Foreign visitors to Tibet should consider flying directly to Lhasa from major cities in China like Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Shangri-La. This saves time and ensures convenience and comfort while exploring the lesser-explored region of Tibet.
In addition to these domestic flight options, visitors can also fly to Lhasa from Kathmandu, Nepal. This international flight connection opens up even more opportunities for travellers from around the world to experience the wonders of Tibet. The availability of flights from multiple origins contributes to the growing popularity of Tibet as a tourist destination.
Tibet has eight airports, serving civilian and military purposes. The busiest is Lhasa Gongkar Airport, offering convenient access to the capital. Chamdo Bamda Airport is the world’s highest at 4,334 meters, providing breathtaking views.
Nyingchi Mainling Airport is an ideal gateway to the east, offering stunning landscapes and access to the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon. Ngari Gunsa and Ali Pulan Airports in the west are gateways to Mount Kailash, attracting pilgrims for the Kailash Kora.
Shannan Longzi Airport provides access to Tibet’s historical cradle, immersing visitors in Tibetan culture. Shigatse, the second-largest city, has Shigatse Peace and Shigatse Dingri Airports, granting access to cultural treasures like Tashilhunpo Monastery and Mount Everest Base Camp.
Flying to Tibet from China or Kathmandu is the most convenient way for foreign visitors to embark on their Tibetan adventure, with various flight options facilitating exploration of different regions.
In the latest aviation season, Tibet welcomes exciting new routes connecting travelers to destinations like Yinchuan, Ordos Dongsheng, Luzhou, and Shenzhen. This expansion ensures a seamless travel experience, addressing the diverse needs of passengers.
In this upcoming aviation season, Lhasa Gongga Airport is set to host operations from 10 airlines, scheduling 1,133 weekly flights to 46 cities. Meanwhile, Changdu Bangda Airport plans to accommodate 3 airlines with 112 weekly flights to 4 cities. Linzhi Milin Airport is gearing up for operations with 5 airlines, providing 194 weekly flights to 10 cities. Ali Kunsha Airport, with 3 airlines, is planning 46 weekly flights to 4 cities. Additionally, Shigatse Peace Airport and Nyingchi Mainling Airport, operated by Air China, will connect various cities.
For detailed flight schedules, refer to the 2023 Winter-Spring Flight Timetable.
Flight schedules in China undergo seasonal adjustments twice a year – from the last Sunday in March to the last Saturday in October (Summer-Autumn) and from the last Sunday in October to the last Saturday in March of the following year (Winter-Spring). This process, known as “flight seasonal adjustment,” aligns with the country’s geographical and climatic variations.
The rationale behind seasonal adjustments lies in adapting to China’s diverse climate and accommodating the changing travel habits of passengers during different seasons. This strategic optimization serves two main purposes:
As Tibet’s aviation sector gears up for the new season, these adjustments not only cater to the diverse travel needs of passengers but also prioritize safety and efficiency in flight operations. Stay tuned for an enhanced and seamless travel experience with these exciting new routes!
Route | Duration | Fare in CNY | Frequency |
---|---|---|---|
Beijing – Lhasa | 4 hrs 35 mins | 2430 | Daily |
Shanghai – Lhasa | 5 hrs 55 mins | 2760 | Daily |
Xian – Lhasa | 2 hrs 55 mins | 1650 | Daily |
Guangzhou – Lhasa | 5 hrs 15 mins | 2500 | Daily |
Chengdu – Lhasa | 2 hrs | 1500 | Daily |
Chongqing – Lhasa | 2 hrs 25 mins | 1630 | Daily |
Xining – Lhasa | 2 hrs 30 mins | 1610 | Tue.Wed.Thu.Sat.Sun. |
Shangri-La – Lhasa | 2 hrs 5 mins | 1380 | Daily |
Kathmandu – Lhasa | 1 hrs 30 mins | 2690 | Tue. Thu. Sat. |
Linzhi – Lhasa | 45 mins | 1200 | Daily |
Lhasa – Ali | 45 mins | 1200 | Daily |