FLIGHTS TO TIBET
You can fly to Tibet from one of the major Chinese cities or from Kathmandu in Nepal. There are more than 50 flights landing every week of the peak season at the Lhasa airport.
IINTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS
There are no direct international flights from countries other than Nepal. Even if you are flying from Kathmandu, you will need to arrive in Nepal first. Then our agent will help you to apply for a group visa to enter Tibet, and after you have the visa and the copy of the permit, you can take a flight to Lhasa. The group visa can be processed within 2-5 days depending on the urgency. More on the group visa here»
DOMESTIC FLIGHTS
When you are flying from China, you need the Tibet travel permit to board the plane to Tibet. We mail you the permit to the address of the hotel where you are staying. Please, allow 2-3 days to receive the permit in the mail. Chinese post office delivers mail on Saturdays, but not on Sundays.
Lhasa Gonggar airport in Tibet
BOOK A FLIGHT
NONSTOP FLIGHTS FROM CHINESE CITIES
NONSTOP FLIGHTS TO LHASA
Although you can find a flight from practically any city in China, most visitors find it convenient to choose a nonstop flight. The major gateway city in China for Lhasa flights is Chengdu with more than 10 nonstop flights per day during the peak season. There are several airlines flying from Chengdu to Lhasa, such as Air China, Sichuan Airlines, and China Eastern. The flight duration is approximately 2 hours and 25 minutes.
Other cities that offer a direct non-stop connection to Lhasa are Beijing, Chongqing, Kunming, Xian, Xining, Lijiang and Shangri-La.
There are no direct flights from Guangzhou and Shanghai, but you will find several flight options with a stopover.
Although there are many options, we recommend booking the ticket in advance.
The typical luggage allowance on major airlines is 20 kg, but pay attention to specific terms. Some new airlines offering discounted prices might charge for checked luggage.
| Gateway City | Flight Duration | Freguency | Airlines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chengdu | 2.5 hours | Every day, 10 flights per day | Sichuan Airlines, Air China, China Eastern Airlines |
| Beijing | 4.5 hours | Every day | Air China |
| Xian | 3.5 hours | Every day, 4 flights per day | China Eastern Airlines, Sichuan Airlines |
| Chongqing | 3 hours | Every day, 5 flights per day | Sichuan Airlines, Air China, China Eastern Airlines, Xiamen Airlines |
| Xining | 2.5 hours | Every day, 2 flights per day | Sichuan Airlines |
| Kunming | 3 hours | Every day | China Eastern Airlines |
| Shangri-La | 3 hours | Every day | China Eastern Airlines |
| Lijiang | 2 hours | Every day | Sichuan Airlines |
AIRPORTS IN TIBET
There are 5 airports in Tibet:
Lhasa Gonggar airport is the most popular. It is located 60 km/ 40 miles away from Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. The majority of tours (and all group tours) start in Lhasa, making Lhasa airport the most convenient entry point to Tibet.
RECENT ARTICLES ABOUT TRAVELING IN TIBET
TIBET REOPENING 2023
The Best Meditation Places in Tibet
Prepare to Visit Mount Kailash – Complete Guide
The Roof of The World: 10 Facts about Altitude in Tibet
Mount Everest is Closed for Spring 2020 Climbing Season
