Lhasa to Gyirong Railway and Train: Latest Status, Map, and How to Travel

The Sino-Nepal Railway consist of two parts: one is the Lhasa to Gyirong Pass section and the other is the Gyirong Pass to Kathmandu section. The plan of this railway shows that the Lhasa Shigatse Railway is 253km, the Shigatse Gyirong Railway is a total of 540km, while Gyirong to Kathmandu is 120km. When the latter two parts are completed and linked, international tourists will be excited about it because they can travel through the magic Himalaya regions between China and Nepal conveniently.

Is the Lhasa to Gyirong Train Open? Partially Operational

The Lhasa-Gyirong railway is mainly divided into two sections: Lhasa to Shigatse and Shigatse to Gyirong. Currently, there are two daily trains from Lhasa to Shigatse, one at 8:50 AM and the other at 1:50 PM, both taking 2 hours and 4 minutes. Similarly, there are also two return trains daily traveling from Shigatse to Lhasa.

And as the further extension of the grand Qinghai-Tibet railway, the part from Shigatse to Gyirong is still under construction. It will cross the high Himalaya Mountains and lead to the border of China and Nepal. Once it is completed, tourists can take the train from Lhasa to Gyirong Port and then get to Kathmandu easily. Sino-Nepal Railway is of great importance to the development of the Tibet railway network, which can also benefit Tibet tourism greatly.

Lhasa to Gyirong Railway Route Map & Stops

The first section of the railway runs from Lhasa to Shigatse, spans 253 kilometers and began operation in August 2018.

Starting from Shigatse Railway Station, the railway will follow 318 National Highway to pass through Lhatse, Sagya, Dinggye, Tingri, Nyalam, and then follow 219 and 216 National Highway to get to Gyirong Pass. As one of the crossing points between Tibet and Nepal, Gyirong Pass will link the railway in China and Nepal to allow tourists to enjoy the scenery between the two countries.

After passing through the Gyirong Border, the railway terminates at Sankhu in Kathmandu. Furthermore, the railway may be extended to Pokhara and Lumbini.

Gyirong to Kathmandu Railway: Traversing the Himalayas

The planned section from Gyirong Border to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is relatively short, approximately 120 kilometers. However, despite its short length, it is extremely complex. Trains will descend from the Tibet Plateau at an altitude of over 4,000 meters to Kathmandu at an altitude of approximately 1,400 meters, and traverse the majestic Himalayas. It is estimated that about 98% of the route will consist of bridges and tunnels.

Currently, this section is in the final stages of geological surveying and the construction will only begin after the Shigatse - Gyirong section is completed. It is expected to take about 9 years. Therefore, travelers hoping to travel from Lhasa to Kathmandu by train will not be able to realize in the next few years.

How to Travel from Lhasa to Gyirong and Kathmandu at Present? Overland Tour from Tibet to Nepal

Since the railway is not currently available, tourists who want to travel from Tibet to Nepal can opt for a lifetime Tibet Nepal overland tour to make it happen. It is the most recommended route for international tourists, even though it may seem time-consuming. Covering about 1,300km, the whole journey may last at least 7 days from Lhasa to Kathmandu. You will be able to take your time and enjoy the most amazing scenery along the scenic China - Nepal Friendship Highway, including Yamdrok Lake, Karola Glacier, and Everest Base Camp.

In addition to this option, you may also choose to travel with your guide, taking a train from Lhasa to Shigatse to experience the convenience of this railway. Then, aboard a vehicle arranged by us to travel from Shigatse to Gyirong, and onward to Kathmandu.

Tips for Traveling from Lhasa to Gyirong Border

Currently, traveling from Lhasa to Gyirong by train is not possible; you have to travel by overland. Therefore, some practical travel tips can make your Tibet tour much smoother:

1. Take precautions against altitude sickness
Traveling from Lhasa (3650m) to Gyirong (2800m) by overland, you will experience a significant change in altitude. Although the overall trend is downward, you will still reach higher altitudes along the way, such as Everest Base Camp. Short periods of altitude fluctuation can still trigger altitude sickness. Therefore, it is recommended that you avoid strenuous exercise, drink plenty of water, and get sufficient rest during your journey.

2. Secure the Mandatory Tibet Travel Permit
All itineraries must be arranged through a licensed travel agency, and necessary Tibet Travel Permit must be obtained. Independent travel in Tibet is also not permitted.

3. Best Time to Travel from Lhasa to Gyirong: Spring and Autumn
Choosing the right time to travel is crucial. Generally, Spring and Autumn are the best seasons, as Tibet experiences mild temperatures and high visibility during these times, providing perfect views of Mount Everest and the Himalayas. Summer is the rainy season, and the Gyirong Border may be closed due to heavy rain. In winter, heavy snow may close the road.

Future Railway Connecting Lhasa Shigatse and India

In the future, a new extension will be built to the Lhasa to Shigatse Railway: Shigatse - Yadong. Yadong County is located on the southern slopes of the central Himalayas, close to India and Bhutan, and has direct road access to Lhasa and India. Once completed, this railway will connect Lhasa and South Asia, giving travelers worldwide more options for traveling to Tibet.

Conclusion

The completion of the China-Nepal Railway will be a great feat of engineering, finally connecting Lhasa and Kathmandu, but you will still have to wait a long time. So, if you decide to have an overland trip to get to Kathmandu, you may want to contact a Tibet travel agency, such as Tibet Horizon, to provide you with everything you need and arrange a perfect tour route for you.