India to China by Bus

[GautamJ]

I know some people go from India to China, but do not clearly know what mode of transport they use. I have seen a thread on the forum, where someone in inquiring about traveling from India to China by car.

I would like to know if you can travel from India to China by bus?

What all procedures are involved?

Do we change buses at the border?

What documents would we need to take along with us?

What would the cost be for traveling from India to China?

 

[briannagodess]

Hello and welcome to the forum!

I'll answer your questions to the best of my knowledge.

I would like to know if you can travel from India to China by bus?

Just last year, a new border was reopened to cross between India and China. This is the Nathu La Pass which is a lot safer to travel to than other routes that are open for crossing the border. And most importantly, you can travel by bus to reach the border and from there on reach Kairash Mansarovar Yatra. This is around 56 kms away from Sikkim, which is now the shortest route to get to China. Unfortunately though, it is not open for foreign travellers, it is open only to Indian tourists.

What all procedures are involved?

The Nathula Pass is open to visitors five days a week, Wednesdays to Sundays. First, you would need to acquire a permit through the Sikkim Tourism Department in Gangtok. To do this, you would need an authorised travel agent. You must pay Rs 200 per person and you can get your permit the next day. You need the following requirements:

• Photo ID
• Two passport size photos

Do we change buses at the border?

You can travel to Sikkim via bus to reach Gangtok. Then, you'd have to ride another bus to reach Nathula from Gangtok. From there on, you can cross the border only with a rented vehicle from your agency.

What documents would we need to take along with us?

You would need the permit given to you by the Sikkim Department of Tourism in Gangtok. Bring your ID as well.

What would the cost be for traveling from India to China?

Here's a breakdown of the costs for travelling from India to China:

• Permit: Rs 200
• Bus expenses: Rs 1,000 or more
• Peak season cost for shared vehicles: Rs 700
• Peak season cost for private vehicles: Rs 7,000
• Non-peak season for private vehicles cost: Rs 5,500 (there's no shared vehicles during this time)

I hope this helps!

 

[Admin]

How to Travel from India to China by Bus in 2025-26 – Latest Guide​

Traveling from India to China by bus is possible, but there are limited direct routes. Here’s an updated 2025 travel guide covering available bus routes, border crossings, and alternative travel options.

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Is There a Direct Bus from India to China?​

As of 2025, there is no direct bus service between India and China. However, you can take a combination of buses and local transport to cross the border through Nepal, Myanmar, or Tibet.

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Possible Bus Routes from India to China​

Route Option	Border Crossing	Bus Available?	Approx. Time	Cost (₹)
India → Nepal → Tibet → China	Raxaul (India) – Birgunj (Nepal) – Rasuwagadhi – Kyirong	Yes (Local Buses)	2-3 days	₹6,000 – ₹12,000
India → Myanmar → China	Moreh (India) – Tamu (Myanmar) – Ruili (China)	Yes (Private & Public Buses)	4-6 days	₹10,000 – ₹18,000
India → Bhutan → China	Phuentsholing (Bhutan) – Lhasa (Tibet)	No direct bus	N/A	N/A
India → Pakistan → China	Wagah Border – Khunjerab Pass	No public bus (only private tour operators)	5-7 days	₹15,000 – ₹25,000

Best Route: Nepal → Tibet → China is the easiest option with relatively smoother road conditions.

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Alternative Ways to Travel from India to China (2025-26)​

By Bus + Flight (Fastest & Most Reliable)​

• Take a bus from India to Kathmandu, Nepal.
• Fly from Kathmandu to major Chinese cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou).
• Total time: 10-15 hours (bus + flight).
• Cost: ₹15,000 - ₹30,000.

By Train + Bus (Budget-Friendly)​

• Take a train to Gorakhpur, then a bus to Kathmandu, Nepal.
• From Nepal, travel to Tibet by bus.
• Then take a high-speed train from Lhasa to mainland China.
• Total time: 4-6 days.
• Cost: ₹8,000 - ₹15,000.

By Road via Myanmar (Adventurous Option)​

• Travel from Manipur (Moreh) to Myanmar (Tamu).
• Take a bus to Mandalay, then another to Ruili (China).
• Requires special permits for Myanmar transit.
• Total time: 5-7 days.
• Cost: ₹10,000 - ₹20,000.

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Important Travel Tips for 2025-26​

China Visa Required: Indians cannot get a visa-on-arrival for China, so apply in advance.
Tibet Travel Permit: If transiting via Tibet, a Tibet Travel Permit (TTP) is mandatory.
Myanmar Transit Permit: You need a special permit for overland travel via Myanmar.
Bus Availability: Public buses are limited—private transport or tour operators are better options.
Weather Check: Himalayan routes close in winter (Nov-March), so plan accordingly.

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Final Recommendation:​

For the easiest and most reliable travel, take a bus to Kathmandu, then fly to China. If you prefer adventure, go via Tibet or Myanmar, but be prepared for multiple transport changes and visa requirements.
Got questions? Drop them below!