Travel to Tibet from United Kingdom

For adventurous travelers in the United Kingdom, Tibet offers an unparalleled experience - a chance to explore “The Roof of the World,” where breathtaking landscapes meet ancient traditions and spirituality. Whether it’s the serene monasteries, the mysterious Tibetan culture, or the awe-inspiring Himalayas, Tibet promises an unforgettable journey that immerses you in a realm far from the everyday.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to plan your journey from the UK to Tibet, including the best routes to take, essential travel tips, as well as visa and permit requirements, for a smooth and enriching experience.

Travel Routes from the U.K. to Tibet

In general, we suggest that Britons fly to mainland China first, then take a domestic flight to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. This way, you have more choices and can enjoy a good price. And you need to apply for a China visa. Of course, you can take connecting flights to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal then to Lhasa. But you need to spend 3 working days in Kathmandu to apply for a China group visa, which requires 4 participants to be present together. Unless you’re planning to stay in Nepal and have a group of four people, flying to Kathmandu is not a suitable option for most travelers getting to Tibet.

Get to Tibet through China

Traveling to Tibet through China by plane or train is a convenient option. Firstly, you can take a flight from London to the gateway cities of China such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and so on. It's a great way for Brits who desire to visit some Chinese cities and Tibet together. Additionally, you should consider taking a jet lag recovery break in a gateway city before traveling to Tibet, to obtain your Tibet travel permit for boarding the plane to Lhasa.

By the way, you can take a Tibet train journey from the above-mentioned Chinese cities to Lhasa, which is also helpful to acclimate to the high altitude, and enjoy the plateau scenery along the way.

From the U.K. to China by Flights

Some flights from London to Chinese gateway cities are listed below. Prices here are only for your reference and could vary a lot due to the different seasons and airlines you select.

From Chinese Cities to Tibet by Flights

There are some flights that start from major Chinese cities to Lhasa, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu. Please note that the duration and prices are listed here for your reference only.

From Chinese Cities to Tibet by Train

A Tibet railway trip is also an option for visitors, and actually, it could be more fun to take a train tour than to take flights. Regarding your train Tour, there are three classes of tickets available for your choice: soft sleeper, hard sleeper, and hard seat. From the top to the end, the cost of train tickets decreases a lot. And, of course, the standard is quite different, you may check more details. However, if you purchase a soft-sleeper ticket, you could stay more comfortable in a cozy cabin instead of sitting in a hard-seat carriage with a bunch of passengers around you.

So if you are not on a tight budget, or you are taking the elderly or children with you, the soft-sleeper ticket is your first choice. Here is a chart for you containing the duration and approximate costs of the soft sleepers from some major Chinese cities to Lhasa. You can check it out and find one that best fits your plan.

(*Please note that you can also take combination trains to Lhasa, not only the one listed in the chart.)

Get to Tibet through Nepal

For most British tourists, it's not a practical option to go to Tibet via Nepal. Currently, there are no direct flights from London to Kathmandu. Passengers usually have to take connecting flights with one or more layovers. The most common layover cities for flights between London and Kathmandu are Istanbul, Doha, Qatar, and others. The layover times and duration can vary depending on the airline and the specific flight schedule, but typically the total travel time ranges from 12 to 16 hours, including the layover. The cost is around £470. And then you could select two ways to reach Tibet, by flight or by road.

Kathmandu to Lhasa by Flight

After you land in the first exotic area, a direct flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa is available for your choice, operated by Himalayan Airlines. Only 2 hours are taken for this Kathmandu-Lhasa flight trip. Currently it only runs on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Besides, the best part of it is that you could take a look at the magnificent Mt. Everest, appreciating the charm of the world’s highest peak. However, the flight almost sells at the full price, which is around £390. If you desire a fast arrival in Lhasa, it will be beneficial for you to take this flight. Moreover, please choose the left seats by the window, as you will view the magnificent Mt. Everest on the plane! >>See more about Kathmandu to Lhasa flight

Kathmandu to Lhasa by Land

Besides the flight trip, you could enjoy the epic overland tour from Kathmandu to Lhasa as well. This overland tour is highly recommended by tourists for a fascinating experience along the Friendship Highway and viewing both sides of the Himalayas. On the Nepal side, you will feel the warm moist air as well as lush plants; while on the Tibet side, you will feel the opposite and view the landscape of the Himalayans, Karola Glacier, and Yamdrok Tso Lake, as well as Tibetan monasteries such as Sakya Monastery, Tashilumpo Monastery, Gyantse Kumbum, along the way.

Tibet Travel Permits Required for Britons

Tibet is an autonomous region with special regulations for tourists who intend to enter it. Here are some necessary documents you need to know beforehand.

Tibet Travel Permit

A Tibet Travel Permit is required for every foreign passport holder. Generally, this permit is applied for by the local travel agencies in Tibet. As a leading Tibet tour operator, Great Tibet Tour is experienced and qualified enough to help you obtain it, as well as arrange a great trip. To apply for a Tibet Travel Permit, scans of your valid Chinese Visa page and passport page are needed. Please send us these documents at least 20 days in advance before you start your Tibet journey.

China Visa

You can apply for a China tourist (L) visa at your nearest Chinese Embassy or Visa Application Center. The basic requirements include your valid passport (with at least six months’ validity and two blank visa pages), a completed visa application form, a recent passport-sized photo, proof of round-trip flights, and hotel bookings or a tour itinerary in China. Please note that you need to make an appointment for the visa interview online prior, and your travel itinerary should not mention Tibet to avoid complications during the visa application process.

Group Tourist Visa

China Group Tourist Visa is required for tourists who have plans to enter Tibet from Nepal. In order to secure the group visa, you need a tourist invitation letter from the Tibet Tourism Bureau. And it's better to turn to your Tibet travel agency, and your agency will also handle your Tibet permit. With the invitation letter, your passport and 2 photos (the same size as the photo in your passport but with a white background), you can apply with another 3 participants at the China Embassy in Kathmandu and obtain it in 3 working days.

Final Words

Traveling from the UK to Tibet takes some planning, but the experience is more than worth it. Whether you go through China or Nepal, each route offers stunning scenery and cultural highlights. With the proper documents—such as a Chinese visa, Tibet Travel Permit, and possibly a Group Tourist Visa—you’ll be ready for an unforgettable journey. Let Great Tibet Tour handle the details, so you can fully enjoy your adventure on the Roof of the World.