Neighboring Lhasa to the east in eastern Tibet, Nyingchi is a popular tourist destination that draws travelers from Lhasa to explore its unique 'Swiss-style' landscapes and lush forests, unlike anywhere else in central and western Tibet.

However, due to the short distance between Lhasa and Nyingchi, currently, there are no direct flights from Lhasa to Nyingchi. Instead, traveling overland from Lhasa to Nyingchi strikes a perfect balance between time and travel experience.

So, in this travel guide, we will walk you through the Lhasa to Nyingchi flight schedules and offer the best overland alternatives to flying from Lhasa to Nyingchi.

Are Any Lhasa to Nyingchi Flights Available? Yes, But No Direct Flights

Since there is merely 400km between Lhasa and Nyingchi, no airlines operate direct flights connecting these two cities. The only connecting flights available from Lhasa to Nyingchi take a long detour to fly out of Tibet to Chengdu or Xi’an before returning to Nyingchi—a journey that takes over 13 hours with pricy tickets. Learn all flights to Tibet.

Lhasa to Nyingchi Flight Schedule 2025

Apparently, it is not worth the time and money to fly from Lhasa to Nyingchi with such a big detour. Instead, traveling overland, either by bullet train or via the Lhasa-Nyingchi expressway, is a much more practical and efficient option, taking only about 3 to 4 hours. Please read on.

Flights arrive in Nyingchi Mainling Airport.

Alternatively, You Can Travel from Lhasa to Nyingchi by Bullet Train in Just 3hrs

As the only high-speed train running on the Tibetan Plateau, riding the Lhasa to Nyingchi bullet train offers you the fastest way to reach Nyingchi from Lhasa in just 3hr 41mins. Bravo!

Lhasa to Nyingchi Bullet Train Schedule 2025

Along the way, you can enjoy the serene river valleys, snow-capped mountains, traditional Tibetan villages, and enchanting Yarlung Tsangpo River, and verdant Nyingchi landscapes.

In addition, three kinds of tickets are available for the Lhasa to Nyingchi bullet train: business-class seat (¥452/$62.25), first-class seat (¥206/$28.37), and second-class seat (¥129/$17.77). For the most spacious and comfortable seat with better privacy, just go for a business-class seat.

Meanwhile, we can help you secure train tickets and arrange local transfer and pick-up services to and from railway stations, ensuring you a seamless Tibet train experience.

Riding on scenic and comfortable Lhasa-Nyingchi bullet train.

Traveling Overland from Lhasa to Nyingchi Offers the Best Travel Experience

Beyond taking the bullet train from Lhasa to Nyingchi, to most overseas travelers, traveling overland in a tour vehicle along the Lhasa-Nyingchi expressway offers you the perfect balance between time and travel experience.

The overland journey covers 391km and takes 4hr11mins to reach Nyingchi Bayi District from downtown Lhasa. En route, you will see lofty Lhasa Valley, and barren peaks gradually give way to lush forests and serene valleys in Nyingchi, with easy access to explore holy Basum Tso Lake mid-way.

From mid-March to early April is the best time to enjoy the Lhasa to Nyingchi overland tour when massive rosy peach blossoms blanket the deep valleys along the emerald Nyang River and picturesque Tibetan villages from Nyingchi to Bomi.

5 Days Nyingchi Peach Blossom Tour: Admire the Peach Blossoms at 4 Scenic Spots and the Majestic Blue Laigu Glacier

Tour Route: Lhasa - Nyingchi - Lulang - Bomi - Ranwu - Laigu - Basum Tso - Lhasa

Price from USD829 p.p

Enjoy the overland tour from Lhasa to Nyingchi for amazing Nyingchi peach blossoms in Spring.

To help you enjoy the Nyingchi’s best peach blossoms seasons from Lhasa to Nyingchi, as global travelers’ No.1 choice for local Tibet travel service, we offer you diverse budget-friendly small groups and fully customizable Nyingchi tours. Whether you fly to Lhasa or directly into Nyingchi, we can help you secure a Tibet Travel Permit, arrange local transfer, local experts, transportation, extensive quality local hotels, and diverse outdoor activities with local Tibetans for an immersive travel experience between Lhasa to Nyingchi and beyond.

9 Days Nyingchi Peach Blossom Highlights and Lhasa Tour

Tour Route: Nyingchi - Bomi - Nyingchi - Draksumtso - Lhasa

Price from USD p.p

Explore the most popular Tibetan villages known for peach blossoms from Nyingchi to Bomi with an extended tour to Lhasa.

Other Options for Lhasa to Nyingchi Flights: Ride Your Bike Or Self-Drive

If you prefer to travel at your pace and style from Lhasa to Nyingchi, riding a bike or driving a 4WD yourself with our local experts offers you the maximum flexibility to stop whenever and wherever you want to explore hidden Tibetan villages and off-the-beaten Tibetan monasteries and deep valleys along the way.

Pedaling your bike from Lhasa to Nyingchi involves a scenic 400km ride through the scenic G318 National Highway in 5 to 8 days based on different travelers. You will cycle past peaceful Tibetan villages, push your limit to ride across mountain passes for incredible mountain views, and pedal along the enchanting Nyang River and lush green valleys.

For our guests, we can offer mountain bike rental services, together with professional cycling leaders, local guides, a backup van, bike spare parts, medical kits, and oxygen supplies, and arrange quality local hotels, dining, and other logistics supplies, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the stunning scenery along the way, totally worry-free!

For road trip lovers who prefer self-driving, the Lhasa-Nyingchi expressway makes the trip smooth and enjoyable. The drive takes about 4 hours to soak in the changing scenery from Lhasa to Nyingchi. Alternatively, you can opt for the scenic G318 Highway, which allows you to take it slow, making stops along the way for viewpoints, visiting ancient monasteries, and chatting with welcoming local Tibetans.

If you want to drive your vehicle, we can help you process a Chinese temporary driving license and vehicle license plate needed to drive in China. Besides, we also offer 4WD rental services, co-drivers, and other logistics supplies for a seamless driving experience across Tibet.

Our guests bike from Lhasa to Nyingchi.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, there are no direct flights connecting Lhasa to Nyingchi. To most overseas travelers, the best solution to journey from Lhasa to Nyingchi is by traveling overland, either by Lhasa-Nyingchi expressway or the Lhasa-Nyingchi bullet trains in 3 to 4 hours.

If you are into Nyingchi peach blossom festival from Lhasa or are keen to combine Lhasa, Nyingchi, and other Tibetan tourist destinations like Tibet Everest Base Camp, please feel free to email us for free and expert travel consultancy, Cheers!

10 Days Nyingchi Peach Blossom Festival Small Group Tour with Everest Base Camp in 2025

Tour Route: Nyingchi - Bomi - Basom tso Lake - Lhasa - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Shigatse - Lhasa

Price from USD1729 p.p

Enjoy the otherworldly peach blossoms in Nyingchi with a thrilling overland adventure from Lhasa to Tibet Everest Base Camp.