyirong Lhasa Overland Group Tour