Traveling from Kashgar to Lhasa is easier than many people think, even though the two cities are far away from each other. The most recommended way is to take an overland trip via the Xinjiang-Tibet Highway, which usually takes about 10 to 18 days, and allows you to visit popular sights like Mount Kailash en route. Besides, you can also take the train or flight for a different experience.

Here, we will introduce details on how to travel from Kashgar to Lhasa. Read to find out various routes, travel documents needed, and additional insider tips. Get inspired for your next trip from Kashgar to Lhasa!

Where are Kashgar and Lhasa? How Far is Lhasa from Kashgar?

Lying in the furthest western corner of China, Kashgar is an oasis city in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Prefecture. Once an important trading post and strategic location on the ancient Silk Road, the city is also famous for its rich Uyghur culture and traditional Sunday bazaars.

On the other hand, Lhasa is located on the Tibetan Plateau in the southwest of China. It is the center of Tibet, and a popular destination among worldwide tourists. Here, you can explore many popular Tibetan attractions like Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple.

The air-line distance between Kashgar and Lhasa is about 1200 kilometers. But when you travel between the two cities, you can cross a much longer distance, owing to the rugged terrain. Generally, the overland trip can be as long as nearly 3000 meters, while the train route is more winding.

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Kashgar to Lhasa by Overland: The Most Recommended Route via Mount Kailash

Traveling overland from Kashgar to Lhasa is the most recommended and rewarding way to experience the journey. It allows you to fully explore the amazing landscape along the route, including Mount Kailash, Mount Everest, Lake Yamdrok, etc.

Route: Xinjiang-Tibet Highway via Mount Kailash

The overland route follows the legendary Xinjiang-Tibet Highway (G219), and includes two sections across a total distance of 2,942 kilometers. The first section is from Kashgar to Shiquanhe, and mostly runs through rugged and desolate areas. En route, you will climb through the Kunlun and Karakoram mountain ranges, and pass by beautiful Pangong Lake.

The second section spans from Shiquanhe to Lhasa, and follows a well-paved road in most parts. Traveling all the way eastwards, you will pass through Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, Everest Base Camp, Shigatse city, Yamdrok Lake, before finally reaching Lhasa.

For those with more time, you can stop at Mt Kailash to take the holy 3-day kora trek, or stay overnight at Everest Base Camp to witness the amazing sunset or sunrise view of Mount Everest.

Duration and Travel Tips

The whole trip from Kashgar to Lhasa by overland can take from 10 days to as long as 18 days, depending on where you visit along the way. Due to the high altitude of over 4,500 meters on average, it is best to not rush when driving the road. And the best time to drive is from May to October, when the weather is mostly mild and stable.

Besides, driving from Kashgar to Lhasa does require you to be on an organized tour as individual travel in Tibet is not allowed. It is recommended to contact us in advance to prepare for a smooth and worry-free journey.

Kashgar to Lhasa by Flight: The Fastest Option via Chengdu or Xi’an

Currently, there are no direct flights from Kashgar to Lhasa, but you can make convenient transfers via major gateway cities to Tibet, such as Chengdu, Xi’an. This is still the fastest way to travel between the two cities, and can take around 8 to 16 hours.

Kashgar to Lhasa by Flight via Chengdu

On average, flights depart around 6-7 times a day from Kashgar to Chengdu. Mainly operated by Air China and Sichuan Airlines, these flights take about 4 to 4.5 hours to reach Chengdu Tianfu International Airport or Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport. The price starts from $130 per person.

From Chengdu, you have the most flexible choices on flying to Lhasa, as the flights depart over 20 times per day. The Chengdu to Lhasa flight also takes a shorter time, being only for about 2 hours and 10 minutes. An economic ticket can as low as $120 per person.

Kashgar to Lhasa by Flight via Xi’an

Xi’an is also a popular gateway to Tibet, and there are 7 to 8 daily flights from Kashgar to Xi’an. Mainly departing in the afternoon from 12:00 pm to 20:55 pm, these flights take about 4 hours to reach Xi’an. And the prices start from $115 per person.

From Xi’an to Lhasa, there are 8 to 9 daily flights running every day. These flights departs mainly in the morning from 6:20 am to 13:30 from Xi’an Xianyuang International Airport, and take about 3 hours to reach Lhasa. And the ticket prices are as low as $117 per person.

Besides, you can also transfer via Urumqi or Lanzhou. Both Urumqi and Lanzhou receive frequent flights from Kashgar, up to over 10 daily. While from the two cities, the flights to Lhasa are often available once daily.

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Kashgar to Lhasa by Train: The Scenic Route via the Qinghai-Tibet Railway

There is no direct train from Kashgar to Lhasa, but there is a train from Kashgar to Xining, from where you can easily get the connecting train to Lhasa along the world-famous Qinghai-Tibet Railway.

The train departs daily at 15:18 from Kashgar Railway Station and takes about 29 hours and 44 minutes to reach Xining Railway Station at 21:02 the next day. The ticket price for a hard sleeper is about $69 per person, and for a soft sleeper, about $108.

From Xining, there are seven daily trains operating to Lhasa. The train from Xining to Lhasa departs as early as 11:47 a.m. and as late as 11:15 p.m., taking about 20 to 21 hours to reach Lhasa. The train is specially designed for high-plateau travel and is equipped with an oxygen supply to help passengers cope with the high altitude.

What Documents are Required to Travel from Kashgar to Lhasa?

Traveling from Kashgar to Lhasa requires some important documents. First, you must have a valid Chinese Visa to enter and travel within China. The good news is that if you are from a visa-free country for China, you don’t need to obtain the visa in advance.

Next, the Tibet Travel Permit is a must for all international tourists to enter Tibet. It can only be arranged through a licensed Tibetan travel agency like us. Just contact us at least 20 days in advance, and we will guarantee your permit for a smooth trip.

Besides, when traveling to remote areas of Tibet, like Mount Kailash and Mount Everest, you will also need to obtain the Aliens’ Travel Permit and Military Permit. But don’t worry - As long as you book your tour with us, our tour guides will help you arrange all these permits after you enter Tibet.

Make Your Journey from Kashgar to Lhasa Easy with Us

It may sound a bit complicated to travel from Kashgar to Lhasa. But we are here to make it easy and hassle-free for you, with our years of Tibet tour operating experiences.

Based on your needs and interests, we can help you to customize your trip from Kashgar to Lhasa. We take care of everything, including required travel permits, comfortable hotels, experienced local guides and drivers, and more. We can also help book your flight or train tickets to Lhasa.

Whether you want to explore the natural landscape, or immerse yourself in the unique cultures, we will make your dream tour come true. Just contact us in advance and tell us your travel ideas!

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Conclusion

The vast distance from Kashgar to Lhasa doesn’t make it so hard to travel between two cities. Taking an overland tour is highly recommended, as it allows you to take in various landscapes and popular attractions across Xinjiang and Tibet. While you can also choose to travel by train or flight for a different experience.

No matter which way you choose, the journey from Kashgar to Lhasa can be an unforgettable experience of your lifetime. If you still have any questions, feel free to contact us or book your tour with us today!