Shanghai Tibet Tour

Shanghai to Tibet Travel FAQs & Travel Tips

• Is It Easy to Fly to Shanghai by International Flights?

  Shanghai is one of the easiest places to reach in China by international flight. As one of the biggest cities in China and a global economic hub, Shanghai’s two international, Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) airports, handle millions of international travelers each year with modern and convenient facilities.

  Direct flights arrive from 43 countries and territories along 97 flight routes. It’s possible to fly to Shanghai from major cities in North America, Europe, Australia, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. From Shanghai, domestic routes go to all parts of China, including Tibet. There is no more convenient arrival point in the whole country.

• How Far Is It from Shanghai to Tibet?

  By air, Shanghai and Lhasa are 2,978 km apart. The distance covers the whole length of China. Shanghai is on the coast of the East China Sea, and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China is on the opposite side of the country, in the far west bordering India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar.

  By train or car, the route through four provinces, Shanghai and Chongqing, self-directed municipalities, before arriving in the Tibet Autonomous Region. It’s a distance of 4,373 to 4,670 km. The journey between Shanghai and Tibet offers a stark contrast in landscapes and experiences, transitioning from a coastal metropolis to one of the world’s most remote and spiritual regions.Check the expert guide to how to travel from Shanghai to Tibet.

• How Long Does It Take to Travel from Shanghai to Lhasa by Train?

  The 4,373 km train journey from Shanghai to Lhasa takes 44 hours and 32 minutes, including around 20 hours on the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. It is an experience in itself, traveling across the Tibetan Plateau with amazing views of mountains, alpine lakes, and vast plains.

  Tickets can be difficult to secure due to the popularity of the experience, particularly in the high season(April to October). The best way to travel is in a soft sleeper. With almost two full days of travel, the added comfort and privacy of a soft sleeper cabin helps make the journey all the more comfortable. If you have trouble getting tickets, making the return journey by train is an option that includes all the same amazing scenery. Or you can rely on us to help you book a Tibet train ticket.

• How to Fly from Shanghai to Tibet? Are Any Direct Flights Available?

  There is no non-stop flight from Shanghai to Tibet. Flights to Lhasa from Shanghai have temporary layovers for refueling due to the long flight distance and high altitude on the Tibetan Plateau. Daily flights are offered by China Easter Airlines, Shanghai Airlines, Air China, Spring Airlines, and Tibet Airlines. Layover cities include Xi’an, Chengdu, Chongqing, and Kunming.

  The shortest total flight times are around 7 hours. China Eastern Flight MU2335 connects through Xi’an with a 1 hour, 25-minute stopover. Flights can also be booked by combining different airlines to find the lowest cost. Flying with Shanghai Airlines and Tibet Airlines via Zhengzhou costs around 140 USD and involves a stopover of 1 hour and 35 minutes.

  If you are concerned about altitude sickness for a quick ascent from Shanghai to Lhasa by flight, a great alternative is flying from Shanghai to Nyingchi in eastern Tibet, which has the lowest altitude (3,100m) in Tibet, thick forests, and rich oxygen level. From Nyingchi, you can easily adapt yourself to the altitude rise and gradually travel eastward by road to Lhasa. Check the Nyingchi tours in Tibet.

• What Travel Documents Are Needed for a Shanghai to Tibet tour?

  The Tibet Travel Permit is needed by all international travelers to board a flight or train to Lhasa. It is issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau and can only be applied for through a local Tibet travel agency like us after booking a guided tour.

  Our tour services include the Tibet Travel Permit process and ensuring it gets delivered to you at your hotel, airport, or train station before you depart for Tibet. The Tibet Travel Permit covers travel to and around the Lhasa area. Additional permits needed to visit areas such as Everest Base Camp and holy Mount Kailash can be arranged by your local guides after you arrive in Tibet. No worries!

• What Are the Best Ways to Travel from Shanghai to Tibet?

  Flying is the best choice for getting to Tibet quickly. If you’re on a tight schedule, or eager to get to Lhasa as quickly as possible, taking a plane can be best for speed. The Shanghai to Lhasa train is a scenic experience, with the opportunity to see the countryside across China, as well as the Tibetan Plateau.

  Combine flying and the train to get the best of both. Daily flights from Shanghai arrive in Xining, the start of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. It takes around 3 hours and 55 minutes, and there you can board the train and see the sights of the landscapes of Tibet rushing by. By combining the two, it cuts travel time in half, compared to taking the train all the way from Shanghai, and you get the experience of taking the highest railway in the world.

• Is Altitude Sickness a Concern When Traveling from Shanghai to Tibet?

  Yes, altitude sickness is a common concern when traveling from Shanghai to Tibet, especially when flying. Going from sea level in Shanghai to 3,656 meters in Lhasa creates a need to acclimatize to the higher altitude as the body tries to adapt to the lower oxygen levels.

  Symptoms of altitude sickness include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and shortness of breath. However, no worries! Travelers to Tibet from Shanghai are strongly recommended to spend a few days in Lhasa acclimatizing before traveling to higher areas.To avoid acute altitude sickness, travelers should stay hydrated, get plenty of rest, and avoid alcohol and strenuous activity. Taking the train can also help as it is a more gradual approach, and the train has a disbursed oxygen system that eases the transition.

• Shanghai VS Tibet: What Are the Key Differences?

  Shanghai and Tibet couldn’t be more different. Shanghai is a bustling metropolis and a global financial center known for its skyscrapers, cutting-edge technology, and modern lifestyle. It’s a city of high-speed development, where international businesses thrive and the urban landscape is constantly evolving. Located on the coast of the East China Sea, Shanghai is at sea level and has a humid subtropical climate.

  Tibet is a land of tradition and spirituality, with a sparse population spread over a vast area. The Tibetan people are pious Buddhists and live a more laid-back, reflective way of life, following Tibetan Buddhist customs that date back centuries. It is impossible to be in Tibet without an overwhelming awareness of the geography of the land. Huge distances separate urban centers across stark plains and deserts, with the highest mountains in the world ever-present on the horizon. Learn the top 20 Tibet travel expereinces.

• When Are the Best Times of Year to Visit Tibet from Shanghai?

  The best time to visit Tibet is from April to October. Spring brings warming temperatures, particularly in Lhasa. Precipitation is minimal, for day after day of sunny blue skies and perfect visibility of the landscapes. Autumn, in September and October, is similar. It starts to get colder in November, but before that, outdoor conditions are pleasant, and the vegetation is lush after the summer monsoon.

  The summer (June to August) in Tibet sees major Tibetan festivals like the Shoton Festival, Horse Racing Festival, Ganden Festival, and more. If you want to experience time-honored Tibetan traditions and exotic festivities. It’s a perfect time to visit Tibet in summer.

  Winter can be very cold, and some remote areas are inaccessible. However, some travelers enjoy the quiet Tibet winter tours when there are very few tourists in Tibet. Mount Everest is a breathtaking site in winter. Visibility is piercingly clear, and the snow-covered landscapes have a stark beauty.

• What Should I Pack for a Tibet Tour from Shanghai?

  It is commonly said that Tibet can experience four seasons in one day. Even in summer, some areas will get chilly at night. Layering is key, so pack thermal underwear, a fleece jacket, and a waterproof and windproof outer layer. Comfortable trekking shoes are a must, especially if you plan to visit remote areas or go trekking in Tibet.

  Other essentials include a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and lip balm to protect against the intense UV rays and strong winds at high altitudes. For altitude sickness, it’s wise to stay hydrated and carry altitude sickness medication after consulting with your health doctor. A small first aid kit with pain relievers, blister treatments, and bandages can also come in handy.

• Any Travel mistakes I Should Avoid for Traveling from Shanghai to Tibet?

  Acclimatizing is the most important factor to consider. Traveling from Shanghai to Tibet and immediately going to high-altitude areas can be dangerous. Booking a Tibet tour with a reputable local Tibet travel agency and local travel experts like us will ensure your travel safety.

  Not allowing sufficient time for a Tibet Travel Permit is another major mistake to avoid. The Tibet Travel Permit takes at least 8-14 business days and can only be arranged with a pre-booked tour with a local travel agency. These arrangements should be taken care of before you arrive in Shanghai. Otherwise, if your time is limited, you may not be able to complete your desired Tibet itinerary. Besides, respect the customs and etiquette in Tibet.

• What Food Can I Expect to Enjoy from Shanghai to Tibet?

  While in Shanghai, you can enjoy the best of international and Chinese cuisine. Shanghai’s food scene is highly developed, with everything from world-class fine dining to authentic regional food from all parts of China.

  Trains to Tibet have a dining car, and food carts that make the rounds. Food is mostly limited to Chinese and Tibetan dishes. Steamed buns, soy milk, and porridge are served for breakfast. Classic Chinese dishes like Kung Pao Chicken and scrambled eggs with tomato are available throughout the day. Both fresh and instant noodles and beverages like tea, coffee, and soft drinks are also commonly available. Learn what to eat as you travel in Tibet.