How to Travel to Tibet from Norway?

Tibet is now reopened to Norwegian tourists. From November 8, 2024, to December 31, 2025, China has implemented a 15-day visa-free program for Norwegians. All Norwegian ordinary passport holders who come to China for business, sightseeing, visiting relatives and friends and transiting for no more than 15 days can enter China without a visa.

How to Travel to Tibet from Norway?

Norwegians can fly to Tibet through China. Currently, there are no direct flights from Norway to China, but you can fly to a gateway city in mainland China and then transfer to Tibet by flight or train. Alternatively, you can enter Tibet from Nepal, as Nepal is close to Tibet. You can choose to fly directly from Kathmandu to Lhasa or travel overland from Kathmandu to Tibet.

Via Mainland China to Tibet

You can fly from Norway to major Chinese cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu, then to Lhasa. Although flying is the fastest way, there are still many tourists who prefer taking a train along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway to enjoy the highland scenery, which is also good for acclimatizing to the high altitude. You can choose the transportation method that suits your itinerary.

Norway-Beijing-Tibet (recommended!)

Beijing is located in the north of China, relatively close to Norway compared with other Chinese cities, so is the most popular gateway city to China for Norwegian travelers. There are many connecting flights from Oslo Airport(OSL) to Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) or Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX), usually with one layover in Stockholm or Doha, and the travel time takes about 10-18 hours.

Upon arrival in Beijing, you can choose a direct flight or train to Lhasa.

There are 2 direct flights per day from Beijing Capital International Airport to Lhasa Gonggar Airport(LXA) and the flight time is about 4 hours. Please note that you may arrive in Beijing via Beijing Daxing International Airport. So it's important to check which airport your flight to Tibet departs. Beijing Daxing International Airport is about 80km away from Beijing Capital International Airport and takes 1.5 hours by car.

The direct train Z21 from Beijing to Lhasa departs daily at 19:52 and arrives in Lhasa at 11:36 on the third day, the journey is 3,757km and takes about 40 hours. The soft sleeper costs NOK 1,948.

Norway-Shanghai-Tibet

Shanghai is located on the east coast of mainland China, and it is a good choice to travel from Norway to Shanghai. There are many connecting flights from Oslo Airport (OSL) to Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG), and it takes about 16 to 18 hours for one transfer. You can choose to have one layover in Helsinki, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Paris, Doha or Munich.

Upon arrival in Shanghai, you can take a plane or train to Tibet.

There are 2 direct flights per day from Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA) to Lhasa with a stopover in Xi'an or Chengdu, totaling about 7-8 hours.

Please note that there are two airports in Shanghai: Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport. Both airports operate flights to Lhasa. It's necessary double check which airport you are arriving at in Shanghai and from which airport you are flying to Lhasa. Shanghai Pudong International Airport is about 65km away from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, which takes about 1.5 hours by car.

The direct train from Shanghai to Lhasa, Z164, departs daily at 18:33 and arrives in Lhasa at 15:05 on the third day, a journey of more than 4,300 kilometers kilometers, taking approximately 45 hours. The soft sleeper costs NOK 2,147.

Norway-Guangzhou-Tibet

Guangzhou is located on the southern coast of China. There are many connecting flights from Oslo Airport (OSL) to Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN), and it takes about 15 to 18 hours for one transfer. There are options to have one layover in cities such as Doha, Istanbul, Bangkok, and Paris.

Upon arrival in Guangzhou, there are direct flights and trains to Tibet. From Guangzhou, there are 1-2 daily direct flights to Lhasa with a stopover in Chongqing or Diqing, totaling about 6 hours. All flights from Guangzhou to Lhasa take off at 8:05 am or 9:00 am and arrive in Lhasa at 14:10 am or 14:50 am.

The direct train Z264 from Guangzhou departs at 09:15 every day and arrives in Lhasa at 14:17 on the third day, covering a total distance of 4,980 kilometers and taking about 53 hours, making it the longest train route to Lhasa. The soft sleeper costs NOK 2,523.

Norway-Chengdu-Tibet

The transfer from Oslo Airport (OSL) to Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU) takes approximately 17 to 20 hours. There are options to transfer to Bangkok or London. Once in Chengdu, it is easy to enter Tibet.

Once you arrive in Chengdu, you can take direct flights or train to Tibet.

Chengdu offers the most frequent flights to Lhasa, with more than a dozen direct flights per day. Flights are easy to find except during the peak summer months. It usually takes about 2.5 hours to fly from Chengdu to Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA). You can also fly from Chengdu to Nyingchi Mailing Aiport (LZY), with a lower altitude compared with Lhasa so it's less prone to high-altitude sickness. There are direct flights from Chengdu Tianfu International Airport and Shuangliu International Airport to Nyingchi, with a flight time of about 2.5 hours.

Please note that there are two airports in Chengdu: Chengdu Tianfu International Airport and Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport.  So it's necessary to check which airport you are arriving at in Chengdu and from which airport your flight to Tibet departs. The distance between the two airports is about 70km and takes about 1 hour by car.

The direct train Z322 from Chengdu to Lhasa leaves Chengdu West Railway Station every other day at 21:11 and arrives at Lhasa Railway Station at 07:41 on the third day. It takes approximately 34.5 hours to complete the 3,070-kilometer journey. Please check the train schedule in advance as trains from Chengdu to Lhasa do not run every day.

Via Nepal to Tibet

Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is the only international entry city to Tibet. Flying from Norway to Nepal, you can find a variety of connecting flights from Oslo Airport (OSL) to Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), about 13-20 hours. There are options for one layover in Bangkok, Dubai, and Doha.

Trains from Kathmandu to Tibet are not yet available. There is an option to fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa.

Kathmandu is the only country with direct flights to Lhasa, and flights from Kathmandu to Lhasa are available three times a week: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. And it takes about 1.5 hours. During the flight, you may have the opportunity to view the Himalayas from the airplane window. It is recommended that you choose a seat on the left side of the plane to view the summit of Mount Everest.

Or travel overland from Kathmandu to Lhasa. This is a very popular route for tourists. Breathtaking landscapes - Himalayan peaks, mystical Buddhist temples, sacred alpine lakes… In addition, in close contact with local Tibetans, you can explore the culture and customs of the Tibetan land and so on.

Most Recommended Tour Routes

The most classic route is the Lhasa Shigatse Everest Base Camp tour, which has been popular with tourists from all over the world - the high altitude and rugged landscape provide opportunities for adventurous travel. This tour offers a view of the world's highest mountain - Everest, which is 8,848 meters above sea level. Spend the night at an altitude of 5,200 meters and experience the top of the world under the stars. If weather permits, you can enjoy beautiful sunsets and glorious sunrises from Everest Base Camp.

Many travelers who enjoy trekking tours choose to visit Mt.Kailash in Ngari, which is regarded as the center of the world. For centuries, Mt. Kailash has been a mesmerizing place for pilgrims and explorers, but no one has ever been able to climb the mountain. The 15-day pilgrimage tour will take you deep into the holy land of Ngari to explore the secrets of the sacred Mount Kailash. Along the way, we will travel to the holy city of Lhasa, explore Shigatse, admire the world's highest peak at Everest Base Camp, follow the steps of pilgrims and feel the power of faith. The pilgrimage trip is more demanding on the physical strength of tourists and requires not only a healthy body but also a devout heart.

Documents for entering Tibet

Norwegian citizens still need a Tibet Travel Permit to enter Tibet, as well as a passport. What's more, all foreign tourists need to join a tour organized by a local travel agency in Tibet.

Entering Tibet via Mainland China

Norwegian citizens still need to apply for a China visa without the current 15-day China visa-free policy for ordinary passport holders. You can fill in all the required info online and make a visa interview appointment first before going to the Chinese embassy in Oslo. It's better to ask your Tibet travel agency to send you the tourist invitation letter and tour itinerary for the interview.

Entering Tibet via Nepal

Norwegians coming to Tibet directly from Nepal need to apply for a Chinese group visa in Kathmandu, even if they already have a valid China visa. The group visa requires an invitation letter from Tibet and more importantly, 4 participants need to apply together. The group visa application takes 3 working days and then you can travel to Tibet.

Conclusion

With various travel routes through China and Nepal, Norwegians can select the most suitable option, whether it’s a scenic train journey or a direct flight to Lhasa. While planning a visit, travelers should ensure they have the necessary travel permits and join a local tour to comply with the local regulations.