Flights to Tibet from Kathmandu

The Land of Snows falls under the People's Republic of China. Tibet's nearest neighbor, Nepal is now the only nation with global air links to China. To visit China from Nepal, every outsider needs to reach Tibet first.

Taking a Flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa is absolutely a good option for you which gives you a chance to see the great aerial views of Mt. Everest as you pass over it and it is advisable to choose your seats on the left side of the plane to enjoy the summit of Mt. Everest. While the document you required to enter Tibet is different from the mainland of China. Instead of a normal Chinese Tourist Visa, you need to apply for Group Chinese Tourist Visa which can be applied with the assistant of the Travel Agency you booked. And the Group Chinese Visa’s can also be issued to the solo traveler. In addition, all travelers should get Tibet Entry Permits to enter Tibet and check-in hotel. Since you have already booked a Travel Agency, they will take care of applying for your Tibet Entry Permit.

Kathmandu Durbar Square.

Kathmandu to Lhasa Flight Schedule and Price

The only terminal that runs flights to and from Lhasa is the Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu. When alone, you can book tickets online. If in a group, then book once everyone reaches Nepal.

As of now, there are two airlines offering non-stop flights. Generally, they cost USD 400 per individual, one way. It ordinarily takes 90 minutes.

Of the ways to reach Lhasa traveling from Kathmandu, an easy way to travel is taking a flight route like the following,

Home→ Nepal → Nepal to Tibet Flight → Tibet 

And now, there's no train available between Kathmandu and Lhasa. Or you can opt for an overland tour that a 1300Km journey to Lhasa via Gyirong Port. It typically takes 7-8 days. If you want a quicker and more convenient way, go for the flights.

Taking a Direct Flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa

If you don't wanna transfer to other cities, taking direct flights is best for you. Fly from Tribhuvan International Airport, the sole international airport in Nepal, to Lhasa Gonggar Airport will take about one and a half hours. Presently, there are 2 direct flights between Lhasa and Kathmandu, one is run by Air China and another is run by Sichuan Airline separately. Due to a large number of passengers in the peak tourism season, booking flight tickets in advance(at least 20 days) is necessary. As soon as you arrived at the Lhasa airport, your booked guide, private vehicle, and driver will greet you. Then, you can start your Tibet travel according to the itinerary arranged for you.

You will see snow-capped mountains and crystal alike lakes in Tibet.

Air China is the biggest carrier that offers direct flights every alternate weekday ( Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday ) from Kathmandu to Lhasa. From Kathmandu, flights leave on a daily basis around 12:10 pm NPT and land in Lhasa Gonggar International Airport at about 4:00 pm. The above mentioned is considering the time zone differences.

There are four flights are run each week by the Sichuan Airlines between Lhasa and Nepal. Direct flights leave at 11:10 am NPT on every alternate weekday (Monday, Wednesday, Friday). They touch base at 2:50 pm local time at Lhasa.