China and Tibet Tours, Travel to Tibet from China

Entry from Major Gateway Cities

Chengdu Tibet Tour

Enjoying a leisure life in Chengdu before heading to Tibet, you will have a deep impression on this Land of Abundance. Seeing a Sichuan opera face show, tasting a hot pot, visiting the lovely pandas, etc, what an excellent journey!

6 Days Chengdu Lhasa Train Tour Chengdu-Lhasa
13 Days Chengdu Tibet Nepal Overland Train Travel Chengdu-Lhasa-Shigatse-EBC-Kyirong-Kathmandu
13 Days Chengdu Tibet Nepal Flight Tour Chengdu-Lhasa-Shigatse-EBC-Gyirong-Kathmandu

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Xining Tibet Tour

Cross through the legend Qinghai-Tibet Railway, and explore the most attractive section from Xining to Lhasa. Xining Tibet tour will bring you an impressive train journey.

6 Days Xining Lhasa Train Tour Xining-Lhasa
10 Days Chengdu Xining Lhasa Chengdu Train Tour Chengdu-Xining-Lhasa-Chengdu
16 Days Xining Tibet Everest Train Tour Xining-Lhasa-Tsetang-Gyantse-Shigatse-Tingri-Shigatse-Lhasa

Shanghai Tibet Tour

As the most important hub for travelers to get to Tibet, Shanghai is a prosperous metropolis that is worthy of being visited. Here, you can see famed attractions such as the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, the World Expo in Shanghai and the Bund.

8 Days Shanghai Tibet Train Tour Shanghai-Lhasa-Shigatse-Lhasa
10 Days Shanghai Lhasa Gyantse Shigatse Mt. Everest Tour Shanghai-Suzhou-Shanghai-Lhasa-Gyantse-Shigatse-EBC-Shigatse-Lhasa
15 Days Beijing Xian Lhasa Yangtze River Cruise Shanghai Tour Beijing-Xian-Lhasa-Yangtze River Cruise-Shanghai

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Beijing Tibet Tour

Having a tour in Beijing before getting to Tibet must be an exciting experience. Not only can you witness the glory of the Chinese capital, but also you can enjoy the vastness of the Tibetan Plateau.

7 Days Beijing Lhasa Train Tour Beijing-Lhasa-Namtso
14 Days Beijing Tibet Chengdu Train Tour Beijing-Lhasa-Chengdu-Emei-Chengdu
15 Days Beijing Xian Lhasa Yangtze River Cruise Shanghai Tour Beijing-Xian-Lhasa-Yangtze River Cruise-Shanghai

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Guangzhou Tibet Tour

Guangzhou is one of the most convenient gateway cities for international tourists to enter mainland China. Visitors can experience the modern charm of the city as well as the delicious Cantonese cuisine.

9 Days Guangzhou Tibet Train Tour Guangzhou-Lhasa-Shigatse-Namtso-Lhasa
8 Days Guangzhou Lhasa Train Tour Guangzhou - Lhasa

Xian Tibet Tour

Boasted as the birthplace of Chinese culture, Xi'an is the best tourist destination for travelers who are interested in Chinese historical relics. Here, you can unveil the myth of the Terracotta Army, the magnificent City Wall, etc.

7 Days Xi'an Lhasa Essential Tour Xi'an - Lhasa
15 Days Beijing Xian Lhasa Yangtze River Cruise Shanghai Tour Beijing-Xian-Lhasa-Yangtze River Cruise-Shanghai
12 Days Shanghai Xi'an Tibet Beijing Tour Shanghai-Xi'an-Tibet-Beijing

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Frequently Asked Questions

How to get to Tibet from China?

Travelers can reach Tibet from China by flight, train, or overland routes.

By Flight: Flying remains the fastest and most convenient way to enter Tibet. Direct flights operate from major Chinese cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Chongqing, Chengdu, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong.

By Train: The Qinghai-Tibet Railway offers a scenic and gradual journey onto the plateau, helping travelers acclimatize to high altitude. Trains run from cities including Xining, Lanzhou, Xi’an, Chengdu, Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. Travel times vary from around 21 to 50 hours depending on the departure city, so booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season.

By Overland Routes: For adventurous travelers, several highways connect mainland China to Tibet, such as the Sichuan-Tibet Highway (G318), Yunnan-Tibet Highway (G214+G318). These routes offer stunning natural scenery, cultural experiences, and gradual altitude gain, though travel times are long and road conditions can be challenging.

What's the best time to visit China and Tibet?

China can be visited year-round, with each season offering different travel experiences across the country. Tibet, however, has more specific seasonal considerations due to its high altitude and local administrative arrangements.

In general, Tibet is not fully open to foreign travelers from February to April, as travel permits may be temporarily restricted around the Tibetan New Year period. These closures are subject to local government arrangements and can vary slightly from year to year.

Because of its high elevation, Tibet is cooler than other regions at the same latitude. Winters are cold and dry, while summers remain mild rather than hot. The best time to visit Tibet is from May to October, when weather conditions are more stable, roads are accessible, and sightseeing is most comfortable. This period allows travelers to avoid both the harsh winter cold and the peak summer heat experienced in many other parts of China.

What can I expect during my China and Tibet tour?

Before entering Tibet, it is recommended to spend several days exploring two or three cities in mainland China, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, or Chengdu. These cities offer a deep introduction to China’s long history and rich culture, reflected in its architecture, traditions, cuisine, customs, and religious heritage. Traveling through China often brings unexpected discoveries and helps travelers better understand the country before heading to the plateau.

In Tibet, the experience shifts to both natural grandeur and spiritual depth. You will encounter vast grasslands, clear blue skies, snow-capped mountains, and a landscape shaped by high altitude and open space. At the same time, daily life in Tibet reflects a strong sense of faith and devotion, visible in monasteries, prayer rituals, and the lives of local Tibetan people. Together, these elements create a journey that is not only visually striking but also emotionally and culturally meaningful.