Kyirong town sits on the east bank of the Kyirong Tsangpo, a source stream of Nepal's Trishuli river, at about 2,700 m. Unlike the dry plateau beyond, the valley is green, with pine and rhododendron forest, terraced barley and a warm, wet summer climate. It became the main Nepal–Tibet crossing after the 2015 earthquake closed Kodari, and before the floods most Kailash yatris from Kathmandu passed through here on their first night in Tibet.
The town has grown fast, with wide streets, new hotels and shops run by Tibetans, Han Chinese and Nepali traders. For pilgrims it is mainly a place to rest and adapt: the drive from Kathmandu is long, border formalities can take several hours, and the next day climbs to Saga at about 4,640 m. Most itineraries give two nights in Kyirong, with an easy walk on the spare day.
On 8 July 2025 a flood on the Lhende Khola destroyed the bridge at Rasuwagadhi; a temporary bridge reopened traffic on 1 January 2026. On 26 August 2026 a second, larger flood destroyed the border post, bridge and customs area again, and no reopening date had been announced by autumn 2026. Our Kerung-route itineraries are planned for when the crossing reopens, with alternatives if it does not. Check current status before you travel.
What to see and do
- A gentle first night in Tibet
At about 2,700 m, Kyirong is far lower than the plateau beyond, which makes it the softest possible start for the climb to Kailash. Two nights here let the body begin adapting before the 1,900 m jump to Saga.
- Forest valley unlike the plateau
Pine, fir and rhododendron cover the slopes, waterfalls drop into the gorge and barley terraces surround the villages. It is the last green landscape most yatris see until they return, so the spare-day walk is worth taking.
- The border crossing itself
At Rasuwagadhi, pilgrims walk across the bridge from Nepal to Chinese immigration, where bags are scanned and documents checked against the group visa. When open, the process often takes 2–4 hours, and the group must stay together in visa-list order.
- Town walk and markets
Kyirong's main streets have Tibetan teahouses, Sichuan restaurants, supermarkets and shops selling down jackets, thermos flasks and dry fruit. It is the last good place to buy snacks, local SIM cards where permitted, and any forgotten warm gear before the plateau.
- Views of the high peaks
On clear mornings the snow peaks of the Langtang and Ganesh Himal ranges show above the valley to the south and east, a reminder of how close Kathmandu still is in a straight line.
Experiences in Kyirong (Gyirong)
How to reach Kyirong (Gyirong)
Road
Kathmandu–Syabrubesi is about 122 km (6–7 h) via Trishuli and Dhunche, then about 16 km to Rasuwagadhi and some 25 km on the Tibetan side to Kyirong town. Allow 7–9 hours plus border time. The road and crossing were damaged by floods in 2025 and 2026; check current status before you travel.
Road
From the north, Kyirong is about 250 km (5–6 h) from Saga by a paved road that climbs past Gyirong county town and Pelku Tso over passes above 5,000 m.
Helicopter
There is no tourist helicopter service into Kyirong. Charters from Kathmandu can reach Syabrubesi or nearby helipads on the Nepal side in about 30–40 minutes when permitted, but you still cross the border on foot and by road.
Where to stay
Kyirong town has a range of new mid-range hotels with heated rooms, attached bathrooms and hot water, mostly Chinese-run and of a 2-star to 3-star standard. Names and ownership change often, and we have not listed a specific property here because we cannot confirm which will be operating when the border reopens. Our Tibetan partner books the best available rooms for each group, usually twin sharing with private bathrooms. Kyirong is far more comfortable than Saga or Manasarovar, so enjoy the hot shower.
Tips from our trip managers
- Change some money into Chinese yuan in Kathmandu or use the guide's help at the border; card and mobile payments are hard for foreigners to use.
- Pack a separate small bag for the border day, since main bags go through scanning and may be opened.
- Do not carry books, photographs or images of the Dalai Lama or maps showing disputed borders; they can be confiscated.
- Use the spare day for an easy 2–3 hour walk, not a hard climb; you are still adapting.
- Buy extra warm layers here if needed; Saga and Manasarovar shops have far less choice.
