Flying to Tibet is the most convenient way to reach the region, with flights from Chengdu to Lhasa and Kathmandu to Lhasa being the easiest options among all cities in China. The majority of Chinese domestic airlines operate Flight to Tibet; Lhasa from various cities within China.

Currently, the only international flight to Lhasa is from Kathmandu, and there are no direct flights from any other international destinations. Therefore, if you plan to fly to Lhasa, you will need to either fly from one of the cities in China or from Nepal.

It’s important to note that flight tickets to Tibet are generally more expensive compared to other parts of China due to the popularity of Tibet as an international and domestic tourist destination. Because of this popularity, it can be challenging to secure last-minute tickets, so it is advisable to book your flight ticket well in advance.

If you are flying from any other city in China, you will need the original Tibet travel permit to board the plane. In this case, the travel agency you choose will need to send the permit to your hotel in the other Chinese city. You can find more information about traveling to Tibet from other parts of China here.

On the other hand, if you are flying to Lhasa from Nepal, you will need to obtain a Chinese Group Visa from the Chinese Embassy in Nepal. Consequently, you will need to stay in Kathmandu for at least five days, including the departure date. You can find more information about traveling to Tibet from Nepal here.

Some excellent transit points for traveling to Tibet include Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi’an, Kunming, Shangri-La, Xining, Nanjing, and Xiamen.

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Tips for Booking a Flight to Tibet: Essential Information

Book in Advance: Due to Tibet’s popularity as an international and domestic tourist destination, flight tickets to Tibet are often more expensive compared to other parts of China. Availability can be limited, so it is advisable to book your flight ticket well in advance to secure your travel plans.
Tibet Travel Permit: If you are taking a flight from other cities in China to Tibet, you will need to obtain the original Tibet travel permit. It is important to note that the travel agency you choose should send the permit to your hotel in the city of departure. This permit is necessary to board the plane.
Chinese Group Visa for Nepal: If you are flying to Lhasa from Nepal, you will need to acquire a Chinese Group Visa from the Chinese Embassy in Nepal. Keep in mind that you will need to stay in Kathmandu for at least five days, including the departure date, to complete the visa process. Make sure to plan your schedule accordingly.
Transit Cities: There are several excellent transit cities for flights to Tibet, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi’an, Kunming, Shangri-La, Xining, Nanjing, or Xiamen. These cities offer convenient connections to flights heading to Tibet. Consider the available options and choose the one that suits your travel preferences and convenience.

When planning your trip to Tibet, it is crucial to stay informed about the latest travel regulations, requirements, and advisories. Check with the relevant authorities, travel agencies, and official websites to ensure you have the most up-to-date information for a smooth and hassle-free journey.

Terminal Distinctions and Arrival Procedures at Lhasa Airport

At Lhasa Airport, there are separate terminals for domestic and international flights.

For those flying from other cities in China to Lhasa, upon arrival at Lhasa airport, you can follow the domestic passengers as they exit the airport. At the main exit, an officer will check your Tibet travel permit.

After leaving the main airport building, you will notice a number of buses parked near the gate. These are shuttle buses stationed at their designated area. Proceed to the waiting area on the main road to meet your tour guide (refer to the image on the left). Please refrain from waiting for your guide inside the airport building.

If you are taking a flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa, you will arrive at the international terminal. At this terminal, you will go through Chinese Customs on the first floor. Upon proceeding to the ground floor, your tour guide will be waiting for you at another checkpoint, holding your Tibet travel permit and the border permit.

As you arrive, you will be presented with a white scarf, known as a Khata, as part of the welcome ceremony. You should hand over your original Tibet Travel permit to your guide. The journey from Lhasa Airport to the main city of Lhasa covers approximately 60 kilometers and takes around an hour. Please keep your passport easily accessible during this journey.

Conclusion: Important Considerations for Traveling to Tibet

While taking the train to Lhasa is a convenient option for traveling to Tibet from China, it’s essential for all travelers to understand that visiting Tibet requires proper organization through a local travel agency in Tibet, including obtaining a Tibet travel permit, having a tour guide, and arranging for private transportation. It is important to familiarize yourself with Tibet travel regulations, which can be found here.

When boarding flights at major Chinese airports, you will be required to present the original copy of your Tibet travel permit. A travel agency in Lhasa can assist in delivering your permit to your hotel in China or arrange for someone to provide it to you at the airport. It is crucial to ensure that you have access to your email while in China and take preventive measures such as providing an alternative email address to your travel agency in Lhasa, signing up on WeChat to communicate with your travel agent, and obtaining your agent’s phone number for direct contact.

By following these guidelines and making the necessary preparations, you can have a smooth and enjoyable journey to Tibet while adhering to the travel regulations in place.

FAQ about Flights to Tibet

When will I get the discount on the Tibet Flight ticket?

The availability of discounts on Tibet flight tickets depends on the season and the timing of your booking. Discounts are more likely during the low season, which falls between November and March. However, to secure a discount during this period, we would need your confirmation to book the ticket at least two months in advance.

During the high season, from April to October, it is challenging to find discounted Tibet flights due to the high influx of domestic tourists visiting the region.

It is important to note that flight prices tend to be higher during public holidays in China. To increase your chances of getting a discount, we recommend booking your flight ticket approximately two months before your travel date, after finalizing your Tibet tour and obtaining all the necessary Tibet travel information.

Additionally, it is advisable to obtain a Chinese Visa before purchasing your flight tickets to Tibet. Once you have the Visa stamped on your passport, we can proceed with the application for your Tibet travel permit. Therefore, it is best to buy the flight ticket after the Tibet Tourism Bureau approves our Tibet Permit application.

While the information provided is based on our experience, we will have more accurate details when we book your ticket. If you have any further questions or require travel consultancy for visiting Tibet, please feel free to contact us at info@coretreks.com for a free consultation.

Can I fly to Tibet directly from home?

Tibet, renowned as one of the world’s most remote regions, does not have direct international flights from most countries. Therefore, flying to Tibet directly from your home country is not possible. Instead, you have two options: flying to Tibet from Kathmandu or flying to Tibet from other cities in China.

The only international flight to Lhasa, Tibet, is available from Kathmandu, Nepal. Apart from this option, all other flights to Tibet are domestic flights within China. Thus, you can either fly to Kathmandu and then take a flight to Lhasa, or you can fly to any major city in China and then proceed to Tibet from there.

There are regular flights to Tibet from various major cities in China. In some cases, these flights may have longer durations and require a connecting flight before reaching Lhasa. Among the numerous options, the most common and recommended flight to Tibet is from Chengdu. Chengdu offers more than a dozen flights to Lhasa each day.

The permit policy differs depending on whether you are flying to Tibet from Nepal or from other cities in China:

If you are flying to Tibet from Nepal, your permit will be waiting for you in Tibet. You can find more information about traveling to Tibet from Nepal.
If you are flying from other cities in China to Tibet, we will need to send your permit to your hotel in the respective city. You can find more information about traveling to Tibet from China.

By following the appropriate permit procedures based on your point of departure, you can ensure a smooth journey to Tibet and fully enjoy your travel experience.

How far is Lhasa airport from Lhasa City?

Lhasa Airport is situated approximately 65 kilometers southwest of Lhasa city. The journey from Lhasa Airport to the city usually takes around one and a half hours.

To reach the city from the airport, you have two options. First, you can utilize the shuttle bus service provided, which is a convenient and cost-effective mode of transportation. Alternatively, you can opt for a private car, which can be arranged through your travel agency. Using a private car offers more flexibility and convenience, particularly if you have specific requirements or preferences for your transportation.

Both options provide reliable means of transportation to reach Lhasa city from Lhasa Airport, allowing you to commence your exploration and experience the wonders of Tibet.