Flying to Lhasa is the most convenient way to travel to the holy land of Tibet. In comparison to the trains, it is faster and time-saving. If you are considering taking a flight to Lhasa, don’t miss this guide. Here we will walk you through everything you need to know about flights to Lhasa, including routes and schedules, booking tips, required documents, and more. Read on to get inspired!

Domestic Flights to Lhasa: Direct Routes from Beijing, Chengdu, Xi’an and More

At present, you can take a flight to Lhasa from many cities in mainland China, and the main gateways include Beijing, Chengdu, Xi’an, Shanghai, Chongqing etc. It is very convenient for you to fly to one of these cities and then transfer to the plateau by air.

(1) Chengdu to Lhasa Flight

Chengdu is quite a popular departure point for Tibet, since it is located close to the plateau and offers the most frequent flights to Lhasa. There are over 20 direct flights from Chengdu to Lhasa every day, and the flying time is only about 2 hours. The airfare is also very affordable, with economy class starting at just $107.

Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport is the main airline hub for flights to Tibet.

When taking a flight from Chengdu to Lhasa, one thing to be noted is that there are two airports in Chengdu, namely Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport and Chengdu Tianfu International Airport. So double check which airport your flight will depart and allow sufficient time for the boarding process to avoid any delays.

Route	Dep. - Arr.	Flight No.	Airlines	Frequency
Chengdu to Lhasa	6:25 - 8:45	TV9803	Tibet Airlines	Daily
Chengdu to Lhasa	06:45 - 09:05	EU1949	Chengdu Airlines	Daily
Chengdu to Lhasa	07:30 - 10:10	CA2763	Air China	Daily
Chengdu to Lhasa	08:30 - 11:05	3U8693	Sichuan Airlines	Daily
Chengdu to Lhasa	09:05 - 11:35	TV9823	Tibet Airlines	Daily
Chengdu to Lhasa	11:45 - 14:35	CA4447	Air China	Daily
Chengdu to Lhasa	12:15 - 14:50	CA4405	Air China	Daily
Chengdu to Lhasa	14:30 - 17:15	CA2531	Air China	Daily
Chengdu to Lhasa	15:30 - 18:25	3U8697	Sichuan Airlines	Daily
Chengdu to Lhasa	16:35 - 19:00	TV9845	Tibet Airlines	Daily

Please note: The flights listed above are only a partial selection, and the details are for reference. Flight schedules from Chengdu to Lhasa will vary between peak and low seasons. For the most up-to-date information, feel free to contact us.

(2) Beijing to Lhasa Flight

As the capital city, Beijing is always the top choice for many international tourists entering China. From Beijing, you can easily transfer to the plateau by air, since there are daily non-stop flights to Lhasa. These flights depart 2 to 3 times per day, depending on the travel season, and take around 4 hours and 15 minutes. Compared to Chengdu, the flight from Beijing to Lhasa can cost higher, starting from $212 per person.

Route	Dep. - Arr.	Flight No.	Airlines	Frequency
Beijing to Lhasa	8:10 - 12:45	CA4125	Air China	Daily
Beijing to Lhasa	14:55 - 19:10	TV9816	Tibet Airlines	Daily

(3) Xi’an to Lhasa Flight

Xi’an is also a popular choice among tourists to enter Tibet. Here you can tour some stunning tourist attractions, including the world-renowned Terracotta Warriors, before flying to Lhasa. It is also one of the major air traffic hubs in China for international and domestic flights. The Xi’an Xianyang International Airport offers 10 direct flights to Lhasa per day during the peak season. These flights take about 3 hours for the nonstop route. The ticket price for the flight from Xi’an to Lhasa is as low as $100 per person.

Route	Dep. - Arr.	Flight No.	Airlines	Frequency
Xian to Lhasa	8:05 - 11:15	TV6051	Tibet Airlines	Daily
Xian to Lhasa	11:40 - 15:10	MU2335	China Easern Airlines	Daily
Xian to Lhasa	12:45 - 16:10	TV9964	Tibet Airlines	Daily
Xian to Lhasa	16:10 - 19:35	3U3155	Sichuan Airlines	Daily

(4) More Flights to Lhasa from Mainland China

Besides, you can choose to fly to Lhasa from many other gateway cities, like Shanghai, Chongqing, Xining, Guangzhou, and Kunming. There are two flights from Shanghai to Lhasa every day, with a stopover in Xi’an or Chengdu on the way. And from Chongqing, you have around 10 daily flights to choose from to get to Lhasa. Depending on your travel plan, you can choose the route that best suits your needs.

Route	Airlines	Duration	Duration	Price from
Shanghai-Lhasa	China Eastern Airlines, Tibet Airlines	7h 10m	2	$171
Chongqing-Lhasa	Sichuan Airlines, Air China, China Southern Airlines, West Air, Tibet Airlines	2h 40m	10	$123
Guangzhou-Lhasa	China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines	5h 55m	2	$125
Xining-Lhasa	Sichuan Airlines, Tibet Airlines	2h 10m	4	$160
Kunming-Lhasa	China Eastern, Tibet Airlines	2h 40m	5	$179

The Lhasa to Everest Base Camp tour is the most popular itinerary in Tibet.

International Flights to Lhasa: The Only Route from Kathmandu, Nepal

In addition to flying to Lhasa from mainland China, you can also choose to fly to Lhasa from Kathmandu in Nepal. The flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa is the only international flight to Tibet, and departs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at present. It takes only 1 hour and 20 minutes to reach Lhasa Gonggar Airport.

The flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa is also known as one of the most scenic routes, because it flies over the magnificent Himalayas. So you will have the chance to get a good view of Mount Everest, Lhotse, and several other high peaks from the window of the plane.

Route	Dep. - Arr.	Flight No.	Airlines	Frequency
Kathmandu to Lhasa	8:00 - 12:15	H9774	Himalayas Airlines	Mon, Wed, Fri
Lhasa to Kathmandu	13:00 - 12:25	H9775	Himalayas Airlines	Mon, Wed, Fri

How to Book a Flight to Lhasa? Can I Get a Discount?

Booking flights to Lhasa is easy. You can buy direct tickets directly through the airlines' official websites or popular ticket platforms such as Ctrip and Expedia. Although there are many flight options to Lhasa, it is wise to plan and book in advance, especially during the peak tourist season from April to October, to ensure that you can take the ideal flight.

To get the best fares, it is recommended to book as early as possible. Being flexible with your travel dates can also help save money, as airfares usually fluctuate according to the date and season. In addition, joining the airline's membership program or paying attention to promotions can also bring you more discounts.

Besides, you can also travel in low season to save money. During the off-season of winter months, many airlines offer discounted flights to Tibet. The ticket prices could drop by twice. This can largely save your total Tibet travel cost.

If you need any booking assistance, please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to find a flight that suits your needs.

Joining a small group tour can also cut down your travel cost.

What Documents Do I Need to Take a Flight to Lhasa?

Before boarding a flight to Lhasa, you must obtain the necessary documents. If you are flying dometically to Lhasa from cities such as Beijing, Shanghai or Chengdu, you will need a Chinese Visa and a Tibet Travel Permit. For an international flight to Lhasa from Kathmandu, you must have a Chinese Group Visa and a Tibet Travel Permit.

If you’re from a country that benefits from the Chinese visa-free policy, you will only need to apply for the Tibet Travel Permit. While the Chinese Visa must be arranged on your own, we can assist you in obtaining the Chinese Group Visa and Tibet Travel Permit. Simply contact us in advance and tell us your plan, and we will make it smooth and secure for you to get these documents.

Where is Lhasa Gonggar Airport? How to Get to Lhasa Downtown from the Airport?

Lhasa Gonggar Airport is located in Jiazhulin Town, Gonggar County, Shannan Prefecture, about 85 kilometers away from downtown Lhasa. At an elevation of around 3,570 meters, the airport is one of the highest airports in the world.

To get to downtown Lhasa from the airport, the best way is to use our free shuttle service. For To get to downtown Lhasa from the airport, the best option is to use our free shuttle service. For tourists who book your Tibet tour with us, we will pick you up upon your arrival at the airport, and transfer you directly to your hotel in Lhasa. This makes you enjoy a personalized and hassle-free experience.

Or, you can take a taxi or Didi (the China's version of Uber) to reach downtown Lhasa by yourself. The drive normally takes about 1 hour and costs around 100 to 200 CNY, depending on the distance. There are also airport shuttle buses which are much more budget. Departing every 15 minutes from 8:30 am, these buses cost only 30 CNY per person and conveniently take you to the city center.

All our Tibet small group tours include airport transfer services.

More Tips for Taking a Flight to Lhasa

Lhasa lies at an altitude of 3,656 meters above sea level, and this can cause altitude sickness for tourists arriving from lower regions. It is advisable to rest well once you reach your hotel in Lhasa before starting your tour. Allow your body to acclimatize properly, by drinking lots of water and eating small meals of high protein and vegetables.

While Lhasa has a temperate climate for the Tibetan plateau, it is still colder than many other lower-altitude regions. In summer, Lhasa’s temperatures can reach as high as 25 degrees Celsius during the day, and drop to around 4-5 degrees at night. While in winter, it is much colder, with temperatures ranging from 10 degrees to -10 degrees throughout the time. Therefore, it is essentical to pack warm clothing, even when you visit Lhasa in summer months, as early mornings and late evenings can still be quite chilly.

Conclusion

Flying to Lhasa is the fastest and most convenient way to start your trip to Tibet. Whether departing from a domestic city or Kathmandu, it is now easier than ever to travel to the roof of the world. Just plan your trip in advance, prepare the necessary documents, and refer to these travel tips to ensure a smooth and pleasant journey. So, hurry up and plan your trip and get ready to fly to the mysterious and magnificent Tibet! If you have any questions about traveling to Tibet, feel free to contact us or book your tour with us today!