Flights to Tibet from Canada

Canada and Tibet go a long way with their intertwined cultures and history. Canada also has a Tibetan community, which is small in number, but it's already the second or third generation of Tibetan Canadians. This shows that they share a lot in common in the form of their ethnic and cultural identity. A tour to Tibet by Canadian citizens is highly recommended, especially to learn more about Tibetan culture and history.

All Canadian citizens need to first obtain a China visa and then a Tibet travel permit to visit Tibet. When you apply for your China Visa, do not mention Tibet in your travel plan. Otherwise, your request will probably be declined. For your Tibet travel permit, you can entrust your Tibet travel agency to obtain it after you book with them.

From Mainland Cities of China

Canadians can pick the best-suited route based on budgetary needs.

1. Vancouver – Chengdu – Lhasa

You can travel from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA) via Chengdu Tianfu International (TFU). If you are time-bound and want cost-effective flights, it’s considered an ideal route to travel. This journey takes about 19-22 hours and costs about CAD 1,050 to CAD 1,260. This flight typically departs from Vancouver on Tuesdays and Fridays and arrives in Lhasa the following day.

2. Vancouver - Xiamen - Xian/Kunming - Lhasa

You can travel from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN) and then transit a flight to Lhasa via Xián Xianyang International Airport (XIY) / Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG), which is also a cost-effective way. Next, you can take a flight to Lhasa with a stopover at Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) or Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG). This journey takes about 24 hours to 46 hours and costs about CAD 1,680 to CAD 2,280.

3. Vancouver - Hong Kong - Kunming/Chengdu/Xian - Lhasa

You can travel from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) and then to Lhasa Gonggar Airport(LXA) via Kunming Changshui International Airport(KMG)/Chengdu Tianfu International (TFU)/Xi'an Xianyang International Airport(XIY). If you are time-bound, transiting via Chengdu to Lhasa from Hong Kong is considered an ideal route to travel. This journey takes about 24-30 hours and costs about CAD1,680 to CAD2,080.

4. Vancouver - Beijing/Shanghai - Lhasa

Alternatively, you can fly from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)/Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and then take a direct flight to Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA). This journey takes about 32 - 36 hours and costs CAD1,550 to CAD1,880.

5. Vancouver - Taiwan - Chengdu/Chongqing - Lhasa

You can fly from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) then to Chengdu Tianfu International (TFU)/Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG) and finally get to Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA). This journey takes about 40 hours, with an air duration of 18 hours and the remaining time consumed by layovers. The total cost ranges from CAD 1,360 to CAD 1,650.

The only disadvantage is that most tourists may suffer from mild altitude sickness due to the sudden and rapid shift in altitudes. Care must be taken to relieve this, so you need to rest well in Lhasa for your first two days in Tibet to ensure a comfortable and pleasant journey.

From Kathmandu

Another flight option is from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) via Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), which takes 22 hours and costs CAD1,100 to CAD1,400. Although there's only a 1 hour and 30 minutes flight duration from Kathmandu to Lhasa, we would not recommend this route as you will be required a China Group Visa if you enter Tibet from Nepal, and it takes 3 working days. In addition, the China Consulate in Kathmandu only issues one China Group visa per 4 participants. That means, if there are fewer than 4 people from you, the group visa cannot get issued.

Currently, there are only 3 flights per week from Kathmandu to Lhasa on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. If there's no direct flight, you need to transit to Lhasa via Chengdu, in that case, you need a China visa. It looks a little bit complicated. Please contact your Tibet travel agency to plan everything for you, as well as the necessary documents.