Traveling from Malaysia to Tibet
Getting to Tibet from Malaysia is relatively straightforward. The most common route involves flying from Malaysia to major gateway cities in China—such as Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, or Chengdu—and then taking a domestic flight or the Tibetan train to Lhasa after obtaining your Tibet Travel Permit. Another option is to enter Tibet via Nepal, which is geographically closer. In that case, you’ll need both a Tibet Travel Permit and a Chinese Group Visa.
As an experienced Tibet travel agency, we offer comprehensive travel packages covering China, Tibet, and Nepal. Here’s a guide on how to get from Malaysia to Lhasa.
✈️ How to Get from Malaysia to Tibet
There are two main routes:
1. Via Mainland China
Fly from Malaysia to a major Chinese city and then take a domestic flight or train to Lhasa.
2. Via Nepal
Fly from Malaysia to Kathmandu, and then travel to Tibet by direct flight or overland route.
Route 1: Malaysia → Beijing / Shanghai → Lhasa
Flights from Malaysia to Beijing or Shanghai:
Multiple airlines operate daily flights from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing or Shanghai, typically taking 6–7 hours. Flight prices average around RMB 2,000.
From Shanghai to Lhasa:
✈️ By Flight: Around RMB 3,420, approximately 8 hours.
🚆 By Train: One daily train, about 47 hours travel time, soft berth costs around RMB 1,300.
From Beijing to Lhasa:
✈️ By Flight: Around RMB 3,320, about 6 hours.
🚆 By Train: One daily train (Z21), takes 40 hours 40 minutes, soft berth around RMB 1,200.
Route 2: Malaysia → Chengdu → Lhasa
One of the most efficient options:
✈️ Malaysia to Chengdu:
Direct flights from Kuala Lumpur take about 5 hours, with tickets priced between RMB 1,700 and RMB 2,000.
✈️ Chengdu to Lhasa:
Multiple daily flights, fares range from RMB 1,840 to RMB 2,200.
🚆 Alternatively, a daily train (Z322), takes about 36 hours.
Route 3: Malaysia → Kathmandu → Lhasa
Another popular route, especially if you’re interested in exploring Nepal:
✈️ Malaysia to Kathmandu:
Flight takes 5–6 hours, priced between RMB 1,600 and RMB 2,000.
From Kathmandu to Lhasa:
✈️ Direct Flight:
Kathmandu is the only international city with direct flights to Lhasa.
Flights: CA408 (12:10–16:00) and 3U8720 (11:30–15:05)
Cost: Around USD 300, flight time about 1.5 hours.
🚐 Overland Trip via Gyirong Port:
After clearing Chinese customs at Gyirong (Nepal–Tibet border), our Tibetan guide will meet you.
You’ll acclimatize in Gyirong County, then gradually travel east through Tingri, Everest Base Camp (EBC), and Shigatse before reaching Lhasa.
This scenic route offers breathtaking views of Himalayan peaks, sacred lakes, and deep cultural immersion with Tibetan locals.
📄 Tibet Travel Permit Application for Malaysian Tourists
A. Entering Tibet from Mainland China
You need a valid passport, Chinese visa, and a Tibet Travel Permit.
Send scanned copies of your passport and visa at least 30 days in advance.
If your visa is not a Type L (tourist visa), you will also need to provide a work certificate or invitation letter.
Tibet Travel Permit is typically issued 7–10 days before departure.
Delivery options:
🚆 By Train: We’ll email you a scanned copy. Print it on A4 paper and bring it to board the train.
✈️ By Flight: We’ll send the original to your Chinese transit city, and our local staff will deliver it to you directly.
B. Entering Tibet from Nepal
A regular Chinese visa is not valid. You must apply for a Chinese Group Tourist Visa through the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu, even if you already have a Chinese visa.
Our agency will help you prepare the Tibet Travel Permit and Group Visa Invitation Letter in advance.
Once in Kathmandu, our local partner will assist you with the visa process:
Visa Process Timeline:
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu; our staff collects your passport and assists with the visa form.
Day 2: Group Visa is issued; documents are returned to your hotel.
Day 3: Enter Tibet with your original passport, Group Visa, and a scanned Tibet Travel Permit.
✅ Note: Though it’s called a “Group Visa”, solo travelers are also eligible.
