How to Travel from Kathmandu to Shigatse?
Both Kathmandu and Shigatse, deeply influenced by enlightening Buddhism, present awe-inspiring Himalayan views from different sides and share geographical-cultural ties, making them popular stops on combined itineraries for international tourists.
Travel from Kathmandu to Shigatse by Road
It is completely feasible to take a car all the way from Kathmandu to Shigatse. This route is an epic cross-border journey. Along the famous China-Nepal Friendship Highway, you can enjoy the beautiful snow-capped mountains on both the north and south sides of the Himalayas.
Kathmandu to Gyirong Port
Gyirong Port is located on the border between China and Nepal. You need to go through the formalities here before entering the Tibet Autonomous Region. Although the drive from Kathmandu to the Gyirong Port is only over a hundred kilometers, it usually takes about 7 hours due to the rough mountain roads, narrow roads and bumpy road conditions.
Gyirong Port to EBC
When you submit your documents and successfully pass the Gyirong Port, it marks that you officially enter Tibet. As foreign tourists' travel itineraries in Tibet all require the accompaniment of tour guides and drivers, you'll have their expertise and support with you every step of the way from Gyirong Port onward. The Gyirong Port is exactly located in Gyirong County, Shigatse, but it is still several hundred kilometers by car from the urban area of Shigatse. To make the most of your road trip, visiting the EBC is highly recommended after exploring Gyirong's surroundings, as it's conveniently located on the route between Gyirong and Shigatse's urban area. It typically takes about 7 hours from Gyirong to EBC, covering about 300 kilometers.
EBC to Shigatse's Urban Area
Starting from the EBC, it takes another drive of about 300 kilometers, which takes approximately 6 hours, to finally reach the urban area of Shigatse where Tashilhunpo Monastery is located.
Travel from Kathmandu to Shigatse via Lhasa
Thanks to the fact that there are direct international flights from Kathmandu to Lhasa that only take 1.5 hours, taking a plane is much faster than taking a car. When you arrive in Lhasa, you will find that there are two common options for you to travel from the urban area of Lhasa to the urban area of Shigatse.
Take a Car from Lhasa to Shigase
Many tourists tend to take a slightly detour to visit Yamdrok Lake and then head to Shigatse. Traveling from Lhasa to Shigatse by car involves a distance of 360 kilometers and an approximate 8-hour duration, enabling your arrival on the same day.
Take a Bullet Train from Lhasa to Shigatse
Lhasa-Shigatse Railway enables you to speed into Shigase in about 2 hours with the help of a bullet train. And the Shigatse Railway Station is just around 10 kilometers away from the urban area of Shigatse.
Fly from Kathmandu to Shigatse
This is the transportation method I least recommend for some certain reasons. There are no direct flights from Kathmandu to Shigatse, and most of them are long-haul flights that take at least 30 hours, which is very tormenting. Every week, you can find two or three flights that take about 20 hours each, but you need to transfer about twice and the prices are quite high. By the way, even if one departs from Lhasa, there are no direct flights available. Similarly, one or two transfers are required, and the entire journey takes at least 15 hours.
Conclusion
The route from Kathmandu to Shigatse is indeed one of the popular routes. So you have two options: group tours and private customized tours. Which one do you prefer?
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39 Comment ON "How to Travel from Kathmandu to Shigatse?"
Asked by Jacob Keis** from N/A
Train booking
We are a group of 15 (perhaps 17) who need to take the June 8th 15:27 train from Xining to Lhasa. We need to book this soon so prompt reply would be helpful. We are getting our permits from an agent and should have them in 6-8 days.
Asked by Nirm** from Australia
Hi, I’m interested in doing the Mount Kailash tour. I only have holidays from 20/09 to 4/10 this year. Do you have a tour that includes these dates? How much would the tour be? Are the flights, visas, passes and permits included in your prices? Thank you kindly. Regards, Nirmala (Nationality: Australian Group Size: 1 person Arrival Date: 20/09/26) Nationality: Australian Group Size: 1 person Arrival Date: 20/09/26
Asked by An** from N/A
Best time to travel for the Linka festival
Hey, I'm looking to travel to the Linka festival with my partner. When is the best time to go this year? Thanks!
Asked by Goldliam Soo** from N/A
lm from nyc in the usa how much is your 13 day Mt Kai lash tour in September or June
Hi, lm from nyc in the usa how much is your 13 day Mt Kai lash tour in September or June? And approximately how much would would the airfare be round trip? Thank you
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.