Kathmandu to Lhasa Flight Guide 2026

Get the latest Kathmandu–Lhasa flight schedules, airfare, airline details, and Tibet Travel Permit information to make planning your Tibet trip quick and easy.

Flight time
About 1 h 20 min
nonstop
Frequency
4 Flights per week
Mon, Tues, Thur & Fri
Airports
Kathmandu (KTM)) - Lhasa (LXA)
Document
Tibet Travel Permit
required for boarding

Flying from Kathmandu to Lhasa is the easiest way to travel from Nepal to Tibet. The direct flight takes only about 1 hour and 20 minutes, offering spectacular views of the Himalayas before arriving on the Tibetan Plateau.

On this page, you'll find the latest Kathmandu to Lhasa flight schedules, airline information, airport details, and Tibet Travel Permit requirements. We also provide practical travel tips to help you plan a smooth journey.

Whether you're planning to explore the cultural treasures of Lhasa, visit Tibet Everest Base Camp, or embark on a Mount Kailash pilgrimage, this guide will help you begin your Tibet adventure with confidence.

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Flight Schedule between Kathmandu and Lhasa

The Kathmandu–Lhasa route is the only direct international flight connecting Nepal and Tibet. Operated by Himalaya Airlines, the flight runs four times a week and takes just about 1 hour and 20 minutes, making it the quickest way to reach Lhasa from Kathmandu.

Both outbound and return flights operate between Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) and Lhasa Gonggar International Airport (LXA). The return flight follows the same weekly schedule, with a similar flight duration.

Kathmandu → Lhasa
Lhasa → Kathmandu

Kathmandu to Lhasa Flight Schedule

Check the current direct flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa, including departure and arrival times, flight duration, and operating days.

Flight Route	Flight No.	Dep. - Arr.	Duration	Aircraft Type	Frequency
Kathmandu - Lhasa	H9774 Himalaya Airlines	08:30 - 12:05 KTM - LXA	1h 20m Nonstop	A 319	Mon, Tues, Thur, Fri

Lhasa to Kathmandu Flight Schedule

Here is the current return flight from Lhasa to Kathmandu, making it easy to plan your journey back to Nepal.

Flight Route	Flight No.	Dep. - Arr.	Duration	Aircraft Type	Frequency
Lhasa - Kathmandu	H9775 Himalaya Airlines	13:15 - 12:35 LXA - KTM	1h 35m Nonstop	A 319	Mon, Tues, Thur, Fri

Please Note:

1. Flight schedules to Lhasa may change due to weather or seasonal conditions. The information above is for reference only. Please contact us for the latest flight updates and airfare.

2. Please ensure you have your Tibet Travel Permit before airport check-in, or you will not be allowed to board. If you haven’t applied yet, just let us know when booking your flight. We can arrange your flight, permit, and Tibet tour together at a local price for a smooth experience.

3. Tibet is 2 hours and 15 minutes ahead of Nepal. All departure and arrival times shown above are based on the local time at each airport.

Map Guide of Kathmandu to Lhasa Flight

Route Direction: From Kathmandu, Nepal to Lhasa on the Tibetan Plateau
Departure Airport: Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), about 6 km from downtown Kathmandu
Arrival Airport: Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA), about 60 km from downtown Lhasa
Approx. Distance: Around 610 km
Altitude Increase: 1,330 metres (Kathmandu) - 3,650 metres (Lhasa)
Flight Duration: Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes on direct flights
Scenery: Enjoy breathtaking aerial views of the Himalayas, including snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and the vast Tibetan Plateau on clear days
Flight Frequency: Four direct flights per week (Mon, Tues, Thur & Fri) operated by Himalaya Airlines

More Information about Kathmandu to Lhasa Flight

Why Travel from Kathmandu to Lhasa by Air?

Currently, there are two ways to travel from Nepal to Tibet: by road or by air. For travelers who prefer not to spend much time on the road, flying is the fastest and most convenient option. While the overland journey from Kathmandu to Lhasa can take several days, a direct flight takes only about 1 hour and 20 minutes.

In addition, when flying from Kathmandu to Lhasa, you'll enjoy spectacular bird's-eye views of the Himalayas. On clear days, you may catch a glimpse of some of the world's highest mountains, including Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.

Moreover, as Nepal's capital, Kathmandu is served by numerous international airlines, making it easily accessible from many parts of the world. Travelers from many countries can also obtain a visa on arrival in Nepal. This makes it easy to fly into Kathmandu before continuing your journey to Lhasa.
Kathmandu to Lhasa Flight Cost: Is It Expensive? How to Find Cheaper Tickets?

Ticket prices for flights from Kathmandu to Lhasa can vary significantly depending on the season, but they are generally more expensive than flights to Tibet from mainland China. On average, one-way economy class tickets cost between USD 350 and USD 500.

To get a cheaper flight ticket, it is best to avoid the peak travel season in Tibet, which runs from May to October. During these months, prices tend to rise due to increased demand. Instead, plan your Tibet tour during the low season, such as the winter months, when you'll have a better chance of finding discounted flights from Kathmandu to Lhasa.

It's also wise to book your flight in advance to save money. In general, tickets booked about one month in advance are often much cheaper than those purchased closer to the departure date. Once you've finalized your itinerary, start looking for flights as early as possible.
What Documents are Required to Take the Kathmandu to Lhasa Flight?

Before traveling from Nepal to Tibet by air, you need to prepare a Chinese Visa and a Tibet Travel Permit. The good news is that if you are from one of China's visa-free countries, you only need a Tibet Travel Permit.

You can obtain a Chinese Visa on your own in your home country or a third country. Alternatively, you can apply for a Chinese Group Visa at the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu. In this case, we will assist you with the application, as individual applications for a Chinese Group Visa are not accepted. Just make sure to arrive in Kathmandu at least five days before your flight to allow enough time for the application process.

As for the Tibet Travel Permit, we will also handle it on your behalf through a simple process. Just book your Tibet tour with us about one month in advance, and we will take care of the remaining procedures.

If you plan to visit areas such as Everest Base Camp or Mount Kailash after entering Tibet, additional permits, including the Aliens' Travel Permit and Military Permit, are also required. Don't worry—we will arrange all the necessary permits for you to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey.
Where is Kathmandu Airport and How to Get There for Boarding?

Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) is the primary airport in Nepal, located about 6 kilometers east of downtown Kathmandu. It is one of the three international airports in Nepal and serves as the main gateway for flights to Lhasa.

To reach the airport, taking a taxi from your hotel is the most convenient option, especially if you have heavy luggage. The journey usually takes around 30 minutes, depending on traffic, and costs between NPR 200 and NPR 400. Airport shuttle buses are also available between downtown Kathmandu and the airport.

Whichever mode of transportation you choose, it's advisable to arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight to allow enough time for check-in and security procedures.
Where is Lhasa Airport and How to Transfer to Downtown after Arrival?

Flights from Kathmandu arrive at Lhasa Gonggar International Airport, located about 60 kilometers southwest of downtown Lhasa. The drive from the airport to downtown Lhasa usually takes 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic. Along the way, you'll enjoy scenic views of the Yarlung Tsangpo River.

The most convenient way to reach downtown Lhasa is with our free airport transfer service. If you've booked your Tibet tour with us, our local guide will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel in a private, comfortable vehicle.

Alternatively, you can take a taxi or Didi (China's version of Uber) to your hotel. Taxi fares usually range from CNY 150 to CNY 250, depending on the season and traffic. Taxis are readily available outside the terminal.

For a more budget-friendly option, airport shuttle buses also operate between Lhasa Gonggar International Airport and downtown Lhasa. The fare is CNY 30 per person, and the buses are scheduled to coincide with major flight arrivals. The shuttle bus's final stop is the Civil Aviation Bureau building, located about 1.1 kilometers east of the Potala Palace.

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