Flights to Tibet

The most convenient and fastest way to get to Tibet is travelling by air with the frequent domestic flights connecting the holy land with the mainland China. Also, there is one international flight from Kathmandu, Nepal to Lhasa, Tibet every day. For those who prefer to get to Tibet by air, we offer the most detailed and useful guide about how to fly to Tibet.

Domestic Flights to Tibet from Mainland China

Just like the Tibet trains to Lhasa, the flights also depart from a collection of gateway cities to Tibet from mainland China. Tourists can board the flight from Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Chongqing, Guangzhou, Xian etc.

There are non-stop flights connecting Lhasa with Beijing, Chengdu, Chongqing, and Xian, while direct flights connecting Lhasa with Shanghai and Guangzhou makes stops at Chongqing, or Xian etc. And Chengdu is currently offering the most frequent flights to Tibet among them.

Beijing to Lhasa Flight

There are two or three non-stop flights to Lhasa from Beijing every day, operated by Air China Airlines. The flights usually take 4.5 hours to cover a distance of 3004 kilometers. The Beijing to Lhasa flights all leave in the morning, and arrive in the afternoon in Lhasa.

From/To	Flight Number	Dep./Arr.	Stopover
Beijing-Lhasa	CA4125	08:35-13:05	No
Beijing-Lhasa	CA8397	10:35-15:05	No
Beijing-Lhasa	CA8343	13:55-18:25	No

Please Note: The above timetable and schedule are just for your reference. Please check the exact information with your travel consultant.

Shanghai to Lhasa Flight

The flight from Shanghai to Lhasa will depart twice a day, with a stopover in Xi’an or Chengdu. The flight distance is 2906 kilometers (equal to 1806 miles) and it takes about 6-8 hours to reach Lhasa from Shanghai by air. There are China Eastern Airlines and Tibet Airlines operating the flights respectively departing in the morning and afternoon.

From/To	Flight Number	Dep./Arr.	Stopover
Shanghai-Lhasa	MU2335	06:45 - 14:35	Xi'an
Shanghai-Lhasa	TV9882	14:45 - 20:45	Chengdu

Please Note: The above timetable and schedule are just for your reference.

Chengdu to Lhasa Flight

Chengdu as the neighbor city situating closely to Tibet, offers the most frequent flights to Lhasa. There are more than ten non-stop flights departing from Chengdu to Lhasa every day, taking only 2.5 hours in average. So, you will have more chances to catch a flight here as it departs from early morning to late night. Airlines operating flights from Chengdu to Lhasa are in all sizes, and it is recommended to choose Air China or Tibet Airlines. The following list is part of the selected flights schedules.

From/To	Flight Number	Dep./Arr.	Stopover
Chengdu-Lhasa	TV9803	05:50 – 08:10	No
Chengdu-Lhasa	CA4403	06:25 - 08:55	No
Chengdu-Lhasa	CA4401	06:55 - 09:20	No
Chengdu-Lhasa	TV9823	07:35 - 10:00	No
Chengdu-Lhasa	CA4441	12:05 - 14:40	No
Chengdu-Lhasa	CA4112	13:15 - 15:40	No
Chengdu-Lhasa	TV9882	18:35 - 20:45	No

Please Note: The above timetable and schedule are just for your reference.

Chongqing to Lhasa Flight

Currently there are three daily flights from Chongqing to Lhasa, with no stopover on the way. Respectively operated by China Southern Airlines, Air China and Sichuan Airlines, the flights to Tibet from Chongqing take only 3 hours in normal situation. Generally, the flights departing from Chongqing are the lowest in prices compared to other cities.

From/To	Flight Number	Dep./Arr.	Stopover
Chongqing-Lhasa	3U8633	07:50 – 10:50	No
Chongqing-Lhasa	CZ3463	11:40 – 14:40	No
Chongqing-Lhasa	CA4420	13:55 - 14:40	No

Please Note: The above timetable and schedule are just for your reference.

Guangzhou to Lhasa Flight

Guangzhou is relatively far away from Tibet, and only offers one direct flight to Lhasa every day. The flight from Guangzhou to Lhasa departs at 08:35 am and arrives in Lhasa Gonggar Airport at 14:40 pm, with a stopover in Chongqing on the way.

From/To	Flight Number	Dep./Arr.	Stopover
Guangzhou-Lhasa	CZ3463	08:35 – 14:40	Chongqing

Please Note: The above timetable and schedule are just for your reference.

Xi’an to Lhasa Flight

Xi’an is in the mid-way position to Tibet from mainland China, and is usually a drop-by destination for one visiting Tibet from Beijing. However, it is in fact very convenient to fly from Xi’an to Tibet. There are 3 non-stop flights departing to Lhasa from Xi’an every day, and more flights on specific dates like Weekend days. It takes about 3.5 hours for the flight ride.

From/To	Flight Number	Dep./Arr.	Stopover
Xian-Lhasa	MU9619	07:40 – 11:10	No
Xian-Lhasa	MU2333	07:55 - 11:20	No
Xian-Lhasa	MU2335	11:40 - 15:20	No

Please Note: The above timetable and schedule are just for your reference.

Apart from the flights above-mentioned, there are also flights from Kunming, Xining, Hong Kong etc. Some may have a stopover on the way. It is suggested to choose the departure city which offers the direct or non-stop flight to Tibet, so that you can save time and energy on the way.

International Flights to Tibet from Nepal

The flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa is the only international flight getting to Tibet. Every day, there are two flights flying from the capital of Nepal to Lhasa, served by Air China or Sichuan Airlines. The flight journey takes about 1.5 hours, during which you may have the chance to witness the top of Himalayas from the window.

Kathmandu to Lhasa Flight Schedule

From/To	Flight Number	Dep./Arr.	Stopover
Kathmandu-Lhasa	3U8720	11:30 – 15:10	No
Kathmandu-Lhasa	CA408	12:10 – 16:00	No

Please Note: The above timetable and schedule are just for your reference.

Choose the Flight to Tibet from Mainland China or Nepal?

It’s a pity that most foreign tourists can’t fly to Tibet directly from their hometown. Since you have to make your choice to fly to Tibet, it is highly suggested to get to mainland China first and then fly to Tibet. Not only because it is convenient to get to mainland China by air now, but also more flight routes you can choose from mainland China to Tibet. And in this way, you just need to apply for Chinese Visa and Tibet Travel Permit before you go.

If you enter Tibet from Kathmandu by air, you need to apply for the Group tourist visa from Chinese Embassy at Kathmandu, Nepal. For those who already have a Chinese Visa, it is not suggested to get to Tibet from Nepal, because you former Chinese Visa will be canceled once the group tourist visa is issued.

Required Travel Documents for Taking a Flight to Tibet

Of course, your passport and Chinese Visa are the basic documents you need to take with you. Besides, the Tibet Travel Permit is very important for you to check in and board your plane to Tibet. For all international travelers, you need to apply for the Tibet Travel Permit before you go.

The Tibet Travel Permit, also known as Tibet Visa, can be only applied through a Tibet local travel agency who will offer the full travel service for you during your days in Tibet. Without it, you can't enter Tibet, even get onboard the flight or train to Tibet.

Airports in Tibet

Recently, there are five airports in Tibet that opened for tourists. Among them, Lhasa Gonggar Airport is the most important and busiest one for tourism. It receives the most part of flights to Tibet. Located about 85 kilometers southwest of Lhasa city center, the airport is also provided with convenient shuttle bus.

For some tourists, who are concerned about the altitude sickness, you can fly to Nyingchi Mainling airport to start your Tibet tour at a lower altitude. The airports in Shigatse, Ngari and Chamdo are mainly served for the flights inside Tibet area and a few flights to the nearby cities outside Tibet.

More FAQ about Flights to Tibet

a. How to Find Cheap Flight to Tibet?

The cost of flights to Tibet is not cheap at all. The airfares from the major cities, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Hong Kong to Tibet are always over 500 USD, but the flights from Chongqing, Kunming and Chengdu to Lhasa are much cheaper.

Also, to travel to Tibet in low seasons, such as in winter, you can get a cheaper flight tickets than you go in summer time. Whenever you go, making an early plan and doing more comparison could help you save more money on the flight ticket.

b. Is It Easy to Get High Altitude Sickness If I Take a Flight to Tibet?

The altitude of most Chinese major cities is below 1000 meters, while the altitude of Lhasa city is at 3656 meters above the sea level. Once you arrive at the Lhasa Gonggar Airport, you may get some symptoms of high altitude sickness. But you don’t need to worry too much about the altitude sickness. Keeping moving slowly, and having a good rest at your hotel in the rest of the day, these could help you adapt to the high altitude in Lhasa. Don’t be too nervous, a good mood can also help you get used to the high altitude quickly.

Conclusion

Whether you plan to fly to Tibet from mainland China or Nepal, it is a convenient and time-save choice to get to Tibet. In this case, you can have more time to tour Tibet. Just like taking Tibet train, you will also need to obtain the Tibet Travel Permit in advance. Plus, Group Tourists Visa will be required if you enter Tibet from Nepal. For more questions. please feel free to contact us for personal inquiry.

More about Flights to Tibet

• Get to Lhasa by Air
• Beijing to Lhasa Flight: Traveling from Beijing to Tibet by Air
• Xi’an to Tibet Flight: How to Get to Lhasa from Xi’an by Air
• Chongqing to Tibet Flight
• Kathmandu to Lhasa Flight
• What Airlines Fly to Tibet
• All Airports in Tibet