There are 2 ways to get to Tibet from Kathmandu, by land or by flight:
Flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa
Kathmandu is the only country to have the direct flights to Lhasa, with flights from Kathmandu to Lhasa costing about US$300. The flight time is relatively short, with the journey of 600 kilometers; it spends about one and a half hours. There are two direct flights from Kathmandu to Lhasa, CA408 (12:10-16:00) and 3U8720 (11:30-15:05), you can check the direct flights in advance.
Road from Kathmandu to Lhasa
Overland travel from Kathmandu to Lhasa is more popular with many tourists than flight. Our co-worker will transfer you to Gyirong Port, which is now the border between China and Nepal. After you go through the customs, our Tibetan tour guide will pick you up on the Tibetan side. Due to the rise of elevation, you will stay in Gyirong County to get used to the environment, and gradually head east to visit Tingri, EBC and Shigatse before arriving in Lhasa.
This classic tourist route has many stunning sights, Himalayan peaks, magnificent Buddhist monasteries and sacred mountains, lakes, as well as unlimited opportunities to meet local Tibetans and explore their exotic cultures and customs.
The invitation letter - invitation letter is issued by the Tourism Bureau. The letter is applied for by the local travel agency in Tibet.
Original Passport - When you arrive in Kathmandu, our agency will arranges local staff to collect your original passport.
Application Form - When the local staff in Kathmandu collect your passport, they will assist you with completing an application form.
Step 2: The staff hand in relevant documents to the Chinese Embassy in Nepal (must on a working day)
Step 3: The Embassy issues a Tibet Group Visa (must on a working day)
Step 4: The staff collect the group visa and the original passport from the embassy (must on a working day)
Step 5: Departing for Lhasa
Day 1: Kathmandu - Gyirong port
Day 2: Gyirong port - Everest Base Camp
Day 3: Everest Base Camp - Shigatse
Day 4: Shigatse - Lhasa
Different gateway cities to Tibet: Tibet Group Visa is only applicable to foreign tourists who travel from Kathmandu to Tibet. Other types of visas can be used to travel to Tibet through other major cities in mainland China.
Different number of people handled: a Tibet Group Visa is issued to at least 5 people and is applied by the local agencies; however, there is no such requirement for ordinary visas.
Different requirements for entry and exit China: tourists with a same Tibet Group Visa shall enter Tibet at the same time and exit China at the same time.
Different requirements on visa extension: the Tibet Group Visa cannot be extended. The ordinary Chinese visa is relatively flexible and can be extended.