Flights from Kathmandu to Lhasa and Lhasa to Kathmandu

Most Frequently Asked Questions about Kathmandu Lhasa Flight

1. Why choose to take flights to Lhasa from Kathmandu?

For tourists scheduling to enjoy a Tibet and Nepal tour, there are only two ways to get to Tibet from Nepal, by air or road trip. If you are not willing to experience a long-lasting overland trip or you are not going to spend much time on the way, then taking the flight will a good option for you. Although being a bit expensive, it only takes around 1h 30min to reach Lhasa Gonggar Airport from Kathmandu. Besides, you will be lucky to see the summit view of Mount Everest when the flight flies over the Himalayas if the weather is fine.

Currently, Lhasa has no international flight connecting with any country in the world except Nepal. As the capital of Nepal, Kathmandu offers plenty of international airlines, allowing you to fly to Nepal from all over the world. If you prefer to enter Tibet from Nepal, instead of the mainland China, you can also find easy access since there is a daily flight between Kathmandu and Lhasa.

2. Can I get a discounted flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa?

Though the flying distance between Kathmandu and Lhasa is quite short, the airfare is not that cheap as many suppose. If you want to buy a cheap flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa, the best choice is to avoid the high travel season. For Tibet tours, the most crowded seasons are spring and autumn, namely from April to June and September to October. Therefore, try to plan your Tibet trip in low seasons, like winter, and then you will have more chances to get a discounted Kathmandu to Lhasa flight.

Furthermore, try to book your flight in advance. Once you fix your travel schedule, one of the first things you need to start is booking your flight. According to statistics, the air ticket bought 53 days in advance is 26% cheaper than that bought on the day of departure. Therefore, search your flight schedules and make more comparisons to get a cheaper one.

3. What are the travel documents required to take the Kathmandu to Lhasa flight?

Unlike traveling to Lhasa from the mainland China, foreign tourists need to get the Group Tourists Visa together with the original Tibet Travel Permit. The Group Tourist Visa is a kind of single entry visa, issued by the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu, usually valid for 15 or 20 days. To apply for the Group Visa, you don’t have to join a group tour, as the group size can be just one traveler. Both Group Tourist Visa and Tibet Travel Permit should be obtained through a local Tibetan tour agency since individual applications are not permitted. To help tourists successfully get your Tibet Visa from Nepal, we offer the hassle-free application services. Just book our tour and then you will eliminate all those trouble procedures of application.

4. Which airport should I go for taking the flight to Lhasa in Kathmandu?

The Kathmandu to Lhasa flight takes off at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Named after the late emperor Tribhuvan of Nepal, the airport is the only one international airport in Nepal. Being around 6 kilometers from the downtown of Kathmandu, the airport is provided with international terminal and domestic terminal.

Currently, there are shuttle buses transferring between the airport and the downtown. While considering the poor road condition and crowded space in the bus, it is recommended to take a taxi to the airport from your hotel, especially when you bring heavy luggage. It only takes about 30 minutes and costs 200 to 400 Rupees by taxi.

5. Will I suffer from altitude sickness when traveling to Tibet by flight?

This is a common problem for most tourists planning to travel to Tibet for the first time, since Tibet is actually on the roof of the world with high elevation. However, you don’t need to worry too much even though you will probably suffer from high altitude sickness. After arriving in Lhasa, at an altitude of 3650 meters, the majority of tourists will go through headache, polypnea, nausea, or insomnia etc., to a mild degree. But these symptoms are normal and will usually decrease after 1 to 2 days’ acclimation.

To avoid to suffer from acute altitude sickness, one should remember to get enough rest on the first two days of your arrival. Never get yourself too excited or move fast when you are outside. Drink more water and avoid to take showers, especially when it is cold season. Then you will find yourself totally adaptable to the high plateau and ready for more explorations in Tibet.

6.How far is Lhasa Airport away from the downtown Lhasa?

The Kathmandu to Lhasa flight will land on Lhasa Gonggar Airport, which is around 65 kilometers away from the downtown Lhasa. Located on the south bank of the splendid Yarlung Zangbo River, Lhasa Gonggar Airport has a 4000-meter runway. It is the highest civil and military airport in the world and is provided with a private highway for the transfer.

Tourists can choose to get to the downtown by bus or taxi. As a normal option, the airport shuttle bus can take you to Lhasa Civil Aviation Bureau on Niangre Road 1, where you can transfer to other buses to your hotel. While the taxi can take you anywhere you want in Lhasa city, despite the price is much higher. As a better option, you can use our free shuttle service, as long as you book your tour from us. In this case, your tour guide will meet you at the airport and escort you to the hotel in the downtown.