✈️ Route 1: Germany → Mainland China → Tibet
Step 1: Fly from Germany to a Major Chinese City
There are direct flights from major German cities such as Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, and Düsseldorf to major hubs in China like Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu. Here are some popular options:
Berlin – Beijing
Hainan Airlines HU490 (Mon/Wed/Fri/Sat/Sun): 19:40–10:50, ~9.5 hrs
From USD 650 (economy, one-way)
Frankfurt – Beijing
Air China CA966: 13:55–05:15
Air China CA932: 20:15–11:25
Lufthansa LH720: 17:00–08:30
From USD 2,150–5,300 (economy, one-way)
Munich – Beijing
Air China CA962: 13:30–05:10 (~10 hrs)
From USD 5,300 (economy)
Frankfurt – Shanghai
China Eastern MU220, Lufthansa LH728 / LH732
From USD 1,550–5,300
Frankfurt – Chengdu
Air China CA432 (Tue/Fri/Sun): 14:15–06:05 (~10 hrs)
From USD 2,150
💡 Prices fluctuate depending on the season and booking time. It’s recommended to book early.
Step 2: Enter Tibet from China
Once in China, you can travel to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, by flight or train.
✅ Option A: By Flight
Beijing – Lhasa
3 flights daily (07:35, 08:15, 14:50)
Cost: ~RMB 3,320 (~USD 460)
Shanghai – Lhasa
2 daily flights: MU235 (06:45–14:40) & TV9882 (16:45–23:25)
Cost: ~RMB 3,420 (~USD 475)
Chengdu – Lhasa
Multiple daily flights from early morning to late evening
Cost: ~RMB 1,850 (~USD 255)
✅ Option B: By Train
Beijing – Lhasa: Train Z21 (20:00–12:40, ~40 hrs)
Soft sleeper ticket: ~RMB 1,200
Shanghai – Lhasa: Train Z164 (20:10–19:30, ~47 hrs)
Soft sleeper: ~RMB 1,300
Chengdu – Lhasa: Train Z322 (21:37–09:55, ~36 hrs)
Advance booking is essential during peak season (Jul–Sep)
🛃 Tibet Travel Permits (via Mainland China)
To enter Tibet from China, German citizens must:
Hold a valid German passport
Hold a Chinese Tourist Visa (Type L)
Apply for a Tibet Travel Permit, issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau
Documents required: Scanned copy of passport and visa (submitted at least 30 days in advance)
If your visa is not Type L (e.g. business or student), additional documents such as an employment certificate or invitation letter are required
Permit processing time: 7–10 working days
For train travel, a scanned copy is sufficient
For flights, the original permit will be delivered to your hotel or local office in China before departure
✈️ Route 2: Germany → Nepal → Tibet
Step 1: Fly from Germany to Kathmandu, Nepal
There are no direct flights; most routes require a stopover (e.g., in Doha, Istanbul, or Dubai).
Typical fare: USD 750
Travel time: ~12 hours (including layover)
Step 2: Enter Tibet from Nepal
Kathmandu is the only international city with direct flights to Lhasa, and it’s a popular choice for travelers who wish to explore both Nepal and Tibet.
✅ Option A: Flight to Lhasa
Flights:
Air China CA408: 12:10–16:00
Sichuan Airlines 3U8720: 11:30–15:10
Cost: ~USD 275
Duration: 1.5 hours
✅ Option B: Overland via Gyirong Port
A scenic journey across the Sino-Nepal border
Entry point: Gyirong Port
Travel through: Gyirong → EBC (Everest Base Camp) → Shigatse → Lhasa
Ideal for those looking to gradually acclimatize and enjoy the Himalayan landscapes
Local guides and car rental services available
🛃 Tibet Travel Permits (via Nepal)
If you choose the Nepal route:
Chinese Group Tourist Visa is mandatory
❗Your existing Chinese visa becomes invalid for Tibet entry from Nepal
Our agency will:
Provide the group visa invitation letter
Coordinate with our Nepalese partners
Assist you in applying for the visa at the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu
Documents needed:
Scanned passport only
Processing time: 3–4 working days
💡 Travel Tips for German Visitors
📝 Plan Early: Apply for visas and permits 30+ days in advance
🧭 Altitude Acclimatization: Spend a day or two adjusting at Gyirong or Lhasa
📅 Peak Season Caution: July–September is peak travel season; train and permit availability is limited
🧳 Work with a Licensed Agency: Only certified Tibetan tour operators can obtain permits on your behalf
If you’d like a customized itinerary or need assistance with flights, permits, or tour packages, our experienced travel consultants are here to help every step of the way.
