How to Travel from Canada to Tibet: A Complete Guide
Traveling from Canada to Tibet requires a few essential steps. First, you must apply for a Chinese tourist visa from the Chinese Embassy in Canada. If you are not applying for an “L” (tourist) visa, additional documentation will be required. Please contact our professional travel consultants for specific guidance in such cases.
Once you have obtained your Chinese visa and Tibet Travel Permit, you can choose from two main routes to get to Lhasa:
Route 1: Canada → Mainland China → Lhasa
From Vancouver, you can fly to major Chinese cities like Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou, and then take a domestic flight or train to Lhasa.
Option A: Via Beijing
Flight: Air China CA992 departs Vancouver at 13:50 and arrives in Beijing at 15:30 (approx. 10h 40min). Cost: $700–$1000.
Beijing to Lhasa:
By Air: Three daily flights from Beijing Capital Airport (T3) at 07:35, 08:15, and 14:50. Cost: $490 (includes fuel and airport fees).
By Train: Train Z21 departs daily at 20:00, arriving in 40h 40min. Soft sleeper ticket: ~$170. Tickets are in high demand during peak season.
Option B: Via Shanghai
Flight: Air China CA834 departs Vancouver at 12:15, arrives in Shanghai at 05:35 (approx. 11h 20min). Cost: ~$760.
Shanghai to Lhasa:
By Air: Two daily flights:
Morning: MU2335 (06:45–14:40) from Pudong Airport T1
Afternoon: TV9882 (16:45–23:25) from Hongqiao Airport T2
Cost: ~$500 (including fees)
By Train: Train Z164 departs daily at 20:10, arrives in 47h 20min. Soft sleeper ticket: ~$190. Difficult to book during peak season.
Option C: Via Guangzhou
Flight: China Southern Airlines CZ330 departs Vancouver at 13:10, arrives at 17:15 (approx. 13h). Cost: ~$700.
Guangzhou to Lhasa:
By Air: One daily flight CZ3463 (08:10–14:05) from Baiyun Airport T2. Cost: ~$440 (including fees).
By Train: Train Z264 departs daily at 11:45, arrives in 52h 34min. Soft sleeper: ~$220. Booking assistance recommended.
Route 2: Canada → Nepal → Tibet
Alternatively, you can travel from Canada to Kathmandu, Nepal, and then enter Tibet either by air or overland.
Step 1: Fly to Kathmandu
There are no direct flights from Canada to Kathmandu. You must transfer in a city like Chengdu (China). For example:
Flight: Vancouver → Chengdu (e.g., Sichuan Airlines 3U8580)
Then: Chengdu → Kathmandu
Total cost: ~$370
Duration: Approx. 17 hours
Step 2: Entering Tibet from Kathmandu
When entering Tibet from Nepal, you need:
A Group Tourist Visa (different from the standard Chinese visa)
A Tibet Travel Permit
Our travel agency will help arrange these documents. Here’s how the process works:
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu. Our staff will collect your passport and help complete the application form.
Day 2: Group visa and passport returned to you.
Day 3: Travel to Tibet with:
Group Visa (original)
Tibet Permit (scanned copy)
Original Passport
Note: Even if you have a previous Chinese visa, it becomes invalid when entering Tibet via Nepal. You must obtain a new group visa in Kathmandu.
Travel Options from Kathmandu to Lhasa:
By Air:
Flights: CA408 (12:10–16:00) and 3U8720 (11:30–15:10)
Duration: 1.5 hours
Cost: ~$275
These are the only direct international flights to Lhasa.
By Road (Overland Tour):
We will transfer you from Kathmandu to Gyirong Port (Sino-Nepalese border).
After customs, our Tibetan guide will meet you.
Gradual ascent to Lhasa via Gyirong → Tingri → Everest Base Camp → Shigatse → Lhasa.
This classic route offers stunning views of the Himalayas, Buddhist temples, sacred lakes, and authentic cultural encounters.
Important Tibet Permit Information for Canadians
If Entering Tibet from Mainland China:
Required documents:
Valid passport
Chinese visa
Tibet Travel Permit
Submit your documents 30 days in advance.
We will:
Mail a physical permit to your departure city (if flying)
Email a scanned copy (if taking the train)
If Entering from Nepal:
Required documents:
Valid passport
We will:
Arrange the Tibet Permit and Invitation Letter
Help you obtain the Group Tourist Visa in Kathmandu
