Getting to Tibet is now easier than ever! Currently, for travelers in Singapore and Nepal, you can easily take direct international flights to Tibet.

Conversely, to overseas travelers from other countries, traveling to Tibet has two legs: take an international flight to Tibet-entry cities in inland China, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, or Chengdu, and then into Tibet by convenient domestic flights or trains.

So, in this travel guide, we offer you the latest guide to taking international flights to Tibet, plus insider tips on connecting domestic flights and trains to Lhasa.

Direct Singapore to Lhasa International Flight Available in 2025

As the latest international flight connecting Tibet to the outside world after Nepal, the Singapore to Lhasa flight is now available for travelers planning to fly directly from Singapore to Tibet.

The Singapore to Lhasa flight, run by West Air China, covers around 3402km in 10h25m, with a brief stop in Chongqing for refueling. There are three round-trip flights available per week.

Besides, the Singapore to Lhasa flight (PN6426) operates on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, departing from Singapore Changi Airport at 04:55 and arriving at Lhasa Gonggar Airport at 15:20. While the return Lhasa to Singapore flight (PN6425) runs on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, departing from Lhasa at 17:40 and arriving in Singapore at 03:55 the next day. Learn all flights to Tibet.

Singapore to Lhasa Flight Schedule 2025

Direct Kathmandu to Lhasa International Flight Available in 2025

Alternatively, taking an international flight from Nepal to Tibet is another option. For years, the non-stop flight between Kathmandu and Lhasa was the only international route connecting Tibet to the world.

Currently, the flight between Nepal and Tibet is run by Himalayan Airlines and operates on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

The Kathmandu to Lhasa flight (H9-774) departs from Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport at 08:00 and arrives at Lhasa Gonggar Airport at 12:15. The thrilling 2hr flight covers around 605km with an incredible bird’s eye view of the majestic Himalayas including imposing Mt. Everest. Make sure you pick the left window seat and enjoy the feast to your eyes.

While the return Lhasa to Kathmandu flight (H9-775) leaves from Lhasa at 13:00 and arrives in Kathmandu at 12:25.

Kathmandu to Lhasa Flight Schedule 2025

What’s worth mentioning is that though flying into Tibet from Nepal gives you a quick ride to Tibet, to adventurous travelers, don’t miss out on the once-in-a-lifetime overland tour across the lofty Himalayas from Kathmandu to Lhasa.

The most classic Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour takes 8 days with a 360° view of Mt. Everest and great chances to explore Shigatse and Lhasa, two of the biggest cities in Tibet.

8 Days Driving Across Himalaya Overland Adventure from Kathmandu to Lhasa

Tour Route: Kathmandu - Gyirong - Everest Base Camp - Tingri - Shigatse - Gyantse - Lhasa

Price from USD1019 p.p

Enjoy the thrilling trans-Himalayan overland tour from Kathmandu to Lhasa.

As a local Tibet travel agency, with offices in Lhasa, Kathmandu, and Chengdu, we can help you secure all the travel documents, book flights and quality local hotels, and arrange smooth border transfers and local experts and attentive services to your needs.

For Other International Countries: Top 4 Mainland Cities to Connect Flights to Tibet

If you are traveling from countries beyond Singapore and Nepal, taking a direct international flight to Tibet is not an option. Yet, no worries! You can effortlessly switch to domestic flights from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, or Chengdu, four major gateway cities to Tibet in mainland China.

Beijing is arguably your top gateway to Tibet by connecting flights. As the capital of China, Bejing has the largest air hub in the country, connecting to over 40 countries with 448 international flights. You can easily fly from any corner of the world to Beijing and take a domestic flight to Lhasa within 4 hours.

Air China and Tibet Airlines run non-stop flights from Beijing to Lhasa daily. Or, it’s also a great idea to spend a couple of days touring historic Beijing City before boarding the Beijing to Lhasa flight to the roof of the world. Learn more about Beijing Tibet tours.

Beijing to Lhasa flight 2025

As China’s economic powerhouse on the east coast, Shanghai is another hotspot for overseas travelers to connect by flights to Tibet. Its futuristic skyline, combined with a rich blend of modern and historic charm, makes it a fascinating stopover. Learn more about the Shanghai Tibet tour.

Besides, China Eastern Airlines operates multiple direct flights from Shanghai to Lhasa with a brief stopover in Xi’an or Kunming. The most ideal flight is MU2335, which takes 8hr30min from Shanghai to Lhasa, with a 2hr stop in Xi’an.

Shanghai to Lhasa flight 2025

In addition, if you're traveling from Southeast Asia or Oceania, Guangzhou, the largest city on China's southern coast, is another ideal gateway for connecting domestic flights to Tibet. Learn more about the Guangzhou Tibet tour.

Currently, China Southern Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, and Sichuan Airlines operate the daily flight from Guangzhou to Lhasa with a stop in Shangri-la, Chengdu, or Chongqing.

Guangzhou to Lhasa flight 2025

What’s more, as one of the closest gateway cities to Tibet with two international airports, Chengdu, has the most non-stop flights to Lhasa and Nyingchi, eastern Tibet. Home to lovely Giant Pandas, Chengdu is well worth your visit before flying to Tibet. Learn more about the Chengdu Tibet tour.

You can select from multiple non-stop flights from Chengdu to Lhasa, operated by Sichuan Airlines, Tibet Airlines, Air China, and China Eastern. These flights depart from Chengdu’s Tianfu and Shuangliu Airports and land at Gonggar Airport in just 2hrs.

Chengdu to Lhasa flight 2025

Travel Documents Needed for International Flights to Tibet

Since overseas travelers can only visit Tibet via a guided tour with a local Tibet travel agency like us, to legally board international flights to Tibet, Tibet Travel Permit is a must-have. If you are flying from Kathmandu to Lhasa, an additional Chinese Group Visa is required.

Whether you are traveling by international or domestic flights to Tibet or traveling overland to Tibet, we will help you secure a Tibet Travel Permit for free and process other travel documents needed.

One thing to remember is that you’d better apply for Tibet Permit at least 20 days in advance and later we will manage to deliver it to you by Express or in person.

A sample of Tibet Travel Permit.

Combining International Flights with Scenic Tibet Train Is Another Option

As a local Tibet Travel agency, helping around 10,000 global travelers to Tibet each year, our guests’ another favorite way to get to Tibet is by combining international flights to mainland China with scenic Tibet train journeys to Lhasa.

The benefit is that not only can you smoothly fly from your country to China, but also maximize your Tibet travel experience by riding on the world’s highest railway to Lhasa. Along the way, you will feast your eyes with jaw-dropping vistas of snow-capped peaks, dazzling alpine lakes, the Gobi desert, and boundless grasslands.

Besides, we offer you one-stop services to secure your Tibet train ticket and Tibet Travel Permit and local pick-up and transfer service, local experts, extensive quality local hotel options, and other attentive care.

Whether you plan to enter Tibet by train from Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Xining, and more, we have budget-friendly small groups and fully customizable China Tibet Tours by train to choose from, including an extended Tibet tour to Nepal and beyond.

Our guests enjoy the scenic Tibet train journey to Lhasa.

16 Days Beijing Xian Tibet Everest and Kathmandu Small Group Tour: Exploring Wonders from the Oriental Kingdom’s Capital to best of Mount Everest

Tour Route: Beijing - Xi’an - Xining - Qinghai Tibet Railway - Lhasa - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Gyirong - Kathmandu

Price from USD2590 p.p

Enjoy an epic journey from Beijing to Xi'an and ride scenic Tibet train to Lhasa and travel overland from Lhasa to Kathmandu.

More Insider Tips for International Flights to Tibet

If you are flying into Tibet from low-altitude countries like Nepal and Singapore, you might have mild altitude sickness, which is pretty common. Normally, as your body gradually acclimatizes to altitude in Lhasa (3,656m), such mild symptoms will disappear soon.

We suggest that after you land in Lhasa, don’t rush to roam over Lhasa Street. Instead, having a good rest in your hotel helps you adapt to the high altitude in Lhasa. Our local experts will offer you guidance as to how to get used to altitude and life on the Tibetan Plateau.

Additionally, there are two to three days each year, when changing weather over the soaring Tibetan Plateau, such as strong winds, can lead to flight delays, cancellations, or even returns to the departure city.

In this case, please be flexible with your travel plans and embrace these challenges as part of your Tibet adventure. We will help you book hotels and properly arrange the tour accordingly. Alternatively, you can opt for the Tibet train, which is more reliable and punctual.

Last but not least, if you are traveling on a budget, consider a winter Tibet tour (November to February) because you can enjoy hefty discounts on flights and accommodations in Tibet and a free entrance fee and attractions will be far less touristy.

8 Days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Small Group Tour: Marvel at Mt.Everest Real Close from 4 Different Viewing Platforms

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Shigatse - Lhasa

Price from USD949 p.p

Experience a once-in-a-lifetime adventure from Lhasa to Tibet Everest Base Camp.

Conclusion

Taking an international flight to Tibet from Singapore and Nepal offers you a quick ride to the roof of the world. However, if you have more time and want to enjoy the true spirit of “traveling on the road”, combining an international flight with a scenic Tibet train or overland tours to Tibet may sound more appealing.

Well, no matter which way you choose, you can count on us for a hassle-free Tibet travel service. Hopefully, you can enjoy a great time traveling to and in Tibet. If you have more questions about flying to Tibet, don’t hesitate to email us for free and expert travel solutions. See you in Lhasa, Tashi Delek!