Travel to Tibet From Canada

Tibet is an ideal travel destination for tourists at home and abroad. Canada has an association with Tibet in culture and history. And Vancouver, the third-largest metropolitan city in Canada, is the second-largest Chinese community in North America. Meanwhile, Canada also has a Tibetan community, though small in number.

With its unique Buddhist culture and beautiful natural scenery, Tibet is regarded as the most mysterious region in the world for spiritual exploration. Many Canadians are drawn to visit Tibet for its cultural and natural attractions. Up to now, there are multiple ways to travel from Canada to Tibet.

Canada- Beijing/Shanghai- Lhasa

As the top two metropolis cities in China, both Beijing and Shanghai operated multiple flights to Vancouver, Canada. Therefore, you can easily take flights to Beijing/Shanghai from Vancouver International Airport. Once you arrive in Beijing/Shanghai, you can either take flights to Tibet or take a train to Tibet. It is fast and comfortable to take flights to Lhasa from Beijing/ Shanghai. If you take direct flights to Tibet, the total journey will take about 5 hours. Meanwhile, there are also some connecting flights from Beijing/Shanghai to Tibet. If you want to appreciate the breathtaking natural view of the Qinghai - Tibet Plateau, you are supposed to take a train to Tibet from Beijing or Shanghai.

Canada- Chengdu- Lhasa

As the closest gateway to Tibet, traveling to Tibet from Canada via Chengdu is such a good idea. At first, taking direct flights to Chengdu from Vancouver. When arriving at Chengdu, you can take flights to Lhasa or take a train to Lhasa. Besides, there are some flights from Chengdu to other cities in Tibet such as Nyingch, Shigatse, etc. Taking flights from Chengdu to Tibet is a time-saving way, which only takes about 2.5 hours. If you choose to take a train to Tibet from Chengdu, you will follow the Qinghai-Tibet railway and it take about 34.5 hours. The direct railway from Chengdu to Tibet is under construction now, which will shorten the journey to 13 hours.

Canada- Hong Kong- Lhasa

Hong Kong is an ideal place for Canadian tourists to enter China. So far, the most efficient way for you to travel from HK to Lhasa is to take a flight to Chengdu first and then take a flight or Chengdu-Lhasa train to reach Lhasa. The Hong Kong-Chengdu flight takes about 2.5 hours. Then you need to get your luggage and change flight bound for Lhasa. There are more than ten flights from Chengdu to Lhasa. You also can take direct flights from Chengdu to Shigatse or Nyingchi.

The other option for you is to take the Chengdu-Lhasa train. The train leaves Chengdu in the evening and reaches Lhasa in the morning. The soft sleeper ticket is 997.5 CNY(189 CAD) and the hard sleeper is 627.5 CNY(119 CAD).

Canada- Nepal- Lhasa

The only non-stop international flight to Lhasa is from Kathmandu. Therefore Nepal is definitely a popular gateway to Tibet for foreign travelers. Taking direct flights from Kathmandu to Lhasa will take about 1.5 hours. Presently there are direct flights on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, operated by Himalayan Airlines. Additionally, there is no railway from Nepal to Tibet. If you prefer going by road, you may consider the Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour, on which you can appreciate the beautiful view of Friendship Highway and Mount Everest.

√ Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland tour

Documents for your Tibet Travel

Traveling to Tibet as a Canadian involves some specific requirements and paperwork due to the region's unique political status and regulations.

China Visa/ Group Visa

If you travel from mainland China to Tibet, you need to apply for a China Visa first. You can apply at the Chinese Embassy in Canada. However, if you choose to travel to Tibet from Kathmandu, Nepal, you need to apply for a group visa, which requires 4 participants and 3 working days.

Tibet Entry Permit/Tibet Visa

When traveling to Tibet, you should obtain a Tibet Entry Permit/Tibet Visa. Without it, you are not able to enter Tibet. If you want to explore outside of Lhasa, you also need to apply for the Alien's Travel Permit & Military Permit. Keep in mind that the Tibet Entry Permit can only be applied by the local travel agency in Tibet.