How to Travel to Tibet from Beijing?

As the capital of modern China, Beijing is an attractive metropolis with age-old history. Traveling to Tibet from Beijing is a good choice for international travelers because Beijing is an important international arrival hub and you can get to Lhasa from here conveniently. What's more, being the capital city of China, Beijing is one of the most popular tourist destinations in China. From Beijing to Tibet, you can enjoy different cultures and nature in China in one journey. 

There are two ways to get to Tibet from Beijing. You can either take a flight that is fast and comfortable or take a train that offers a better natural view of the Tibetan Plateau.

Travel to Tibet from Beijing

Traveling from Beijing to Tibet can be done by flight or train—flying is fast and comfortable, while the train offers scenic views and a more gradual adaptation to high altitude.

Beijing to Tibet by Flight

There are multiple flights from Beijing to Lhasa every day. Presently, 2 non-stop flights from Beijing to Lhasa run every day and vice versa. Flights to Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA) usually depart from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK). Some flights may also operate from Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX), depending on the airline and season.  The non-stop flight takes about 4.5 hours and costs 478 USD for a one-way ticket. Besides, there are also some connecting flights. Thus, you have lots of choices.

Beijing to Lhasa Flights Schedule

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Beijing to Tibet by Train

Another way to get to Tibet from Beijing is by train. The Beijing to Lhasa train (Z21) stretches as far as 3,757 km and crosses over 8 provinces. It takes around 40.5 hours from Beijing West Railway Station to Lhasa Railway Station. This train will pass through Qinghai-Tibet Railway after Xining, and you will be impressed by the breathtaking scenery, including desert, grassland, wilderness, pasture, snow mountains, and lakes. There are two classes of cabins available. A hard sleeper cabin ticket costs USD116 per person, while a soft sleeper cabin ticket costs USD185 per person. You are recommended to choose the soft sleeper cabin for a more comfortable berth and better privacy. The oxygen system is equipped in cabins, so you’re unlikely to suffer from altitude sickness.

Beijing Lhasa Trains Schedule

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Tibet Travel Permit

If you plan to travel from Beijing to Tibet as a foreigner, the most important document you must obtain in advance is the Tibet Travel Permit (TTP). This permit is mandatory for all non-Chinese passport holders and is required before boarding both flights and trains to Lhasa.

Please note that the Tibet Travel Permit cannot be applied for individually. Independent travel is not permitted in Tibet, so travelers must book a tour with a licensed local Tibet travel agency. Once your tour is confirmed, your travel agency will apply for the Tibet Travel Permit on your behalf using a copy of your passport and a valid Chinese visa.

Note: We recommend staying at least one night in Beijing to relieve jet lag and allow time to receive your Tibet Travel Permit. As the permit is issued as a paper document, the original must be presented at the airport check-in counter when flying to Lhasa.

What to See

The journey usually begins in Beijing and continues to Lhasa, allowing travelers to gradually adapt before exploring higher-altitude destinations such as Everest Base Camp or Mount Kailash.

Beijing

Before departing for Tibet, you are suggested to stroll in Beijing city and spend some days experiencing ancient Chinese culture. You can visit the majestic Forbidden City, the splendid Temple of Heaven, the amazing Great Wall and the elegant Summer Palace. Wandering bustling Hutongs and tasting traditional Chinese food, you’ll enjoy the unique cultures of China. At night, you can watch Beijing Opera Shows and Kungfu Shows, which are really special.

Tibet

Lhasa and Nearby

Once arrive in Lhasa, you can explore this 1,300-year-old city. The top three must-see highlights are Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Street. Step into the splendid Potala Palace, and you can have a view of Thangkas, Buddha statues, paintings, and Buddhist artworks. In front of the sacred Jokhang Temple, you can see many devoted pilgrims worshipping. On Barkhor Street, it’s a good choice to buy some Tibetan handicrafts and Buddhist items. You can also follow the local Tibetans and do kora around Jokhang Temple. Turn to the suburb of Lhasa, the biggest Tibetan Monastery Drepung will be your next destination. You also won’t miss debating monks at the most beautiful Sera Monastery. In this 600-year-old temple, monks debate about Buddhism every afternoon from Monday to Saturday.

You can also extend your Lhasa trip to Namtso Lake, which is called the heavenly lake by Tibetans. Crystal-like lakes shine in the sunlight, and fresh air will refresh your body as well as your spirit. In the background of snow-capped mountains, you are absolutely in a picture.

√  4 Days Lhasa City Essential Group Tour

√  5 Days Lhasa & Namtso Lake Tour

Everest Base Camp

As an energetic traveler, you are free to explore remote areas away from Lhasa in Tibet. You can travel to Everest Base Camp (EBC). Along the way, you will enjoy more landscapes and feel more of its culture. You can see prayer flags and mani stones at almost every mountain pass, and be moved by Tibetans’ pure religious belief. Finally, you may stay overnight at the tent of EBC and admire the amazing sunset and sunrise of the Golden Everest Peak.

√  8 Days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Group Tour

Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar

You can also kora around Mount Kailash, the most important pilgrimage in Asia, and known as “the center of the world”. Devoted pilgrims believe that one kora around Mount Kailash can relieve them from the sins of their lifetime. Not far from Mt.Kailash, there's the holiest lake in Tibet - Manasarovar. The water here is believed to cleanse one's annoyances when he is rinsed by the river.

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

Extend Your Journey to Nepal

If you want to extend your journey after exploring Tibet, you can get to Nepal by flight or by land. We offer Nepal Tibet tour packages, and you will have the opportunity to experience different Buddhist cultures, nature, and people on a journey.

√  7 Days Lhasa Mt. Everest Kathmandu Overland Group Tour

√  6 Days Lhasa Kathmandu Flight Tour