From the bustling Kathmandu streets in the Himalayan foothills to the sacred Lhasa city on the Roof of the World, traveling from Kathmandu to Lhasa by bus offers you an epic overland adventure across the mighty Himalayas into the spiritual heart of Tibet.

So, can I take a bus from Kathmandu to Lhasa? What’s the road like, and how should I prepare for this epic overland journey? In this travel guide, we will walk you through the classic Kathmandu to Lhasa by bus itinerary, where to take the bus, the best travel season, and all the other essentials to help you enjoy a smooth, thrilling ride across the Himalayas from Nepal into Tibet.

ls There a Public Bus from Kathmandu to Lhasa? Can Tourists Take It?

Currently, there is no direct public bus running from Kathmandu to Lhasa.

Whether you are a local Nepali or an international traveler who plans to travel overland from Kathmandu to Lhasa, your first step is to take a public bus, a taxi, or use a carpool to reach the Sino-Nepal border, either at Gyirong Port or Zhangmu Port. From there, you will cross the land border into Tibet on the Chinese side.

The initial bus ride from Kathmandu to the Sino-Nepal border is an adventure in itself. From the busy streets of Kathmandu, soon you will wind your way up into the green and terraced hills of the Himalayan foothills. The road narrows into twisting mountain roads, clinging to cliffs that drop steeply to roaring rivers far below.

It’s a long journey that lasts 6 to 9 hours on bumpy, uneven roads. The Nepali driver will carefully steer the wheel on the treacherous mountain roads while you sway with every turn. Very often, the road is bumpy with big holes, loose rocks, and muddy parts, especially after rain. That’s why the bus moves slowly for this part of the ride.

You can find these public buses that leave for the Sino-Nepal border (Gyirong Port or Zhangmu Port) in the early morning at the Dhading Bus Park or Jadibuti Bus Park in Kathmandu.

However, for international travelers, we don’t recommend taking the public bus because you may encounter language barriers, and the public buses frequently stop at villages or pause to pick up new passengers and vendors along the way, which wastes your precious time to reach the border, not to mention the crowded and noisy bus ride experience.

So, the best solution is to rely on our Tibet Vista Nepal team’s smooth border transfer service. Our Nepali staff will pick you up at your hotel in Kathmandu and offer you a safe and straight ride in our 4x4 SUV to the Sino-Nepal border, saving you time and avoiding tons of hassle.

After crossing the land border into the Tibet Autonomous Region, there is no direct public bus to Lhasa. You would need to take a taxi or hire a private car for the remaining 825 km, which can be very expensive.

The overland route from Kathmandu to Lhasa via Gyirong and Zhangmu Ports.

It’s Better to Take the Tourist Bus from Kathmandu to Lhasa for Tourists

For overseas travelers, the best way to journey from Kathmandu to Lhasa is by tourist bus arranged by a reliable local Tibet travel agency like us.

If you are on a business trip and need to reach Lhasa quickly, you can also take a Kathmandu to Lhasa flight (1h 20min), which is available on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and is very convenient. Besides, you can also fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa and start your Tibet adventure from Lhasa as well.

Of all the options, taking a tourist bus organized by a local travel agency from Kathmandu to Lhasa is your best choice, with an epic trans-Himalayan experience. The classic Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour takes 8 days, covering around 1,300 km along the scenic Sino-Nepal Friendship Highway as follows:

Day 1 to 2: Cross the Border from Kathmandu to Tibet
Our local driver will pick you up directly from your hotel in Kathmandu (1,400m) and offer you a smooth transfer to the border town of Rasuwa Gadi (1,800m), where you’ll stay overnight. The next morning, you’ll cross the Gyirong Port into Tibet. Our local expert and driver will greet you on Tibet’s side and transfer you to Gyirong town (2,800m), where you can explore the lush Gyirong Valley and rest for altitude acclimatization.

Day 3: Make it to the Tibet Everest Base Camp (top highlights)
Leave Gyirong Town and follow the scenic Sino-Nepal Friendship Highway toward the Tibet Everest Base Camp (5,010m). On the way, you will enjoy stunning views of turquoise Peikutso Lake and Mt. Shishabangma. After entering Mt. Everest (Qomolangma in Tibetan) National Nature Preserve and following the 108 winding road to reach the famous Gawula Pass, you can marvel at the five highest peaks along the mighty Himalayan Range, including Mt. Everest. Then continue to EBC to closely admire the majestic, unobstructed north face of Everest and visit Rongbuk Monastery before heading to Tingri (4,300m) for the night.

Day 4 to 5: Journey from Tingri to Lhasa via Shigatse
Travel from Tingri to Lhasa (3,650m) with enriching local encounters along the way.

In Shigatse city (3,850m), you can visit the revered Tashilhunpo Monastery, home of the Panchen Lama and the world’s largest Maitreya Buddha statue, and then continue through Gyantse to admire the unique Gyantse Kumbum Stupa and pass by the stunning Karola Glacier and the turquoise Yamdrok Lake. After enjoying local Tibetan cuisines at a local Tibetan restaurant around Yamdrok Lake, you will keep traveling to explore the holy city.

Normally, travelers will spend another 2 days in Lhasa to cover Tibet’s most iconic attractions, and the next morning, you may enjoy our convenient drop-off service to Lhasa Gonggar Airport or Lhasa Railway Station for your journey home.

Our guests admire the sweeping view of the north face of the Mt. Everest at the Tibet EBC.

Enjoy our smooth border transfer and a comfy and scenic bus journey across the Himalayas from Kathmandu to Lhasa.

Is the Road from Kathmandu to Lhasa in Good Condition?

The road condition from Kathmandu to Lhasa varies greatly between the Nepal and Tibet sides.

On the Nepal side, the road from Kathmandu to the Sino-Nepal border (Gyirong or Zhangmu Port) winds through steep mountain terrain and can be extremely rough and bumpy. Narrow curves, potholes, and muddy sections are pretty common, especially after rain. It’s an adventurous ride, but don’t worry! The experienced local Nepali drivers know the route well and will ensure your safety along the way.

However, once you cross the border into Tibet, it’s a totally different experience. The roads from Gyirong to the Tibet Everest Base Camp, Shigatse, and Lhasa are well-paved asphalt national highways, maintained in excellent condition. You will enjoy smooth driving while gazing at incredible views of the Himalayas, shimmering alpine lakes, and picture-postcard Tibetan villages along the way.

• Learn more about the Tibet road conditions

Our guests travel on spacious and clean tourist bus on the well-paved road in Tibet.

Enjoy our one-stop service to travel from Nepal to Tibet and Bhutan, 100% hassle-free.

The Best Time for Kathmandu to Lhasa Bus Tour: Avoid this Period

Although the bus journey from Kathmandu to Lhasa is available year-round, you do need to think twice if you’re traveling during Nepal’s monsoon season from June to August.

During these months, the mountain roads near the Sino-Nepal border often have heavy rain, landslides, and even flash floods. These can cause unexpected roadblocks and delays, making the trip both risky and uncomfortable. So, unless you're fully prepared for the monsoon adventure, it’s best to skip this period.

In contrast, March to May and September to November are the best times to travel from Kathmandu to Lhasa by bus. You will enjoy the clearest Himalayan view, crisp air, and comfortable daytime temperatures, which are perfect for exploring Mt. Everest and acclimatization on the Tibetan Plateau.

Besides, the roads, especially on the Nepal side, are drier and more stable, making your overland journey smoother and safer. On the Tibet side, you will enjoy perfect road conditions for all outdoor activities across Tibet.

• Discover the best time to visit Nepal and Tibet

Our guests admire the stunning Himalayan range at Gawu La Pass in Tibet in October.

Travel overland from Kathmandu to western Tibet to experience the holy Mt. Kailash pilgrimage.

Join Tibet Vista’s 8 Days Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour

As the largest and most trusted local Tibet travel agency offering the classic 8-day Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour, we, Tibet Vista, successfully helped around 2,000 global travelers fulfill their Himalayan adventure on this unforgettable overland journey last year.

With our Tibet Vista Nepal branch based in Kathmandu, we can seamlessly coordinate border transfers, help you secure the Tibet travel permit and other necessary travel documents needed, and match the best local hotels to your preferences. So you can fully immerse yourself in discovering the stunning Himalayan landscape and interact with local Tibetans, 100% worry-free.

Besides, you will travel in a safe, comfortable, and clean tourist bus driven by local drivers, allowing you to fully enjoy the stunning scenery along the scenic Sino-Nepal Friendship Highway.

In 2025 and the upcoming 2026, we are excited to offer more departures, better prices, and top-notch tour service to help even more travelers worldwide experience this incredible Nepal-to-Tibet overland journey.

If you’re planning your Tibet adventure, please take a close look at our detailed 8-day Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour itinerary below. It will be an adventure of a lifetime you can’t afford to miss!

Experience a hassle-free border crossing and a cozy, breathtaking bus journey from Kathmandu to Lhasa.

Conclusion

Traveling overland from Kathmandu to Lhasa by bus promises you a once-in-a-lifetime adventure across the majestic Himalayas. With the right planning and our expert support, you can safely enjoy breathtaking Himalayan views and immerse yourself in the rich Tibetan culture, all with ease and great joy!

Whether you want to travel overland from Kathmand to Lhasa or in reverse, we offer you the best local Tibet travel service you need. If you have more questions about the Kathmandu to Lhasa tour by bus and beyond, don’t hesitate to email us for free and expert travel solutions. Tashi Delek!