Dram

Dram, also known as Zhangmu (樟木) in Chinese and Khasa (खासा) in Nepalese, is a town in Xigaze Prefecture at the southern edge of Tibet, right at the Nepalese border. At 2350 m above sea level, it belongs more to the world of Nepal than the high plateau of Tibet.

Dram is on the Friendship Highway from Kathmandu, Nepal to Tibet. Entering Tibet from here requires the full array of permits and guides; see Tibet#Get in for details.

Historically the main gateway between Nepal and China, Dram was devastated by earthquakes in 2015 that destroyed the bridge and led to the evacuation of the town. A new bridge was opened in 2019, but most trade shifted to the other border crossing at Gyirong, which in turn was hit hard by a massive landslide in 2026.

The Friendship Hwy winds its way through Dram, zig-zagging back and forth as it descends the mountain side. At the lowest point of Dram is the edge of the no man's land that separates Dram from its counterpart on the Nepal side, Kodari. Here you will find Chinese Customs and Immigration at the gate that separates the town from the no man's land. The no man's land stretches for 10 km until you reach the Friendship Bridge with Nepalese Customs and Immigration at the other side. You have two options for travel through the no man's land - one is to walk and the other is to hitchhike. You will also find baggage porters, charging an average of 40 rupees per porter, who will carry your baggage across the no-man's land.

Bank of China does not change money. You may find that changing money will be better on the Chinese side of the border. Most merchants on both sides of the border take both Nepalese rupees and Chinese yuan for purchases and will offer to change your money.

Prices in Dram are the highest in Tibet - 2-3 times as expensive as Lhasa.

Lots of Chinese restaurants in the vicinity of the Bank of China branch.

Zhangmu Binguan, Zhangmu Luguan, Himalaya Hotel, Waishigongbianshi Binguan are the main hotels within Dram, near the Bank of China branch. the Riguang Lushe is further uphill from the other hotels.