How to Travel from Britain to Tibet – A Complete Guide
Traveling from Britain to Tibet can be a rewarding experience filled with stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and spiritual depth. To reach Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, British travelers can follow two main routes:
Option 1: Enter Tibet via Mainland China
This is the most common route. First, fly from Britain to a major Chinese city (such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, or Chengdu). Then, travel to Lhasa either by train or plane. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:
Visa Requirements:
A valid UK passport and a Chinese Tourist Visa (Type L) are required.
You must also obtain a Tibet Travel Permit, which our agency can arrange for you.
Flights from the UK to Major Chinese Cities:
London to Beijing (approx. 10 hours):
British Airways BA039 (16:30–09:30) – from USD 850
Air China CA938 (20:25–13:05) – from USD 850
Air China CA856 (22:40–15:25) – from USD 800
London to Shanghai (approx. 11.5 hours):
British Airways BA169 (13:40–07:55) – from USD 950
Virgin Atlantic (15:15–09:25) – from USD 700
China Eastern Airlines MU552 (21:20–15:50) – from USD 950
BA161 (22:40–17:00) on Mon, Thu, Sat – from USD 950
London to Guangzhou:
China Southern Airlines CZ304 (22:35–16:45) – from USD 550
London to Chengdu:
Air China CA424 on Tue, Fri, Sun (22:25–15:40) – from USD 800
Manchester to Beijing:
Hainan Airlines HU7904 on Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun (12:15–05:25) – from USD 850
(Flights from Edinburgh are also available.)
Travel from Chinese Cities to Lhasa:
From Beijing:
By Flight: 3 flights daily (07:35, 08:15, 14:50), approx. RMB 3,320
By Train: Z21 (20:00–12:40), takes ~40 hours, soft sleeper ~RMB 1,200
From Shanghai:
By Flight: MU2335 (06:45–14:40) or TV9882 (16:45–23:25), from RMB 3,420
By Train: Z164 (20:10–19:30), ~47 hours, soft sleeper ~RMB 1,300
From Guangzhou:
By Flight: CZ3463 (08:10–14:05, with stop in Chongqing), ~RMB 2,990
By Train: Z264 (11:45–16:19), ~52 hours, soft sleeper ~RMB 1,500
From Chengdu:
By Flight: Frequent flights from 05:40 to 21:55, starting from RMB 1,850
By Train: Z322 (21:37–09:55, every other day), ~36 hours, ~RMB 1,100
Option 2: Enter Tibet via Nepal
This option is ideal if you plan to explore Nepal before heading to Tibet.
Visa Requirements:
A Chinese Group Tourist Visa is required (your regular Chinese Visa is invalid when entering from Nepal). Our agency can help you apply at the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu.
A Tibet Travel Permit is also mandatory, which we will arrange.
Flights from the UK to Kathmandu:
No direct flights. Expect at least one layover. Approximate cost: USD 500
Total travel time: ~13 hours
From Kathmandu to Lhasa:
By Air:
The only international flights to Lhasa depart from Kathmandu.
Options:
Air China CA408 (12:10–16:00)
Sichuan Airlines 3U8720 (11:30–15:10)
Flight duration: 1.5 hours
Cost: Around USD 275
By Road (Overland Route):
A popular and scenic choice for adventurous travelers.
Cross the border at Gyirong Port (Sino-Nepal border).
You can hire a private vehicle or let our Nepali partner assist you with the journey to the border.
After crossing into Tibet, our local guide will meet you.
You’ll travel north through Gyirong County, EBC (Everest Base Camp), and Shigatse before reaching Lhasa.
The overland route offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas, traditional monasteries, and Tibetan villages. It’s a slower journey, but deeply enriching.
Tibet Travel Permit – How We Help British Travelers
If entering via mainland China:
Email us scans of your passport and Chinese visa at least 30 days in advance.
If your visa is not Type L, also send an Employment Certificate and Invitation Letter.
Permit is typically issued 7–10 days before your trip.
For train travel, we email the permit to you for printing.
For flights, we send the original permit to your stopover city in China for pickup.
If entering via Nepal:
Only your passport scan is needed before departure.
We’ll handle the Group Visa Invitation Letter.
Our Nepal team will assist you with the visa process once you arrive in Kathmandu.
As a seasoned Tibetan travel agency, we are committed to offering you reliable and seamless services—from permits and itineraries to expert guides and local support. Whether you’re looking for cultural immersion, spiritual exploration, or natural beauty, Tibet awaits your journey.
Let us help make your dream trip to the Roof of the World a reality.
