How to Travel to Tibet from Switzerland?

Switzerland and Tibet both are famed for their breathtaking alpine landscapes, but culturally, they couldn’t be more different. Switzerland is known for its precision, order, and modernity, while Tibet captivates travelers with its mystique and deeply Tibetan Buddhist atmosphere. It’s this striking contrast that draws an increasing number of Swiss adventurers to the Roof of the World.

However, due to Tibet’s unique travel regulations, foreign visitors must apply for the Tibet Travel Permit in advance and cannot travel independently. Here we’ll guide you through the best routes from Switzerland to Tibet and explain the visa and permit application process, making your dream journey smooth.

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

How to Travel to Tibet from Switzerland

There are two primary ways to travel from Switzerland to Tibet: One is to fly to a major city in Mainland China, then continue by plane or train to Lhasa. The other is to fly to Kathmandu, Nepal, and enter Tibet either by air or overland via the Gyirong border.

Option I - Switzerland to Tibet via Mainland China

There are numerous flight options from Switzerland to Mainland China, especially from Zurich and Geneva to cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong. They are not only major international gateways, but also convenient transit hubs for flights or trains to Lhasa. Transit via mainland China is one of the most popular and reliable routes to enter Tibet.

1. Geneva – Beijing – Lhasa

There are direct flights from Geneva Airport (GVA) to Beijing every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. The journey takes around 10 hours, with average ticket prices around CHF 1,200. For a more budget-friendly option, you can book connecting flights through airports such as Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) or Hamad International Airport (DOH), with fares starting from just CHF 370.

Once in Beijing, you can catch a direct flight to Lhasa, available daily. The flight takes about 4 hours and costs approximately CHF 360. Budget travelers may opt for connecting flights, priced between CHF 150 and CHF 250. >> See more about Beijing to Lhasa flights

For those seeking a deeper experience of the Tibetan Plateau’s dramatic scenery, consider taking the train from Beijing to Lhasa. The Z21 train departs daily, covering a distance of 3,757 km over roughly 40 hours, arriving at noon on the third day. A soft sleeper ticket costs around CHF 156, offering a comfortable and scenic journey across China’s vast landscapes. >> See more about Beijing to Lhasa train

2. Geneva – Shanghai – Lhasa (Recommended Route)

For travelers from Switzerland heading to Tibet, a convenient option is the direct flight from Geneva Airport (GVA) to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG). Flights operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, with a flight time of approximately 11.5 hours. Ticket prices typically range from CHF 380 to CHF 650.

Upon arrival in Shanghai, you can continue to Lhasa by air or train. There are daily flights to Lhasa with layovers in Xi’an or Chengdu. These flights usually take 6 to 8 hours and cost between CHF 220 and CHF 400. >> See more about Shanghai to Lhasa flights

Alternatively, the train Z164 departs daily at 18:33 and arrives on the third day at 15:05, covering about 4,300 kilometers in roughly 45 hours. A soft sleeper ticket costs around CHF 200. This journey offers stunning views of the Tibetan Plateau and a glimpse into the rich cultures along the way. >> See more about Shanghai to Lhasa train

3. Zurich – Hong Kong – Lhasa

For Swiss travelers, Hong Kong is a convenient entry point into China. There are daily direct flights from Zurich Airport(ZRH) to Hong Kong, with a flight time of approximately 12 hours. Ticket prices are around CHF 1,100.

After arriving in Hong Kong, it's recommended to first fly to Chengdu, and then either take a connecting flight or the train to Lhasa. The flight from Hong Kong to Chengdu takes about 2.5 hours. Chengdu offers over a dozen daily flights to Lhasa, as well as direct flights to Shigatse and Nyingchi. You can also take the train from Chengdu to Lhasa.

>> See more about Chengdu to Lhasa flights

>> See more about Chengdu to Lhasa train

Option II - Switzerland to Tibet via Nepal

There are no direct flights from Switzerland to Kathmandu, but one-stop connections are available. You can reach Kathmandu from Zurich Airport via Istanbul Airport, Dubai Hamad Airport, etc. The flight cost is generally CHF 500-600.

Once in Kathmandu, you have two main options to enter Tibet:

1. By Air: Take a direct flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa, which operates on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. The flight takes around 1.5 hours and costs approximately CHF 550. >> See more Kathmandu to Lhasa flights

2. By Land: Travel overland via the Gyirong border crossing, enjoying breathtaking views along the China-Nepal Highway. This route offers stunning scenery, including the Himalayas, traditional Tibetan monasteries, and high-altitude lakes.

√ 8 Days Kathmandu Gyirong Lhasa Group Tour

Compared to flight, an overland tour is a more popular option among adventurous travelers. We’ll arrange for a Nepali driver to take you to the Gyirong border. After crossing into Tibet, a local Tibetan guide will greet you. To help you acclimatize to the altitude, you’ll spend one night in Gyirong Town before continuing to Tingri, Everest Base Camp, and Shigatse, eventually arriving in Lhasa.

Required Documents

Due to Tibet’s unique geographic, ethnic, and religious significance, all foreign travelers must obtain a special permit—known as the Tibet Travel Permit (TTB)—in order to enter the region, as well as the China Visa or China Group visa.

Tibet Travel Permit

To apply for the permit, travelers must provide a scan of the passport’s main page and a valid Chinese visa if applicable. We recommend submitting these documents at least 20 days in advance. If you plan to visit restricted areas such as Ngari (Kailash), it's best to apply at least one month ahead.

Currently, Swiss citizens benefit from a 30-day China-visa-free policy, which means you can apply for the Tibet Travel Permit using just your passport if entering Tibet via mainland China. Great Tibet Tour can assist you with the application and arrange your full itinerary.

Chinese Visa & Group Visa

If you’re entering Tibet via mainland China and staying for more than 30 days, you still need to apply for a regular China visa at your local Chinese embassy.

If you’re entering from Nepal, you will need a Chinese group visa, which must be obtained through the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu. This process requires a Tibet travel invitation letter (obtained from a Tibet travel agency), your passport, and two passport-sized photos. Processing usually takes about 3 working days, and we’re happy to help you with every step to ensure a smooth journey.

Conclusion

Whether you travel via mainland China or Nepal, planning your route from Switzerland is easy and flexible. With convenient international flights from Geneva and Zurich, you have plenty of options to reach Tibet. Just secure your Tibet Travel Permit in advance—and get ready to experience the culture, spirituality, and raw beauty of Tibet.