6 Tibet-Nepal Crossing Ports: All You Need for Border Travel

Stretching 1,415 kilometers along the Himalayan Mountains (with Mount Everest as its most famous landmark), the Tibet-Nepal border is home to 6 official crossing points. These ports span Tibet's Ngari and Shigatse prefectures, but note that only one is open to international travelers for the time being.

The Popular Border Crossing for International Tourists: Gyirong Port

If you are an international traveler planning to cross between Tibet and Nepal by land, Gyirong Port is your gateway. As of 2025, it stands as the main land port open to foreign tourists for crossing between Nepal and Tibet.

Nestled in the Gyirong Valley at an altitude of around 1,800 meters, this port offers a much milder climate than many of Tibet's other high-altitude points. The journey from Gyirong to Kathmandu is roughly 130 kilometers and can take 7 to 8 hours by road.

The key thing to remember is your paperwork. When traveling from Nepal to Tibet, you must obtain Chinese group visa and Tibet Travel Permit in advance. These documents require you to book your tour with a licensed Tibetan travel agency. If you're going the other way, from Tibet to Nepal, you can conveniently get a visa on arrival at the border.

Purang Port: A Seasonal Trade Hub

Purang Port (4,755m) in Ngari's Purang County now functions primarily as a seasonal trade crossing. It connects to Nepal's Yari Port and opens from May to October for business every year. Furthermore, its proximity to Mount Kailash—just 117 kilometers away—makes it an important base or transit point for Indian pilgrims on their journey to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar.

Zhangmu Port: Now Off-Limits to Foreigners

Located in Nyalam County (Shigatse) at 2,300 meters above sea level, it sits near the iconic Sino-Nepal Friendship Bridge and the Kodari Port in Nepal. Sadly, the earthquake damaged its infrastructure, and today it's only open to Chinese citizens and local traders. Don't add it to your itinerary—you won't be allowed to cross as an international traveler.

Lizi Port: Trade-Only, With Vibrant Local Markets

Situated in Shigatse's Zhongba County (near Nepal's Nechung Port), Lizi Port is all about bilateral trade. It's known for its lively seasonal fairs—merchants from both countries gather to swap goods, making it a hub for local commerce. The port sits high in the northern Himalayas, but with no tourist facilities or customs clearance for travelers, it's strictly for business, not sightseeing.

Riwu Port: Remote, Trade-Focused, and Off-Limits

Riwu Port connects to Nepal's Olangchung Gola Port, but it's far from a tourist-friendly spot. The road to Riwu is rough, and heavy snow might close it in winter—even if you could cross as a tourist, the journey would be impractical. Stick to the well-trodden path via Gyirong!

Chentang Port: A Hidden Trade Crossing (No Tourist Access)

Tucked in Dinggye County, near Mount Everest's southeast slopes, Chentang Port links to Nepal's Kimathanka Port. It's a remote, scenic spot home to China's Sherpa community, but transportation is extremely limited—goods are carried by humans and livestock, not vehicles. With no tourist customs services, this port is reserved for local traders, not travelers looking to explore Tibet or Nepal.

Conclusion

Road trips between Tibet and Nepal have gained much more popularity among international tourists than flights because of their convenience and affordability. It's time to experience the cross-border trip!