Flying to Tibet is the most convenient way to get there. Out of all the cities in China, taking a flight from Chengdu to Lhasa and from Kathmandu to Lhasa is the easiest. Most Chinese domestic Airlines operate flights to Lhasa from different cities in China.
International Flight to Tibet
Currently, the only international flight to Lhasa is from Kathmandu. There are no direct flights to Lhasa from any international destinations. If you are flying to Lhasa, you must fly from the following cities in China or Nepal.
Flight price
The price of a flight ticket to Tibet is substantially higher than that of the rest of China. Due to Tibet’s popularity as an international and domestic tourist destination, getting a ticket at the last minute is often very hard. So, it would be best for you to book the flight ticket well in advance.
Permit situation
If you are flying from other cities in China, you will need the original Tibet travel permit to board the plane. So all the travel agencies will need to send the license to your hotel in Other cities in China. Read more about coming to Tibet from other parts of China here.
If you fly to Lhasa from Nepal, you must get the Chinese Group Visa from the Chinese Embassy in Nepal. You must stay in Kathmandu for at least five days, including the departure date. Read more about coming to Tibet from Nepal here.
Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Xian, Kunming, Shangri-La, Xining, Nanjing, and Xiamen are excellent Tibet transit points.
Lhasa Airport Guide
Lhasa airport has a different terminal for domestic and international flights.
Domestic Flight
If you are taking flights from other cities in China to Lhasa, when you arrive at Lhasa airport, you can follow the domestic passengers out of the airport. At the main exit, the officer checks for your Tibet travel permit.
You will find many buses near the gate by exiting the airport’s main building. Those are the shuttle Buses parked at their stations. You must come directly to the waiting area on the main road to see your tour guide ( Refer to the image on the left). Please do not wait for your tour guide in the airport building.
International Flight
If you fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa, you will exit the international terminal. At this terminal, you will check out of Chinese customs on the first floor. As you proceed to the ground floor, your Tour guide will wait for you at another checkpoint with your Tibet travel permit and the border permit.
As you are present, the white scarf Khata ( for the welcome ceremony) will be given to you. You will then hand over the original Tibet Travel Permit to your guide. The journey from Lhasa Airport to the Main Lhasa city is about 60 Kilometers and would take about an hour. Please keep your passport handy on this journey.
Conclusion of flights to Tibet
Taking the flight to Lhasa is a convenient way to Travel to Tibet from China. While boarding the flights, you must produce an original copy of your Tibet travel permit at the airport in major Chinese cities. A travel agency in Lhasa can deliver your permit to your hotel in China. Or arrange for someone to give it to you at the airport. Make sure you have access to your email in China. Also, take preventive measures like: Giving your Alternative email for your travel in Lhasa, Signing up on Wechat to chat with your travel agent, and Getting your agent’s phone number to call.