Flights to Lhasa: Your Complete Guide to Traveling to Tibet By Air

With 2 direct international flights from Kathmandu and Singapore, and around 30 daily direct domestic flights from major cities across China to Lhasa Gonggar International Airport, taking a flight to Lhasa is a breeze.

So, if you’re planning to visit Tibet by flight and looking for the best departure cities to fly to Lhasa, we’ve got you covered!

In this travel guide, we’ll walk you through the major international and domestic flight routes to Lhasa and help you choose the best entry city and flight option for your upcoming Tibet adventure.

Can I Fly Straight to Lhasa? Yes, Direct Flights from Singapore or Kathmandu to Lhasa Are Available

Currently, only two international cities outside China offer non-stop flights to Lhasa, which are Singapore (Changi Airport) and Kathmandu (Tribhuvan International Airport). So, whether you're a citizen of Singapore or Nepal, or planning to travel to Tibet from either of these destinations, these convenient direct flights make it easy for you to reach the Roof of the World within hours.

The Singapore to Lhasa flights are operated by West Air China and can be booked directly on its official website. The flight (PN6546) departs from Singapore Changi Airport at 04:40 and lands at Lhasa Gonggar International Airport at 14:55, covering around 3,402 km in 10h15min. These flights operate every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. The return flight (PN6545) departs from Lhasa at 17:20 and arrives in Singapore at 03:40 the next day (a 10h20min journey), based on available data at the time of writing.

Singapore to Lhasa Flight Schedule 2026

Flight Route	Flight No.	Dep.	Arr.	Duration	Frequency
Singapore to Lhasa	PN6546	04:40	14:55	10h15m	Tues, Thurs, Sat
Lhasa to Singapore	PN6545	17:20	03:40(+1)	10h20m	Mon, Wed, Fri

Alternatively, as the first international flight connecting Lhasa to the outside world, the Kathmandu to Lhasa flight offers you a much quicker access to Tibet by air, due to its proximity to Tibet geographically. Currently, the flight between Nepal and Tibet is run by Himalayan Airlines and operates on every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

The Kathmandu to Lhasa flight (H9-774) departs from Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport at 08:30 and arrives at Lhasa Gonggar International Airport at 12:05. The thrilling 1h20m flight covers around 605km with an amazing bird’s eye view of the majestic Himalayas, including imposing Mt. Everest. Make sure you pick the left window seat for the epic view of snow-capped Mt. Everest.

The return Lhasa to Kathmandu flight (H9-775) leaves from Lhasa at 13:15 and arrives in Kathmandu at 12:35, with a duration of 1h35m.

Kathmandu to Lhasa Flight Schedule 2026

Flight	Flight No.	Dep.	Arr.	Duration	Frequency
Kathmandu to Lhasa	H9-774	08:30	12:05	1h20m	Mon, Wed, Fri
Lhasa to Kathmandu	H9-775	13:15	12:35	1h35m	Tues, Thurs, Fri

One thing worth mentioning is that though you can effortlessly fly from Nepal to Tibet within 2 hours, the correct way to unlock the Kathmandu to Lhasa journey is by road across the mighty Himalayas, esp for road trip lovers with enough time for travel.

You may join our classic 8-day Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour and cross the Sino-Nepal border with our smooth border transfer. Along the way, you can admire the 360° view of Mt. Everest, explore Shigatse and Lhasa, two of Tibet’s largest cities, and enjoy shimmering sapphire alpine lakes and intriguing local encounters, which promise you a true sense of adventure that flight travel simply can’t offer.

Our guests enjoy the overland journey from Kathmandu to Lhasa.

Enjoy the thrilling overland tour from Kathmandu to Lhasa across mighty Himalayas in a weeek.

What Are the Top 3 Gateway Cities for Connecting Flights to Lhasa? Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou

For most international travelers, China’s major gateway cities, such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, with their massive air hubs connecting to all corners of the world, remain your go-to choices for catching a connecting flight to Lhasa.

Beijing, the capital of China, has the largest air hub connecting to over 40 countries through 448 international flights. You can easily fly from your country to Beijing and board 4 non-stop flights from Beijing Capital / Daxing International Airports to Lhasa Gonggar International Airport within 4 to 6 hours.

Air China, Tibet Airlines, and Lucky Air run non-stop flights from Beijing to Lhasa daily. Besides, for first-timers to China, it’s also a great idea to spend a couple of days touring historic Beijing City before boarding the Beijing to Lhasa flight to the Roof of the World. Learn more about Beijing Tibet tours.

Beijing to Lhasa flight 2026

Airline	Flight No.	Dep.	Arr.	Duration	Frequency
Air China	CA4125	07:40	12:10	4h30m	Daily
Air China	CA4123	12:55	17:35	4h30m	Daily
Tibet Airlines	TV9816	14:55	19:10	4h15m	Daily
Lucky Air	8L9511	07:10	11:25	4h15m	Daily

Besides, as China’s financial center on the east coast, Shanghai proudly stands out with its iconic futuristic skyline and the charming night view of the Bund, attracting countless overseas travelers to make a stop here before catching a connecting flight to Lhasa. Learn more about the Shanghai Tibet tour.

China Eastern Airlines operates multiple direct flights from Shanghai to Lhasa with a brief stopover in Xi’an or Chengdu. The most ideal flight is MU2335, which takes 7hr40min from Shanghai Pudong International Airport to Lhasa, with a 1h20min stop in Xi’an for refueling.

Shanghai to Lhasa flight 2026

Airline	Flight No.	Dep.	Arr.	Duration	Frequency
China Eastern Airlines	MU2335	06:45	14:25	7h40m	Daily

In addition, if you're traveling from Southeast Asia or Oceania, Guangzhou, the largest city on China's southern coast, is another ideal gateway for connecting domestic flights to Tibet. Learn more about the Guangzhou Tibet tour.

Currently, China Southern Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, and Loong Air operate daily flights from Guangzhou to Lhasa with a stop in Shangri-la or Chongqing.

Guangzhou to Lhasa flight 2026

Airline	Flight No.	Dep.	Arr.	Duration	Frequency
China Eastern	MU5774	09:20	15:25	6h5m	Daily
Loong Air	GJ3031	08:10	14:10	6h	Daily
China Southern Airlines	CZ3463	08:10	14:10	6h	Daily

Which City Has the Most Frequent and Shortest Flights to Lhasa: Chengdu

Situated in the southwest of Sichuan Province, Chengdu is one of the closest gateway cities to Tibet, offering the most frequent and shortest flights to Lhasa. Known as the hometown of adorable giant pandas and the starting point of the epic Chengdu to Lhasa overland tour via the scenic G318 Highway, Chengdu is well worth your visit before flying to Tibet. Learn more about the Chengdu Tibet tour.

You can select from multiple non-stop flights from Chengdu to Lhasa, operated by Sichuan Airlines, Air China, and China Eastern Airlines. These flights depart from Chengdu’s Tianfu or Shuangliu Airports and land at Gonggar Airport in just 2 hours.

Chengdu to Lhasa flight 2026

Airline	Flight No.	Dep.	Arr.	Duration	Frequency
Sichuan Airline	3U8691	07:30	09:45	2h15m	Daily
Sichuan Airline	3U6631	08:20	10:55	2h35m	Daily
Tibet Airline	TV9715	15:15	18:05	2h50m	Daily
Tibet Airline	TV9882	20:55	23:10	2h15m	Daily
Air China	CA4403	06:40	09:05	2h25m	Daily
Air China	CA2537	07:15	09:50	2h35m	Daily
China Eastern Airlines	MU5825	14:00	16:25	2h25m	Daily

3 More Vibrant Inland Cities to Fly to Lhasa: Xi’an, Kunming, Chongqing

Though with fewer international flights than Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu, cities like Xi’an, Kunming, and Chongqing still offer you great alternatives for a brief visit before taking a non-stop flight to Lhasa.

For history buffs, Xi’an is definitely your top pick before flying to Lhasa. Once the capital of 13 dynasties, this ancient city witnessed the prosperity of ancient Chinese civilization. Here, you can explore the mighty Terracotta Army, bike atop the old City Wall, and trace the footsteps of monk Xuanzang at the iconic Big Wild Goose Pagoda and beyond. Learn more about Xi’an Tibet tours.

You can find at least 4 non-stop flights from Xi’an to Lhasa daily, operated by China Eastern Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, and Tibet Airlines, with a flight duration of around 3 hours.

Xi’an to Lhasa flight 2026

Airline	Flight No.	Dep.	Arr.	Duration	Frequency
China Eastern Airlines	MU2439	06:55	10:10	3h15m	Daily
China Eastern Airlines	MU2333	08:45	12:15	3h30m	Daily
Sichuan Airlines	3U3253	07:40	10:45	5h5m	Daily
Tibet Airlines	TV6051	20:05	23:25	3h20m	Daily

If you’re visiting Tibet from Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam, Thailand, or Cambodia, Kunming (1,922m), the capital of Yunnan Province, makes an excellent stopover, with convenient direct flights from across Southeast Asia. Known as the “Spring City” for its year-round pleasant climate and home to 25 ethnic minority groups, Kunming offers you rich cultural experiences and a helpful buffer for altitude acclimatization before flying to Lhasa (3,650m). Learn more about Yunnan Tibet tours.

Multiple airlines run non-stop flights from Kunming to Lhasa, including Tibet Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, and Lucky Air, with a flight duration of around 3 hours.

Kunming to Lhasa flight 2026

Airline	Flight No.	Dep.	Arr.	Duration	Frequency
China Eastern Airlines	MU9695	08:00	11:00	3h	Daily
China Eastern Airlines	MU9737	14:30	17:30	3h	Daily
Lucky Air	8L9751	07:10	09:55	2h45m	Daily
Tibet Airlines	TV9884	20:00	22:50	2h50m	Daily

Additionally, from neon-lit nightscapes to foggy river scenes, scenic light rail that passes 19-story buildings, Chongqing, a unique hilly city, offers you countless photo opportunities that are both surreal and cinematic. It’s the perfect visual warm-up before flying to Lhasa to capture the breathtaking landscapes of Tibet. Highly recommended for photographers and shutterbugs. Learn more about Chongqing Tibet tours.

Sichuan Airlines, Tibet Airlines, China Southern Airlines, and Air China offer multiple non-stop flights from Chongqing to Lhasa. You can enjoy a short flight from Chongqing to Lhasa within 2 hours.

Chongqing to Lhasa flight 2026

Airline	Flight No.	Dep.	Arr.	Duration	Frequency
Sichuan Airlines	3U8635	09:05	11:50	2h45m	Daily
China Southern Airlines	CZ3464	11:25	14:10	2h45m	Daily
Lucky Air	8L9751	07:10	09:55	2h45m	Daily
Tibet Airlines	TV9813	16:05	19:00	2h55m	Daily

Worried About Altitude Sickness for Flying into Lhasa? Fly to Nyingchi for a Smooth Acclimatization

If you’re traveling with young children or elderly parents and are worried about altitude sickness from a sudden altitude gain by flight, flying to Nyingchi is a smart alternative. Just a 4-hour drive east of Lhasa, Nyingchi sits at the lowest altitude in Tibet (around 3,000m) and offers oxygen-rich air, lush forests, milder temperatures, and stunning “Swiss-style” landscapes, making it your perfect altitude-sickness-free gateway into Tibet.

Major Chinese cities such as Beijing, Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi’an, and Guangzhou offer non-stop flights to Nyingchi. During the Nyingchi Peach Blossom Festival in early spring (mid-March to early April), charter non-stop flights from Shanghai are also available for travelers. Learn about the popular Nyingchi tours in eastern Tibet.

Domestic Flights to Nyingchi 2026

Airline	Flight No.	Dep.	Arr.	Duration	Frequency
Air China	CA4127	06:40	10:50	4h10m	Daily
Sichuan Airlines	3U6673	08:00	10:00	2h	Daily
Sichuan Airlines	3U3181	09:50	12:20	2h30m	Daily
Tibet Airlines	TV9711	09:30	11:30	2h	Daily
Tibet Airlines	TV6055	07:20	10:20	3h	Daily
China Southern Airlines	CZ3477	07:00	10:40	3h40m	Daily

During the early spring, over three million wild peach blossom trees in Nyingchi and Bomi will burst into full bloom, turning Tibetan villages and serene valleys into a pink-and-white fairyland of blossoms beneath the snow-capped peaks.

You can easily fly to Nyingchi and walk through flower-covered trails, explore enchanting Tibetan villages and peach blossom valleys, or visit Tibetan homes to enjoy Tibetan sweet tea or famous local cuisines. You may also dress in traditional Tibetan Gongbu clothes for archery and horseback riding, and join locals for dancing, singing, and other festivities to celebrate the annual Nyingchi Peach Blossom Festival before traveling by our comfy tourist bus to Lhasa and Everest Base Camp for further exploration.

Fly to Nyingchi for a smooth acclimatization before heading to Lhasa and Tibet Everest Base Camp.

How Early Should I Book My Flights to Lhasa? The Earlier, The Better

If your Tibet holiday overlaps the peak Tibet travel season, such as May, July, August, September, or October, we recommend booking your flights to Lhasa at least two months in advance.

If you're traveling during Tibet's shoulder or off-season, such as late March, April, or between November and February, booking your flight to Lhasa at least one month in advance is usually sufficient.

If you plan to visit Tibet during major Chinese holidays, including Labor Day (early May), National Day (early October), or Chinese New Year (January or February), it's best to book your flights as early as possible to secure your seat.

Besides, the most reliable way to book Chinese domestic flights to Lhasa is through the official websites of the airlines you’ve chosen or by using their mobile apps, available on the App Store or Google Play. Alternatively, you may also use trusted platforms like Trip.com and Tripadvisor.com for flight booking services.

Our local Tibetan guide greets newly-arrived guests with an auspicious white Hada at Lhasa Gonggar International Airport.

Fly to Lhasa and embark on the classic Lhasa to Everest Base Camp tour to delve deep into the Himalayan regions.

What Documents Are Needed to Board a Flight to Lhasa?

For foreign nationals visiting Tibet by flight, you have to travel via a pre-booked and guided Tibet tour arranged by a registered local Tibet travel agency like us, as mandated by the Tibet Tourism Bureau.

We will help you apply for the Tibet Travel Permit for free, and only by having this key travel document can you legally board the flight to Lhasa.

The Tibet Travel Permit takes about 15 working days to process. First, you’ll need to apply for a Chinese Tourist Visa at your local Chinese Embassy or Consulate. Once you have it, simply email us clear images of your passport information page and Chinese Visa page. We’ll handle the rest—getting your Tibet Permit and delivering it to your hotel in China or even to your address if you’re flying directly to Lhasa from Kathmandu or Singapore. Easy peasy lemon squeezy!

Our guests successfully got the Tibet Travel Permit and were ready for the flight to Lhasa.

More Insider Tips for Flights to Lhasa

When having multiple flight schedules available to Lhasa, we suggest that you choose a morning flight to Lhasa because early flights are more punctual compared to those later in the day. Even if there’s a slight delay, you’ll still have time to adjust your schedule upon arrival. Besides, you will have more time to rest and get used to the altitude in Lhasa.

In addition, you can enjoy our free airport pick-up and drop-off service at Lhasa Gonggar International Airport. Our friendly local Tibetan guide and local driver will greet you at the exit gate with an auspicious white hada and transfer you to your hotel, and assist with check-in to ensure a smooth start to your journey.

To adapt yourself to Lhasa’s altitude and thin air more easily, it’s a good idea to choose a mid-range or luxury hotel in Lhasa with an in-room oxygen supply or a free oxygen lounge. It can help you sleep better, especially for your first night in Lhasa. We will offer you extensive quality local hotels to choose from.

Most domestic airlines in China allow 20kg of checked luggage and 5-7kg of carry-on for economy class passengers. Be sure to check the baggage rules of your airline ahead of time and travel light for your Tibet adventure.

Our local Tibetan guide helps our guests check in at hotels in Lhasa..

Conclusion

In a nutshell, taking a flight to Lhasa can’t be easier these days. Whether you are flying directly from Singapore and Kathmandu to Lhasa or taking a connecting flight from major Chinese cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Xi’an, Chongqing, and beyond, we are here to ensure you a smooth and worry-free Tibet tour by flight.

If you have more questions about flights to Lhasa and beyond, don’t hesitate to email us for free and expert travel solutions. Looking forward to traveling with you for an adventure of a lifetime in Tibet. Tashi Delek!