The first direct passenger bus plying from Nepal's capital Kathmandu to Lhasa City of Southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region arrived in Lhasa Wednesday afternoon after four-day journey with some ceremonies from the two sides.

A total of 40 passengers, including nine Nepali government officials, two reporters from Xinhua, 28 Nepali tourists and one US expert, enjoyed the first operation of the straight bus service, which set up a new milestone for Nepal-China friendship.

"The direct bus service is a historic event and is opening a new avenue between the two close neighbors," said Losang Jiangcun, vice-chairman of Tibet Autonomous Region.

The 955 km long journey of the shuttle bus has shorten the distance between the two peoples, Losang said at a welcome ceremony.