Nepal has lunched its first direct bus services from Kathmandu to Tibet on May 1, 2005 so as to promote bilateral ties, including trade and tourism. The bus services was inaugurated by the Minister of Labor and Transport Management Ram Narayan Singh amidst a function organized at Sajha Yatayat headquarter in Minbhawan.

The bus left for its 966 km long journey from the head-quarter at 8:40 AM . The Chinese Ambassador to Nepal , Sun Heping and high officials of His Majesty's Government were also present on the occasion. A total of 39 passengers, including nine Nepali government officials, two reporters from Xinhua and 28 others, took the ride on its first ever operation. “The straight bus services is a historic event and is opening a new avenue between the two neighboring countries.” said Minister Singh. Similarly, Sun Heping said that the initiation of bilateral bus service would further consolidate and develop the Nepali-China cooperation in the fields of economy, tourism and culture, and strengthen traditional friendship ties between the peoples of two countries.

According to the Sino-Nepal agreement, the bus will be allowed to complete eight trips every month. A single trip will take two days, including stay at Lazi County for one night. Passengers will be allowed to carry five kilograms of personal luggage and check fifteen kilograms for free. The one way fare for the two-day Trans-Himalayan journey has been set at US $70.

Sajha Yatayat is the sole operator of this service from Nepal side where as the Himalayan Passenger Transport Co. Ltd., is the exclusive Chinese operator of the bus line. Each bus will be staffed with two drivers and one conductor. Busses are also equipped with first-aid kits and drinking fountains and provide souvenirs to passengers.

Currently, Lhasa is linked by direct flights from Kathmandu . However, due to inclement weather in winter, the flights remain suspended during the period. The operation of bus service is expected to further facilitate and promote the flow of tourists between two countries.