How to Get to Tibet in Different Ways - by Flight, Train, Overland and More

Getting to Tibet is easier than you expected, as nowadays, there are flights, trains, and overland routes connecting the holy land with the outside world.

Among all ways to Tibet, flights to Lhasa are the most convenient option. And Chengdu to Lhasa direct flights offer the most convenient access to Tibet with the most frequent schedule at the cheapest price.

Taking a train to Tibet via the legendary Qinghai-Tibet Railway is a unique way to travel that you can only experience from the mainland of China to Tibet.

For most global tourists, entering Tibet from Kathmandu is also a good option. Compared to the limited flights to Lhasa, the epic overland journey via the Friendship Highway is the most popular way to travel to Tibet from Nepal.

Headed in Lhasa, with local offices in both Chengdu and Kathmandu, we at Tibet Vista provide a complete transfer guide for you to travel smoothly to Tibet. Now, discover the best routes with our expert recommendations.

Take Non-stop Flights to Tibet from These Cities (with Flight Ticket Prices)

The top 5 best entry cities to Tibet where you can take a non-stop flight to Lhasa are Kathmandu (Nepal), Chengdu, Chongqing, Shangri-La, and Xi’an.

Flying from any of these cities only takes around 2-3 hours to Lhasa. And the flight ticket costs between 270USD－350USD.

These cities are also the stops for flights to Tibet from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and some other flights from other far away parts of China.

If you travel to Tibet from overseas, it is also suggested to fly to one of these top 5 cities first, since they have most of the international flights connecting to the world.

Flights to Lhasa from different cities

Join our top-rated small group tour from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp – the easiest way to witness the summit!

Fly from Chengdu to Lhasa: the Cheapest and Most Convenient Way to Tibet

Indisputably, flying to Tibet is the most efficient way to reach Tibet, situated on the towering Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. As you check the international flights online, it’s advisable to see if there is a flight between your city and Chengdu. If there is, things would be much easier.

After you land in Chengdu and get your Tibet Travel Permit, you can take Chengdu-Lhasa flight to Tibet, cost-effective and time-saving.

There are over 20 daily flights travelling between Chengdu-Lhasa. You can easily use them to fly to Tibet.

Besides, as the vital gateway city to Tibet, and hometown of adorable giant panda, Chengdu boasts a string of world-class natural heritages and historic relics.

With time permitting, you can visit our Chengdu-based office and chat with your travel consultant before flying to Lhasa. Or you can even spend a couple of days touring the highlighted attractions in Chengdu, like Giant Panda Research and Breeding Center, Wide and Narrow Alley, etc.

Overall, the Chengdu-Lhasa flight is the cheapest flight to Tibet with many discount opportunities.

Chengdu-Lhasa flight is the most efficient way to Tibet

Don’t miss our smooth and stress-free Tibet Everest Base Camp tour from Chengdu, transfers included!

Take a Train to Tibet: The Best Way to Enjoy the Sublime Views of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

The Qinghai-Tibet Railway, also known as the Tibet train, is the preferred transportation for international tourists to Tibet. Departing from Xining on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, it connects to major railway systems heading to cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Guangzhou. This high-altitude journey offers breathtaking views, including snow-peaked Yuzhu Mountain, Kekexili nature reserve, Tuotuo River's radiant sunset, Tanggula Mountain's majesty, and the vast Changtang prairie with Tibetan yaks.

The Xining-Lhasa route takes 21-22 hours, while Tibet train tours from other cities take about 2 days. So if you don’t want to stay too long on the train, you can choose to take the shortest train journey to Tibet from Xining.

Over 50% of our clients choose to start their Tibet tour with this train journey. However, securing train tickets can be challenging, especially during the high season (April to Oct.). Tibet Vista is one of the few operators guaranteeing Tibet train tickets for a hassle-free China and Tibet tour.

Major train routes to Lhasa

Get to Tibet from Kathmandu by Air: the Only International Flight to Tibet

There are two direct flights flying from Kathmandu to Lhasa on a daily basis. It only takes about 1:35 hours and costs around 300-400 USD for the one-way flight.

Short as the flight is, the extraordinary aerial journey gives tourists a rare chance to fly over the awestruck Himalayan Range and enjoy the entire view of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

It is recommended you get the window seat on the left side of the plane. You will be treated with the jaw-dropping view of lofty mountain peaks averaging 8000m above the sea level, esp. the towering Mt. Everest, the third pole of our planet.

Enjoy the birds-eye view of majestic Himalayas from Kathmandu-Lhasa flight

Fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa and discover Tibet’s most breathtaking landscapes!

Get to Tibet from Kathmandu by Overland: the Epic overland journey through the Himalayas

Situated to the opposite Himalayas, Tibet (TAR) and Nepal are great neighbors. To enter Tibet from Nepal, you need to pass the Gyirong port.

What makes this journey so special is that by following the winding road along vibrant ravines on the edge of the magnificent Himalayan Range, you gradually ascend from Kathmandu Valley (1400m) to soaring Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (above 4000m).

With so many steep gorges, primeval forests, and gushing waterfalls filled along the way, there are few overland journeys in the world that reward exploration as exciting as the overland trip from Kathmandu to Lhasa via Sino-Nepal Friendship Highway (800km).

On top of that, the overland trip wisely weaves the highlights of epic Himalayan scenery together with sacred Tibetan lakes. You can experience the distinct beauty and culture in three historical Tibetan cities, such as Shigatse, Gyantse, and Lhasa. 8 days are needed to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Having the Kathmandu to Lhasa overland trip

Travel Documents for Entering Tibet from Nepal

To enter Tibet from Kathmandu, international tourists must have a Chinese Visa and a Tibet Travel Permit.

You can obtain a Chinese Visa in your hometown or apply for a Group Tourist Visa upon your arrival in Kathmandu.

Please notice that you need to arrive in Kathmandu at least 5 working days before your intended departure date and apply for the Group Visa with your original passport.

We have a Kathmandu-based office, providing a one-stop service for applying for a Group Tourist Visa to visit Tibet from Nepal. Feel free to contact us for more information.

Take the epic overland journey from Kathmandu to Lhasa via the legendary Friendship Highway!

Sichuan-Tibet Highway: The Most Attractive Overland Route to Tibet

If you are a fearless adventurer who prefers an in-depth tour to explore the breathtaking view of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, then overland from Chengdu to Lhasa via Sichuan-Tibet Highway (2149km, southern route) shall be your top choice.

The notoriously challenging road takes you to venture into mountainous regions of the Hengduan Mountains and Tibetan Plateau.

Flanked by towering rugged mountains and luxuriant pristine forest, you travel beside the raging torrent of the Jinsha River, Lancang River, and Nu River. The grazing Tibetan yaks on the pasture and fluttering colorful Tibetan prayer flags on the snow-capped mountain passes, running young shepherds, exotic village houses, etc. make the Sichuan-Tibet Highway a heaven for photographers.

So far, the entire Sichuan-Tibet Highway has been built with quality asphalt roads. It remains one of the most popular self-drive routes with most favorable reviews worldwide.

travel from Chengdu to Lhasa via Sichuan-Tibet Highway (southern route)

Driving along the scenic G318 highway from Chengdu to Lhasa, where culture meets natural beauty.

Now: Have some ideas to travel to Tibet? Let’s work it out together!

Hopefully, having read our recommendation above, you’ll find an appropriate way to enter Tibet that suits your time, budget, and hobby.

If you need more detailed information or assistance in arranging your journey to Tibet, please do not hesitate to share your travel ideas with us. With local offices in Lhasa, Chengdu, and Kathmandu, we ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience to and within Tibet.

We look forward to helping you and welcoming you to Tibet!