Frequently Asked Questions

• 1. How to book Tibet flight tickets?

  As a foreigner looking to a flight to Tibet, you have several ways to book your Tibet flight tickets. You can book through online booking platforms like Ctrip, which has an English version called Trip.com, allowing you to book flights easily. Or you can book on direct airlines’ website. Check with individual airlines for potential better deals or direct bookings. Many Chinese airlines now have English versions of their websites. If you prefer personal service, work with a travel agency like Tibet Horizon, which offers personalized trip advisors and secure payment options.

• 2. How Far in advance to book Tibet flight tickets?

  Booking flights to Tibet should be done with ample time in advance due to the high demand for tickets especially during peak travel seasons and the necessity of obtaining a Tibet Travel Permit. It is advisable to book your Tibet Tour at least 30 days in advance, which allows sufficient time for the permit to be processed and delivered to your hotel in Chinese Mainland before your trip.

• 3. How to get to Diqing Shangri-La Airport?

  Several transportation options ensure a swift arrival Diqing Shangri-La Airport.

  From Downtown to Diqing Shangri-La Airport
  By Taxi/Car-hailing: The journey typically takes about 20-30 minutes and the fare is calculated based on distance.
  By Bus: Several bus routes stop at the airport, including Nos. 1, 3, 4, and 16.

  From Shangri-La Railway Station to Diqing Shangri-La Airport
  By Bus: Bus Nos. 1 and 16 operate from the railway station to stations near the airport.
  By Taxi/Car-hailing: The distance is around 5 kilometers, taking less than 15 minutes to cover.

• 4. What permits are needed for Shangri-La Tibet flight?

  For international travelers, in addition to a valid passport, a Tibet Travel Permit is required. Tibet Travel Permit is a prerequisite for your Tibet flight trip. The permit is needed for getting your boarding pass, going through the security check, and boarding your flight to Tibet. Please apply for the permit in advance. If you book with us, we can help you get your Tibet Travel Permit and make sure your travel is smooth and worry-free.

• 5. Is there any direct international flight to Lhasa?

  The Lhasa Gonggar Airport, which is the primary airport serving Lhasa and the surrounding region in Tibet, mainly operates domestic flights within China and international flights from/to Nepal. It connects Lhasa with various cities, including major hubs like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chongqing, Chengdu, and Kathmandu, etc. For international travelers, there are mainly two approaches to reach Lhasa. The first is fly to Lhasa from Kathmandu and the other is to first fly into a major city in China, such as Beijing or Chengdu, and then take a domestic flight to Lhasa. If you are planning to visit Tibet by air, it's recommended that you work with a travel agency like us, Tibet Horizon, that specializes in Tibet tours. We can provide the most up-to-date information on flight routes, assist with permit applications, and ensure a smooth travel experience to Lhasa and beyond.

• 6. Is it easy to experience altitude sickness after landing in Lhasa?

  Directly flying to Lhasa at an altitude of 3650 meters, it’s common for tourists to experience altitude sickness. The symptoms of altitude sickness can include headache, nausea, and dizziness. To minimize the effect of altitude sickness, it is important to allow time to acclimate to the high altitude and to take precautions to prevent altitude sickness. Travelers should drink plenty of water, eat light meals, and avoid alcohol or caffeine. After landing in Lhasa and being transferred to the hotel, please have enough rest, avoid taking a shower or washing your hair immediately, and do not do strenuous activities like running. If you feel uncomfortable, you can take some medications. Ask for help if you feel extremely sick.

• 7. How to get to Lhasa hotel downtown from Lhasa Gonggar Airport?

  For tourists, reaching a downtown hotel from Lhasa Gonggar Airport can be conveniently done through several options:
  By Airport Shuttle Bus: Take the airport line to CAAC Administration, which is only 700m from the Potala Palace.
  By Taxi/Car-hailing: The fare is calculated by the distance to your destination.

  For guests of Tibet Horizon, we offer a dedicated pick-up service. When you choose to travel with us, we ensure a warm welcome and a hassle-free arrival. Your local tour guide and driver will be waiting for you at the airport, holding a sign with your name, and will assist with your luggage. We provide a comfortable vehicle for the transfer, ensuring that your journey to the hotel is smooth and enjoyable. With our pick-up service, you can relax and let us take care of the logistics, allowing you to focus on the exciting experiences that await you in Tibet.