Take China Group Tours in 2024 to enjoy a 30% discount compared to a private tour. Same Experience & Lowest Price!
Top 6 Reasons to Take Flights to Tibet
Traveling to Tibet is a bucket-list-worthy adventure, filled with awe-inspiring landscapes, rich culture, and spiritual tranquility. While the Tibet train journey has its charm, flying to this high-altitude destination offers several unique benefits.
1. Save Time with Direct Flights to Tibet
Flying to Tibet is the fastest way to reach your long-awaited destination. Non-stop flights from major Chinese cities like Beijing or Chengdu can get you to Lhasa in just a few hours, a fraction of the time it takes by train. These expedient flights, especially beneficial for those with a tight travel schedule, allow you to spend more time exploring the incredible 'Roof of the World' and less time in transit.
| Departure | Beijing | Shanghai | Guangzhou | Xining | Chengdu | Chongqing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight duration | 4.5 h | 7 h | 6 h | 2.5 h | 2 h | 3 h |
| Train duration | 39.5 h | 44.5 h | 53 h | 20 h | 34.5 h | 34 h |
2. Flexible Departure Locations in China or Nepal
Flights to Tibet are not limited to departures from China. You can also fly to Tibet from Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, which hosts the only international flight to Lhasa. This provides more flexibility in planning your trip, especially if you're considering a multi-country itinerary.
3. Flights to Other Regions of Tibet
Unlike the Tibet train, which only arrives in Lhasa, flying allows you to land in other regions of Tibet, such as Nyingchi or Shigatse, depending on your travel plan. Fly directly to Nyingchi can help alleviate concerns about altitude sickness due to its lower altitude. If your travel goal is to visit Everest Base Camp, you can choose to fly straight to Shigatse to reduce the amount of overland travel.
4. Off-Peak Savings: Economical Flights During Low Season
During the off-peak season, it may be more economical to fly to Tibet than to take the train. Airlines often offer promotional fares during this period, making it a viable option for budget-conscious travelers.
For example, a flight from Chengdu to Lhasa during the low season can be approximately CNY 400. In contrast, a hard sleeper ticket on the Tibet train costs around CNY 630, and a soft sleeper ticket can be as high as CNY 1000.
5. Bird's Eye View on the Plane to Tibet
Taking a flight to Tibet offers the unique opportunity to admire the majestic Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and its surrounding snow-capped mountains from a bird's-eye view. This perspective allows you to appreciate the vastness and beauty of these landscapes in a way that ground travel cannot provide. The scenic view, however, is dependent on the flight route and weather conditions.
6. More Flights, More Choices
With multiple flights to Tibet each day from various cities, you have a wider range of choices in terms of departure times and airlines. This makes it easier to find a flight that fits your schedule, and you won't have to worry about tickets selling out as quickly as they do for the train.
How to Plan a Tibet Tour by Flight? Recommended itinerary
Visiting Tibet by Flight allows you to save significant time, making it ideal for those on a tight schedule or who prefer direct routes. A 12-day itinerary can meet your needs in Tibet.
Day 1: Fly into Lhasa from your chosen departure city.
Day 2-4: Spend the next three days exploring Nyingchi with Kading Valley, Sejila Mountain Pass, Lulang Forest, and Basum Tso Lake.
Day 5-6: Spend two days exploring Lhasa with Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, and Sera monasteries.
Day 7-10: Spend the next four days on a round trip to Everest Base Camp.
Day 11: Round Trip from Lhasa to Namtso Lake.
Day 12: Departure from Lhasa.
Top 6 Reasons to Take a Train to Tibet
1. Scenic Journey
The train journey from Qinghai to Tibet offers a visual feast of the Qinghai-Tibet plateau's landscapes. From vast grasslands to shimmering lakes and snow-capped mountains, passengers can soak in panoramic views, making the journey itself a memorable experience.
Check More details about Tibet Train Scenery>>
2. Cultural Insight
The Tibet train ride provides a unique opportunity to interact with locals and fellow travelers, offering insights into Tibetan culture and traditions. This cultural exchange becomes a learning experience, enriching your journey even before reaching Tibet.
3. Cost-Effective
In comparison to flights, train tickets to Tibet are typically more affordable, especially during the peak travel season. This cost-effectiveness makes Tibet train travel a viable option for budget-conscious travelers planning a trip to this high-altitude region.
4. Gradual Acclimatization
Traveling to Tibet by train is a comfortable way to acclimate to the high altitude. The Qinghai-Tibet railway boasts a unique oxygen supply system that gradually adjusts passengers to the altitude, reducing the risk of altitude sickness. This makes the slow climb to the "Roof of the World" a comfortable experience.
5. Comfort and Convenience
The train to Tibet offers both soft and hard sleeper options, enabling passengers to rest during the journey. The availability of dining cars serving meals and snacks adds to the convenience, making the long journey comfortable and enjoyable.
6. Environmental Impact
Choosing to travel by train to Tibet minimizes your environmental impact, as Tibet train travel typically has a lower carbon footprint compared to air travel. This eco-friendly mode of transportation is a conscious choice for sustainable travel.
How to Plan a Tibet Tour by Train?
Taking a Tibet Train offers a unique experience that differs significantly from flying. This allows you to enjoy the vast and diverse landscapes of China and Tibet, from bustling cities to rural areas.
Day 1-2: Take Tibet Train to Lhasa from your chosen departure city.
Day 3-4: Spend two days exploring Lhasa with Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, and Sera monasteries.
Day 5-8: Spend the next four days on a round trip to Everest Base Camp.
Day 9: Take a round Trip from Lhasa to Namtso Lake.
Day 10: Departure from Lhasa.
Tibet Train vs. Flight: A Detailed Comparison
When we compare train travel and flight to Tibet, both modes of transportation offer their unique benefits. Depending on your preferences, time constraints, and budget, one might be more suitable for you than the other.
| Train | Flight | |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | From Xining, the journey takes around 22 hours. The longest route from Guangzhou takes about 53 hours. | Depending on the departure city, direct flights to Lhasa can take between 2 to 6 hours. |
| Scenery | Offers panoramic views of the Tibetan plateau, including vast grasslands, shimmering lakes, and snow-capped mountains. | While not offering up-close views of the landscape, the aerial views of the Himalayas from the flight are breathtaking. |
| Acclimatization | The slow ascent by train helps with gradual acclimatization to the high altitude, reducing the risk of altitude sickness. | The sudden change in altitude when flying can increase the risk of altitude sickness. |
| Cost | Train tickets are generally cheaper than flight tickets, making it a more budget-friendly option. | During the off-peak season, it may be more economical to fly to Tibet than to take the train.. |
| Comfort & Convenience | The train offers sleeper cabins and dining cars for comfort during the long journey. | Flights offer a quick and direct route to Tibet, with in-flight services and comfort. |
| Environmental Impact | Train travel has a lower carbon footprint compared to flights, making it a more environmentally friendly option. | Flying is quicker, but it has a higher carbon footprint. |
Combine the Flight and the Train to Tibet
Fly to Xining and Take the Train to Lhasa
This option combines the convenience of flying with the scenic splendor of a Tibet train journey . You can take a flight to Xining, which is quicker than a direct train from most locations in China. From Xining, you then embark on the train journey to Lhasa. This part of the Qinghai-Tibet railway is particularly scenic and allows you to slowly acclimate to the high altitude, reducing the risk of altitude sickness.
Fly into Tibet and Take the Train Out
Alternatively, you might consider flying into Tibet and taking the train on your way back. This allows you to reach Tibet quickly and start your adventure without delay. After you've explored the region and acclimated to the altitude, you can then enjoy the slower pace and scenic beauty of the Tibet train journey as you travel out of Tibet. This way, you get the opportunity to witness the breathtaking landscapes of the Qinghai-Tibet plateau and interact with locals and fellow travelers on the Tibet train.
Take Tibet Train Tours with Asia Odyssey Travel
As a seasoned travel agency specializing in Tibet travel for over 10 years, Asia Odyssey Travel has established offices and local teams worldwide, including major Chinese cities conveniently connected to Lhasa, Tibet (Xizang), by train and flights. Expanding tour destinations in China provides a Panoramic Tibet Travel Experience with diverse optionsThat's why we have meticulously crafted Tibet Train Tours starting from various major Chinese cities, ensuring an immersive, all-inclusive journey with a wide range of choices.
You can opt for our Tibet Train Tour starting from Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai, Xian, Xining, Chongqing, Hong Kong and more cities in China or even from Bhutan or Nepal!
There is no need to worry about booking train tickets to Tibet, language barriers, or anything you can think of, as we have you covered every step of the way! If you prefer to travel at your own pace Asia Odyssey Travel will always map out the Best Travel Plan for you, so you can simply hop on the train and start your Grand Tour of Tibet!
Data in submission...
