Gyirong Border Port in Tibet

Gyirong Border Port (吉隆口岸), also known as Keyrung, is a crucial trade route between China’s Tibet Autonomous Region and Nepal. It is the largest border port in Tibet, situated in Gyirong Town (吉隆镇), Shigatse City (日喀则市), within Gyirong County (吉隆县), Tibet, at an altitude of over 1,800 meters. Located in a deep valley and part of the Mount Everest Nature Reserve, Gyirong is 120 km away from Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital, and it serves as a significant trade and travel corridor between China and Nepal.

History and Development

  • In 1961, the State Council of China approved the opening of Gyirong Port.

  • By 1987, it was officially designated as a first-class land port.

  • In 2014, the port was upgraded to a bilateral border port.

  • In 2017, it was further upgraded to an international port, allowing entry for people from third countries beyond China and Nepal.

  • In 2022, Gyirong Border Economic Cooperation Zone was established, becoming Tibet’s first national-level border economic zone.

Gyirong has been progressively integrated into China’s Belt and Road Initiative, strengthening its economic ties with South Asia and facilitating border trade, logistics, and tourism.

Geographical Location

Gyirong Port is located in the southernmost part of Tibet, along the Himalayas, between the Gyirong Valley and the Gyirong Basin. The port is about 85 km from Kathmandu and around 30 km from the connection with the China-Nepal Highway.

From Gyirong Town, travelers cross the Mila Mountain, a steep mountain range, and descend towards Resuo Village (热索村), where the port is located. The altitude here drops from 2,800 meters to 1,800 meters, showcasing a rich diversity of flora and fauna.

In 1972, the port was approved as a second-class land port, and by 1978, it was upgraded to a first-class port. Due to the flourishing Zhangmu Port (樟木口岸), trade at Gyirong diminished, leading to the removal of customs and inspection departments for a time.

In 2014, Gyirong was once again opened to greater trade with an expanded, modernized infrastructure. The Resuo Bridge, initially a narrow iron suspension bridge, was replaced with three wider stone bridges, symbolizing the port’s role in bilateral trade.

Port Environment

The Resuo Village area near the port is a picturesque landscape surrounded by steep cliffs, with cascading waterfalls and a variety of vibrant vegetation. The region is home to rare plants like Himalayan yews and long-leaf pines, as well as giant rhododendrons that bloom in the spring.

As the altitude decreases, the climate becomes more humid, leading to more lush vegetation and wildlife. It is common to see groups of long-tailed leaf monkeys in the forests, and occasionally wolves or leopards.

The Border River

The border river between China and Nepal runs through Resuo Village, where three distinct bridges cross. The first, a wooden suspension bridge, was built in the 1960s but is now abandoned. The second, a steel bridge, is the main crossing for border residents. A new, more robust road bridge is under construction to facilitate trade between China and Nepal.

These three bridges represent different stages of development and stand as a testament to the enduring friendship between China and Nepal.

Key Facts

  • Location: Gyirong Town, Shigatse City, Tibet Autonomous Region, China

  • Altitude: 1,800 meters

  • Proximity to Kathmandu: 85 km

  • Proximity to Major Highways: 30 km from the China-Nepal Highway

  • Opening Date: Opened in 1961, upgraded to international port in 2017

  • Economic Cooperation Zone: Approved in 2022 as Tibet’s first national-level border economic zone

Trade and Development

In 2023, the total trade value at Gyirong Port reached 33.29 billion CNY, marking an 83.11% year-on-year growth. The total import and export trade value for the first half of 2024 was 19.02 billion CNY, an increase of 65.23%.

Gyirong is becoming an essential trade link in South Asia, facilitating trade in goods, tourism, and logistics between China and Nepal. Its strategic location and infrastructure improvements continue to drive economic growth in the region.

Local Customs and Culture

Gyirong Border Port (吉隆口岸) is located in Resuo Village (热索村) in Gyirong Town (吉隆镇), where local villagers, with the help of the local government, have built a row of two-story Tibetan-style houses along the northern mountain cliffs at the confluence of two rivers. The second floors of these homes serve as living quarters, while the first floors house various shops, tea houses, restaurants, and small businesses. These shops sell both Chinese-made everyday goods and Nepali products.

The villagers engage in small-scale agriculture and livestock farming, as well as frequent cross-border trade with Nepal. There are instances of intermarriage between the border residents of both countries, and their clothing and eating habits often reflect this cultural blend. Due to the warm and humid climate, many people wear slippers year-round, and when it gets cooler, they simply add a pair of socks. It is common to see older women sitting at their doorsteps, leisurely spinning yarn and weaving fabric with ancient handmade tools. Here, visitors can try authentic Nepali-style curry with rice and sip Nepali-made bottled beer, experiencing the unique cultural fusion of China and Nepal.

Border Trade and Economic Cooperation

Cross-Border Trade Development

In December 2009, Ma Xiangcun, the Director of the Tibet Autonomous Region’s Department of Commerce, revealed that the region’s government had approved the idea of establishing a China-Nepal Gyirong Economic Cooperation Zone at Gyirong Border Port. The proposal seeks to receive dual policy advantages from both National Economic and Technological Development Zones and Border Economic Cooperation Zones.

The goal of focusing on Gyirong Port is to build a large-scale border economic zone by developing manufacturing, trade, and logistical infrastructure, with plans to significantly increase economic exchanges between Tibet and Nepal. Gyirong is expected to play a central role in promoting trade along the China-Nepal border, and the economic cooperation zone will help foster bilateral and regional economic growth.

A Historical Trade Route

Gyirong has served as an important trade and communication route between China and Nepal since the Tang Dynasty (789 AD). The port was officially opened in 1961, designated as a second-class land port in 1972, and later upgraded to a first-class land port in 1978.

In 2008, the port reached a total foreign trade volume of 5.57 million CNY, with exports accounting for 4.94 million CNY and imports amounting to 630,000 CNY. In recent years, China and Nepal have enjoyed significant cooperation in trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges.

Infrastructure Upgrades

The South Asia Land Trade Corridor (南亚陆路贸易大通道) initiative is accelerating with the expansion of border trade. The construction of the Sichuan-Tibet Highway (318国道) and Gyirong Town’s transport network is actively underway, which will make Gyirong the second-largest border trade channel in Tibet.

New roads, like the New 216 National Road, will extend from Xinjiang’s Aletai to Gyirong Port, improving access and facilitating trade with Nepal and South Asia. Additionally, the Gyirong Port is seeing major improvements in communication, energy, and transportation infrastructure, with an investment of over 1.2 billion CNY.

Trade Market

In October 2018, the Gyirong International Border Trade Market (吉隆国际边贸市场) was inaugurated in Gyirong County, with a total investment of 42.5 million CNY. The market spans an area of 12,000 square meters and serves as a hub for cross-border commerce.

Passenger Transport and Railway Connections

In November 2019, Gyirong County began operations of six public transportation routes (客运班线), marking a significant milestone for the region’s passenger transport infrastructure. These routes now provide regular service to Gyirong Port, filling a gap in the county’s road transport history.

Planned Rail and Road Expansion

  • China-Nepal Railway: Extensive exploration and line planning for a railway extension from Gyirong Port to Kathmandu (Nepal) have been underway for several years. This railway is expected to provide a vital connection for the two countries, bypassing the geological challenges of Zhangmu Port (樟木口岸).

  • New 216 National Road: A new highway project is in progress from Xinjiang Aletai’s Hongshanzui Port to Gyirong Port. The construction in Tibet will take several more years, with some portions being upgrades of older roads, while other parts will be newly built.

Economic and Strategic Impacts

The Gyirong Economic Cooperation Zone is poised to become a golden passage for trade between China and South Asia. The infrastructure improvements at Gyirong and Zhangmu Ports will enhance Tibet’s role as a key trade hub in the Belt and Road Initiative.

Looking Ahead

The economic landscape of Gyirong Border Port is rapidly transforming, with expanding trade, infrastructure development, and increasing bilateral cooperation with Nepal. The future of Gyirong Port holds great promise, both as an economic gateway and a cultural bridge between China and Nepal.

Self-Driving Travel Guide for Entering Nepal via Gyirong Border Port

Essential Documents

  1. Valid Passport and Nepal Visa: A passport and a valid Nepal visa are required to enter Nepal. It’s recommended to obtain the visa in advance before arrival, as Gyirong Border Port (吉隆口岸) also offers visa services, but preparing beforehand will avoid unnecessary hassles.

  2. Vehicle Documents: You will need to present the following documents at the border:

    • Vehicle Registration Certificate

    • Driving License

    • Vehicle Insurance

    • Color Copy of Owner’s Identification

  3. Seal for Vehicle Cargo: For travelers planning to trade vehicles in Nepal, a cargo seal is necessary. This can be requested at Gyirong Border Port (吉隆口岸). Make sure to note the seal number after applying.

Border Crossing Procedures

  1. Request the Cargo Seal: If needed, apply for the cargo seal at the border and keep a record of the seal number.

  2. Document Submission and Vehicle Inspection: Submit the required documents to Nepal Customs (尼泊尔海关) for inspection. A permit to enter Nepal will be issued after the inspection, though there may be fees associated with this process.

  3. Vehicle Cleaning Inspection: Make sure the vehicle is clean, as any additional cleaning fees might be charged at the border.

  4. Route Permit: Obtain a route permit from the Nepal Road Administration (尼泊尔公路管理局). While waiting times can vary, they are generally shorter when vehicle traffic is light.

Route Planning

  • Gyirong Border Port (吉隆口岸) to Kathmandu (加德满都): This route is 960 km long, offering breathtaking views of the Ilyan Chanashan Mountain Range (伊利昂恰纳山脉) and the Himalayas (喜马拉雅山脉).

  • Gyirong Border Port (吉隆口岸) to Pokhara (波卡拉): The journey is 1200 km and passes through historical sites such as Sikkim’s Old San Francisco (锡金的旧金山) and Ratakona’s Badhrnath Temple (拉塔科纳的巴德拉纳特寺庙).

  • Gyirong Border Port (吉隆口岸) to Parsa (普嘉): A classic self-driving route of 1500 km that passes through cities like Jadepur (杰德普尔) and Tansen (坦桑), allowing travelers to experience local culture.

Safety Precautions

  1. Driving Rules: Nepal drives on the right-hand side of the road, and drivers should be cautious of local driving habits. At night, avoid driving in areas without streetlights.

  2. Altitude Sickness: Parts of Nepal are at high altitudes, so travelers should take it slow and stay hydrated to prevent altitude sickness.

  3. Natural Disasters: It’s important to consider the route carefully before traveling and follow local safety guidelines to prepare for potential natural disasters such as mudslides, landslides, or earthquakes.

Self-Driving from Gyirong Border Port to Kathmandu: A Complete Guide

Friends, I just returned from Kathmandu (加德满都), and after looking through many online guides, I found some information that doesn’t align with the actual experience. Therefore, I decided to write a comprehensive guide for everyone to share my updated travel tips.

1️⃣ We started our journey from Lhasa (拉萨), and it took us about two days to reach Gyirong Border Port (吉隆口岸). The scenery along the way was incredibly beautiful, and we were quite close to the Everest Base Camp (珠峰大本营). However, be aware that this route involves crossing a mountain at an altitude of 5000 meters. If you have altitude sickness, I would recommend avoiding this path.

2️⃣ Once we arrived in Gyirong Town (吉隆镇), there was no need to report to the local police about our exit. The border closes for processing by 5:00 PM, so if you arrive later, you can stay overnight in Gyirong Town (吉隆镇).

3️⃣ The border port operates from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM, and then 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM. Be mindful of the opening hours in the morning to avoid delays.

4️⃣ On our journey, we went through five to six bag checks during the first couple of hours after entering the border. It’s important not to carry entire cigarette packs, as they might be confiscated. You can carry them in smaller amounts.

5️⃣ The road conditions were not as bad as we had anticipated. The later part of the journey was relatively smooth. Nepali road workers are indeed repairing roads, and the main delay was due to frequent vehicle inspections. By around 4:00-5:00 PM, the driver took us to a restaurant for dinner, and then directly dropped us off at the Thamel District (泰米尔街区) in Kathmandu (加德满都).