How to travel between Lhasa (Tibet)and Kathmandu (Nepal): by flight, overland or bus
No other destination like Tibet provides so many unforgettable memories, such a deeply moving experience. But the delight would last if you could extend the trip to Nepal – wedged between the high wall of the Himalaya and the steamy jungles of the Indian plains, a land of snow peaks and Sherpas, yaks and yetis, monasteries and mantras. Almost half of travelers combine Tibet and Nepal together for a trip of a lifetime. On this page, you will find the most detailed and updated information about the transportation between the two destinations’ capital cities – Lhasa and Kathmandu (Zhangmu, the border of Tibet and Nepal).
Overland along the Friendship Highway
By Flight/Air
Flight is the quickes way of traveling between Lhasa and Kathmandu, but it is not the best way. Only Airchina has the direct flight, and it flies on each Thesday, Thursday and Saturday from November to March and every day from April to October, taking only 1.5 hours and costing about USD 300-500. The rest are all the non-direct flights, stopovering in Chengdu, taking almost 20 and more hours to arrive and costing much more. Please check the flight tabletime below for the details.
| Direct Flight | Lhasa to Kathmandu | Kathmandu to Lhasa |
| Airline | Air China | Air China |
| Departure Dates | Every Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday (from Nov. to Mar.)
Every day from Apr. to Oct. |
Every Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday (from Nov. to Mar.)
Every day from Apr. to Oct. |
| Departure Time | 11:55 (Chinese Time)09:40 (Nepal Time) | 12:10 (Nepal Time)14:25 (Chinese Time) |
| Arrival Time | 13:25 (Chinese Time)11:10 (Nepal Time) | 13:40 (Nepal Time)15:55 (Chinese Time) |
| Airports | Gongga Airport (Lhasa)Tribhuvan Airport (Kathmandu) | Tribuhuvan Airport (Kathmandu)Gongga Airport (Lhasa) |
| Travel Time | 1.5 hours | 1.5 hours |
Note: China is 2 hours and 15 minutes ahead of Nepal time.
By Overland – driving from Lhasa to Kathmandu or Vice Versa
The 1300km Friendship Hwy between Lhasa and Kathmandu in Nepal is a classic overland journey and easily the most popular travelers’ route through Tibet. It allows excellent detours to central Tibet’s most important monasteries, plus views of the world’s highest peak, and it’s paved all the way!
It takes at least 7 days to overland, and we usually suggest our clients to spare 9 and more days to enjoy the trip. Since you’ve been in Tibet, it worths spending more time here to explore the depth of the landscape has to offer.
>> Sino-Nepal Friendly Highway Travel Guide
>> Lhasa Kathmandu Overland Route Guide
>> Is it better to overland from Lhasa to Kathmandu or Kathmandu to Lhasa
>> More Questions & Answers
By Bus
A direct bus runs twice a week from Lhasa’s Northern Bus Station to Zhangmu and back, but foreigners are currently not allowed to take.
For further information about Lhasa and Kathmandu tour, please contact us via contact@tour-tibet.com and one of our travel experts will get back to you within 12 hours.
