China shuts Gyirong border to tourists for 7 days after mudslides

Overland transit between Tibet and Nepal is halted after severe flash floods and mudslides destroyed key infrastructure at Gyirong Port.

Emergency closure on Gyirong access roads

A catastrophic mudslide originating on the Nepal side struck the Gyirong Port area in Tibet at 10:30 a.m. on Aug. 26, 2026, state media reported. The disaster tore through border infrastructure, severing access roads, electricity and telecommunications on the Chinese side while leaving three dead and 558 people missing, per emergency management updates.

Local traffic police imposed a complete two-way closure along the corridor from Gyirong Town to the border checkpoint. The restriction bars all private, passenger and commercial vehicles for at least 7 days through Sept. 1, reserving the route solely for disaster relief convoys.

Official notices warn that the road closure remains in effect until further notice depending on repair progress.

Route adjustments for overland itineraries

The shutdown blocks the primary land route for tourists, expats and nomads traveling between Lhasa and Kathmandu. Those monitoring regional transit via our guides for traveling in China will find that crossings at the Gyirong-Rasuwagadhi border are entirely frozen with no confirmed reopening date.

Overland tour operators have suspended vehicle transfers heading toward the border. Travelers holding Tibet travel permits for land crossings should avoid waiting for the initial 7-day traffic control window to expire, as extensive damage to roads and port facilities points to a lengthy rebuild.

Rebooking onto commercial flights between Lhasa and Kathmandu is currently the only viable way to maintain cross-border travel schedules.