How to Get to Tibet? For Centuries, Tibet was unknown to most people in the world. Even if it’s a well-known place for some, people still have no idea…
With recent years of developments in Tibet, Tibet now offers a comprehensive transportation system of airlines, trains, and highways. People worldwide have an opportunity to visit Tibet’s beauty and experience its unique culture.
There are two access points from where you can enter Tibet. These are from cities in mainland China and also Nepal.
You can take a flight to Tibet from mainland China, ride a train to Tibet, or take an overland drive to Tibet. From Nepal, you can take a flight from Kathmandu or drive through border towns like Kyirong (China-Nepal Border) or Purang (China-Nepal Border).
If you decide to travel to Tibet from any city in mainland China, there you have options like taking a flight or train to Tibet. Before you enter China, you need to apply for a Chinese visa from your nearby China Embassy. If you need any assistance in applying for your Chinese Visa, Tibet Nature Tour is always happy and capable of sending any supporting letter or an Invitation Letter to you to apply for the visa.
Taking a flight to Lhasa from Mainland China:
is the easiest way and fastest way to go to Tibet. If you are lucky, you may get a seat by the window side, where you can view the snow-capped mountains rising above all the clouds.
You can take flights from any city in mainland China, but Chengdu is the best getaway city leading to Tibet. As there will be more than 10 fights taken off to Lhasa every day.
For a piece of important information, before entering Tibet by flight, you will have to get your Original Hard copy of the Tibet Travel Permits. Without which you will not be allowed to take the flight to Tibet. For that reason, we will arrange for our friends in mainland cities to hand over the Tibet permits to you at the airport or to your stopover at any hotel in mainland China.
Take a Train to Tibet:
Tibet’s high altitude can be challenging for some travelers. Flying straight to Lhasa can lead to altitude sickness. The best option is to take a Train from Xining to Lhasa. The Xining to Lhasa train takes a much gentler approach. Starting at the lower altitude of Xining (2,275 meters) and gradually ascending to Lhasa (3,650 meters) over 21 hours, your body has time to adjust naturally, minimizing the risk of unpleasant symptoms.
The journey itself is as much a highlight as the destination. Watching Tibet’s breathtaking landscape transform from grasslands to mountains to barren plains. Crossing through the Tangula mountain ranges and Qinghai-Tibetan plateau. You will have a great opportunity to gaze at the star-studded sky from your window at night.
Overland to Lhasa
The government constructed 6 China National Highways in the Tibet Autonomous Region to connect with mainland China.
Sichuan – Tibet North Line Highway (G318),
Sichuan – Tibet Highway South Line (G317),
Qinghai – Tibet Highway (G109),
Yunnan – Tibet Highway (G214),
Xinjiang – Tibet Highway (G219),
and China – Nepal Highway.
Of all these China National Highways, Sichuan – Tibet North Line is the most attentional Getaway Highway because this highway provides the most beautiful scenery of the Tibetan Plateau.
If you choose to get to Tibet from the Nepal side, then you have options like taking a flight from Kathmandu, Nepal, or an overland drive through China Nepal Border. You can take a flight from your home to Nepal, and apply for a Nepal visa once you land at the Kathmandu, Nepal Airport.
After you arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal you need 3 working days to apply for a China Group Visa, which is also known as a Tibet Group Visa. No worry about the visa, since our friend in Kathmandu will come to collect your passport and two passport-size photos at your hotel, and he will do the rest.
Once you receive the China group Visa, then you can enter Tibet from Nepal by land or by air. These two options for entering Tibet should be decided while you book your Tibet Trip with us, and we will also organize everything based on your bespoke itinerary.
Getting to Tibet from Nepal is also an excellent option to enter Tibet because staying two or more days in Nepal will help you to perfectly acclimatize to the altitude. You also can explore more places in Nepal to find you a perfect vacation.
If you would like to take a flight to Tibet from Nepal, then there is a bigger possibility that you will get a distant view of Mt. Everest, standing like a giant of the world. Air China and Sichuan Airlines are the airlines from which you can take your flight to Lhasa, Tibet.
Important Notice:
There is a direct flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa from December 28th, 2023, if the travelers are interested in taking a flight. There is only one direct flight Kathmandu on every Monday these days. Then you can consult with Himalayan Airlines.
Therefore, you will have to speak with your Travel Agency to apply for your Visa and so on.
Tibet requires special documents such as Tibet Travel permits and Chinese visas for foreign travelers. Plan, and make sure you obtain all these documents before getting to Tibet.
Chinese Visa:
This is necessary for all foreign visitors, who planning to enter China. Apply for a Chinese visa at your nearest Chinese embassy or consulate.
Tibet Travel Permit:
Tibet Permits or Tibet visas should be obtained through a Lhasa-based Travel agency, like us. This will grant you access to specific areas within Tibet. There are additional documents needed for your travel to Tibet, these will be taken by the Travel agency based in Lhasa.
China(Tibet) Group Visa (if applicable): If you are planning to enter China from Nepal, you will receive a Group Visa from the China Embassy based in Kathmandu. Therefore, do not apply for your Chinese visa by yourself from your home base or nearest China Embassy or Consulate. Since your current visa will be cancelled and issued a new Group Visa.
To have more information, please contact us at [email protected]
Tibet’s high altitude plateau in China (Lhasa sits at 3,656 meters). This can lead to altitude sickness if you are coming to Tibet for the first time. To minimize the risk of getting altitude sickness, acclimatize properly: You may check our website for more information on how to avoid altitude sickness for travel to Tibet.
Ascend gradually:
The best way to avoid mountain sickness is to ascend gradually. So, if you are planning to fly to Lhasa (3650m), spend a few days in a lower-altitude city like Xining or Kathmandu before heading to Lhasa.
Stay hydrated:
Once you arrive in Tibet, do not forget to drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate you. This will help to acclimatize the altitude.
Pace yourself:
After you arrive in Tibet, avoid strenuous activity for the first few days, and take breaks to rest.
Consult your doctor:
If you have any underlying health conditions, seek medical advice before traveling to Tibet.
Are you still wondering “How to get to Tibet”? Getting to Tibet seems far away, but reaching it doesn’t have to be Everest-sized. Kalsang, a Tibetan tourism expert with 15 years under his belt, shares his insider tips in this guide.
Forget mountains of paperwork! Kalsang and his team at Tibet Nature Tour handle Tibet Travel Permits, and Tourism Transportation, and even give appropriate information for acclimatization, ensuring your journey is smooth and unforgettable. Train to Lhasa, Tibet flight information, or adventure-filled overland trip – choose your path and let them make your dream a reality.
We regret to inform you that independent travel in Tibet is not permitted. According to regulations set by the Tibet Tourism Bureau, all foreign visitors must arrange their trip through an authorized travel agency, such as Tibet Nature Tour. Which required a registered tour guide, licensed driver, and approved tourism vehicle for all itineraries. For this reason, unguided or self-organized travel in Tibet is strictly prohibited.
For entry to Tibet, you will need the below documents, without which you will be not allowed to take the flight or train to Lhasa.
Tibet Travel Permit (arranged by your tour agency).
Valid passport with a Chinese visa (unless entering from Nepal).
Confirmed flight/train tickets to and from Tibet
Yes, you are great to enter Tibet from Nepal. To do so, you will need a Group Tourist Visa (also known as a Tibet Group Visa), which is issued by the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu, Nepal. This visa requires a Tibet Travel Permit and a pre-arranged tour booked through us. Please note that regular Chinese visas obtained elsewhere are not valid for entering Tibet from Nepal.
Yes, there are restricted areas in Tibet, such as Nagqu, Ngari, and certain parts of Shigatse, that require additional permits (including an Aliens’ Travel Permit and Military Permit) to visit, there’s no need to worry. All necessary documentation will be arranged for you based on your travel itinerary.
There are three main ways to travel to Tibet:
By Air:
Fly into Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA), Shigatse Peace Airport, Linzhi Airport, or Ali Airport from major Chinese cities such as Chengdu, Beijing, or Xi’an, or from international hubs like Kathmandu, Nepal or Singapore.
By Train:
Take the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, which connects Lhasa to cities across China, including Xining, Beijing, and Shanghai. This scenic rail journey allows travelers to acclimatize gradually to the high altitude.
By Land:
Drive from Kathmandu, Nepal, to the Tibet border at Kyirong Port (note: permits and guided tours are required).
Overland routes from other parts of mainland China to Lhasa, depending on your tour itinerary.
Yes, all foreign nationals (non-Chinese passport holders) and Taiwanese citizens require a Tibet Travel Permit (TTP) to enter Tibet. This permit is issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau and must be arranged through a registered Tibetan travel agency as part of a pre-booked guided tour. Independent travel is not permitted .
