Planning a Trip

Getting There

In a Land Cruiser, the drive from Lao Dingri to Zhangmu, 180km (112 miles), should takes about 5 hours. For the most part this road is now in good condition, but ongoing roadwork on the Nyalam to Zhangmu section result in regular closures and you may find yourself waiting for several hours before you're allowed to set out in either direction. At present, arriving overland from Nepal involves arranging a "group visa" and travel permits through a travel agency in Katmandu.

The border is open from 9:30am to noon and 3:30pm to 6pm, with a time difference of 2 1/4 hours. If you've hired a vehicle from Lhasa, many of the drivers are not allowed to take you the extra 8km (5 miles) to Nepali Customs, but taxis and minibuses (¥10 per person) wait beyond the immigration building.

Getting Around 

Taxis are ¥10 for short journeys.

Fast Facts

Banks, Foreign Exchange & ATMs -- The Bank of China (Mon-Sat 9:30am-1pm and 3-6:30pm) is toward the top of the hill on the right-hand side (as you head downhill). They accept traveler's checks, but not credit cards. There is no ATM.

Internet Access -- The Internet Bar just downhill from the Post Office charges ¥10 per hour. It's open from 10am to 3am.

Post Office -- The main post office (weekdays 10am-1pm and 3:30-7pm) is located towards the middle of town on the right-hand side (as you head downhill).

Visa Extensions -- As you approach the border, the PSB (tel. 0892/874-3133; Mon-Fri 9:30am-12:30pm and 3:30-5:30pm) is on the left-hand side in a large, white-tiled building. As the border is in sight, you're unlikely to need to extend your visa.