Kathmandu to Lhasa Flight

Nepal is now the only nation with global air links to Tibet, being Tibet's nearest neighbor. 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.

Overview of Kathmandu to Lhasa Flight

The only terminal that runs flights to and from Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA) is the Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu. If you are traveling in a group, please book your Kathmandu to Lhasa flight together since you will share a document called China Group Visa.

Currently, Himalaya Airlines operates non-stop flights between Kathmandu and Lhasa. A one-way ticket generally costs around USD 380–580 per person, and the flight takes about 1 hour and 35 minutes to cover a distance of roughly 600 km.

In 2026, several direct flights operate weekly between Kathmandu and Lhasa. On days without direct flights, you may need to transit via Chengdu. In this case, it is advisable to apply for a China visa in advance.

There's no train available between Kathmandu and Lhasa. Or you can opt for an overland tour that is a 1,300km journey to Lhasa via Gyirong Port, which typically takes 3 days. If you want a quicker and more convenient way, go for the flights.

Kathmandu to Lhasa Flight Schedule and Price

If you prefer not to transit through other cities, taking a direct flight is the most convenient option. Currently, several flights operate each week between Kathmandu and Lhasa in both directions. In addition to direct flights, there are also connecting options with stopovers in Chengdu, Kunming, or Chongqing.

During the peak travel season (June to September), demand is high, so it is advisable to book your tickets in advance.

Upon arrival in Lhasa, your tour guide and driver will meet you at the airport, and your Tibet journey will begin according to your planned itinerary.

Himalayan Airlines is currently the only airline operating this route. At present, flight schedules have been released only up to October 2026.

Kathmandu to Lhasa Flight Schedule 2026

Lhasa to Kathmandu Flight Schedule 2026

Discounted Flight Tickets from Kathmandu to Lhasa

In fact, flying to Lhasa from Kathmandu is not very cheap. But how can one get a discounted flight ticket from Kathmandu to Lhasa? You’d better know about the following two ways. The first way is to plan a Tibet tour during the slack tourist season, which will take place from November to April. During the low season, the price of the air ticket will be lower than that of the peak tourist season. The second way is to book your air ticket in advance. According to the survey, travelers who book the air ticket tens of days in advance can enjoy a favorable price compared to those who book the air ticket close to departure.

Necessary Documents

The document you are required to enter Tibet with is different from that for mainland China. Instead of a normal Chinese Tourist Visa, you need to apply for a Group Chinese Tourist Visa, which requires an invitation letter from the Tibet Tourism Bureau. But now the Group Chinese Visa can't be issued to the solo traveler for the stipulation of participants of 4. And it takes 3 working days to process your China group visa application. So you need to have 4 travelers going together and stay 3 working days in Kathmandu for your group visa.

Important Notice: Currently, travelers may enter Tibet from Nepal using a valid Chinese visa. Due to restrictions on the Chinese Group Tourist Visa, we strongly recommend applying for a Chinese visa in advance.

In addition, all travelers should get Tibet Entry Permits to enter Tibet and check into the hotel. If you sign up with a Travel Agency, they will take care of both your invitation letter and Tibet Entry Permit.

Getting to the Kathmandu Airport

Tribhuvan International Airport is about six kilometers away from Kathmandu. With normal traffic, it takes 15-20 min. by road. It is advisable to leave with a margin of at least an hour to reach the airport in case of unexpected incidents. There are two means of transportation that you can utilize. One is to take the shuttle bus. You can find it about 300 meters from the terminal outside of the airport. But it's not recommended unless you have very little luggage.

Then there are local taxis, which are barely managed and can be hailed from the street. They’re less comfortable, run without a meter and you should probably settle on a price beforehand. You can always bargain with them. As there are no adequately regulated prices or meters calculating the price, you might get charged hefty amounts. Usually, a taxi from the airport to Kathmandu's city center costs about 200 rupees. At night, the cost of a taxi is more expensive than that during the day, and it is generally one-third or two-thirds more expensive. However, local taxi drivers are extremely cheerful and outgoing. Though not many of them speak English, they try their best to be chatty and interactive during the trip.

Conclusion

To sum up, you must arrange in advance to travel from Kathmandu to Tibet or from Mainland China to Tibet. As is known to us, traveling by air is the most convenient and comfortable way of getting from Kathmandu to Tibet, while the procedure of booking air tickets is not always straightforward. Choosing a reliable local travel agency is definitely a good idea, as it ensures you can book tickets easily and quickly. Great Tibet Tour, one of the leading local travel agencies in Tibet, may meet your demand. We can provide you with excellent touring service and ticket booking as well as all supporting documents.