Often called the “Roof of the World”, Tibet always seems mysterious and hard to access. But now, getting to Tibet is easier than ever, thanks to improved transportation and infrastructure. Whether you’re traveling from mainland China, Nepal, or even faraway places like the United States, there are simple and convenient ways to get there. Read this ultimate guide on how to get to Tibet, and prepare for a seamless journey to the plateau!

Where is Tibet? Is It Remote or Difficult to Reach?

Tibet, officially the Tibetan Autonomous Region, is a part of China located in its southwestern region, bordering countries such as Nepal, India, and Bhutan. Situated north of the Himalayas, it lies on the highest plateau in the world, with an average elevation of over 4,000 meters.

Although this high altitude and rugged terrain makes Tibet seem challenging to reach, it is now convenient to access. From mainland China, you can easily travel to Tibet by train, flight or even overland routes. Or, you can fly or take a road trip from Nepal. Even from distant places like the United States or Europe, it is becoming straightforward and manageable to get to the plateau.

Joining our top small group tour to enjoy a seamless and worry-free trip to Tibet.

How to Get to Tibet from Mainland China? Train, Flight and Overland Available

For tourists who start your trip from mainland China, there are three convenient ways to get to Tibet. Whether you choose the scenic train, the efficient flight or the adventurous overland drive, you can enjoy a unique travel experience.

(1) Tibet Train to Lhasa along Qinghai-Tibet Railway

Reputed as an engineering miracle, the Qinghai-Tibet Railway draws millions of tourists at home and abroad to experience the wonderful Tibet train journey. What you need to do is just indulge yourself in Tibetan highland scenery, varying from stunning lakes and various wildlife to endless grassland and majestic snow mountains.

Currently, you can take the train to Tibet from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi’an, Xining and Lanzhou. Daily trains are available from Beijing, Shanghai, Xining, Xi’an, Guangzhou and Lanzhou, while trains from Chengdu and Chongqing run every other day. The duration of a Tibet train journey ranges from 22 hours to about 54 hours.

Among all these routes, the Xining to Lhasa train is highly recommended. Xining is the starting point of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, and offers the most frequent train services to Lhasa. It also has the shortest travel time. Taking this route, you can save both time and energy while enjoying the essence of the railway scenery.

When booking your Tibet train ticket, it is advised to choose the soft sleeper berth, which can provide a more comfortable stay onboard. Also, make sure to book your ticket in advance, as trains to Tibet are always in high demand. If it feels complicated, we can help you book your Tibet train ticket and secure your preferred seat, to ensure a smooth journey.

Schedules of All Trains to Lhasa

Train Route	Dep./Arr.	Duration	Frequency
Beijing - Lhasa	19:53/11:36	39hrs,43min	Daily
Shanghai - Lhasa	18:33/15:05	44hrs,32min	Daily
Xining - Lhasa	12:50/10:20	21hrs,30min	Daily
Chengdu - Lhasa	21:11/7:41	34hrs,30min	Every Other Day
Guangzhou - Lhasa	09:15/14:17	53hrs,2min	Daily
Chongqing - Lhasa	21:56/07:41	33hrs,45min	Every Other Day
Xi’an - Lhasa	7:53/14:17	30hrs,24min	Daily
Lanzhou - Lhasa	8:40/7:41	23hrs,1min	Daily

(2) Flights to Tibet from Mainland China

There are daily direct flights between Lhasa and Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Xining, Kunming, and Xi’an, etc. These flights can vary in frequency and duration, depending on the airline and season. Generally it takes about 2 to 7 hours to fly to Tibet from mainland China.

Among them, the Chengdu to Lhasa flight is a popular route and is recommended due to its frequent daily departures. There are over flights from Chengdu to Lhasa every day, and the flight time is only about 2 hours. Besides, flights from Beijing and Xi’an are also popular choices. Both cities offer multiple daily departures, and are worth sightseeing before your trip to Tibet.

No matter which flight you will take, it is important to book your tickets in advance, since flights to Tibet can sell out quickly, especially when you travel in peak season. Besides, during the low season (November to next April), you can get a good discount from airlines.

Schedules of Major Direct Flights to Lhasa

Route	Airlines	Duration	Daily Frequency
Beijing-Lhasa	Air China, Tibet Airlines	4h 15m	3
Shanghai-Lhasa	China Eastern Airlines, Tibet Airlines	7h 10m	2
Chengdu-Lhasa	Sichuan Airlines, Air China, Tibet Airlines, Air China	2h 10m	23
Chongqing-Lhasa	Sichuan Airlines, Air China, China Southern Airlines, West Air, Tibet Airlines	2h 40m	13
Xi’an-Lhasa	Sichuan Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Tibet Airlines	3h 5m	10
Guangzhou-Lhasa	China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines	5h 55m	2
Xi’an - Lhasa	Sichuan Airlines, Tibet Airlines	2h 10m	4
Kunming-Lhasa	China Eastern, Tibet Airlines	2h 40m	5

(3) Overland Routes to Lhasa

There are four highways from mainland China to Tibet: the Qinghai-Tibet Highway (1,956km), the Yunnan-Tibet Highway (2,225km), the Sichuan-Tibet Highway (2,149km), the Xinjiang-Tibet Highway (2,755km).

The most popular route is the southern route of the Sichuan-Tibet Highway, which runs from Chengdu to Lhasa along the G318 Highway. This route crosses various breathtaking landscapes such as high mountains, canyons, rivers, grasslands and forests. Along the way, you will pass famous attractions including Xinduqiao, Maoya Grassland, Nu River 72 Turns, Ranwu Lake, Midui Glacier, Basum Lake etc.

The route from Xinjiang to Tibet is also chosen by many. Combining Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and Tibet Autonomous Region, the overland trip from Kashgar to Lhasa is a rewarding journey crossing the stunning landscapes of western Tibet. You can visit Mt. Kailash, Mt. Everest, Yamdrok Lake, etc., along the way before arriving in Lhasa.

Generally, traveling overland to Tibet from mainland China is challenging and requires much preparation. The highland roads are better driven by experienced drivers, and the changeable plateau weather can lead to different road condition. So it is better to contact a trustworthy local Tibet tour operator like us to arrange your overland trip, alleviating any worries or concerns.

After getting to Tibet via mainland China, you can proceed to Mount Everest with our tour.

How to Get to Tibet from Nepal? Both Flight and Overland Options are Popular

Nepal is also a popular gateway to Tibet owing to its neighboring location. For traveling from Nepal to Tibet, you can either take a direct flight or overland trip from Kathmandu to Lhasa.

(1) Kathmandu to Lhasa by Overland

In addition to the four overland routes to Tibet from mainland China, the road trip from Kathmandu to Lhasa is also a popular choice among tourists. It is perfect for those who want to explore the Himalayan region, spanning over 1,000 meters across the stunning landscape of the Tibetan plateau.

Taking this route, you will experience different cultures and scenery between Nepal and Tibet, and admire the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest, and visit several other popular Tibetan attractions like Yamdrok Lake and Tashilhunpo Monastery.

It is recommended to join our 8-day Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour, which is well-designed for you to take the essence of this world-class route. You will not miss any highlights of this route, while enjoy our excellent services including professional local guide and driver, ensuring a safe and comfortable road trip across the Himalayas.

(2) Kathmandu to Lhasa by Flight

If you want quicker access to Tibet from Nepal, you can choose the flight then. The flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa is currently the only international flight to Tibet, taking just around 1 hour and 20 minutes. The flight usually departs early in the mornings every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, offering spectacular views of the Himalayan range, including Mount Everest.

Upon arrival in Lhasa, you will be greeted by the breathtaking Potala Palace and the bustling streets of the city. Due to the high altitude of Lhasa, you may experience symptoms of altitude sickness, so it is recommended to take it easy for the first few days after arrival.

Schedules of Kathmandu and Lhasa Flight

Route	Dep. - Arr.	Flight No.	Airlines	Frequency
Kathmandu to Lhasa	8:00 - 12:15	H9774	Himalayas Airlines	Mon, Wed, Fri
Lhasa to Kathmandu	13:00 - 12:25	H9775	Himalayas Airlines	Mon, Wed, Fri

This is the most popular tour between Tibet and Nepal.

How to Get to Tibet from the US, Europe, and More Countries and Regions?

Currently, there are no direct flights to Tibet from the US, Europe, or other countries and regions, except for Nepal. But you can make an easy transfer via mainland or Nepal. As mentioned above, both offer convenient ways to get to Tibet.

For tourists who are from the US or Europe, you can first fly directly to one of the popular gateway cities in mainland China, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, or Guangzhou. Then from there, you can continue to travel to Tibet by train, flight, or road. Or, you can first head to Kathmandu of Nepal, and then choose to take a flight or overland trip to Lhasa.

If you have trouble deciding how to transfer to Tibet from your country, don’t worry! Just contact us, and we can help you to find out the best route based on your preferences and budgets.

What Documents are Required to Travel to Tibet?

No matter which route you take to travel to Tibet, you will first need to obtain some necessary documents. For tourists entering Tibet via mainland China, you will need a Chinese Visa and a Tibet Travel Permit. If you are traveling via Nepal, you will need a Chinese Group Visa and Tibet Travel Permit.

The good news is that at present many countries, such as Australia, New Zealand, Poland, Germany, France, Italy, Ireland, Malaysia, Singapore and others, enjoy a Chinese Visa-free policy. In this case, you will only need to obtain the Tibet Travel Permit. If you are unsure whether you need a Chinese Visa for your Tibet tour, check with us in advance.

On the other hand, the Tibet Travel Permit can be easily obtained through us. For tourists who book your Tibet tour with us, we offer a 100% guaranteed Tibet Travel Permit service. Just contact us about 20 days before your trip and tell us your travel plan, and we will handle the rest. We will ensure your Tibet Travel Permit is obtained before you take a train or flight to Tibet.

Insider Tips for Travelling to Tibet Smoothly

Here are some insider tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip to Tibet:

Acclimate Gradually: Taking the Tibet train can help you better acclimatize to the high altitude, owing to its gradual ascent. But if you choose the flight, you don’t need to worry either. Just spend several days in Lhasa after your arrival. Then you can better explore the higher regions of Tibet.

Pack Wisely: No matter when you visit Tibet, be sure to bring warm clothing, as temperatures can drop significantly at night, even in summer. Also pack sunscreen, lip balms for the dry weather and intense sunlight. Comfortable walking shoes are best for the plateau terrain.

Plan Ahead: It’s a good idea to book your trip in advance, especially during peak travel season from April to October. Both flights and trains to Tibet can fill up quickly, and the Tibet Travel Permit will also need more time to obtain.

Choose a Reliable Tour Operator: Working with a trustworthy local tour operator is helpful for your smooth Tibet tour. As the leading Tibet tour operator with years of experiences, we will carefully arrange every detail of your trip, from permits to accommodation, allowing you to focus on enjoying your adventure.

With a reliable tour operator like us, you can explore Tibet in a smooth and pleasant way.

Conclusion

Getting to Tibet becomes easier than ever. Whether you choose to travel to Tibet from mainland China or Nepal, you have convenient ways like trains, flights and overland routes to reach the plateau. Even from distant overseas places, the transfer is not complicated. Just remember to prepare the required documents like Tibet Travel Permit before your departure. If you still have any question about traveling to Tibet, feel free to contact us or book your tour with us now! We promise you a smooth and comfortable journey to Tibet.