As getting to Tibet has become increasingly easy, many tourists may wonder which one is the best option to choose. The ideal route to Tibet mainly depends on factors such as your departure location, your physical condition, your travel budget, and your desired travel experience, etc. To cater to the diverse needs of travelers, we have carefully selected the top 5 routes to travel to Tibet. Read on to get inspired for your dream journey to the holy land.

Flight to Tibet from Mainland China: Best Way for Time-Limited Tourists

Flying is often considered the most convenient and easiest way to travel, and for many people travelling to Tibet, this is true. Taking a flight is the best way for those who have little time to take an overland trip or a train to Lhasa.

Direct flights to Tibet from mainland China can cover the distance in as little as 90 minutes, with a maximum duration of only six hours. That is a huge difference to the trains, which take anywhere from at least 22 hours to reach Lhasa.

Our clients arrive at Lhasa Gongga Airport by plane.

These flights depart from a wide number of cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi'an, Xining, Kunming, and many others. From Beijing, the flight to Lhasa takes no more than 5 hours and operates daily. Chengdu, on the other hand, offers the most frequent flights to Tibet, with over ten departures per day during the peak season.

With numerous airports offering direct flights to Lhasa from mainland China, you have a wealth of options to suit your travel plans in China and Tibet. However, it's worth noting that flights to Lhasa can be highly sought after during the peak season. To ensure your preferred flight, it is recommended to book in advance if you choose to fly to Tibet.

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Flight to Tibet from Kathmandu: Best Way for Convenient Transfer from Nepal

For those planning to enter Tibet from Nepal, taking flights from Kathmandu offers a seamless and convenient travel route, serving as the best option to easily access China’s Tibet Autonomous Region from the neighboring country.

The flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa is the only international flight that directly flies into Tibet. It takes just 90 minutes to traverse the Himalayas and the Tibetan plateau, making it a faster option compared to traveling overland.

One can overlook the Himalayas range by taking Kathmandu to Lhasa flight.

Besides, taking this route, you will have the chance to gain a unique perspective of the majestic Himalayan range. The aerial view during the flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa provides breathtaking glimpses of snow-capped mountains and stunning landscapes, creating an unforgettable experience for passengers.

Note: currently, the direct flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa is not operating due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, we believe it will soon resume as the demand among tourists rises. As soon as the flight service recovers, we will keep you informed promptly.

Train to Tibet from Mainland China: Best Way to Enjoy a Relaxed and Scenic Rail Journey

While flying is fast and convenient, traveling by train is increasingly becoming the preferred method of reaching Tibet from mainland China, with almost 50 percent of travelers choosing this option. If you are not on a time limit, taking the train to Tibet is an amazing experience that you should not miss.

The trains to Tibet depart from seven gateway cities in China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Chongqing, Xining and Xi’an. It takes from 22 hours to as long as 55 hours to reach Lhasa. While parts of the journey may pass through Chinese provinces to reach Xining, the start of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, the section from Xining to Lhasa is the most beautiful stretch of railway in the world.

Getting to Lhasa by Tibet Train offers breautiful scenery along the way.

Known as the "Sky Train to Tibet," the Qinghai-Tibet Railway is the world's highest railroad, with nearly half of the railway lying more than 4,000 meters above sea level. Spanning 1,972km from Xining to Lhasa, the railway showcases breathtaking scenery, encompassing majestic snow-capped mountains, vast prairies, wetlands, and nature reserves. It is also possible to catch glimpses of diverse wildlife roaming the distant plains. The beauty along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway is truly unmatched.

However, there is one misconception regarding acclimatization while traveling to Tibet by train. Many believe that one can better acclimatize to the high altitude as the train gradually ascends. This is not strictly true. While the train's ascent is slower than flying, it is not as gradual as some websites suggest.

Although the trains are pumped with oxygen after they pass through Golmud, acclimatizing to the higher altitude may not occur during the journey. Acclimatization typically requires spending at least 24 hours in a higher altitude area, and since the Tibet train does not have a stop that long, full acclimatization is not possible.

But you don't need to worry excessively about altitude sickness since you can make use of the oxygen system onboard to alleviate symptoms. The Tibet train is also equipped with doctors and basic first aid equipment. Additionally, taking certain measures such as refraining from running around on board, getting sufficient rest, and drinking more water can help you adapt to the altitude.

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Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland: Best Way to Experience Different Cultures Across the Himalayas

For travelers who have plenty of time and are not worried about the long and arduous driving experience, the overland journey from Kathmandu to Lhasa is an ideal way to reach the Tibetan plateau. This popular route promises a thrilling experience through diverse terrains and an immersive immersion in local cultures across the majestic Himalayas.

The journey unfolds as you leave the bustling city of Kathmandu, venturing into the rugged terrain of the Himalayas. Along the way, you'll encounter breathtaking mountain passes, deep valleys, and picturesque villages that dot the landscape.

The flat road from Kathmandu to Lhasa across the Himalayas

Upon crossing the border at Gyirong Port and entering Tibet, the journey continues with visits to significant landmarks scattered across the plateau. From the renowned Everest Base Camp to the majestic Tashilhunpo Monastery and the breathtaking Yamdrok Lake, you will have the opportunity to explore the wonders of this mystical region before reaching Lhasa, the enchanting Tibetan City of Sunshine.

Please note that the road trip from Kathmandu to Lhasa requires you to be part of an organized tour. We offer excellent services to ensure a seamless overland journey across the Himalayas. With professional local Tibetan guides, experienced drivers, guaranteed travel documents, and comfortable accommodations, we will ensure that your Kathmandu to Lhasa tour with us is truly unforgettable.

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Chengdu to Lhasa Overland: Best Way to Appreciate Diverse Landscapes of Eastern Tibet

The other main route to Tibet by road is the famous Sichuan Tibet Highway, which starts in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province. If you seek a memorable overland journey while entering Tibet from mainland China, the Chengdu to Lhasa trip via the Sichuan-Tibet Highway is a second-to-none choice.

One can see Mt. Namcha Barwa on Chengdu to Lhasa road trip along G318 Highway.

In fact, there are two routes from Chengdu to Lhasa by road: the northern route and the southern route along the Sichuan-Tibet Highway. The southern route, following the world-famous G318 Highway, is the commonly preferred route for most tourists taking the road trip from Chengdu to Lhasa.

This long road journey stretches west from the Sichuan Basin to the Eastern Tibetan Plateau, and traverses the steep Hengduan Mountain Range, making it an intense and arduous adventure. However, the landscapes along the route are incomparable. En route, you will witness some of western Sichuan's magnificent landmarks, including Xinduqiao, the Yalong River, Litang, Haizishan Mountain, Bangda Grassland, and the famed Seventy-two Bends.

Continuing the journey into Nyingchi, the warmest and lowest region of Tibet, you will have the opportunity to appreciate the awe-inspiring natural wonders of the area. From Rakwa Tso and the Midui Glacier to the enchanting Lulang Forest, Sejila Mountain, Mt. Namcha Barwa, Basumtso Lake, and more, each stop offers breathtaking beauty before reaching Lhasa.

One can see Basumtso Lake on Chengdu to Lhasa road trip via G318 Highway.

Covering a distance of more than 2,000 kilometers, the road trip from Chengdu to Lhasa can take as long as 10 days, and is not for the faint-hearted. However, once you embrace the challenge, it will become a cherished memory for a lifetime.

While independent travel is allowed in Sichuan Province, visiting Tibet requires arranging a tour for foreign travelers. Therefore, this trip still requires you to be on a tour, with a guide and driver and all the permits complete before traveling. But worry not! We can take care of all the arrangements for your epic Chengdu to Lhasa overland adventure.

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Preparations before Travelling to Tibet

For all travelers to Tibet, you will need to prepare the required documents before departing. And depending on how you are traveling to Lhasa, the specific documents you will need may vary slightly.

When traveling to Tibet from mainland China, you will need to have your passport, Chinese Visa, and Tibet Travel Permit . This permit can be applied for by us after you book your tour and requires scanned copies of your passport and visa for the application. Once approved, the permit will be sent to your hotel in China for your trip to Tibet.

The Tibet Travel Permit is a must for travelling to Tibet.

For those traveling from Kathmandu, both by air and overland, you will need to have your passport, the Chinese Group Visa, and the Tibet Travel Permit. Instead of applying for the Chinese Visa yourself, it is obtained as a Group Visa once you arrive in Kathmandu.

We can help you obtain your Tibet Travel Permit and Chinese Group Visa for entering Tibet from Nepal. Just remember to arrive in Kathmandu at least 4 days in advance to allow time for the application.

In addition, you may need to obtain other documents such as the Alien's Travel Permit or Foreign Affairs Permit, depending on your travel route in Tibet. We provide a comprehensive one-stop service to handle all necessary permits, regardless of your chosen route to Tibet or the places you plan to visit in Tibet. Simply contact us in advance to ensure a seamless application process and a smooth travel experience.

Conclusion

With five carefully selected best options for getting to Tibet, you have a wide choice of travel methods, including by flight, train, or overland. You can also choose to enter Tibet either from China or Nepal based on your travel plan. Whichever way you decide to get to Tibet, you are guaranteed to have the time of your life on this vast and miraculous Tibetan plateau. Embrace the adventure and get ready for a rewarding journey to the roof of the world!