Kyirong
1. Kyirong Town
Have you heard of Kyirong? It's also called Gyirong or Kyidrong, which means Happy Town or Town of Forest Valley. It's a new border town between Tibet and Nepal that's now open to travelers from all over the world. Before the earthquake in Nepal, Zhangmu was the border between Nepal, but after the earthquake, the Kyirong border was officially opened. You might even meet some Tibetan-Nepali mixed families in Kyirong because of the close connections near the border.
2. Three routes to Kyirong.
- Travel from Nepal to Kyirong by crossing Rasuwa Gadhi on an overland journey.
- Embark on an overland journey from Lhasa to Kyirong town.
- One can choose to enter Tibet via the Burang border, visit Mount Kailash, and end the journey in Kyirong town.
Table of Contents for Kyirong.
3. Some of the sightseeing sites are located near Kyirong.
- Dzhongkha town and Kyirong Valley.
- The Phakpa Temple has existed since the 7th century.
- Meditation cave of Milarepa at Dakar Taso.
- Phikutso Lake.
- Mount Shishapangma.
Photo: Mount Everest is the most sought-after destination near Kyirong.
4. Dzongkha Town.
Kyirong has two towns, Kyirong Valley and Dzhongka Town. Dzhongka Town is situated at an altitude of 4,200 meters (13,779 ft). The distance from Phikutso Lake to Dzongkha is approximately 90 km, while the distance from the meditation cave of Jetsun Milarepa, Dagkar Taso, to Dzongkha is about 50 km. The distance from Dzongkha to Kyirong Valley is 72 km, and from Kyirong Valley to the border town of Rasuwa is 24 km.
Photo: Our Chinese travelers on the Tibet tour from Singapore to Tibet, having a farewell dinner in Kyirong town.
5. Kyirong Valley Town.
Kyirong Valley is known by different names in Tibetan, Chinese, and English: Kyirong Drong, Kyirong Gou, and Kyirong Valley, respectively. At an altitude of 2,800 meters (9,186 ft), Kyirong Valley is surrounded by mountains that are tranquil and calm in the morning, with their snow-capped peaks.
Kyirong has been a significant and holy town since the 7th century, when King Srongtsan Gonpo met the Nepalese princess Brikuti in Kyirong. The town is home to a beautiful temple, the Compassion Buddha Temple (Phakpa Lhakhang), built during that time. There are three Jowo Buddha Punsum (cousins) - one in western Tibet at Purang, another in Kyirong at Phakpa Lhakang Temple, and the third in the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Kay Puk, a meditation cave that was used during the reign of Nepalese Princess Brikhuti, is famous. The 1st Jetsun Karmapa meditated here from the time he was born in Kyirong Valley. Maha Guru Padmasambhava, a great Indian master, traveled to Tibet through Kyirong and praised the beautiful landscape by calling it Kyirong, which means Happy Valley.
Our travelers traveled to Tibet from the Nepal border and took a photo at Phikutso Lake.
Maha Guru Padmasambhava's final departure from Tibet took place near Kyirong, at the Kungtang pass. In the 10th and 11th centuries, the great Tibetan master Maha Guru Marpa Lotsawa traveled multiple times to Nepal and India through Kyirong. Many great Tibetan masters, including Maha Guru Milarepa, later meditated near Kyirong. Kyirong Town is a great place to stay a night. Travelers can enjoy the stunning mountains and green nature.
Waterfall wonders on the way to Kyirong.
6. Accommodations and Restaurants in Kyirong.
- 3-star Jomo LangZong Hotel.
- Phuntsok Rabsal Guest House.
- There are other guest houses available.
7. Kyirong Jomo LangZong hotel
Among the finest accommodations in Kyirong, the Jomo LangZong Hotel stands out for its unparalleled combination of comfort and location. Guests are treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding natural landscapes, ensuring a tranquil and scenic experience. Nestled conveniently in the heart of the town, this hotel provides easy access to local attractions and amenities, making it an ideal choice for both leisure and business travelers seeking convenience and beauty in equal measure.
Photo: Kyirong Jomo LangZong Hotel Double Bed Room.
Photo: Kyirong Jomo LangZong Hotel Bathroom
Photo: Kyirong Jomo LangZong Hotel Room
8. Phuntsok Rabsel Guesthouse
Phuntsok Rabsel Guesthouse, established by Passang, a local Tibetan resident, presents an inviting and comfortable option for an overnight stay in the charming town of Kyirong. Known for its warm hospitality, the guesthouse ensures a delightful experience for travelers. Guests can enjoy clean and spacious double bedrooms, each equipped with modern amenities, including a hot shower, to provide a relaxing and refreshing stay. Whether you are visiting Kyirong for exploration or relaxation, Phuntsok Rabsel Guesthouse offers the perfect retreat.
Photo: Kyirong Phuntsok Rapsel Hotel single-bedroom.
Photo: Kyirong Phuntso Rapsel Hotel double bedroom.
Photo: Kyirong Phuntso Rapsel Hotel Bathroom.
9. Our best itinerary for Tibet travel to Kyirong
That sounds like a fantastic travel opportunity through the beautiful landscapes of Tibet! Here’s a brief overview of the two itineraries you have arranged:
1. 8-Day Itinerary from Tibet Travel to Mount Everest Base Camp and Nepal:
• Ideal for travelers with limited time who wish to experience the highlights of Lhasa and the journey through Tibet to the Nepal border. The itinerary includes key cultural landmarks, scenic views, and a memorable journey ending at the Kathmandu, Nepal, border.
Alternatively, we offer six Tibet tour options to Mount Everest Base Camp: a 7-day Tibet tour to Everest Base Camp, an 8-day Tibet tour to Everest, a 9-day Tibet tour to Everest Base Camp, and a 10-day tour to Everest Base Camp. Furthermore, if you intend to travel to Nepal following your Tibet journey, we provide an 8-day Tibet travel package to Everest Base Camp and the Nepal border, as well as a 10-day Tibet travel package to the Nepal border.
Photo: Kyirong town photo taken by our Tibet tour groups.
Both options provide a unique and enriching travel experience from Lhasa to the Nepal border, catering to different preferences and travel paces.
10. Short information about Rasuwa Gadhi Town.
As you travel from Tibet to Nepal, please complete the online Nepal visa application form in advance, as internet access may be limited beyond the border. To make the process easier, visit the Nepal government visa website. The cost of a 15-day visa is $30 USD per person.
Rasuwa is a Nepalese town that borders the Kyirong Valley. The distance from Kyirong Valley town to the Rasuwa border checkpoint bridge is approximately 24km. It is about 14km from Rasuwa to Syabrubesh and roughly 140km to Kathmandu. There are three transportation options for travelers going from Rasuwa to Kathmandu. Tibet Travelers can arrange private vehicle transportation for a group cost of 210 US dollars. Alternatively, individuals can take a public bus, which typically costs between 30 and 50 US dollars per person.
A) Kathmandu – Galchhi – Betrawati – Dhunche – Syabrubesi – Rasuwa Gadi = 141 km
B) Kathmandu – Kakani – Betrawati – Dhunche – Syabrubesi – Rasuwa Gadi = 130 km
C) Kathmandu – Tokha – Betrawati – Dhunche – Syabrubesi – Rasuwa Gadi = 105 km
Tibet Travelers arranges both private and group tours to Kyirong town.
Conclusion
Kyirong is an essential town to visit for those traveling to both Tibet and Nepal, and a night's stay here is highly recommended. Upon arrival in Kyirong, visitors can apply for a visa to Nepal for their travel plans.
However, if many people are applying, there may be a longer wait time. To avoid this, it is advisable to apply for a Nepal visa in Lhasa if there is enough time. On the Nepali side, visitors can apply for a visa on arrival for 15, 30, or 90 days, with prices ranging from 30 to 110 USD.
Kyirong has become an important travel destination for all travelers due to the opportunity to travel overland from Lhasa to the Nepal border, the breathtaking view of snow-capped mountains from the hotel window, and the presence of great masters' footprints.
Kyirong on Google Maps. We also suggest reading our excellent recent piece on the top mountain destination in Tibet, Mount Kailash. If you plan to visit Kyirong, kindly email us, and we will be pleased to assist you in any way possible. info@tibettravelers.com
Apr 25, 2025
