Nepal borders on Tibet Autonomous Region of China. A certain number of foreign tourists would like to make a Tibet tour from Kathmandu overland though there is direct flight between Kathmandu (the capital of Nepal) and Lhasa.
Purang County of Tibet borders on Nepal and India. It is only about 10 kilometers away from the international border of China and Nepal. A large number of foreign pilgrims, businessmen and tourists would like to enter into Tibet through Purang County.
There is a China Customs Office at Purang County. A certain number of Nepalese and Indians would enter into Tibet through Purang Port, as well as a small number of foreign tourists planning a Tibet tour from Kathmandu overland. Purang Port is not an official entry port of China, certain permits and certifications are required, or entering into Tibet through this port will not be allowed.
Purang Port faces Khojamath, a mountainous region of Nepal. Tourists planning a Tibet tour from Kathmandu overland have to trek to Purang Port through a path in Himalayas for about two days since the vehicles are not available in the mountainous region. Hence, make a Tibet tour from Kathmandu overland through Purang Port is would be pretty challengeable and difficult.
Zham Port acted as the main entrance of Tibet for Nepalese and Indians. It is only 736 kilometers away from Lhasa and 120 kilometers meters away from Kathmandu. Zham Port is the main pass of the political, economical and cultural communication between China and Nepal. A large number of foreign tourists would like to enter into Tibet from Kathmandu. It is a good choice to explore the culture and history of Nepal before the Tibet tour.
There are buses from the city bus station in Kathmandu to Kodari every day. Tourists will arrive in Zham Port of Tibet via the Sino-Nepal Friendship Bridge. Overseas tourists could enter into Tibet through Zham Port if you join the tourist group organized by formal Chinese travel agency. There are shuttle buses to other parts in Tibet at the state-owned long-distance bus station in Lhasa .
The international bus between Lhasa and Katmandu has been put into operation again since May 1st, 2010. Besides, tourists planning a Tibet tour from Kathmandu overland could also choose to enter into Tibet through Zham Port and then start the real Tibet tour.