Traveling During The Chinese National Day
The National Day of the People’s Republic of China (Chinese:国庆, pinyin: guóqìng jié) is celebrated every year on October 1. The reason we celebrate it on October 1 is because our country was founded on October 1, 1949 with a ceremony at Tiananmen Square.
In past times, this day was marked by speeches, military parades and TV program or similar activities. Since 2000, this national holiday lasts seven days, so most workers while off from work for the week will relatives or take time for traveling. If you do travel during this time, it’s better to book everything at least 2 weeks in advance.
However, travel in Tibet is not as busy this time of year compared to other cities in China.
If you want to enter Tibet from Nepal, we advise you secure your ‘Group Chinese Visa” before the holiday starts. Traditionally every year the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu closes from Oct. 1 till Oct. 9, we expect this year to be no different.
This means that you may choose to advance or postpone your trip to Tibet. We advise clients should arrive in Nepal if they want to apply for the Chinese Group Visa, the embassy will review your passport to ensure you have a Nepal immigration entry stamp .
If you are Chinese passport holders, we advise you secure your Nepal Visa in Beijing or Lhasa before the National Day starts.
If you travel from Lhasa to Nepal, the Chinese National Day does not affect your Nepal visa at all.
Wish you a pleasant trip during National Day.
Related tours
This 11-day Beijing Xi’an Lhasa Train Tour links China’s ancient capitals with Tibet’s cultural heart. Visit the Great Wall and Terracotta Warriors, then take the Qinghai-Tibet Railway to Lhasa to explore the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and the stunning Namtso Lake or Yamdrok tso.
Experience a 12-day Chengdu Tibet Train Tour that links Sichuan’s culture with Tibet’s Himalayan wonders. Visit pandas and the Leshan Giant Buddha, ride the Qinghai-Tibet Railway to Lhasa, explore the Potala Palace, and travel west via Gyantse and Shigatse to Everest Base Camp before returning to Lhasa.
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