Gateway Cities & Arrival options

Gateway Cities & Arrival Options

It is possible to arrive in Lhasa by air from any city in China including Beijing, Xi’an, Xining, Shanghai or Chengdu or from Nepal. Currently the only international flight connection to Lhasa is from Kathmandu. Choosing your arrival city matters as this must be listed correctly on your permit and we need to get the original of the permit to you – we have agents throughout China who make sure you get what you need on time.
We can book transfers, accommodation, flights, trains and sightseeing throughout China. Below are some of our most popular packages.

CHENGDU

The bustling capital of Sichuan Province is home to some of the best (and spiciest!) food in the world. It is also a city of temples, gardens, teahouses, Sichuan Opera performances and the Giant Panda research center. It is easy to spend a day or two here soaking up the traditional Chinese atmosphere.

Chengdu has numerous direct international connections to Europe, Australia & Asia.
Chengdu-Lhasa 15+ direct daily flights
Also daily flights to/from Linzhi (east Tibet) and Shigatse.
as well as air and high-speed train connections throughout China.

Just Passing through –
Your TTB permit can be delivered to you at the airport, but if you have had a long international flight a good night’s sleep before arriving at altitude is suggested.
1. Arrive and transfer to hotel. Afternoon visit Wenshu Temple, tea houses, evening food street.
2. Visit Panda Centre – to airport – fly to Lhasa

2-3 days
With a bit more time you can take a day trip outside the city
1. Arrive and transfer to hotel. Afternoon visit Wenshu Temple, tea houses, evening food street.
2. Day trip to Sanxingdui – Wuhou Temple & surrounding shopping / food street
3. Visit Panda Centre – to airport – fly to Lhasa

Other highlights –
Jinsha Site Museum (in the city)
Taikoo Li (unique shopping experience)
Leshan Giant Buddha (day trip)
Emei Shan holy mountain (1-3 days)
Qingcheng Shan (Taoist Mt 60kms from Chengdu)
Dujiangyan Irrigation System (completed in 256BC)

BEIJING

Marvel at the vast expanses of Tiananmen, the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven. Take a day trip out of the city to climb the Great Wall at Mutianyu or Jinshanling then top off the evening by attending a Beijing Opera performance or sample succulent Beijing Duck (the real thing is lightyears from what you may have experienced in the west!).

Beijing has numerous direct international connections to Europe, Australia, Asia & the Americas
Beijing-Lhasa 2-3 direct daily flights
Train Beijing-Lhasa daily (40hours c.8pm departure / midday arrival)
as well as air and high-speed train connections throughout China.

2-3 days
With a bit more time you can take a day trip outside the city
1. Arrive and transfer to hotel. Afternoon hutongs, Beijing Duck
2. Day trip to Great Wall
3. transfer to airport – fly to Lhasa OR train Xi’an or Xining

Other highlights –
Tiananmen Square
Forbidden City
Temple of Heaven

XI’AN

Home to the famed Terracotta Warriors and the fascinating Muslim quarter with its serene and distinctly Chinese mosque, its souvenir stores and night-market food. There is also a small Tibetan temple where Tibet’s most famous Buddha statue spent time on its journey to Lhasa.

International connections throughout Asia.
Xi’an Lhasa 2-5 flights daily. Also daily to/from Shigatse
Train very difficult for tickets as no train starts here. High speed train Xi’an-Xining then change to Xining-Lhasa train works best.

Just Passing through –

2-3 days
With a bit more time you can explore
1. Arrive by high speed train from Beijing – transfer – evening walk on the city walls
2. Day trip to Terracotta Warriors
3. train to Xining & transfer to train to Lhasa (or fly)

Other highlights –
Big Wild Goose Pagoda
Temple of the Eight Immortals
Day trip to Luoyang & visit Longmen Buhhist Caves
Day trip to the Yellow River
Hua Shan Taoist Mountain

XINING

Capital of Qinghai Province, Xining is a marvellous blend of peoples & cultures – Uyghur, Hui, Salar, Tibetan, Han – and all the wondrous food tastes that come with such a mix.
Just south of Xining is one of the 6 major Gelukpa Monasteries. Kumbum (Ta’er Si) was the birthplace of Tsongkhapa, founder of the Gelukpa School. A beautiful monastery, quite Chinese in architectural style, Kumbum is particularly famous for its elaborate butter sculptures.

Xining has air & high speed rail connections throughout China including Xi’an (4.5 hours) & Beijing
Xining-Lhasa 2-3 direct daily flights
Train Xining-Lhasa multiple daily (19-20 hours). Best options for tickets and views start in Xining, departing in the evening and arriving Lhasa late the following afternoon – so enjoy a full day of views across the Tibetan plateau.

Just Passing through –
Your TTB permit can be delivered to you at the station or – if arriving by air – a transfer with permit delivery is a simpler choice.

Overnight
With a bit more time you can explore
1. Arrive by high speed train from Xi’an
2 day trip to Kumbum and explore old city – evening depart by train to Lgasa

Other highlights –
B

QINGHAI – TIBET RAILWAY

One of the most popular ways of arriving in Lhasa!
Not only do you have a slower ascent, it gives you a perspective on just how vast the Tibetan Plateau is – and how harsh.

Train Xining-Lhasa multiple daily (19-20 hours). Best options for tickets and views start in Xining, departing in the evening and arriving Lhasa late the following afternoon – so enjoy a full day of views across the Tibetan plateau.

KATHMANDU

The idea of Nepal as the only gateway to Tibet is rapidly fading, but it is still an option worth considering if you plan to add time here to travel & trek. If Tibet is your focus and you are just planning a transit – any Chinese city will offer cheaper, simpler options.

International connections.
Kathmandu- Lhasa 2-6 flights weekly (seasonal)
Land border: Zhangmu-Kodari border recommended for exit only (7-9 hours to Kathmandu) unless you have had multiple nights in Nepal sleeping over 3000m.