How to Get to Tibet from Chengdu?

Chengdu to Tibet is one of the most popular tourist routes. On the one hand, there are many direct international flights from Hong Kong/Taiwan/Singapore/Malaysia and other places to Chengdu. On the other hand, it's very convenient to travel from Chengdu to Lhasa by train or plane. Coupled with the charm of the beautiful scenery of Chengdu, the land of abundance, many tourists choose to travel to Tibet via Chengdu.

How to Travel to Tibet from Chengdu?

Chengdu is the closest gateway to Tibet. There are 3 ways to get to Tibet from Chengdu.

Traveling to Tibet from Chengdu by Air

The most popular and convenient way to get to Tibet is to take a flight. Chengdu is a significant international hub in the southwest of China and there are a large number of flights to more than 50 international destinations and over 170 domestic airports.

As the most important hub, there are more than 20 flights between Chengdu and Lhasa every day. In general, the total flight travel takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes from Chengdu to Lhasa. The Flights from Guangzhou, Hongkong, and Shanghai to Tibet will transit in Chengdu as well. In addition, there are some non-stop flights from Chengdu to other cities in Tibet such as Nyingchi, Shigatse, and so on. These flights are separately operated by Air China, Tibet Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, China Eastern Airlines and Shenzhen Airlines. >>See more about Chengdu Lhasa flights

The latest Schedule of Chengdu Lhasa Flights:

Traveling to Tibet from Chengdu by Train

It is a good idea for tourists to travel to Tibet from Chengdu by train. The Chengdu Tibet Train runs along with the world's highest railway, the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. It takes about 36 hours for tourists to take the Chengdu Lhasa train to Tibet.

The Chengdu to Lhasa train, Z322, departs every other day at 21:11 from the Chengdu Railway Station and arrives at Lhasa Train Station at 07:41 on the third day. As for the ticket price, it costs USD161 for a soft sleeper ticket and USD101 for a hard sleeper cabin ticket. If you are going to take a train to Lhasa from Chengdu, please entrust a travel agency and book your train ticket at least one month in advance, especially from July to October, as the supply is always inadequate to meet the demand. >>See more about Chengdu to Lhasa train

Right now, the direct railway from Chengdu to Tibet is under construction, which will cut down the journey to 13 hours.

The Latest Schedule of the Chengdu-Lhasa Train:

Traveling to Lhasa from Chengdu by Road

Chengdu to Lhasa overland tour following the most charming and beautiful Sichuan Tibet Highway is the best way to explore the stunning scenery of both the Chengdu Plain and Tibet Plateau. Alongside the way, you will go through some beautiful villages and appreciate the snow-capped mountains, exuberant forests, and clear rivers.

The Sichuan Tibet Highway, an important part of China National Highway 318 (G318) involves two routes to Lhasa from Chengdu, the Southern Route and the Northern Route. The Southern Route dotted with glorious mountains, canyons, and endless grasslands is a golden route for travelers, especially photographers. Different from the magnificent natural scenery on the Southern Route, the cultural scenery on the Northern Route is even better. There are prayer flags, mani stones, Buddhist temples and monasteries, as well as colorful folk customs that can be seen everywhere. Therefore, the Northern Route is an excellent route to learn about Tibetan culture.

Best Time to Visit Chengdu and Tibet

The best time to visit Chengdu is from March to June and September to November. In these two periods, the temperature is suitable and the rain is less, making it the most suitable season for travel. Yet despite July and August being hot, Qingcheng Mountain and Xiling Snow Mountain around Chengdu City are the ideal summer resorts. In winter, Xiling Snow Mountain is also a favorite place to enjoy the snow scenery.

The best time to visit Tibet is from May to October when the scenery is the best, the oxygen content is sufficient, and the climate is pleasant. In the rainy season of July and August, the ultraviolet rays in Tibet are particularly strong during the daytime, so you should prepare sun protection items.

Things to Do in Chengdu

There's a history of thousands of years in Chengdu, and it's entitled "City of Gastronomy". The scenic spots in the urban area of ​​Chengdu are relatively concentrated, and you can go around in 1-2 days.

Panda Breeding Base

Chengdu is the hometown of the adorable Giant Pandas. It's rewarding to take a half-day to visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding even if you just pass Chengdu. Here you will get close to the newborn panda babies.

√ 6 Days Chengdu Lhasa Essential Tour

Experience the Local Culture

If you want to experience the ancient town of Chengdu, Kuan Zhai Alley and Jinli Street are fascinating places to go, and they are very close to each other. Here, you can find the unique folk craftsmanship of old Chengdu, such as cleaning ears, the face-changing performance of the Sichuan Opera, serving lidded-cup tea, and various delicacies.

Chunxi Road

Chunxi Road in the prosperous business district gathers various specialty stores, Chinese time-honored brands, various gourmet restaurants, famous Chengdu snacks, large supermarkets, shopping malls, etc. It is a shopping paradise for locals and tourists alike. Here's the place where the weight of history and modern atmosphere coexist.

Things to Do in Tibet

Tibet is known as the "Roof of the World," with an average elevation of more than 4,000 meters. It's on the world's highest plateau - the Tibetan Plateau. Five of the 14 peaks over 8,000 meters in the world lie in Tibet, including the highest peak - Everest, which is located in Shigatse.

Holy Mountains and Lakes

Besides the lofty and rolling mountains, there are lakes dotted here and there. Mount Kailash, renowned as the "king of the mountain" in Ngari, is the center of the world in the hearts of believers. The three sacred lakes of Yamdrok Lake, Manasarovar, and Namtso are inlaid on the snowy plateau, shining like pearls.

√ 15 Days Mt.Everest & Mt.Kailash Kora Pilgrimage Group Tour

Tibetan Buddhism

In addition to Tibet's natural wonders, Tibetan Buddhism has a history of 1400 years, which has penetrated into the lives of Tibetans. To experience the Buddhist culture, you can visit Tibet’s iconic building - Potala Palace and the holy temple of Tibetan Buddhism - Jokhang. Here, you will see countless pilgrims coming from thousands of miles away, as well as pilgrims holding prayer wheels while chanting scripture, which creates a thin air filled with a strong Buddhist atmosphere.

√ 8 Days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Group Tour

√4 Days Lhasa City Essential Group Tour

Necessary Document

Before your Chengdu Tibet tour, you have to obtain a Tibet travel permit before boarding a train or flight to Lhasa as it will be checked. According to government regulations, Tibet travel permits can only be obtained through a Tibet travel agency. So it is necessary for you to book a Tibet tour with a Tibet travel agency at least 10 days before and they will help plan your trip and apply for your Tibet Travel Permit on your behalf. >>See more about Tibet Travel Permit

Altitude Sickness

Entering a highland above 3,000 meters above sea level, most people will have altitude sickness symptoms, including headache, chest tightness, fatigue, or mild fever. To relieve these symptoms, it is recommended to take commonly used drugs ahead of time, such as Rhodiola or rent an oxygen cylinder in Lhasa and keep warm. If you still feel uncomfortable, please turn to your travel agency, and your tour guide will take you to the closest clinic as soon as possible. >>See more about altitude sickness

Conclusion

Traveling from Chengdu to Tibet is a journey full of stunning landscapes and cultural wonders. Whether you fly, take the train, or drive, each route offers a unique experience. With Chengdu’s rich history and the charm of Tibet’s natural beauty and spirituality, this trip is unforgettable. Plan ahead for permits and altitude adjustment, and let the adventure leave you with cherished memories.