Philippines to Tibet: How to Go to Tibet from Manila

Tibet, known as the “Roof of the World”, is a dreamland for adventurers with its breathtaking scenery and unique local culture. From the iconic Potala Palace in Lhasa to the awe-inspiring Everest Base Camp, every corner of Tibet promises you adventure and discovery. However, careful planning is crucial to a smooth and enjoyable journey due to Tibet’s high altitude geography and permit requirements. Here we are, providing you with a comprehensive guide for traveling from Philippines to Tibet, including travel routes to Lhasa, necessary visa and permits, the best time to visit, food and accommodation recommendation, and packing tips to help you organize a smooth and rewarding journey.

Travel Routes: How can I reach Tibet from Manila?

Since currently there is no direct flights from Philippines to Tibet, at least one connecting flight is needed to reach Lhasa. For tourists from Manila to Lhasa, you can opt either for a Chinese mainland city or for Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal as the transit city to your destination Lhasa.

Philippines to Tibet via Chinese Mainland Cities

Philippines to Chinese Mainland Cities

There are four recommended cities you can choose as your entry cities in China from Philippines. These cities are Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, which offer direct flights to Lhasa. The flight time from Philippines to the above-mentioned cities ranges from 2.5 hours to 5.5 hours. Upon arrival in these cities, you can take the chance to explore the local culture and attractions, like the Great Wall in Beijing, the Oriental Pearl Tower in Shanghai, the Canton Tower in Guangzhou and the delicious food in Chengdu, which will add a unique flavour to your journey.

Chinese Mainland Cities to Tibet

After you land the Chinese mainland, you can choose to travel either by plane or by train to Lhasa. The detailed information are as follows.

Flight routes to Tibet are a desirable option for travelers who pursue efficiency and comfort. Tibet train routes are also recommended for those who want to savour the picturesque scenery along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway and acclimate to the high altitude.

Philippines to Tibet via Kathmandu, Nepal

Though there is no direct flight from Manila to Kathmandu, Nepal, the route is still popular as you will have the chance to see the stunning scenery along the way from Nepal to Tibet.

Philippines to Nepal

Traveling to Nepal from Philippines usually requires at least one stopover, with common connecting cities like Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, etc. The flight usually takes 3 to 4 hours, with relatively higher cost and longer time. Regarding the visa needed, Nepalese Visa on Arrival is the most convenient option for Filipino citizens. Filipino passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and at major land border crossings. Alternatively, you can also get your Nepalese visa before departure from a Nepalese embassy or consulate.

Nepal to Tibet

Upon arriving at Kathmandu, you also have two options to reach Tibet: either by an overland route or by a flight route. The overland route usually takes 7 days from Kathmandu, Nepal to Lhasa, Tibet, along Friendship Highway. The duration can be shortened or lengthened depending on your stopovers along the way. By land, you will have the chance to see Mount Everest and visit other Tibetan cities like Shigatse and Gyantse. If you opt for the flight route, you can depart from Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport to Lhasa Gonggar International Airport, with the flight time being approximately 1.5 hours. Here come the most popular Nepal Tibet tour.

Visa and Permits: What are the necessary travel documents for the Filipino to Tibet?

AAs a Filipino citizen, you need to prepare a passport with at least six months of validity. If you enter Tibet via a Chinese mainland city, a Chinese Visa is required before your departure from Philippines. On the other hand, if you enter Tibet via Nepal, a Chinese Group Visa is necessary instead.

In addition to the visa, a Tibet Travel Permit is mandatory for foreigners traveling to Tibet. The Tibet Travel Permit is issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau and is required to enter Lhasa and other parts of Tibet. Since independent travel to Tibet is not allowed, you must entrust a registered Tibetan travel agency to obtain the permit for you. All you need to do is to get prepared the scanned copy of your passport and visa, your personal information and planned itinerary, and then the permit will be sent to you in your departure city in China by your travel agency. The recommended submission time is at least one month prior to your travel date. Additional permits such as Aliens’ Travel Permit and Military Permit will also be needed if you intend to access restricted areas or military-sensitive areas outside Lhasa, such as Mount Everest Base Camp, Nyingchi, Ngari, Kailash and Lake Mansarovar.

All the mentioned permits can be applied for by a licensed Tibet Travel Agency like Tibet Horizon. Feel free to contact us and our experienced team will ensure a smooth and enjoyable pilgrimage journey in Tibet for you.

Time Recommended: What is the best time to travel to Tibet from Philippines?

Tibet is worth a visit all year round, with every season having its unique charm. However, you do can choose the best time to visit according to your own traveling preference.

During spring time, the temperature is mild and pleasant, with peach blossoms and azaleas in full bloom; during peak travel season in summer, you can enjoy lush landscapes and participate in Shoton Festival in August; autumn is a perfect time for photography lovers with crystal-clear lakes, less rain, and majestic snow-capped mountains; winter can provide you with lower travel cost and richer cultural exploration. For example, when you embark on the land in February, you will have the chance to experience the most significant and festive event in Tibet, Tibetan New Year, or Losar Festival.

All factors considered, April to June and September to October are best recommended for its combination of good weather, beautiful scenery and moderate crowds. So, arrange your tour to Tibet based on your own preference, and the trip will surly create an unforgettable memory.

Food and Accommodation: What to eat and where to stay in Tibet tour from Philippines?

Food Choices in Tibet

Tibetan people’s dietary habits are heavily shaped by high-altitude geography, highland climate and religious beliefs. Tibetan foods are commonly high in protean and fat to provide energy in harsh climate, typical representatives including yak meat, mutton and milk tea. The options of vegetable are relatively fewer due to Tibet’s extreme climate. Highland barley is a common and important crop in Tibet, serving to make staple foods such as Tsampa, dough balls made by barley flour with butter tea. Highland barley wine, or Chang in Tibetan, is a must try drink made from highland barley, too. For those who want have more food options, non-local foods such as Sichuan cuisines, Indian food and Nepalese food are also available in Lhasa.

Accommodation Options in Tibet

Lhasa offers a variety of accommodations ranging from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range hotels and budget-friendly inns, catering to different travel styles. Popular locations of accommodation are Barkhor Street Area for its proximity to Jokhang Temple, Potala Palace Area for the scenic views and luxury hotels, and the vicinity of Lhasa Railway Station for convenience if arriving by train. For adventurers who intend to trek around Mount Everest, you can choose Everest Base Camp Tent Guesthouse for authentic experience of Tibetan nomadic life. It should be noted that not all hotels in Tibet are permitted to host foreigners, so it’s recommended that you book a licensed hotels in advance, or contact us and we’ll make the bookings for you.

Packing List: What to prepare for Tibet tour from Manila?

Documents and Money

1. Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
2. Chinese Visa (a Chinese Group Visa is needed if entering via Nepal)
3. Tibet Travel Permit (arranged by your travel agency)
4. Aliens’ Travel Permit & Military Permit for restricted areas
5. Cash in Chinese Yuan (CNY) - credit cards are not accepted in some places
6. WeChat Pay or Alipay - useful for hotels, restaurants, and shopping

Clothes

1. Thermal Underwear
2. Windproof & Waterproof Jacket
3. Down Jacket
4. Hat, Glove and Scarf (for Everest Base Camp, Lake Namtso, Kailash and Mansarovar)
5. Sunglasses (the UV light is strong in highland area)
6. Comfortable Walking Shoes or Hiking Boots

Medicines

1. Diamox for altitude sickness
2. Oxygen Canisters - available in Tibet, but prepare in advance if worried about altitude sickness
3. Ibuprofen Sustained - Release Capsule: for fever and headache caused by altitude sickness
4. Personal Medication - any prescription drugs you need

Skincare

1. Moisturizer (the air is cold and dry in highland areas)
2. Sunscreen

Other Essentials

1. Toiletries
2. Power bank & Camera for the magnificent views
3. Sleeping Bag - for Everest Base Camp stays

Conclusion

Your journey from the Philippines to Tibet can be rewarding with careful planning and preparation. You can either choose a Chinese mainland city or Kathmandu as your transit city to Lhasa, depending on your scheduling. A valid passport, a Chinese Visa, or a Chinese Group Visa, and a Tibet Travel Permit are needed in terms of necessary documents and permits. Despite that Tibet has its unique beauty all year around, April to October is the best time to visit for its combination of good weather, beautiful scenery and moderate crowds. Food and accommodation options are diverse to cater to different traveling styles. In addition, don’t forget to pack all the essentials to ensure a safe and smooth trip. Once settled, you can immerse yourself in Tibet's breathtaking landscapes and profound cultural heritage. With Tibet Horizon, this scared journey will surly create a wonderful memory that will last a lifetime.