Lhasa Transportation

With the development of Lhasa transportation, there are more choices about transportation ways in Tibet tour, such as flights, trains and buses. Each of them has special features, and travelers can choose what they prefer based on own condition in their Tibet tour.

Lhasa Transportation – Flights

Airplane is the safest and most comfortable way to Lhasa, but the ticket price is relatively high. Presently, there are flights to Lhasa in many cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Chengdu, Chongqing, Guangzhou, Kunming etc. Among them, there are two flights to Lhasa everyday in Chengdu. Besides, the flight between Lhasa and Kathmandu is the only international airline in Tibet, which will set off in every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Lhasa Transportation – Highway

Qinghai–Tibet Highway (Xining – Golmud – Lhasa)

The Qinghai-Tibet Highway is with good condition. Along the way, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Qinghai Lake, Kunlun, Tanggula Mountain Pass, grassland in north of Tibet and Yampachen.

Sichuan-Tibet Highway (Chengdu – Lhasa)

The altitude difference along the way is very large, you may experience four seasons just in one day. This highway most is twisting mountain road, and the road condition is not good. The sight spots along the way include Erlang Mountain, Luding Chain Bridge, Kangting, Jinsha River, Ranwu Lake and Nyingchi.

Yunnan-Tibet Highway (Xiaguan-Lhasa)

The scenery along the Yunnan-Tibet Highway includes Cangshan Mountains, Erhai Lake (in Dali), Naxi Ancient City (in Lijiang), and Shangri-la (in Zhongdian). This highway is "Ancient Tea Route" for ancient merchants.

Xijiang-Tibet Highway (Yecheng-Lhasa)

The altitude of this highway is high, and most parts are in depopulated zone. The transportation and communication in this area is very inconvenience. The whole journey need about half a month, but the scenery along the way is wonderful. Except for passing through the paradise of wild animals, you also can enjoy the Karakorum, relics of Guge Kingdom, Mt.Kailash, Lake Manasarovar and Sakya Monastery.

China-Nepal Friendship Highway (Kathmandu – Shigtse – Lhasa)

Coming into Tibet from Zham Port, and go to Nyalam County through the friendship highway and arrive in Tingri. Along the way, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Himalaya Mountains and Tashihunpo Monastery in Shigatse. If drive toward east at Gyantse, you can reach Lhasa. If drive toward west, you can reach Ngari. There are buses from Zham Port to Lhasa. The whole journey is about 15 hours and the ticket is about 220 RMB.

Lhasa Transportation – Train

Comparing with flights, the train is cheaper; comparing with buses, the train is safer and faster. Furthermore, the altitude along the railway to Lhasa gradually rises which is helpful for adapting to high plateau environment. At present, there are trains to Lhasa from Beijing, Chengdu, Chongqing, Lanzhou, Xining, Shanghai and Guangzhou.