Fly to Tibet: How to Get to Tibet by Flight and Where to Catch Your Flight?

All Flights to Tibet: International, Direct and Connecting Flights to Lhasa

There are various flights to Tibet, catering to both international and domestic travelers. Whether you're traveling from outside China or within, you’ll find a range of convenient flights that take you straight to enjoy a Lhasa tour or other Tibetan cities.

Currently, around 10 Chinese airlines operate domestic flights to Tibet. The major airlines with regular service include Sichuan Airlines, Air China, and Tibet Airlines, offering affordable flights to Tibet. These flights connect major gateway cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Xi’an, Chongqing, Xining, and Kunming, providing great options for those traveling within China.

With the newly opened flight from Singapore to Lhasa, there are now two international routes to Lhasa: one from Kathmandu and one from Singapore, both operated by Himalaya Airlines and West Air China. These are perfect options for those starting their Tibet tour from either Kathmandu or Singapore.

In addition to flights to Lhasa, there are also flights to other cities in Tibet, including Shigatse, Nyingchi, and Ngari. These options not only give you more choices for flying into Tibet, but also provide more flexibility for traveling within the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. For example, you can fly from Lhasa to Ngari in just 2 hours, significantly shortening your Mount Kailash tour.

With numerous domestic and international flights to Lhasa, flying to Tibet has never been easier.

Fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa: The Non-stop International Flight to Tibet (Duration: 2 hrs)

So far, Himalaya Airlines offers the international non-stop flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa. The flight operates on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

The flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa (H9-774) leaves Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport at 08:00 and lands at Lhasa Gonggar Airport at 12:15. Be sure to sit by the window on the left for the best view to get the best Himalaya views including Mount Everest. The return flight from Lhasa to Kathmandu (H9-775) departs from Lhasa at 13:00 and arrives in Kathmandu at 12:25.

The easiest way to get to Kathmandu (TIA) Airport from downtown (6 km) is by taxi, taking 15-30 minutes and costing about $7. Taxis are available 24/7, while public buses run from 07:00 to 18:00, taking 60 minutes. Allow extra time for unpredictable traffic. Please arrive at least 2.5 to 3 hours before your flight and allow extra time to travel since the traffic could be unpredictable.

Kathmandu to Lhasa Flight Schedule 2026

Please Notice:
You need to apply for the Group Visa and Tibet Travel Permit for your flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa. Otherwise, you can not board the flight to Tibet.

Enjoy the flight from Kathmand to Lhasa over the Himalayas.

7 Days Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Small Group Tour: Traverse from the North Side to the South Side of Mt.Everest for the Best of the Himalayas

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

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Join our 7 days Lhasa to Kathmandu tour to admire the majestic Himalayas from both sides.

Fly from Singapore to Lhasa: Newly Opened International Flights to Tibet (Duration: 10.5 hrs)

The Singapore to Tibet flight is the newest international flight linking Tibet to the world, after the Nepal route. It is now available for travelers who want to fly directly from Singapore to Lhasa. This flight, operated by West Air China, covers about 3402 km in 10 hours and 25 minutes, with a short stop in Chongqing to refuel. There are three round-trip flights each week.

The Singapore to Lhasa flight (PN6426) runs on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. It leaves Singapore Changi Airport at 04:55 and arrives at Lhasa Gonggar Airport at 15:20. The return flight from Lhasa to Singapore (PN6425) operates on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. It leaves Lhasa at 17:40 and arrives in Singapore at 03:55 the next day.

To reach Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) from downtown, you can take the MRT or a taxi/ride-hail (Grab/Gojek). The MRT takes about 45-60 minutes ($2-$4, with a transfer at Tanah Merah). A taxi or ride-hail takes around 20-30 minutes, costing $20-$40. Both options are available frequently.

Singapore to Lhasa Flight Schedule 2026

Fly from Chengdu to Lhasa: Around 20 Non-stop Flights Every Day (Duration: 2.5 hrs)

Chengdu is the most convenient city for flying to Lhasa, with more than 20 non-stop flights available each day. Flights depart from both Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport and Chengdu Tianfu International Airport all day long starting from 07:30 until 20:55.

Air China, Chengdu Airlines, Tibet Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, and Sichuan Airlines all provide Chengdu to Lhasa flights with flight times around 2.5 hours. Generally, the Chengdu to Lhasa flight tickets cost between 150 and 185 USD for a single trip. But in the low season, the price could be as low as to 60 USD.

To reach Chengdu Shuangliu Airport (CTU) from downtown, take Metro Line 10 (30 - 40 mins) or a taxi (20 - 30 mins). For Chengdu Tianfu Airport (TFU), take Metro Line 18 (33 - 50 mins) or a taxi/shuttle bus (1+ hour), as it’s about 50 km from downtown.

Chengdu to Lhasa flight 2026

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

Fly from Chongqing to Lhasa: Numerous Non-stop Flights Every Day (Duration: 3 hrs 10 mins)

With numerous direct flights to Lhasa daily, Chongqing is an excellent departure point for flying to Tibet. Tibet Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, and China Southern Airlines have flights available from the early morning at 09:05 to late afternoon at 16:05. Flight times range from 2h45m to 2h55m.

The afternoon flights from Chongqing to Lhasa offered by Tibet Airlines are the least expensive at around 200 USD. The quickest route is Sichuan Airlines flight 3U8635, which costs 260 USD.

To reach Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG) from downtown, the fastest option is usually Metro Line 10 (about 1 hour) or a taxi/Didi (20-40 mins, depending on traffic). Airport Express buses (K01/K07) also provide direct routes from major hubs like Jiefangbei for around 15 yuan.

Chongqing to Lhasa flight 2026

Fly from Xi'an to Lhasa: 4 Non-stop Flights Every Day (Duration: 3.5 hrs)

Xi'an is a popular departure point for flying to Lhasa, with at least 4 direct flights available in the morning and afternoon. Flight times range between 3h15m and 5h5m, starting from 06:55 until 20:05. The Xi’an to Lhasa flights are operated by China Eastern Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, and Tibet Airlines.

To reach Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) from downtown, take Metro Line 14 (about 40 mins, low cost), airport shuttle buses (60-80 mins), or a taxi/private car (45-60 mins). The metro connects at North Railway Station, while shuttle buses depart from various downtown locations, including Xishaomen.

Xi’an to Lhasa flight 2026

Fly from Kunming to Lhasa: 4 Non-stop Flights (Duration: 3 hrs)

China Eastern, Tibet Airlines and Lucky Air offer direct flights from Kunming to Lhasa. China Eastern Flight MU9695 departs daily at 8:00 and arrives 3h later at 11:00. Tickets cost from 160 USD.

Tibet Airlines offers one non-stop Kunming to Lhasa flight (TV9884). It departs from Kunming daily at 20:00 and arrives in Lhasa at 22:50, which takes 2h50m. Tickets are available for 170 USD.

To reach Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG) from downtown, the fastest option is Metro Line 6, running from 6:20 to 22:20 directly to the airport center (Level B2). Other options include Airport Express shuttle buses (about 25 CNY) or taxi/ride-hailing services, taking 30 - 50 minutes.

Kunming to Lhasa flight 2026

Fly from Beijing to Lhasa: 4 Non-stop Flights Every Day (Duration: 4.5 hrs)

There are 4 daily direct flights from Beijing to Lhasa, operated by Tibet Airlines and China Airlines. The morning flight to Lhasa, CA4125 by China Airlines, departs at 07:45 from Beijing Capital Airport and arrives at Lhasa Gonggar International Airport at 12:15, with a total journey time of 4 hours and 35 minutes. Prices start from 443 USD.

The afternoon flight, TV9816 operated by Tibet Airlines, departs from Beijing Capital International Airport at 14:55 and arrives at Lhasa Gonggar Airport at 19:10, with a flight duration of 4 hours and 15 minutes. The fare for this Beijing to Lhasa flight is approximately 400 USD.

Although Beijing has two airports, Beijing Daxing International and Beijing Capital International, direct flights to Lhasa are only available from Beijing Capital International Airport.

To reach Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) from downtown, the fastest option is the Airport Express train (¥25), taking about 30-40 minutes from Dongzhimen or Sanyuanqiao. Alternatively, you can take the Airport Shuttle Bus for more city coverage, or a taxi/Didi for direct door-to-door service.

Beijing to Lhasa flight 2026

Fly from Shanghai to Lhasa: 2 Connecting Flights Available (Duration: 7 hrs or Longer)

Flights from Shanghai to Lhasa typically require a stopover in Chengdu or Xi’an. The quickest flight may take 6 hours with one stopover in Chengdu. The ticket prices for flights from Shanghai to Lhasa flights start from 260 USD with one stopover.

If you are seeking a cheaper flight to Tibet from Shanghai, you may choose longer journeys with two or more stopovers. These flights can be found for around 190 USD.

Shanghai has two airports: Pudong (PVG) and Hongqiao (SHA), both with flights to Lhasa. To reach either airport from downtown, you can use the efficient metro (Lines 2, 10, or Airport Link), taxis/DiDi (about ¥150), or dedicated airport shuttle buses. PVG is best accessed via Maglev/Line 2, while SHA is closer via Line 10/2. A new 40-minute Airport Link connects both airports.

Shanghai to Lhasa flight 2026

Fly from Guangzhou to Lhasa: Connecting Flights (Duration: 6 hrs or Longer)

Flying from Guangzhou to Lhasa requires stopping in a connecting city, so the travel time depends a lot on the length of the stopover. The fastest option is flight MU5774 from China Eastern. It departs every day at 9:20 am and takes 6 hours to arrive, including a layover in Diqing (Yunnan). Tickets cost around 308 USD.

China Southern Airlines also operates flights to Lhasa from Guangzhou with a stopover in Chongqing. Flight CZ3463 departs at 08:10 and arrives in Lhasa at 14:10. Tickets cost around 406 USD.

To reach Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) from downtown, the fastest option is Metro Line 3 (about 45-60 mins) to Terminal 1 or 2. For Terminal 3, take Line 3 to Gaozeng station and transfer to the T3 shuttle. Taxis and Didi (ride-hailing) take 40-60 minutes, while Airport Express buses serve multiple city locations.

Guangzhou to Lhasa flight 2026

Fly from Shangri-la to Lhasa: Seasonal Non-stop Flight (Duration: 2 hrs 15 mins)

Shangri-la, the capital of Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Yunnan province, has seasonal non-stop flights to Lhasa. The short 2h5m flight from Shangri-La to Lhasa, operated by China Eastern airlines, departs at 13:00, which costs around 150 USD.

The best way to reach Shangri-la Airport in Diqing is by taxi. The airport is only about 4 kilometers from downtown Diqing, taking approximately 15 minutes.

Shangri-la to Lhasa flight 2026

Fly to Nyingchi, Tibet: The Second Most Popular Air Route to Tibet

Besides flying to Lhasa, the second popular air route among tourists to Tibet is the flight to Nyingchi in eastern Tibet. Nyingchi Milin Airport is the second most important airport for tourism in Tibet. It is located 40km south of Baiyi town.

Many tourists prefer entering Tibet through Nyingchi because the low altitude of Nyingchi (3100m) can help to better acclimatize to high altitude in Tibet Plateau.

It is possible to fly directly to Nyingchi from the mainland of China, like Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi’an and Beijing. Among these Chengdu offers the most frequent flights to Nyingchi. The flight from Chengdu to Nyingchi takes a little over 2 hours, and the ticket costs from 247 UDS.

Chengdu to Nyingchi Flight

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Tour Route: Nyingchi - Lulang - Bomi - Basom tso Lake - Lhasa - Shigatse - Lhasa

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Fly to Shigatse, Tibet: An Option, but Less Popular among Tourists

Shigatse is the second largest city in Tibet, and flights to Shigatse Peace Airport are available from Xi'an and Chengdu.

Flights from Xi'an are available several times a week via China Eastern Airlines and Tibet Airlines. The flying time is around 3.5 hours, with tickets costing approximately 151 USD. There is only one flight from Chengdu to Shigatse available each day, taking 2.5 hours and costing around 251 USD.

Chengdu to Shigatse Flight

Fly to Ngari, Tibet: the Quickest Route to Mount Kailash, but be aware of Altitude Sickness

Ngari, in remote western Tibet, is home to the sacred Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar. The quickest way to get to Mount Kailash is to fly to Ngari Kunsha Airport and take a drive to Mount Kailash.

Most direct flights to Ngari originate from Lhasa or Kashgar (Xinjiang). Tibet Airlines operates 2 daily flights from Lhasa to Ngari, all departing in the morning. The journey lasts approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes, with tickets priced from 1,134 USD. Flights from Kashgar are available every Tuesday. This quick flight takes only 1.5 hours and costs 294 USD.

Please Notice:
Although not a common choice for traveling to Tibet, flying to Ngari is a good option for those wanting to visit Mount Kailash quickly. However, be careful of altitude sickness, as Ngari is much higher than Lhasa. Spend a few days acclimatizing in Lhasa before heading to Ngari. This will help you adjust better and also give you time to explore Tibet's famous cultural sites.

15 Days Kailash and Manasarovar Small Group Tour: A pilgrim’s final fantasy and the greatest overland trip in Tibet.

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - E.B.C - Saga - Kailash Trek - Darchen - Lake Manasarovar - Saga - Gyirong - Tingri - Lhasa

Price from USD2219 p.p

Join our 15 days Lhasa to Mount Kailash tour to experience the ultimate pilgrimage route in Tibet with 3 days kora around the sacred mountain.

Which is the best city to fly to Tibet from?

Chengdu stands out as the premier city for flying to Tibet, offering unparalleled flexibility with numerous direct flights available daily and boasting the shortest flight duration.

However, the choice of departure city for your Tibet journey ultimately depends on convenience and personal travel preferences. Cities like Beijing or Xi'an present their own unique attractions alongside serving as gateway flight destinations for Lhasa.

Should you require assistance in organizing your Tibet tour and flights, please don't hesitate to tell us your travel plan. Our travel consultants will tailor the best travel route to suit your needs and facilitate ticket arrangements for your journey to Tibet.

Our guests have arrived at Lhasa Gongga Airport.

FAQs About How to Get to Tibet by Flight

1. How can I fly to Tibet from other international cities?

To fly to Tibet from other international cities, you can take international flights to Lhasa from cities like Kathmandu and Singapore. These flights are operated by airlines like Himalaya Airlines and West Air China. Alternatively, you can fly to major cities in China such as Beijing, Chengdu, or Xi'an, and then transfer to a domestic flight to Lhasa.

2. Which cities in China have direct flights to Tibet?

Several cities in China offer direct flights to Lhasa, including:Chengdu, Chongqing, Beijing, Xi'an, Kunming and Xining, also the train gateway to Tibet. These direct flights are convenient for domestic travelers looking to reach Tibet without the need for connecting flights.

3. Can I fly to cities other than Lhasa in Tibet?

Yes, in addition to Lhasa, you can fly to other cities in Tibet, including Shigatse, Nyingchi, and Ngari. These flights provide alternative entry points to Tibet, offering more options for travelers exploring different regions of the Tibetan Plateau. For example, flights to Ngari can significantly shorten your trip to Mount Kailash.

4. What kind of travel permits do I need to board a flight to Tibet?

To board a flight to Tibet, you need a Tibet Travel Permit. This permit is essential for foreign travelers, and it must be obtained before you can fly to Tibet. No worries, we will take care of the Tibet permit for you and deliver it to you on time before you board the flight.

Conclusion

Flying to Tibet is the most convenient way to travel from Nepal, Singapore, or mainland China. Many cities offer direct or connecting flights to Lhasa, Nyingchi, Shigatse, and Ngari. When planning your Tibet trip, choose the best city for your flight and make sure to obtain your Tibet Travel Permit in advance.

Whether you're flying from major cities in China or international hubs like Kathmandu or Singapore, there are plenty of convenient options to kickstart your adventure. With routes to Lhasa and beyond, you'll be able to explore Tibet’s stunning landscapes and sacred sites with ease.

From Chengdu’s serene plains to the breathtaking views from Kathmandu, every flight to Tibet offers a unique experience. So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable journey to the Roof of the World. Tibet awaits, and we’re here to make your travel experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Contact us if you have more questions about how to fly to Tibet!