Lhasa to Kathmandu bus service (hotels, price, buses)

[LeJeremy]

I've been researching possible routes for travelling from the UK to India overland, and I've found that it can be quite difficult.
The way I've seen recommended is to go via Turkey, Iran, and Pakistan, but this means going through unsafe territories. I've heard reports of travellers ending up getting through some parts of this journey only with a police escort.

So, after studying many maps and schedules, I think the best way for me to get to India would be to go by train to Beijing, China, take a local train to Lhasa, then somehow get to Kathmandu. Once in Nepal, it's very easy to get the rest of the way to India.

So my question is about bus service between Lhasa and Kathmandu. I've read many reports of fluctuating service. Sometimes it's running, sometimes it's not.
But what I want to find out is the price, the schedule, the termini (start and end locations), and contact information with the company that runs the service.

Thanks in advance. I know this is obscure information I'm requesting, but I really want to get to India without flying!

[tablemtn]

First, see whether or not the border is actually open. China often closes that border crossing for various reasons.

[LeJeremy]

Yes, the border sometimes closes/open at random, but I know there's a bus that runs between Lhasa and Kathmandu. I've seen articles about when China and Nepal struck up an agreement in 2005, but the most recent information I could find was dated from last year, and there was no contact info for the company.
I think my next step will be to contact a travel agency, if no one on here knows....

[seanhhlu]

oh,confused by your information.Do you mean that you don't fly to India from start to the end?or you can fly to Beijing of china,then fly to Sichuan of china ,there you can take a train to lahsa,but i will take you much time to do that.There is a direct flight from Beijing to lahsa.
As for your question,how can you start from lahsa to Kathmandu.According my knowlege ,you can take a direct bus now,the price is about 100$.or you can go with a travel agency.

[hkgal]

Hi LeJeremy, I heard that travel for foreigners (non-chinese) has tightened up in the recent year in that region and foreigners can't take the local buses (these seem to be the only ones running in this region now) but rather must hire a private vehicle with a guide, or join a group tour. I've also heard that negotiating this trip can be very difficult if you don't speak Chinese. I'd be doubtful that you'd be able to find out bus schedules, costs, contact details, etc, for this part of the world so I'd highly recommend you contact a travel agency who specialises in China/Tibet for more info. I'm sure you already know this but you also need to have your special permit to travel in the Tibetian autonomous region. Sounds like you have an amazing trip planned - good luck!

[DBCC]

Kathmandu has very few hotels. I would contact the hotel you will be staying at, or alternatively one of the five 5 star hotels belonging to the King.....they have excellent Tourism offices within the hotels themselves with very attentive staff. I am sure they would be more than willing to help.
kathmandu hotels , hotels in kathmandu , kathmandu hotels guide , kathmandu travel and
Welcome Nepal Nepal Tourism Board can also be very helpful
Good luck!!
Dee

PS, I walked across from Lhasa to Kathmandu many years ago. Quite an experience and many interesting people en route. Worth the aches and pains afterwards.

[DBCC]

Correct last entry to "belonging to the KingDOM" Many thanx!