Kyirong Port Entry China Guide | Nepal to China Self-Drive

Location & Overview

Where is Kyirong Port?

The main land border crossing between China and Nepal, located in the Himalayas of southern Tibet.

Kyirong Port (also spelled Gyirong) is located in Kyirong County, Shigatse Prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region. It sits on the China-Nepal border, opposite Nepal's Rasuwagadhi checkpoint.

The port is approximately 150 kilometers from Kathmandu, Nepal, and about 800 kilometers from Lhasa, Tibet. At an altitude of around 1,800 meters, it is one of the lower-elevation border crossings in Tibet, making it more accessible for travelers.

Kyirong Port, Tibet — the main border crossing between China and Nepal

Who Can Use This Port

Which Nationalities Can Enter Through Kyirong?

All foreign vehicles are welcome — including right-hand drive cars from Nepal and India.

✅ Accepted Vehicle Types

Nepalese registered vehicles
Indian registered vehicles (RHD)
Other nationalities transiting through Nepal
Right-hand drive vehicles (RHD)
Cars, SUVs, motorcycles, RVs

❌ Important Notes

Must be declared through a licensed travel agency
Individual vehicles cannot clear customs on their own
Vehicle age over 6 years needs inspection certificate
No commercial use allowed during temporary entry

Important: China allows right-hand drive vehicles to enter temporarily. Kyirong Port does not distinguish between LHD and RHD — the procedures, fees, and deposit are exactly the same. Just remember to adapt to driving on the right side of the road in China.

Documents Checklist

What Documents Do You Need?

Prepare these 20 days in advance to ensure smooth processing.

Required Documents

Send digital copies to us; we handle all translation and filing.

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Valid Passport

At least 6 months remaining validity beyond your planned exit date.

🛂

Chinese Visa

Tourist visa is fine. We can help with invitation letters for longer stays.

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Driver's License

From your home country. China does not recognize international driving permits.

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ID Photo

White background, 1 inch, digital copy of the driver.

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Vehicle Registration

Vehicle registration certificate / logbook. Plus engine number photo if not printed.

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Vehicle Photos

Front, side, and rear photos of the vehicle for customs filing.

Cost Breakdown

How Much Does It Cost?

Transparent pricing — no hidden fees. Everything is clearly listed.

✅ Service Fee (Included)

Customs declaration (entry & exit)
Immigration procedures
Temporary driving license
Temporary license plate (3 months)
Route filing & record
On-site assistance at the port

❌ Not Included

Customs deposit (refundable)
Vehicle insurance (we arrange)
Document translation fees
Fuel, tolls, accommodation, food
Tibet guide & Tibet Travel Permit

Customs Deposit: ¥10,000

Normally customs requires 50%–65% of the vehicle value as guarantee. With our agency guarantee, you only need to deposit ¥10,000 RMB.

💰

Paid to our corporate bank account, must arrive 3 days before entry

↩️

Refunded in full within 3–5 working days after exit

✅

No overstay, no unpaid violations = full refund guaranteed

Clearance Process

How Does Customs Clearance Work?

We handle everything — you just drive.

Vehicles waiting at Kyirong Port crossing

📅 20 Days Before

Send us your documents
We prepare the declaration paperwork
Pre-approve temporary license application

📅 1 Day Before

Confirm vehicle arrival in Kyirong Town
Confirm deposit has been received
Our on-site staff coordinates with you

On clearance day (9:00 AM–1:00 PM entry hours): Drive to the border crossing building → Immigration check → Customs declaration → Receive temporary license plate and driving license → Drive into China!

Route & Destinations

Where Can You Drive After Entry?

Once you have your temporary plate, you can drive almost anywhere in China — except restricted areas.

Popular Destinations from Kyirong

All distances are approximate driving distances.

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Lhasa (≈800 km)

Via G318 national highway. The classic Tibet route.

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Shigatse (≈500 km)

Second largest city in Tibet, close to Mount Everest.

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Nyingchi (≈1,000 km)

"Switzerland of Tibet" — beautiful forests and lakes.

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Yunnan Province (≈2,000 km)

Via the Yunnan-Tibet highway to Kunming and Dali.

⚠️ Important Travel Restrictions in Tibet

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Foreigners entering Tibet must have a licensed guide throughout their trip and a Tibet Travel Permit. Apply 1 month in advance.

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The Xinjiang-Tibet Highway (G219) near Dahongliutan is not open to foreigners.

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Yecheng (Kashgar) to Rutog (Pangong Lake) section is not open to foreigners.

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From Xinjiang to Tibet, you must detour through Golmud and take the Qinghai-Tibet Highway (G109).

Tips & Pitfalls

Tips to Avoid Problems

Learn from others' mistakes — don't make them yourself.

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Port Hours

Kyirong Port is not 24 hours. Entry from Nepal: 9:00–13:00. Exit to Nepal: 14:00–19:00. Noon closure between 13:00–14:00.

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Rainy Season Risks

June–September is Tibet's rainy season. Landslides and mudslides are common on the China-Nepal highway. Check road conditions before departure.

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Altitude Sickness

Kyirong Town is at 1,800 m, Lhasa is at 3,650 m. Acclimatize gradually — don't rush to high altitude.

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No Photos of Border Facilities

Do not take photos of checkpoints, border police stations, or military vehicles. This can cause serious problems.

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Vehicle Condition

The VIN must match the registration document exactly. No modifications, sanding, welding, or re-stamping.

Kyirong Port Entry to China Complete Guide