If you are considering traveling from Hong Kong to Tibet, you may be wondering if there are direct flights and how to get there. In this article, we will introduce the four best options for flying to Tibet from Hong Kong. Read on to discover how to fly from Hong Kong to Lhasa easily and smoothly!

Is There a Direct Flight from Hong Kong to Lhasa? Not Yet Available

For the time being, there are no direct flights from Hong Kong to Lhasa, though this is expected to change in the near future. However, you can take a connecting flight from Hong Kong to Lhasa, traveling via Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi’an, Beijing, or Shanghai. And while this is not as fast as a direct flight may be, it is a great and convenient way to travel.

Hong Kong to Lhasa Flight via Chengdu: the Most Recommended Route

The most recommended way to get to Lhasa from Hong Kong is via a flight through Chengdu in Sichuan Province. You can first fly from Hong Kong to Chengdu, then make a change at Chengdu Airport for Lhasa. Depending on your preference, you can easily book connecting flights either separately or as part of a continuous journey.

Direct Flight from Hong Kong to Chengdu

At present, there are around seven daily flights from Hong Kong to Chengdu, which take around 2 hours 30 minutes. The flights to Chengdu from Hong Kong are offered by Air China, Sichuan Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines as well as Cathay Pacific Airways, and cost from around US$ 283 per person for one-way economy flights.

The advantage of flying via Chengdu, rather than using other cities in China for the trip from Hong Kong to Lhasa, is that you can easily make the connection with the flights to Tibet if your time it right.

Chengdu is also one of the more popular places to stopover in for those that want to explore a little before heading for Tibet. Not only are there plenty of things to see and do in the city itself, you can also go spend a day with the famous giant pandas in the Panda Research Base. Or take a short river cruise to visit the tallest Buddha statue in the world at Leshan, plus many other attractions.

One can stop in Chengdu to visit the Giant Panda.

Direct Flight from Chengdu to Lhasa

Chengdu is the primary departure airport for flights to Lhasa from mainland China and is one of the most popular among all airports offering direct flights to Tibet. With approximately twenty direct flights departing daily, there are ample options for connecting flights.

The flights from Chengdu to Lhasa depart at various times throughout the day, starting from 6:20 in the morning and continuing until 19:55 in the evening. These flights typically have a duration of around 2 hours and cost as little as 155 US dollars per person for one-way economy flights.

Hong Kong to Lhasa Flight via Chongqing: Also a Popular Choice

Instead of Chengdu, another option is flying via the nearby municipality of Chongqing. As the only inland municipality in China, Chongqing is a popular departure point for Tibet. Situated at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, the surrounding area is known for the Three Gorges Dam. Chongqing also offers cruises to and through the dam on the Yangtze River.

Direct Flight from Hong Kong to Chongqing

There are three direct flights from Hong Kong to Chongqing per day, departing from Hong Kong Airport at 8:15, 14:50, and 21:20 with various Chinese airlines. The flight to Chongqing typically takes around 2 hours and 25 minutes, with costs starting from approximately 139 US dollars per person.

Of the three flights from Hong Kong, only the earliest departure connects with a flight to Lhasa. The two afternoon flights arrive in Chongqing late in the day, requiring an overnight stay in Chongqing before catching the flight to Lhasa.

Direct Flight from Chongqing to Lhasa

There are over ten daily direct flights from Chongqing to Lhasa, operated by various airlines in China. However, since most flights from Hong Kong to Chongqing arrive in the evening, you will likely have to wait until the following day to catch a flight to Lhasa.

Flights from Chongqing to Lhasa typically take around 2 hours and 40 minutes and can cost as little as 127 US dollars per person for one-way economy flights. These flights start as early as 6:50 am daily, allowing you to arrange your travel to reach Lhasa on your first day on the plateau.

Hong Kong to Lhasa Flight via Xi’an: Exploring Ancient China

Flying to Lhasa from Hong Kong via Xi’an is another option for Tibet-bound tourists, though flights to Xi’an may be limited. Fortunately, for those who have to stop over or wish to explore, Xi’an has much to offer. Situated on the vast Guanzhong Plain, this ancient capital of Imperial China is famous for the Terracotta Warriors, an army crafted to accompany the First Emperor into the afterlife.

Direct Flight from Hong Kong to Xi’an

There are two daily direct flights from Hong Kong to Xi’an. These flights are operated by China Eastern and Cathay Pacific Airways, with a duration ranging from 2 hours and 50 minutes to 3 hours and 25 minutes. While the cheapest flights can be as low as 199 US dollars, making them relatively affordable.

Xi'an City Wall is one of the oldest, largest and best preserved Chinese city walls.

The limited number of flights may require an overnight stay in Xi’an if you opt for the later flight from Hong Kong. However, you can utilize this time to explore the ancient capital city.

Direct Flight from Xi’an to Lhasa

Xi’an Xianyang International Airport offers approximately eight daily direct flights to Lhasa, providing numerous options for connecting flights upon arrival from Hong Kong. These flights from Xi’an typically take around 3 hours to reach Lhasa and can cost as little as 147 US dollars per person.

The flights commence as early as 6:55 am daily and continue throughout the day, with the last departure at 21:05 pm. Consequently, travelers opting for the later flight from Hong Kong may miss the connecting flights. Nonetheless, given the abundance of attractions and activities in the city, an overnight stop, if necessary, is well worth the minor inconvenience.

Hong Kong to Lhasa Flight via Beijing/Shanghai: Convenient for Transfers

Flying from Hong Kong to Lhasa via Beijing or Shanghai offers convenient transfer options. Both cities are major hubs with frequent flights to Lhasa, ensuring smooth connections. You can also explore various cultural landmarks during layovers, enhancing your journey.

Direct Flights from Hong Kong to Beijing/Shanghai

Flying from Hong Kong to Beijing usually takes around 3.5 hours, and there are 15 daily direct flights available. The earliest arrival in Beijing is at 11:50, so plan for at least one overnight stay. Spend a few days in Beijing exploring iconic sites like the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and the Great Wall.

On the other hand, a flight from Hong Kong to Shanghai lasts only about 2.5 hours and offers numerous flights. Before heading to Tibet, you can explore Shanghai's attractions such as the Bund, Yu Garden, and Oriental Pearl TV Tower.

Direct Flights from Beijing/Shanghai to Lhasa

In Beijing, you'll find three direct flights to Lhasa, departing in the morning around 08:30 or 08:10, 12:35, and 14:55 respectively. The flight duration to Lhasa is approximately 4 hours, with ticket prices as low as $200. Most flights depart from Beijing Capital International Airport, although some depart from Beijing Daxing International Airport. Make sure to verify the details before booking and boarding.

As for Shanghai, there are currently no direct flights to Lhasa. The quickest option is to make a stopover in Xi’an or Chengdu, resulting in a journey of about 6.5 to 7 hours, priced at a little over $360 USD.

What Documents are Required for Flying from Hong Kong to Lhasa?

A Tibet Travel Permit is necessary for all international tourists, and individual applications are not accepted. However, we can assist you in obtaining it when you book your Tibet tour with us. Simply email us copies of your Chinese Visa and valid passport in advance. Moreover, if you're from a country eligible for China's visa exemption policy, you can just send us a copy of your passport.

Travelers holding a Hong Kong or Macau passport do not need to apply for a Tibet Travel Permit. Instead, you will need to present your HK/Macau SAR Passport and Home Return Permit for your visit to Tibet.

Conclusion

For tourists planning a Hong Kong Tibet flight journey right now, you can easily find connecting flights to Lhasa through cities like Chengdu, Chongqing, and Xi’an. These cities offer great attractions to explore while you wait for your flight to Tibet. Contact us for more information, or let us know what you need, and we'll assist you in booking your tour today.