Opening

Following the Gyirong Port landslide in late August 2026, several travel routes in western Tibet were temporarily affected by traffic controls. According to the latest travel updates, major travel routes serving Mount Everest, Saga, Darchen, Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar have now reopened, allowing affected itineraries to resume.

What Happened at Gyirong Port?

On August 26, 2026, a landslide on the Nepal side affected the Gyirong Port area and disrupted traffic on the G216 section between Gyirong Town and the border crossing. Temporary traffic controls were introduced while road clearance, emergency response and safety inspections were carried out.

Mount Everest Reopens

Mount Everest Scenic Area has also resumed ticket sales. Tickets officially went on sale again at 9:00 a.m. on September 26, 2026, after snow clearance, de-icing and road maintenance work restored basic conditions for safe access.

Some mountain roads and areas around Everest Base Camp may still have snow, ice and slippery surfaces. Vehicles should slow down and drive carefully, while visitors should follow scenic-area regulations, monitor weather conditions and prepare for cold temperatures.

Mount Kailash Temporarily Closed

Mount Kailash Scenic Area is currently temporarily closed due to heavy snowfall and unsafe road conditions.

According to the latest notice, access to the scenic area was suspended from 2:00 a.m. on September 26, 2026. Heavy snow has caused snow and ice to accumulate along the Mount Kailash kora route, creating significant travel risks.

Temporary traffic controls have also been introduced on some sections of G219 and along G564 in Purang County.

Travellers planning to visit Mount Kailash or travel through this part of Ngari should postpone or adjust their itineraries and confirm the latest access conditions before departure. The reopening time will depend on subsequent weather, snow clearance and road safety conditions.

Current Route Access and Restrictions

The following routes are currently open for travel:

• Southern Route: Lhasa → Shigatse → Mount Everest → Saga → Darchen → Mount Kailash / Lake Manasarovar
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• Northern Loop: Lhasa → Shigatse → Mount Everest → Saga → Darchen → Shiquanhe → Zhongba → Saga → Nima → Shenzha → Bangor
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Other Accessible Routes:

• G317: Lhasa → Nagqu → Suoxian → Dingqing → Baqing → Chamdo
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• G318: Currently accessible
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• G214: Currently accessible
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Currently Restricted Areas:

• Some areas in western Ngari remain temporarily inaccessible, including Geji, Gaize and Coqen.
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As road access may continue to change depending on weather, road conditions and temporary traffic controls, travellers should confirm the latest conditions with their travel agency before departure.

Reminder for International Self-Drive & Motorcycle Travellers

For international travellers planning a self-drive or motorcycle trip, please note the following requirements:

• Foreign tourists are still not permitted to travel independently in the TAR (Tibet Autonomous Region).
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• You must arrange your trip through a licensed travel agency.
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• The Tibet Travel Permit and any other permits required for your itinerary must be arranged in advance through a licensed travel agency.
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• Self-drive and motorcycle travellers must also confirm their temporary driving permits, vehicle arrangements and approved itineraries in advance.
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• Always double-check the latest road and weather conditions before departure.
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Conclusion

Self-drive and motorcycle trips to Mount Everest, Mount Kailash and other reopened areas can now be arranged again. However, as road and weather conditions in high-altitude areas can change quickly, travellers are advised to confirm the latest information before departure.