Flying to Tibet is a fantastic way to save time on your journey, allowing you to have more time to explore the iconic sites on the plateau. This article offers the ultimate guide to all flight options to Tibet, making it easier for you to choose the suitable airline route.

Are There Any Flights to Tibet? The Overall Guide

At present, many major cities in mainland China offer direct flights to Lhasa. Beijing, Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi’an, and Kunming are popular options for nonstop flights, and cities like Shanghai and Guangzhou have convenient connections to Tibet. International travelers can also fly to Lhasa from Kathmandu.

Domestic flights to other destinations in Tibet, such as Nyingchi, Ngari, and Shigatse, are also available. Major and budget airlines, including Air China, Sichuan Airlines, and Tibet Airlines, make it possible to jump right into your Tibet adventure from a range of convenient departure points.

Fly to Tibet from Kathmandu: the Only International Nonstop Flight to Tibet

From tourists planning to enter Tibet from Nepal, you have the choice to take a flight directly to Lhasa. Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu has the only nonstop international flight to Lhasa Gonggar Airport. The flight departs once a week, every Monday. It takes off at 07:25 and lands in Lhasa 1h 20m later.

The Himalayan Airlines operates the flight and flies directly over the Himalayas, with a great view of Mount Everest. It costs around 400 USD and can be booked online or through a travel agency.

One thing to be noted is that you need to get the Chinese Group Visa and Tibet Travel Permit before taking the flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa. Make sure you contact us in advance to arrange them on your behalf, before your flight journey.

Fly to Tibet from Chengdu: The Most Frequent Direct Flights to Lhasa

When traveling from China to Tibet by air, Chengdu could be the most popular choice. Chengdu is a major transportation hub for western China and has the most frequent number of direct flights available to Lhasa. Departing from both Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport and Chengdu Tianfu International Airport, more than 20 nonstop flights are available daily.

The flights from Chengdu to Lhasa take only around 2.5 hours to reach Lhasa Gonggar Airport, and many airlines such as Air China, Tibet Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, and Sichuan Airlines cover this route. Most tickets cost between 250 and 285 USD.

Fly to Tibet from Chongqing: Also a Popular Choice from Southwest China

Also, in southwest China and next to Chengdu, Chongqing serves as a convenient departure point for Lhasa. Air China, Tibet Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, and China Southern Airlines offer more than 10 daily flights with a duration of around 3 hours. Flights are available all day long from 06:40 to 18:15.

Tibet Airlines has the lowest prices, with tickets around 222 USD. The fastest flight from Chongqing to Lhasa is 2h 45m on Sichuan Airlines flight 3U3179.

Fly to Tibet from Xi’an: Explore the Ancient Capital

If you are curious about Chinese history and culture, it is recommended to travel to Tibet via Xi’an. The ancient capital, Xi’an, has amazing sites to explore before you fly to Tibet. Spend a few days seeing the famous Terracotta Army, ancient city walls, and Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and then take one of the six nonstop flights to Tibet.

Departing between 06:25 and 15:20, the flights from Xi’an to Lhasa operated by China Eastern Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, and Tibet Airlines take between 3-3.5 hours to reach Lhasa. Sichuan Airlines flight 3U3253 is the most affordable, with tickets starting at 240 USD.

Fly to Tibet from Beijing: Convenient for Transfers

Beijing is one of the most convenient cities for international travelers to reach in China. Direct flights arrive from countries all over the world, making it a great transfer point for getting to Tibet.

Three direct flights to Lhasa depart Beijing Capital Airport each day. Tibet Airlines flight TV9816 departs at 14:55 and costs around 340 USD. China Airlines flights CA4125 and CA4123 depart respectively at 07:45 and 12:35. The flights from Beijing to Lhasa take around 4.5 hours.

Fly to Tibet from Shanghai: Discovering the Metropolis

Shanghai is an ultra-modern metropolis where you can still get a feel of the old city. After exploring the historic Bund and Yu Garden, you can catch a flight to Lhasa by connecting through Xi’an or Chengdu.

The quickest route is through Chengdu on Tibet Airlines flight TV9882. It departs from Hongqiao Airport and arrives in Lhasa 7h 10m later. Tickets cost around 467 USD. China Eastern flies from Shanghai to Lhasa via Xi’an. The flight leaves from Pudong Airport and takes 7h 40m. Tickets are available for as low as 324 USD.

Fly to Tibet from Guangzhou: A Popular Choice from Southern China

There are no direct flights to Lhasa from Guangzhou, but as a popular arrival point in southern China, it serves as a gateway to Tibet. China Eastern offers the fastest option. Flight MU5774 departs each day at 9 am and arrives in Lhasa at 14:50 pm after a stop in Diqing, Tibet. Tickets cost around 308 USD.

There are also flights that connect through Chongqing. China Southern Airlines Flight CZ3463 departs at 08:25. The flight takes 6h 5m, and tickets cost around 406 USD.

Fly to Tibet from Xining: A Quicker Way than Qinghai Tibet Train

Xining is most popular as the starting point for the famous Qinghai-Tibet Railway. The 20-hour train journey is an incredible way to see the vast landscapes of the Tibetan Plateau, but if you want to get to Lhasa faster, it’s one of the closer airports.

Daily flights from Xining to Lhasa are available from Sichuan Airlines and Tibet Airlines, and depart 4 times from 12:00 to 18:40. The flight time is around 2.5 hours, and tickets cost around 184 USD.

Fly to Tibet from Kunming: A Faster Choice than Overland Travel

The Yunnan-Tibet Highway is a popular overland route that goes from Kunming through eastern Tibet. It takes around 44 hours of driving time, but 5 nonstop flights from the ‘City of Eternal Spring’ offer a faster way to get there.

China Eastern Flight MU9737 departs Kunming at 15:25. The flight takes 2h 40m, and tickets cost 345 USD. Tibet Airlines also flies the route, taking 3h 20m. Tickets cost 379 USD, and the flight departs at 16:30. Besides, the Lucky Air offers the cheapest flights from Kunming to Lhasa, as low as 129 USD for an economic ticket.

Fly to Nyingchi of Tibet: Reaching the Lower Airport in Eastern Tibet

Nyingchi, located in southeastern Tibet, has an airport at a lower altitude compared to Lhasa's. At 2,949 meters, there's less chance of altitude sickness when arriving from a lower-elevation area. Nyingchi is also an excellent place to start exploring attractions like the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon and Lulang Forest.

Flights to Nyingchi are available from cities like Chengdu, Beijing, Xi’an, Chongqing, and Guangzhou. Flying from Chengdu takes around 2 hours, and tickets cost 265 USD. The single daily nonstop flight from Beijing takes 4h15m and costs 346 USD.

Fly to Ngari of Tibet: Getting Close to Mount Kailash Quickly

Mount Kailash in Ngari Prefecture is a destination for many pilgrims and trekkers visiting Tibet. If you're looking to reach there quickly, you can take a flight to Ngari and then drive to Mount Kailash.

There are three daily flights from Lhasa to Ali Kunsha Airport in Ngari. These flights cost 441 USD and depart in the morning, taking about 2 hours to complete the journey. Flights are also available from Kashgar, taking 1 hour and 50 minutes and costing 276 USD.

Ngari is situated at an elevation of 4,500m, so it's important to be aware of the risks of altitude sickness. It's advisable to spend a few days in Lhasa acclimatizing before heading to Mount Kailash.

What Permits to Obtain for Flying to Tibet?

For tourists who are flying to Tibet from mainland China, you need to obtain a Chinese Visa and Tibet Travel Permit. The visa can be applied for at the nearest Chinese Embassy or Consulate. Our tour service includes applying for the Tibet Travel Permit on your behalf. After booking your Tibet tour with us, we will ensure your Tibet Travel Permit is ready before you take the flight to Lhasa.

If you are entering Tibet from Nepal, you need to obtain the Chinese Group Visa and Tibet Travel Permit. On this occasion, we can also help you to obtain them together. Just be in Kathmandu about 4 days ahead of time, allowing enough time for the permit application. Then you will be able to take the Kathmandu to Lhasa flight.

As for visiting more other places of Tibet, like Ngari and Nyingchi, you will need additional permits like Alien’s Travel Permit, Military Permit and Foreign Affairs Permit. These permits can be obtained after you’ve entered Tibet. We will handle all of the details for you.

Conclusion

With a variety of convenient departure cities to choose from, flying to Tibet is a great way to speed up your arrival in the Himalayan region. You can also explore popular cities like Kathmandu, Beijing, or Xi’an before beginning your Tibet tour. If you need any assistance in planning your flight journey to Tibet or organizing your Tibet tour, feel free to contact us.