On 14th April, the public security Sub-bureau of Kyirong port in Tibet announced Intermittent traffic control from Kyirong town to Kyirong port. They will regulate traffic flow and open the road between the town and the port from 15th April 2025 to 31st October 2025.
- On Monday and Friday, the route will be open between 12:30 pm to 5:00 pm
- On the rest of the day of the week, the route will remain open between 12:30 pm to 4:00 pm
All vehicles are permitted to access the road only during the above time. If you have any question on this limited time to transfer between Kyirong Port and Kyirong town. You can reach me on info@thelandofsnows.com
Why is that route being controlled this year:
In September last year, there was heavy rainfall in Nepal and the Mount Everest region of Tibet, including the Kyirong town area. The flood washed away and destroyed much of the road between Kyirong town and Kyirong port. The route was closed for a month, and all travelers had to leave Tibet by train to other areas of China or by flight to Kathmandu from Lhasa.
Winter is usually not an ideal time for construction in Tibet, especially since it is an essential road between neighboring countries and civilizations. That is why traffic on this route has been regulated to ensure a proper time for construction work while keeping the route accessible for international travelers visiting Tibet for tourism and the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
Tips for ensuring a proper transition on this route.
Suppose you are traveling from Kathmandu to Kyirong. In that case, you must arrive at the border early or stay overnight on the Nepal side to ensure you enter Tibet before any big group does. There will be big groups with hundreds of people going for Kailash Yatra. They usually take hours to check-in.
If you are exiting Tibet and moving to Nepal, the Tour guide and driver must get a temporary day permit to the border; make sure your tour guide has this permit a day before your departure to ensure a timely departure from the town.
Also, remember the time difference between Nepal and China, which means lunch breaks will be at different times. The Chinese side will have a lunch break from 1:00 to 3:30 pm for two and a half hours. When the China side opens after lunch, the Nepal side will close for their lunch break. So it is best to check into Tibet in the morning.
Conclusion
It is best to contact your tour guide and travel agency about the check-in. Having your tour guide stay overnight at the border port before your check-in is also essential so that he can help check you in in the morning while the road remains closed.