How to Travel to Tibet from Malaysia?

Malaysia is the main source of tourists to Tibet. Malaysian travelers who want to go to Tibet must be on an organized tour that includes a pre-arranged itinerary, a private vehicle, a driver and a tour guide. There are no exceptions to these travel regulations. Only a Tibet travel agency can arrange a journey to Tibet and obtain a travel permit for you. Solo Malay travelers can also visit Tibet, but still need to be part of an organized tour. To go to Tibet, Malaysians need to contact a reputable, locally owned travel agency in Tibet, and they will take care of ALL arrangements for you inside Tibet.

Important Notice: Visitors from Malaysia can enjoy a 30-day China visa-free policy till 31 December 2025.

Tibet via China

As there are currently no direct flights from Malaysia to Tibet, the best way to reach Tibet is to transit through a major city in mainland China. Among all options, Chengdu is the most recommended transfer hub, followed by Chongqing, Kunming, Xi’an, and Beijing. Below are some of the most common travel routes for Malaysian travelers heading to Tibet.

Malaysia to Lhasa via Chengdu (Recommended)

Chengdu is the most convenient gateway city to Tibet for travelers from Malaysia. There are multiple daily flights from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) to Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU) or Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU). The flight takes around 4.5 hours, and the airfare ranges from MYR670- MYR1290.

From Chengdu to Lhasa, there are 8 to 12 direct flights daily, operated by Tibet Airlines, Air China, and other carriers. The flight duration is about 2 to 2.5 hours, and it offers breathtaking views of the Tibetan Plateau and snow-capped peaks. One-way fares range from MYR470 - MYR1500. >> See more about Chengdu to Lhasa flights

Alternatively, for those seeking a more immersive journey, you can also take a train from Chengdu to Lhasa. The journey takes approximately 34.5 hours, and a soft sleeper ticket costs around MYR590. The train ride along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway provides spectacular scenery.

Malaysia to Lhasa via Kunming

Kunming is another convenient transit city. You can take a direct flight from Kuala Lumpur to Kunming (KMG). The flight takes approximately 4 hours, mostly operated by AirAsia and China Eastern Airlines. From Kunming, there are direct flights to Lhasa with a flight time of about 2.5 hours. If you choose Kunming as your transit point, the total travel time is approximately 12 hours, and the total one-way airfare ranges from MYR1100 - MYR1940.

Malaysia to Lhasa via Shanghai, Xi’an, or Beijing

Travelers from Malaysia can also opt to fly from Kuala Lumpur to other major Chinese cities such as Shanghai, Xi’an, or Beijing. Each of these cities offers daily direct flights to Lhasa, giving you more flexibility with scheduling and potentially better fare options.

Tibet via Kathmandu, Nepal

Another way of reaching Tibet from Malaysia is via Kathmandu, Nepal, and it's also preferred by Malaysians. There are 2 to 3 direct flights from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) to Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) every day, mainly operated by Malaysia Airlines, Himalaya Airlines, and Batik Air. The flight takes around 4 hours and 45 minutes, and the one-way airfare ranges from MYR460 - MYR600.

And from Kathmandu, you can either fly or go overland to Lhasa. For taking a flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa, it takes about 2 hours and costs about MYR1820 .You may see the awe-inspiring Himalayan scenery. Currently the flight is operated by Himalayan Airlines and there are 3 flights on Mon/Wed/Thur/Fri per week. >> See more about Kathmandu to Lhasa flights

Taking an overland tour from Kathmandu to Lhasa usually takes 3 to 4 days. You can first visit Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, then cross the Himalayas, go along Friendship Highway and visit the top attractions of Tibet such as Mount Everest, Yamdroktso Lake, Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, etc. >> See more about Kathmandu to Lhasa overland trip

It is extremely important to you that your travel route includes proper acclimatization if you go overland from Kathmandu to Lhasa. Kathmandu is not high enough, at an elevation of only 1,350 meters. But you will get to Everest Base Camp at 5,200 meters in 3 days. Therefore, there's a risk of altitude sickness. If you are concerned about this point, you may go on the overland tour from Lhasa to Kathmandu. >> See more about Lhasa to Kathmandu overland trip

Related Documents

It's different to go to Tibet from Nepal or from mainland China. No matter which route you choose, a Tibet travel permit is a mandatory document if you board a flight or train to Tibet and it takes at least 2 weeks to be processed. You should book with a local Tibet travel agency before you plan to get to Tibet. If you plan to go to Mt. Kailash, Lake Manasarovar or other areas of far Western Tibet, book with a travel agency at least 4 weeks before you plan to arrive.

When going to Tibet from any city in Mainland China, all you need is a normal Chinese tourist visa (L visa). One can be obtained from the Chinese Embassy in Kuala Lumpur or at the Chinese consulates in Kuching, Penang or Kota Kinabalu. When you apply for a Chinese tourist visa, do NOT list Tibet on your visa application. If you do, you almost certainly will have problems getting your China visa.

However, if you plan to enter Tibet from Nepal, you must get a China Group Visa from the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu. Even if you have a Chinese visa, it will be rendered invalid. To get a China group visa, you will need to a visa invitation letter issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau. The Chinese Group Visa normally takes about 3 business days to obtain. Right now, a China group visa can only be issued for 4 participants. If you are a solo traveler, you can't obtain it.

Due to the China visa-free policy, you can now be exempt from China visa or China group visa till 31 Dec 2025.

Conclusion

With the current China visa-free policy until 31 December 2025, it's a great time for Malaysians to visit Tibet. While an organized tour is required, a trusted local Tibet travel agency can handle all arrangements. Whether entering via a major Chinese city like Chengdu or through Kathmandu, proper planning—especially for permits and acclimatization—ensures a smooth and memorable journey.