Travel to Tibet from South Africa

Travelling from South Africa to Tibet crosses continents, cultures, and altitudes. It's challenging, and it rewards you with the chance to explore sacred landmarks like the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Everest Base Camp. Upon arrival, you'll marvel at crystal-clear lakes, snow-capped Himalayan peaks, and the rich tapestry of Tibetan culture. Tibet's serene spirituality and breathtaking landscapes offer a striking contrast to South Africa's vibrant. 

South Africans traveling to Tibet need a Tibet Entry Permit issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau, which can only be obtained through local travel agencies in Tibet.

Get to China then Tibet

Currently, there is only one direct international flight route between South Africa and China - the flight between Johannesburg and Shenzhen. Besides, there are many connecting flights via Qatar, Dubai, and Germany to other major cities in China, such as Chongqing, Chengdu, and Beijing. Upon arrival, you can take a plane or train to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. If you go this route, you need to apply for a China visa.

Johannesburg - Shenzhen - Lhasa (recommended)

The international flight CA868, from O.R Tambo International Airport (JNB) to Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX), is operated by Air China. It departs at 10:10 am on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, arriving at 4:55 am the next day, with a total flight time of 12 hours and 45 minutes. Upon arriving in Shenzhen, the best way to get to Lhasa is by taking a flight, as there is currently no direct train from Shenzhen to Lhasa. From Shenzhen to Lhasa, there are two flights per day, layover at Mianyang Airport for 40 minutes, with a total flight time of 5 hours and 45 minutes.

Johannesburg - Chengdu - Lhasa

There are 2–3 connecting flights almost daily from O.R Tambo International Airport (JNB) to Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU), with a transfer at Qatar's Hamad International Airport (DOH). The journey takes approximately 44 hours and 30 minutes, arriving on the third day. Upon reaching Chengdu, you can fly or take a train to Lhasa. 

There are over a dozen direct Chengdu to Lhasa flights daily, and it takes just 2 hours and 30 minutes, making it a quick and convenient option. If you have more time, you can take the Z322 train from Chengdu to Lhasa, which departs every other day and offers a scenic 34.5-hour journey.

Johannesburg - Chongqing - Lhasa

There are 4–5 weekly connecting flights from Johannesburg Oliver Reginald Tambo International Airport (JNB) to Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG), with a layover at Hong Kong International Airport. The total flight time is approximately 44 hours and 50 minutes, arriving on the third day.

There are multiple direct Chongqing to Lhasa flights daily, with a flight time of about 3 hours, offering plenty of options. Alternatively, the Z223 train from Chongqing to Lhasa departs every other day, taking 33 hours and 48 minutes. It departs at 21:53 on the first night and arrives at 07:41 on the third morning.

Cape Town - Chongqing - Lhasa

There are 2–3 connecting flights almost daily from Cape Town International Airport (CPT) to Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG) via Dubai Hamad International Airport and Guangzhou. It takes about 39 hours and 50 minutes, arriving on the third day. From Chongqing, you can either fly or take a train to Lhasa. Direct flights take about 3 hours and operate daily, offering a convenient option. Alternatively, a direct train to Lhasa departs every other day, taking 33 hours and 48 minutes, arriving on the morning of the third day.

Cape Town-Chengdu-Lhasa

From Cape Town International Airport (CPT) to Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU), there are 3-4 connecting flights per week via Hamad International Airport in Qatar. It takes about 45 hours and 25 minutes, arriving on the third day. Upon arrival, you can fly or take a train to Lhasa. The flight usually takes 2 hours and 30 minutes. The direct train departs every other day and takes 34 hours & 29 minutes.

Cape Town-Beijing-Lhasa

From Cape Town International Airport (CPT) to Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), there are 3-4 connecting flights per week via Munich International Airport or Frankfurt Airport in Germany. It takes about 44 hours and 40 minutes, arriving on the third day. There are 2-3 direct flights available every day from Beijing to Lhasa. It takes about 4 hours and 30 minutes. Train Z21 from Beijing to Lhasa departs from Beijing West Railway Station every day. It departs at 19:53 and arrives at Lhasa Railway Station at 11:21 on the third day. The whole journey takes about 40 hours.

Get to Nepal then Tibet

From South Africa to Tibet via Kathmandu is also a popular route for tourists. Although there are no direct international flights at present, there are daily connecting flights between Cape Town / Johannesburg and Kathmandu, with a flight time of 15-16 hours. If you go this route, you need to apply for a China group visa to enter Tibet as well as your Tibet travel permit.

Cape Town - Kathmandu - Lhasa

There are 3-4 connecting flights from Cape Town International Airport (CPT) to Kathmandu International Airport (KTM) every day, with only one transfer in Turkey and Dubai. The flight time is about 16 hours, arriving the next day. There are direct flights from Kathmandu to Lhasa every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, with a flight time of about 1 hour and 20 minutes. You can also enter Tibet by land from Nepal via Gyirong Port.

Johannesburg-Kathmandu-Lhasa

There are 3-4 connecting flights from O.R Tambo International Airport (JNB) to Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) every day, with layovers in Turkey and Dubai. The flight time is about 15 hours and 10 minutes, and you will arrive the next day. After that, you can take a direct flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa, which takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can choose to enter Tibet by land and enjoy breathtaking scenery along the way.

Conclusion

Traveling from South Africa to Tibet is an adventure with magnificent scenery and rich culture. Reasonable route planning, application for permits, and other adequate travel preparations can make your trip to Tibet smooth and unforgettable.