Due to a massive earthquake in the Himalayan region of Nepal, along with a smaller quake west of Shigatse, the Tibet Tourism Bureau has announced temporary closures of several key roads in Central Tibet.
Closed Routes
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Shigatse → Everest Base Camp (EBC)
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Shigatse → Dram / Zhangmu (Tibet–Nepal border)
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Shigatse → Western Tibet / Ngari (Mt. Kailash, Lake Manasarovar, Guge Kingdom)
These closures are the result of landslides and rockfalls, which will take time to clear. In addition, access has been restricted to prioritize earthquake relief operations.
At present, no new permits to Gyantse town are being issued, meaning groups whose Tibet Travel Permits have not yet been processed cannot include Gyantse in their travel plans.
Impact on Travelers
Tourists planning to visit Central Tibet before May 15th will need to consider alternative routes within Tibet. The reopening date for EBC, the Nepal border, and Western Tibet remains uncertain and may take some time.
Open Areas
Despite the restrictions, many important destinations remain accessible:
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Lhasa and surrounding sites: Jokhang Temple, Potala Palace, Barkhor Street
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Samye Monastery and Tsethang
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Ganden Monastery, Mindroling Monastery, Drak Yerpa meditation caves
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Namtso Lake
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Reting Monastery, Drikung Til Monastery, Terdrom Hot Springs, Tsurphu Monastery
Essentially, all areas north of Lhasa and in the Lhasa region are open to travelers.
Note
These restrictions are beyond our control, and we kindly ask for your understanding. We remain hopeful that additional areas will reopen after the May holidays.
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