How reliable is the border from Tibet to Nepal open?
Hi my friends :)
during the last days I was planning a trip to tibet. My favourite tour is the tour from Lhasa to the Rongpuk and to the nepali border. I think we will be at the border in mid of October.
My doubts / thoughts are that, the border os closed at that day, we would like cross the border to nepal. Not due political issues, but in due of alot of rain. So the road to Kathmandu is closed.
Are my doubts real or it never happens? If it's too uncertain, we will book a tour back to Lhasa and will catch a flight to KTM.
Best regards
Tony
The border from Tibet to Nepal, typically via the Zhangmu/Kodari or Gyirong/Rasuwa routes, is generally open during October, which is considered post-monsoon season. By mid-October, most roads are clear of heavy rain issues, but there are some factors to consider.
Factors affecting reliability:
- Weather: Heavy rain or early winter snowfall can occasionally make the high mountain roads impassable, but October is usually stable with clear skies. Landslides from prior rains can still occur.
- Road conditions: The route through Gyirong (the most commonly used crossing for tourists now) has been upgraded in recent years and is more reliable than the older Zhangmu/Kodari route. Road maintenance can still occasionally cause delays.
- Border operations: Borders are usually open every day, but sometimes hours may be shortened due to local holidays or staffing issues. Tour operators usually monitor this closely.
- Tourist permits: Foreign travelers can only cross with a guided tour; independent crossing is not allowed. Ensure your tour includes the border crossing and the required Tibet Travel Permit.
Recommendations:
- Book a reputable tour that includes the Lhasa-to-border segment. They will have real-time updates on road and border conditions.
- Have a backup plan to return to Lhasa and catch a flight to Kathmandu if the border is temporarily closed due to weather.
- Check local weather forecasts a few days before departure. Your tour operator can advise if a rainstorm is likely to cause delays.
- Travel light for this segment, as luggage handling may be required if buses are rerouted or delayed at checkpoints.
In summary, while occasional road closures due to rain or landslides are possible, mid-October is generally a reliable time for crossing the Tibet-Nepal border, especially via the Gyirong route. Booking through a tour ensures that you will have support if conditions change.
