Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, captivates visitors with its blend of ancient history and modern charm. Interestingly, Nepal holds a special place in the journey to Tibet, being the only country with international flights to this mystical land. For foreign travelers eager to explore Lhasa and its surrounding wonders, Kathmandu serves as a crucial gateway. One can either opt for the traditional route, flying first to major Chinese cities and then connecting to Lhasa, or take advantage of the direct flights from Kathmandu, making the journey to Tibet more convenient and accessible.

Tribhuvan International Airport

Being around 6 kilometers from the downtown of Kathmandu, Trihuvan International Airport (KTM) is the main international airport in Nepal and provided with an international terminal and a domestic terminal. There are some transportation methods for you to get to the airport.

Taxi - a convenient way: It is recommended to take a taxi to the airport, especially when you bring heavy luggage. It only takes about 30 minutes and costs $3-4 by taxi.
Airport shuttle bus - not recommended: You can find it about 300 meters from the terminal outside of the airport. The estimated journey time by bus is around 1 hour and the average ticket price is around $2. But it's not recommended due to the poor road condition and crowded space in the bus.

Tribhuvan International Airport

Lhasa Gonggar International Airport

Lhasa Gonggar International Airport (LXA) is located at Yingbin Road, Gonggar County, Shannan City, Tibet Autonomous Region, about 65 km from downtown Lhasa. It is one of the highest airports in the world and the largest aviation hub in Tibet.

If you travel to Xizang with Tibet Horizon, we will arrange for a private transfer service. Our local tour guide and driver will be waiting outside the airport to pick you up and escort you directly to your hotel.

Kathmandu Lhasa Flight

There's no train available between Kathmandu and Lhasa. And an overland tour from Kathmandu to Tibet would be a 1300 km journey and typically take 7-8 days. If you want a quicker and more convenient journey, go for the flights. There are both non-stop flights and connecting flights that transit through Chengdu every week from Kathmandu to Lhasa.

Kathmandu to Lhasa Flight Schedule and Ticket Price

Presently, there are three direct flights from Kathmandu to Lhasa per week. The flying duration of them is about 1.5 hours and you’ll have a chance to enjoy great views of Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse and other Himalayan peaks. Besides, there are also some connecting flights to Lhasa from Kathmandu with a transition in Chengdu, allowing you to have sightseeing around the historic city of Chengdu.

Please note that the departure time and arrival time are on local time and Nepal is 2 hours and 15 minutes behind China. Besides, due to the seasonal difference, the flight schedules above are for reference only, please contact us for the latest details or just let us book Kathmandu Lhasa flight tickets for you.

Lhasa to Kathmandu Flight Schedule and Ticket Price

There is also a direct flight from Lhasa to Kathmandu every Monday, Wednesday and Friday and a connecting flight every day. You can choose them up to your own situation.

Required Documents to Travel from Nepal to Tibet by Plane

China Group Visa

Beside your passport, according to a special treaty between China and Nepal, foreign tourists entering Tibet from Nepal have to apply for a group China Visa in Kathmandu. But now the Group China Visa can't be issued to the solo traveler for the stipulation of participants of 5. And it takes 4 working days to process your China Group Visa application. So you need to have 5 travelers go together and stay 3 working days in Kathmandu for your group visa.

Our experienced and professional team can help you with your application. We specializes in providing comprehensive and hassle-free visa services for all your needs. To ensure that you can focus on the exciting trip, we’ll keep you informed and updated throughout the entire process. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you want to learn more about our professional visa services.

Tibet Travel Permit

It should be obtained through a local Tibetan tour agency like Tibet Horizon since individual applications are not permitted. We have arranged many worry-free Tibet tours for our foreign clients. With our help, you will get the Tibet Travel Permit without going through any troublesome application procedure.

Top FAQs about Flights between Kathmandu and Lhasa

How to book my Kathmandu Lhasa flight tickets?

Flight tickets from Kathmandu to Lhasa can be booked at online websites, such as Booking.com, Expedia, Ctrip, Qunar, etc. You are also highly welcome to let Tibet Horizon book your flight tickets. We are always keeping up with the latest flight news and usually can book the ticket at a cheaper price. Besides that, our user-friendly platform has a range of Nepal Tibet tour packages tailored to suit your preferences. Whether you are eager to immerse yourself in Tibet’s spectacular landscapes or pursue an efficient and effective business travel experience, we’ve got you covered.

How to board Kathmandu to Lhasa flight?

Ensure you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport with plenty of time to spare, typically two hours before departure, with all the documents needed for flying to Lhasa.

Upon your arrival at the airport, find the check-in counter for your airline. You need to show your passport together with China Group Visa to the clerk, and they will give you a boarding pass that shows the flight number, boarding time, boarding gate, destination, and seat number. If you have baggage to check, this should also be done during check-in.

Next, go through the security check and wait for your plane. Pay attention to the airport announcements or the latest updates on the screen so you don't miss your boarding time.

When boarding, you should show your boarding pass, passport and China Group Visa to the attendant at the boarding gate and find your assigned seat on the plane.

Then, after 1-20 hours in the air, your plane will touch down at Lhasa Gonggar Airport. Stay calm and listen for instructions from the announcements as you disembark.

How to get to my hotel after arriving at Lhasa Gonggar Airport?

Upon reaching Lhasa Gonggar Airport, please follow the directions to the baggage claim area to retrieve your checked luggage. If you book your Tibet tour with us, you can enjoy our shuttle service between your hotel and the airport for free. In this case, when you arrive in Lhasa, our tour guide will meet you at the exit and transfer you to the reserved hotel. We prioritize punctuality, ensuring that you reach your destination on time.

Conclusion

Whether you take a direct or a connecting flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa, traveling from Nepal to Tibet offers a unique and unforgettable experience. With the proper preparation - obtaining the necessary documents, booking your flights in advance, and learning the subtleties of travel in this high-altitude region - you can have a pleasant and enjoyable adventure. This Kathmandu Lhasa tour promises wonder and exploration at every turn, from the breath-taking landscapes of the Himalayas to the rich cultural tapestry of Tibet. Welcome to Tibet and feel free to share your traveling experience with us!