As Nepal and China celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations, tickets went on sale for the new regular bus service between Kathmandu and Lhasa, capital of Tibet Autonomous Region, which goes into operation on the Chinese side on April 29.

Kong Chunfang, general manager of Himalaya Passenger Transport Co., Ltd., the operator of the Chinese bus line, said they would be allowed to make eight trips every month.

Under the banner of Nepal's state-run transport company Sajha Yatayat, Gorkha Travels Company Limited of Lhasa will run the buses from Kathmandu.

According to Kong, the journey of over 955 kilometers, including 114 kilometers in Nepalese territory, will take two days and cost US$70 one-way. Passengers will stay at Sigatse City for one night and then pass Zhangmu land port.

Kong said an airplane standard of service will be provided on their two 35-seat South Korean Hyundai luxury buses.

Each bus is to be staffed by two drivers and one conductor, who will be able to speak Mandarin, Tibetan, Nepalese and English.

The Kathmandu-Lhasa highway was completed in 1965, and played an important role in cargo transportation and trade.

According to the bus company manager, journeys will be made on the morning of every Tuesday and Friday. For further information, travelers can call 0891-6824268.  

(China.org.cn by Wang Zhiyong April 28, 2005)