How to Visit Tibet from Mainland China: The Ultimate Guide for 2026

Traveling to the Tibet Autonomous Region from mainland China has long been the most popular route among both domestic and international tours.

With various options for reaching Tibet from dozens of gateway cities across China, selecting the best entry point for your journey to Tibet can be a crucial decision. Many of these cities, such as Chengdu and Beijing, are also popular tourist destinations in their own right. It is important to plan your route carefully, both to explore more and ensure a smooth transfer into Tibet.

To help you prepare better for your once-in-a-lifetime trip to Tibet that awaits you, we are here to share all the essential information and advice you need to know to make your China Tibet tour the best vacation ever.

Visit Tibet from Mainland China by Train: 9 Routes Available on Legendary Tibet Railway

One of the best options for getting to Tibet from mainland China is to travel by train. There are 6 major gateway departure cities that have dedicated trains to Tibet. You can take a train to Tibet from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, and Xining.

Another 3 popular stops along the railways to Tibet are Xi’an, Lanzhou, and Golmud. However, since they are not the starting stations, the number of tickets is limited, and it may be difficult to buy a ticket, especially during peak season.

China Tibet Train Route Map

Trains to Tibet run daily from most departure cities, but only every other day from Chengdu and Chongqing. The train journey to Tibet takes from 21 hours to 53 hours, depending on the route.

The Latest Tibet Train Schedule in 2026

Train Route	Dep. / Arr.	Duration	Frequency
Xining to Lhasa (Z8981/Z8991)	12:50/10:20 22:00/18:26	21 hrs 30 mins 20 hrs 26 mins	Daily.
Beijing to Lhasa (Z21)	19:22/11:42	40 hrs 20 mins	Daily
Shanghai to Lhasa (Z164)	18:33/15:30	44 hrs 57 mins	Daily
Chengdu to Lhasa (Z322)	21:10/07:41	24 hrs 31 mins	Every Other Day
Chongqing to Lhasa (Z223)	21:53/07:41	33 hrs 48 mins	Every Other Day
Guangzhou to Lhasa (Z264)	09:15/14:54	53 hrs 39 mins	Daily

Notice: The above Tibet train schedule is for reference only. Since the train timetable is adjusted every year, please check the latest train schedule in advance according to your specific travel date.

Although it seems like a long journey to enter Tibet by train, the epic Qinghai-Tibet Railway journey takes you through some of the most spectacular landscapes on Earth.

After passing through Xining, the start point of the legendary Qinghai-Tibet Railway, you will ride up to the plateau over the Kunlun and Tanggula Mountains, two of the most scenic high mountain ranges in western China. With stunning landscapes of uninhabited deserts, towering snow-capped mountains, wide rivers, and vast grassland, there’s no more scenic route in the world.

You can choose from a soft sleeper or a hard sleeper for your nights on board. With oxygen supplied on board and amazing views out of the huge windows, the well-conditioned Tibet train makes the Tibet train tour throughout the Roof of the World unparalleled.

Enjoy the scenery from the soft sleeper on the train to Tibet.

Visit Tibet from Mainland China by Flight: Fast & Easy Direct Routes within 2.5 to 5 Hours

If you are short on time or seek for a more pleasant and fast journey from mainland China to Tibet, then the best option is to travel to Tibet by air.

Direct flights to Tibet run from more than two dozen cities across China, including Beijing, Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi’an, Shangri-la, Kunming, and more.

Among them, Chengdu offers the most frequent direct flights to Lhasa, over 25 flights per day. It just 2 hours 30 minutes to fly from Chengdu to Lhasa. Its convenience and short travel time make Chengdu the best gateway for flying to Tibet.

Direct flights from Beijing to Lhasa run several times a day. As the capital city of China, with international flights from around the world, Beijing brings the best connection between Tibet and the rest of the world.

Flights from Shangri-La, Kunming, and Xi’an also run daily, and the number of flights per day does depend on the season. There are more flights in the peak season of Tibet tourism during summer months from June to August.

Flight Route	Duration (Approx.)	Daily Flights
Chengdu to Lhasa	2hrs 10mins	25+ flights
Beijing to Lhasa	4 hrs 30 mins	4 flights
Chongqing to Lhasa	2 hrs 30 mins	10 flights
Xi’an to Lhasa	3 hrs 15 mins	7 flights
Kunming to Lhasa	3 hrs	5 flights
Shangri-La to Lhasa	1 hr 55 mins	1 flight
Xining to Lhasa	2 hrs 20 mins	5 flights

Notice: The above flight schedule is for reference only. The number of flights and flight times may be adjusted due to seasonal or weather changes. Please check the latest flight information in advance based on your specific travel date.

Direct airlines that fly to Tibet from other cities in China

Join the most popular journey to Everest Base Camp in Tibet with us!

Visit Tibet from Mainland China by Overland: The Scenic Sichuan-Tibet Highway is a Top Choice

If you want to experience the world’s most amazing road trip, then the epic journey from Chengdu to Lhasa via the G318 Sichuan Tibet Highway is the most outstanding journey on the planet.

It starts from Chengdu and goes westward, crossing the Sichuan Basin and the Hengduan Mountains, traveling all the way from the low-altitude Nyingchi to Lhasa. Passing through vast grassland, great canyons, dense forests, and other diverse landforms, the Chengdu to Lhasa overland journey is known as the most beautiful route to Tibet.

The overland distance from Chengdu to Lhasa is more than 2,100 kilometers, which takes 11 to 15 days, depending on where you want to stop along the way. You can also travel along the G318 Highway by cycling from Sichuan to Tibet, or take a self-driving overland journey.

Besides the well-known Sichuan Tibet Highway, there are three other highways to Tibet from mainland China, offering overland journeys from Qinghai, Yunnan, and Xinjiang to Tibet. If you would like to experience the thrilling overland journey to Tibet, feel free to contact us to get professional advice and assistance in arranging your overland journey to Tibet.

Experience the most beautiful overland journey to Tibet with us!

What’s the best city to enter Tibet from mainland China?

Entering to Tibet can be made from large number of cities across the mainland of China, among which, the most popular gateway cities for entering Tibet include Chengdu, Beijing, Xining, Chongqing, and Xi’an.

Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, is the most popular gateway to Tibet for both overseas and domestic tourists. With over 25 direct flights daily and both railway and highway to Tibet, Chengdu offers great convenience and a variety of travel experiences for you to enter Tibet. Moreover, as the hometown of giant pandas and famous for its delicious Sichuan Cuisine and leisurely local lifestyle, Chengdu itself is also worth a visit before you head to Tibet.

Don’t miss the chance to visit the Chengdu Panda Base if you’re entering Tibet from Chengdu.

Beijing, the capital of China, offers the most convenient international flights to destinations worldwide. Many international tourists choose to start their China tour from Beijing. With both direct flights and trains to Tibet, Beijing is also an ideal gateway to start your Tibet tour.

It’s worthwhile to spend half a day visiting the Forbidden City in Beijing.

Xining, the starting point of the world-class Qinghai-Tibet Railway, is the best option for those seeking a train journey to Tibet. As the shortest train journey to Tibet, the Xining to Lhasa train gives you the best daytime views of the high Tanggula Mountains and the vast open grasslands of the plateau.

Take the Xining–Lhasa train for the most scenic stretch of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway.

Chongqing, which is only 1.5 hours away from Chengdu by high-speed rail, is also one of the popular departure cities for Tibet tours. There are around 10 direct flights from Chongqing to Lhasa daily, and the Chongqing to Lhasa train departs every other day. As a rising cyberpunk-style destination on the global travel scene, Chongqing is an ideal gateway to Tibet. When you travel to Tibet from Chongqing, you’ll enjoy a unique blend of futuristic cityscapes and rich local culture, making the journey both convenient and unforgettable.

The astonishing night view of the magical city of Chongqing.

Xi’an, one of the important ancient capitals of China, is another popular destination among international tourists visiting China. It also provides around 7 direct flights to Lhasa daily, taking around 3 hours. Since the Shanghai to Lhasa train and the Guangzhou to Lhasa train both stop at Xi’an, it is possible to take a train to Tibet from Xi'an. But if you plan to visit Tibet from Xi’an by train, it is highly recommended to take a high-speed train to Xining first, and then take the train to Tibet from Xining, where you have more options to choose from.

Discover the amazing Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an, a must-see treasure of ancient China.

Experience the very best of China and Tibet in one unforgettable journey!

How to plan your Tibet tour from mainland China? 4 Recommended Itineraries to get inspired

Still have no idea about where to start your Tibet tour from mainland China? If you are confused about the travel route and transportation, the following recommended China Tibet travel itineraries can offer some inspiration and help you plan your journey more smoothly.

Best Culture Experience: Beijing - Xi’an- Lhasa

If you are into the culture of the Chinese and Tibetan people, then the ultimate cultural tour would be to spend time in both Beijing and Xi’an, before traveling on to Lhasa, the heart of Tibetan culture.

Beijing, the Chinese capital, is one of the most beautiful capitals in the world. You can spend 3 to 4 days exploring the highlights of Beijing, such as the Forbidden City and the Great Wall, and then take a train to Xi’an, the ancient capital of China, to visit the world-famous Terracotta Warriors.

After learning the history and local culture of the seat of one of the strongest dynasties in Chinese history, you can either take a train or a flight to Lhasa from Xi’an.

Explore nearly 20 world heritage sites in one unforgettable land journey from Beijing.

Essential Qinghai-Tibet Railway Experience: Xining to Lhasa by Tibet Train

Since all trains to Tibet stop at Xining, you can get to Xining first and then take a train to Lhasa directly. The Xining to Lhasa train journey only takes around 22 hours, which is the fastest way to enter Tibet by train.

Covering almost 2,000 kilometers, the tracks to Lhasa from Xining, which opened for passengers in 2006, cross the stunning mountains around the north of the plateau and the vast plains and prairies, to give you the most outstanding journey to Lhasa.

Most of the Xining to Lhasa train tour through the mountains and prairies is done in the daytime, and you get to see more parts of Tibet than most tourists ever will.

Travel to Everest Base Camp in Tibet with the unforgettable Qinghai-Tibet train from Xining to Lhasa.

From Modern Charms to Natural Wonders: Shanghai - Chengdu - Lhasa

Shanghai, the most dynamic metropolis in China, is a popular gateway for first-time travelers coming to China. Here, you can enjoy the breathtaking blend of the past and the future of this amazing city.

Since there is no direct flight from Shanghai to Lhasa, it is highly recommended to fly from Shanghai to Chengdu first. Chengdu, the Land of Abundance, is also a top tourist destination in southwest China. It is not only famous for its delicious Sichuan Cuisine, but also the home of lovely giant pandas. For nature lovers and giant panda fans, you can visit the Chengdu Giant Panda Base before heading to Tibet.

With flights, trains, and overland routes to Tibet, Chengdu ensures you the most convenient transfer to Tibet.

Explore vibrant cities, rich culture, diverse landscapes, and unique ethnic highlights all in one go.

For Better Altitude Adaptation:Fly to Nyingchi and Travel Overland to Lhasa

For those who concerns about the altitude sickness in Tibet, the best option is to enter Tibet from Nyingchi rather than fly directly to Lhasa. At a lower altitude around 3,000 meters, Nyingchi in the eastern Tibet with lush forests and dense mountain valleys, has higher oxygen level. Upon your arrival in Nyingchi, you can travel slowly up to Lhasa and ascending at more regular intervals to aid in acclimatization.

Climbing more than 1,000 meters from Nyingchi to Lhasa, this drive is done over 2-3 days, allowing you to arrive in Lhasa fully acclimatized to higher altitudes, and ready to explore the Holy City of Lhasa.

There are daily flights to Nyingchi Mainling Airport, with the most frequent and convenient option being from Chengdu. Chongqing, Guangzhou, Xi’an, and Kunming also have scheduled direct flights to Nyingchi. You can choose the most suitable departure city based on your travel plans.

However, please note that flights to Nyingchi are more frequent from March to October each year, while the number of flights decreases in the winter off-season. In addition, due to the complex terrain and changeable weather around the airport, flights to Nyingchi may be delayed or canceled. Please be sure to check flight information in advance and prepare alternative plans.

Experience the stunning natural beauty of Nyingchi and iconic landmarks of Lhasa — all in one week!

Is it possible to visit Tibet during my visa-free stay in China in 2026?

Yes, it is!

According to the latest policy, tourists from over 40 countries can enjoy visa-free travel to China up to 30 days. If you hold one of these passports, you can easily travel to Tibet without a Chinese Visa. Just make sure your entire China Tibet journey is within the 30 days.

However, even if you can travel to Tibet without a Chinese Visa, you still need to apply for the Tibet Travel Permit, which is a must for all overseas tourists entering the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.

A Sample of Tibet Entry Permit.

How to apply for the Tibet Travel Permit from mainland China?

If you are eligible to visit China without a visa, you can easily apply for the Tibet Travel Permit with a copy of your passport after booking your trip with us.

Otherwise, you need to obtain a Chinese Visa in advise. Once you book a Tibet tour with us, you need to provide copies of your Chinese Visa and your passport to us.

Generally, the process of the Tibet Travel Permit takes 8 to 9 working days. Once it is issued, we will deliver it to your address in the mainland of China. With the permit, you can board your train or flight to Tibet.

So, it is suggested to book your Tibet tour at least 21 days in advance for a smooth application of your Tibet Permit.

Start your unforgettable Tibet adventure from Chengdu, the top gateway to Tibet!

When is the Best Time to visit Tibet from mainland China?

Specifically, April, May, June, September, and October are the best months to travel from mainland China to Tibet.

Spring (April to Early June) and autumn (September to October) are the best seasons for sightseeing in both the mainland of China and the Tibet Autonomous Region. The weather is generally warm, but not too hot, and with little to no rain. This allows for the best views as you travel up to the Tibetan Plateau.

If you are more into budgeting your trip, then the best time to travel is in the winter months from November to February, which is also the low season for Tibet tourism.

The cost of a Tibet tour in the low season is a real steal in Tibet, for both accommodation and travel, as fewer tourists visit Tibet in winter. While you may not be able to visit Mount Kailash in the farthest corner of Tibet, this is a great time to visit Lhasa, Shigatse, and even Everest Base Camp, as the weather is dry and pleasant with clear views of mountain peaks.

Experience clear views of Everest Base Camp in winter at the most affordable prices!

How to prevent altitude sickness when visiting Tibet from mainland China?

Most of the gateway cities to Tibet are at low altitudes, often below a few hundred meters. While Lhasa is at an altitude of 3,650 meters above sea level, it is common to get altitude sickness upon your first arrival in Lhasa.

It is wise to stop at cities with a moderate altitude and acclimate there first. This allows you to continue to Lhasa partially acclimatized, which reduces the risk of altitude sickness when you arrive. The best places to do so are in Xining and Nyingchi, which are at altitudes between 2,500 and 3,000 meters, the perfect elevation for intermediate acclimatization.

If you get to Lhasa directly, don’t rush to sightseeing upon your arrival. It is suggested to get a good rest at your hotel when you arrive in Lhasa and spend the first few days in the holy city for better acclimatization before heading to Everest Base Camp or other higher destinations.

Staying hydrated and keeping relaxed are also useful ways to prevent altitude sickness in Tibet. If you get any symptoms and feel uncomfortable during your journey in Tibet, feel free to tell your tour guide. Our professional Tibetan guide will provide you with necessary assistance.

Visit the Potala Palace in Lhasa and adapt to the altitude.

Traveling to Tibet Made Easy with Us!

Headquartered in Lhasa with a local office in Chengdu, we at Tibet Vista provide not only the best tour services throughout Tibet, but also can arrange your trip in other parts of the mainland of China with a seamless travel experience.

With over 30 years of experience, we guarantee the Tibet Travel Permit for all of our customers. Moreover, if you want to experience the Qinghai Tibet train journey, we can also ensure a soft sleeper train ticket from Xining to Lhasa.

Just feel free to share your China Tibet travel ideas with us, and we will arrange a truly hassle-free journey according to your needs.

Explore Tibet from Beijing with the scenic Tibet train journey from Xining to Lhasa.

Conclusion

With dozens of cities from which to start your Tibet tour, China is the best option for most travelers to the Buddhist landscape of Tibet. Flights, trains, and overland drives are all great ways to reach this unique and stunningly beautiful land.

If you need any further information or professional assistance in arranging your Tibet tour from mainland China, we’re glad to help you plan a smooth and unforgettable journey.