There are three primary modes of transportation for traveling to Tibet
1: By Air
Taking a flight is the most convenient and comfortable way to reach Tibet, albeit a bit more expensive. For international flights, the only option is from Kathmandu, Nepal. For detailed information, please contact us at [email protected]
If you plan to take a flight from Mainland China, numerous cities offer flights to Lhasa. The nearest departure points are Chengdu and Xining, with a maximum flight time of around 2 hours. There are also many daily non-stop flights to Lhasa. Additionally, flights are available from other major cities such as Beijing, Xi-an, Chongqing, Kunming, Lijiang, and Shangri-La.
2: By Train
Traveling by train presents a truly unique and memorable experience. The Qinghai-Tibet railway is renowned as one of the world’s most scenic routes, allowing you to witness the breathtaking and unrivaled natural beauty of the Tibetan Plateau, including snow-capped mountains, vast grasslands, and the traditional nomadic life.
Xining is the closest city in China with a direct railway connection to Lhasa, and the journey takes approximately 20 – 21 hours. Other cities with railway access and their approximate travel times are as follows: Beijing (40 hours), Shanghai (47 hours), Xi-an (31 hours), Chengdu (36 hours), Guangzhou (53 hours), Lanzhou (24 hours), etc. Train travel is generally more affordable than flying but requires more time. Especially during peak seasons, train tickets can be extremely difficult to obtain. \
However, if you are eager to create an unforgettable memory by traveling on the high-altitude Tibetan plateau by train, we can arrange for guaranteed tickets in advance through certain special agents, who will levy an additional fee. For details regarding train or flight tickets, please reach out to our experienced travel consultants at [email protected]
3: Overland Expedition to Tibet
This mode of transportation can be initiated from Nepal and two well-known cities in Mainland China, namely Chengdu and Xining.
Embarking on an overland journey enables you to gain a deeper comprehension of Tibetan culture and discover the uncharted natural splendor of the plateau.
If you commence your overland adventure from Chengdu, you will traverse via G318 (the Southern Route), a journey that spans 7 days and presents you with natural wonders such as glistening glaciers, snow-capped peaks, dense forests, and expansive lakes.
Alternatively, you can commence your overland sojourn from either Chengdu or Xining via G317 (the Northern Route). This route will take you through the Amdo region in Eastern Tibet, affording you a remarkable opportunity to visit some renowned Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, vast grasslands, glaciers, and lakes.
The overland voyage from Nepal to Tibet represents another excellent alternative for enriching your understanding of Tibetan culture and the natural allure of Qiangtang, as well as the lofty Himalayan peaks. However, to enter Tibet from the Nepal border, a Chinese Group Visa is obligatory, which is issued by the Chinese Embassy in Nepal.
Click here for detailed information regarding the Chinese Group Visa. You can also reach out to us at [email protected] and our expert local travel consultants will offer their most informed guidance and assistance.