Flights to Tibet from Japan

Like most Japanese tourists, if you are addicted to the culture of Buddhism, the mystery of Mount Everest, the beauty of Namtso Lake, the magnificence of the Potala Palace, welcome to Tibet! You can not only enjoy the long-day sunshine but also stand at the foot of Mount Everest to admire the world's highest mountain, which will be your lifetime experience. Are you tempted?

As is known to all, Mount Everest is the highest peak in the world which borders Tibet in the north and Nepal in the south. Every year, thousands of foreign tourists travel to Tibet to see the north face of Mt.Everest as there's no obstacle and you can drive to Everest Base Camp directly, unlike one week trek in Nepal. And if you have an opportunity to go there,  you will fall in love with the plateau scenery as well as the Tibetan culture. There is something about the flight to Tibet from Japan you should know about it.

Permits You Need When You Travel to Tibet

There is no exception that all foreign travelers need to apply for a China Visa and Tibet Travel Permit before you entering Lhasa. The China Visa can be obtained at China Embassy in Japan for entering China, and the Tibet Travel Permit issued by Tibet Tourism Bureau only can be applied by your Tibet Travel Agency. When you apply for your China visa, there is an option in the application that requires you to list your desired visiting places in China. Remember not to list Tibet as one of your destinations, if you do this, you cannot successfully obtain your visa cos they will ask you to provide your Tibet Travel Permit. But here in Tibet, we need your China Visa first then get your permit. Finally, you will find yourself immersed in a loop. For your Tibet Travel Permit,  you need to book with a Tibet travel agency beforehand.  What's more,  if you want to visit some sensitive areas, you are required to apply for an Alien's Travel Permit & Military Permit, such as Mt.Kailash, Mt. Everest, etc.

Before applying for your Tibet Travel Permit, the scan of your passport & China Visa, as well as your occupation, will be asked by your travel consultant who helps you get the Permit. (if you are a diplomat, journalist, or a media staff with a journalist Visa, you are not able to find a travel agency to help you get Tibet Travel Permit unless you are approved by the Foreign Affairs Office in Lhasa).

How to Get to Tibet?

You will have a lot of choices and you only need to choose a way which suits you. As there is no direct flight from Japan to Tibet, you have to arrive in a mainland city of China first.  If you browse the China Tibet Tour you can find that some packages may be proper for you. Or you may simply ask our travel consultant.  We recommend you take the flight from Tokyo or Osaka to a mainland city such as Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu, Xian, etc. then take the flight or train to Tibet the next day according to your travel schedule.

Chengdu to Tibet by air

Based on feedback and the flavor of the tourists, taking a flight to Tibet from Chengdu is regarded as the best way to Tibet. From Chengdu to Tibet, you can take a 2-hour direct flight without any stopover. In Chengdu, you may stay one or two days to see Giant Panda, enjoy the variety of delicious food, Sichuan opera, teahouse, etc.

>>See more about Chengdu to Lhasa flight

>>See more about Chengdu to Nyingchi flight

Xian to Tibet by air

Xian is also a good gateway city to Tibet. From Xian to Tibet, you can take a 3-hour direct flight. And there're more than 3 flights to Lhasa every day. Xi'an is an ancient city with a long history and civilization history of more than 3,000 years. There are not only the terracotta warriors, the ancient city walls, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, etc., but also the unique Northwest flavor food. >>See more about Xian to Lhasa flight

Shanghai to Tibet by air

Shanghai, a metropolis of international economy and entertainment center, is located in the east of China. Here you can visit Bund to feel the charm of East Paris, enjoy the old water town, etc. It takes about 6 hours to take a connecting flight from Shanghai to Tibet. Usually the transit city is Chengdu or Xián. >>See more about Shanghai to Lhasa flights

Beijing to Tibet by air

There are usually two direct flights from Beijing to Tibet with a stopover in Chengdu and it takes about 5 hours from Beijing to Tibet. Beijing, the capital of China, is a city with a large number of cultural heritages including Forbidden City, Great Wall, etc., has important international influence. The flight usually departs from Beijing in the morning and reaches Lhasa in the afternoon. >> See more about Beijing to Lhasa flights

Chengdu to Tibet by train

You can also consider taking the train to Tibet. From Chengdu to Tibet, it takes about 36 hours to arrive in Lhasa. Although taking a train takes extra time, you can enjoy the amazing scenery along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, which is also called Sky Road. Adjust a little on your trip and you will see exceedingly magnificent scenery. >> See more about Chengdu to Lhasa train

Xian to Tibet by train

It takes only 31 hours to reach Lhasa by train from Xi'an, and you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Qinghai-Tibet line along the way, but the time will not be too long. Since there are currently no trains originally departing from Xi'an to Lhasa, it is very difficult to buy train tickets from Xi'an to Lhasa, especially in the peak season. >>See more about Xian to Lhasa train

In a word, from Japan to Tibet, you have multiple choices, you can choose from the above options.

Equipment and Gear

It is indispensable for you to bring the necessary equipments and gears when you are traveling in Tibet.

1. Sunglasses
2. Waterproof pants and jacket
3. Sleeping bag (you also can rent it in Lhasa.)
4. Medicine for altitude sickness
5. A pair of hiking boots
6. T-shirts and sweaters