The Roads to Tibet

How do you travel to Tibet from India, Nepal or mainland China? The roads into the Tibetan Plateau have fascinated me ever since our journeys around Sikkim, and this article began as an attempt to piece together those routes. Below is my original exploration of the Himalayan borders, followed by an updated travel-planning section explaining the practical restrictions for foreign visitors.

Archive note: The original discussion reflects our earlier travels and research, not a claim that we crossed into Tibet. Border procedures, routes, tourist permits and travel times change. Use the updated guidance further down before planning a journey.

---

Why I Wanted to Travel Overland to Tibet

My interest in travel to Tibet is not so much for the tourist stops in Lhasa, or even in the surrounding autonomous region itself. But more for the journey through the remote regions of the Himalayas and the mysterious Roof of the World.

A region which is still somewhat contentious in parts, with 4 bordering countries in the higher Himalayas, and it’s just a difficult area to navigate with various permits and complications along the way. Meaning it’s more of a challenge than a simple holiday break to Visit Tibet. And, while it is possible to fly direct to Lhasa from various airports in the region. I just don’t see the fun in that?

---

Mapping the Himalayan Routes to Tibet

Instead I will try to simplify the possible routes for travel to Tibet, the capital of Lhasa being the ultimate destination to reach, where there are 4 nearby borders within a near enough reach to the capital. These are China, Nepal, India, and Bhutan.

First off, Bhutan is a no-go for Tibet Travel, as border crossings are pretty much impossible except by indirect flight (Kathmandu a potential stopover). And it’s just hard to even travel to Bhutan in the first place. (Note, Myanmar (Burma) also borders Tibet in the south, but the route is the furthest and by far the most complicated, if even possible).

---

From India Towards Tibet

The first time that we considered travelling to Tibet was when in Sikkim India, when we travelled from Gangtok to Lake Tsomgo (Lake Changu), located just 5-kilometres from the Chinese borders at Nathulu Pass.

But, again, this is a no-go, as this border is only really open for trade between China and India. And to reach for travel from India to Tibet you must first cross into Nepal at the Panitanki – Kakarbhitta border crossing. It’s a relatively easy border crossing, with pretty much visa on arrival with western nationals, before bussing on from Kakarbhitta to Kathmandu (up to 18 hours).

---

Travelling from Nepal to Tibet

This is not going to be a quick or easy ride, as the overland journey from Kathmandu to Lhasa takes at least 7 days. But it is only 90km to reach the actual borders of Tibet from Kathmandu, then it is always worth considering a visit to the North Everest Base Camp in Tibet, which you can literally drive to along the “The Friendship Highway” to Lhasa.

And there are some rather fascinating temples and excursions to make the most of these further-flung parts of the world. However, independent travel is not allowed from the borders in Tibet and a private (or group) guide and driver is necessary.

---

Travelling to Tibet from Mainland China

Tibet is in China, so China seems like the easy route for travel to Tibet. Yet even travel from China is complicated as pretty much all foreign travellers will still need visas and travel permits, and private (or group) guides, vehicles and drivers (which I will outline soon). Otherwise, the Qinghai–Tibet railway is the main route within China, where it follows a 24-hour train ride from Xining (Qinghai). And then you will likely have to reach Xining from other ports and cities in China. And China is big.

---

How to Travel to Tibet Today: Routes, Permits and Planning

For international visitors, reaching the Tibet Autonomous Region is not simply a matter of finding a road, train or flight. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office guidance says that foreign travellers must organise Tibet permits through a specialist travel agent in China and join an organised tour. Restrictions and permit availability can change without notice. China’s ordinary entry rules and any visa-free permission do not replace permission to visit Tibet.

Can You Cross Directly from Sikkim, India, to Tibet?

Not as an ordinary international tourist. The historic Nathu La route from Sikkim is a controlled border crossing, not a general overland tourist entry point to Tibet. The Government of Sikkim’s protected-area guidance allows eligible foreign tourists to visit Tsomgo (Changu) Lake with the proper permit but does not allow foreign tourists to continue to Nathu La Pass. See our Gangtok to Changu Lake journey and Sikkim attractions guide for the actual journey that inspired this article.

Is the Nepal to Tibet Overland Route Possible?

A Kathmandu-to-Tibet itinerary may be possible through a licensed tour operator when the designated Nepal–China border crossing is operating and foreigners are authorised to use it. This is not an independent backpacker border crossing: confirm the arranged Tibet itinerary, permits, China entry documentation and actual crossing conditions with the operator before paying. The US State Department’s Nepal travel advice explains the additional permit and tour requirements. Border roads can close because of severe weather or damage; the UK government reported serious flooding and transport damage in the Nepal–Gyirong border region in August 2026, so check current Nepal travel advice close to departure.

Travelling from Mainland China to Lhasa

Travellers can reach Lhasa by rail or air as part of an authorised itinerary, with the Qinghai–Tibet Railway through Xining a particularly fascinating approach. The train itself does not remove the need for a Tibet travel permit or organised arrangements. Check with the operator that the chosen train, station, dates, entry documents and Tibet permissions are all included. For our experiences of the wider Chinese railway network, see long-distance trains in China and our more recent Laos to China railway journey.

Tibet Permit, Visa and Tour Checklist

• China entry permission: Check visa or visa-free entry eligibility for the passport you plan to use. Rules differ by nationality and route.
• Tibet travel permit: Arrange the permit with an authorised Tibet specialist before travel, and ask which additional permissions your proposed route needs.
• Organised itinerary: Confirm your guide, vehicle where required, accommodation, rail or flight arrangements, and permitted sightseeing stops.
• Border confirmation: If approaching from Nepal, verify that the designated crossing is actually operating for foreign tourist groups on your travel date.
• Flexible planning: Leave room for permit delays, road disruption and possible restrictions; do not build a tight onward itinerary around an unconfirmed crossing.
• Altitude: Lhasa and much of the plateau sit at high elevation. Allow time to acclimatise, and discuss altitude-related risks with a qualified medical professional before travel.

For the latest UK-specific restrictions, consult the FCDO’s Tibet travel guidance and check the details directly with your chosen operator. Treat any fixed fare, crossing schedule or permit fee quoted in an old article as historical, not a live booking promise.

---

More of Our Himalayan and China Railway Journeys

Start with our stay in Gangtok, the monasteries of Sikkim and the road into the Indian Himalayas. From the other direction, follow our Laos–China railway travels and long-distance rail journeys through China.