It is convenient to get to Lhasa by plane since Lhasa is the transportation hub in Tibet. Almost all tourists will travel to Lhasa first because of its developed transportation facilities. In Lhasa, Gonggar International Airport is the most important place that provides transportation services for tourists from major cities in Chinese Mainland.

Lhasa Gonggar Airport, the Only International Airport in Tibet

Located in Gonggar County, Shannan City, Gonggar International Airport (LXA) is the airport serving Lhasa since 1966. With an altitude of 3,570 meters above sea level, it is well-known as one of the highest airports in the world. The airport is about 60km from downtown Lhasa city, which can be very convenient for tourists to get to Lhasa with only about a 1-hour drive.

Lhasa Gonggar Airport

From Gongga Airport to Lhasa city, you can choose to take an airport shuttle bus at the cost of $5. According to the official website, it starts to run from 5:00 to 20:00. The shuttle bus is about a 70-minute drive between downtown Lhasa and Gonggar Airport. You need to wait until the bus is packed. And it has a fixed stop in Lhasa. If you don’t want to wait, you can also take a taxi. Drivers will ask for a fixed fare according to the location of your hotel. You need to negotiate the fare with the drivers and agree to an affordable number before getting in the car.

However, foreign visitors cannot travel independently in Tibet, and if you have booked a Tibet tour with us, we will provide an airport shuttle bus service for you and arrange in advance to make sure you can get to your hotel for a good rest early. Please contact us for more detailed information about this service.

Lhasa Gonggar Airport Flight Schedule and Ticket Price

Currently, direct flights from Lhasa to destinations beyond China are only offered to Kathmandu, Nepal. It also provides domestic flights to/from cities like Beijing, Chengdu, Xi'an, Shanghai, etc. Here is Lhasa Gonggar Airport flight schedule only for your reference, you can ask our travel consultant for a detailed airfare, schedule, and book Lhasa flight tickets for you.

Travel Documents Needed for Flights to Lhasa Gonggar Airport

There are some necessary permits you need to fly to Lhasa from Kathmandu, Nepal, or cities in Chinese Mainland. Check out our updated information about Tibet visas and permits, along with a comprehensive guide to the application process. If you choose Tibet Horizon, you benefit from our commitment to keeping you well-prepared and informed, ensuring a hassle-free journey to the Roof of the World.

Tibet Travel Permit: A MUST Document to Enter Tibet

Tibet Travel Permit, also known as Tibet Visa or Tibet Entry Permit, is an indispensable travel permit for international tourists to enter Tibet. It should be obtained through a local Tibetan tour agency like Tibet Horizon since individual applications are not accepted by Tibet Tourism Bureau. With our help, you will get the Tibet Travel Permit without going through any troublesome application procedure.

Chinese Visa: An Entry Key to Visit Tibet from Chinese Mainland

A Chinese Visa is an official document issued by Chinese diplomatic missions, consular posts, or other authorized institutions abroad, allowing foreign tourists to visit China. All foreign tourists, except those exempt based on bilateral agreements or regulations, are required to apply for a Chinese Visa to travel to China, including Tibet. This is a prerequisite for obtaining other necessary permits for travel within China, such as the Tibet Travel Permit.

China Group Visa: A Vital Pass to Visit Tibet from Nepal

Besides 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 4 working days in Kathmandu for your group visa.

Our experienced and professional team can help you with your application. We specialize 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.

Top FAQs about Lhasa Gonggar International Airport

How to book my Lhasa flight tickets?

Flight tickets to Lhasa can be booked at online websites, such as Booking.com, Expedia, Ctrip, Qunar, etc. As a better option, you can 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 Lhasa tour packages tailored to suit your preferences. Whether you are eager to immerse yourself in Tibet’s breathtaking landscapes or pursue an efficient and effective business travel experience, we’ve got you covered.

How to board the flight to Lhasa?

Ensure you arrive at your departure 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 your Tibet Travel Permit 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 and the Tibet Travel Permit to the attendant at the boarding gate and find your assigned seat on the plane.

Then, after a few 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.

Will I suffer from altitude sickness when flying to Lhasa?

Since Lhasa is at 3650 meters, you are likely to suffer from altitude sickness. Here are some useful tips on how to alleviate altitude sickness.

Move slowly and steadily. Do not get too excited and do not ascend too fast on the way, since the symptoms of altitude sickness will get worse once you get stressed out.

Drink enough water. As dehydration may be caused by sweating due to the dry and cold air in the high mountains, you should bring water and drink it regularly. This easy but crucial practice keeps the body hydrated, helping the body cope with the challenges of the tour.

Bring the necessary medicines. When visiting Tibet, you should attach importance to minor ailments since they can be easily transformed into serious sicknesses. Therefore, it’s recommended to bring some painkillers, medicines for colds and carsickness, multivitamins, etc.

Besides Lhasa Gonggar Airport, which airports in Tibet can I travel to by plane?

Besides Lhasa Gonggar Airport, there are another five airports in Tibet. They are Shigatse Peace Airport (RKZ), Shigatse Tingri Airport(DDR), Nyingchi Mainling Airport (LZY), Chamdo Bangda Airport (BPX), and Ngari Gunsa Airport (NGQ). They offer direct and connecting flights to or from many cities in Chinese Mainland, including Beijing, Guangzhou, Chongqing, Xi’an, Kashgar, and Urumqi.

Conclusion

Lhasa Gonggar Airport stands as a vital gateway to Tibet, connecting this enchanting region with the rest of the world. With its expanding flight network and modern facilities, it not only facilitates seamless travel for tourists eager to explore the spiritual and natural wonders of Tibet but also plays a crucial role in the economic development and cultural exchange of the region. As Tibet continues to welcome visitors from all corners of the globe, Lhasa Gonggar Airport remains a testament to the progress and accessibility of this once-remote paradise. If you have any questions about Lhasa Gonggar Airport or traveling to Tibet, please feel free to contact us or leave your comments below.