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Home/China/to Nepal
Cross-border route

China Nepal

Driving across the border
Yes — you can drive from China into Nepal, and you should carry an International Driving Permit alongside your national licence. Nepal expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP, in the 1949 Geneva format. Important: China drives on the right and Nepal drives on the left, so the side of the road changes at the border — take extra care. Plan your border crossing in advance and keep your passport, national licence and IDP together.
⚠ Driving side changes at the border: China drives on the right, Nepal on the left.
Get my permit for Nepal Nepal requirements

Last reviewed June 2026

Route at a glance
FromChina
ToNepal
IDP in NepalRequired
Accepted format1949 Geneva
Driving sideChanges (right → left)
Currency in NepalNPR
China → Nepal

Crossing the border

China and Nepal share a land border you can cross by car. Keep your passport, national driving licence and International Driving Permit together, and check opening hours and any toll or vignette requirements before you travel.

Driving rules in Nepal

  • Drive on the left.
  • Steep, narrow mountain roads.
  • Zero-tolerance alcohol policy.
  • Carry passport, IDP and home licence.

What to see when you arrive in Nepal

  • Mount Everest and the Khumbu region
  • the temples of Kathmandu's Durbar Square
  • the Annapurna trekking circuit
  • the lakeside town of Pokhara
  • the stupa of Boudhanath

Common questions

01
Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive from China to Nepal?
Yes — Nepal requires foreign drivers to carry an IDP with their national licence. Nepal recognises the 1949 Geneva format, which is what we issue.
02
Does the driving side change between China and Nepal?
Yes. China drives on the right and Nepal drives on the left. Adjust carefully once you cross the border.
03
How quickly can I get an IDP for this trip?
International Driver Licence issues your digital IDP in as fast as 8 minutes, so you can have it ready before you set off.
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