Singapore is an excellent jumping-off point for traveling to Tibet. Geographically close to China and a major international transportation hub, flights are coming in and out of Singapore all the time. There is no direct connection to Lhasa, but there are many options for flying through cities in Mainland China or Kathmandu in Nepal. To help you plan your trip, here’s how to travel from Singapore to Tibet by air.

Singapore to Tibet Flight via Chengdu: Most Recommended Route

A flight from Singapore to Tibet through Chengdu is the most recommended route. Flights are frequent, giving you many options, and the distance between the cities makes for manageable flying times. There are four daily direct flights from Singapore to Chengdu flown by Air China, Sichuan Airlines, and Singapore Airlines. One-way economy tickets are around 180-300 USD, and the flight takes around 5 hours.

There are over a dozen nonstop flights from Chengdu to Lhasa each day currently, offering you numerous options. The flight typically lasts around 2 hours and costs as little as $200. Flights depart as early as 6:15 am and as late as 19:55 pm, providing ample choices for connecting flights.

If you don’t want to take the late flight, it’s worth spending a day in Chengdu if you’re not in a hurry. Besides the amazing food, you can visit the Chengdu Panda Reserve.

Singapore to Tibet Flight via Chongqing: Also a Popular Choice

Flying to Chongqing offers similar advantages, but fewer flights are available. There are 2-3 direct flights from Singapore to Chongqing each day offered by Air China, China Southern Airlines, and Singapore Airlines. Tickets from Air China or China Southern Airlines are available from 180 USD, and the flight takes around 5 hours.

Eleven direct flights connect Chongqing to Lhasa daily. The flight takes around 2h 45min, and tickets can be found for as low as 155 USD. All incoming flights from Singapore arrive in the evening, so plan to spend at least one night in Chongqing. Chongqing is a beautiful modern city with legendary food, but if you have time, you can check out the Ci Qi Kou Porcelain Village, a well-preserved ancient town with a vibrant market, or take a cable car ride across the Yangtze River.

Singapore to Tibet Flight via Beijing/Shanghai: Gateway to the East

Besides Tibet, China boasts impressive metropolises teeming with captivating blends of modern and traditional culture. Traveling from Singapore to Tibet via Shanghai or Beijing offers excellent opportunities to explore these bustling cities before continuing to Lhasa.

There are five to six direct flights from Singapore to Beijing each day on Air China or Singapore Airlines. Additionally, China Eastern Airlines and China Southern Airlines also operate flights from Singapore to Beijing intermittently. The flights, ranging from 6 to 6 hours and 55 minutes, offer tickets available for as low as $140 USD.

There are three direct flights from Beijing to Lhasa, departing in the morning around 08:30 or 08:10, 12:35, and 14:55 respectively. The flight to Lhasa takes 4 hours and costs between $200 and $450 USD. Most flights from Beijing to Lhasa depart from Beijing Capital International Airport, and some depart from Beijing Daxing International Airport. Please check the information before booking and boarding.

Flying to Shanghai from Singapore is even easier. There are 13 daily direct flights available in the morning, afternoon, evening, or late night. Tickets from China Eastern can be found for as low as $166 USD, or budget tickets are available from Spring Airlines for $123 USD. Currently, there are no non-stop flights from Shanghai to Lhasa. The quickest route is to change planes in Xi’an or Chengdu, making for a 6.5 to 7-hour journey for a little over $360 USD.

Singapore to Tibet Flight via Guangzhou: Explore Southern China

If you want to explore southern China, historic Guangzhou is a convenient option from Singapore. There are seven daily non-stop flights on China Southern Airlines, Scoot, and Singapore Airlines. The flight takes around 4 hours, and tickets cost as low as 111 USD. There are also flights available that will get you into Guangzhou early enough that you won’t have to spend the night there.

Currently, there are no non-stop flights to Lhasa from Guangzhou. The best option is China Eastern Flight MU5774. The flight departs Guangzhou at 07:55 am and arrives in Lhasa 6 hours later after a 40-minute stop in Diqing. It’s the fastest route and does not involve changing planes. Tickets cost around 266 USD.

Singapore to Tibet Flight via Xining: Train Options Available

Xining is unique in having both direct flights and trains to Lhasa. There are no direct flights from Singapore to Xining, but there are still many options to get there. The fastest routes take 10-12 hours with one or two stops. China Southern Flight CZ352 / CZ6241 is a good choice. There is a connection in Guangzhou lasting 3 hours and 35 minutes, and tickets cost around 500 USD.

There are four direct flights from Xining to Lhasa each day flown by Tibet Airlines and Sichuan Airlines. The flights take 2h 15mins to 2h 40mins and cost from 183 USD. It’s a short and easy trip, and departure times are conveniently spaced for morning, afternoon, and early evening options.

The big appeal of Xining for many travelers to Tibet is being able to take the famous Tibet train to Lhasa along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. It is an engineering marvel that passes through breathtaking scenery on the 1,972 km journey. There are six direct trains to choose from, with travel times from 20 to 21.5 hours. Sleeper berths only start from 69 USD.

Singapore to Tibet Flight via Kathmandu, Nepal

Kathmandu in Nepal is another interesting option. There is one direct flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa each week. Offered by Himalaya Airlines, the flight departs every Monday at 7:25 am. It costs 334 USD and only takes 1h 20min. During the flight, you can see a fantastic bird’s eye view of the Himalayan Mountain range and the towering Mount Everest.

Singapore Airlines flies direct to Kathmandu every day. The flight costs 390 USD and lasts 5 hours and 30 minutes. You will have to stop in Kathmandu for a couple of days to process your China Group Visa, so you don’t have to worry about connecting flight times. Flight availability can be less frequent in the low season though, check with us for more information.

Permits to Prepare for Flying from Singapore to Tibet

If you enter from mainland China, you can enjoy a visa-free policy for a stay of up to 30 days. However, you will need the Tibet Travel Permit for entry to Tibet and travel in the Lhasa area. We will arrange this permit after you have booked the tour with us.

When entering from Nepal, a Chinese Group Visa is needed, in addition to the Tibet Travel Permit. This is available through the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu and can only be applied for by a travel agency on behalf of tourists. Our representative will process this group visa and Tibet Travel Permit together for you once you arrive in Kathmandu.

Besides, for other areas of Tibet, such as visiting Everest Base Camp or Mount Kailash, additional permits are required. Don’t worry, though; we will take care of all the permits for you. Our tour packages include the service and cost of all the document processing.

Conclusion

Singapore is an excellent gateway city to Tibet. Whether traveling through mainland China cities or Nepal, the wide range of options available creates opportunities for any traveler from Singapore to explore the extraordinary wonders of the Tibetan Plateau. Don’t delay, tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll help you put together your dream tour.