Planning to journey from the vibrant city of Hong Kong to the mystical land of Lhasa in Tibet? Although there is no direct flight or train between Hong Kong and Lhasa as of 2025, getting to Tibet is entirely possible with the right plan. This guide explains the most practical and popular ways to reach Lhasa from Hong Kong, whether you prefer air travel, train journeys, or a mix of both.
Can You Fly Directly from Hong Kong to Lhasa?
As of now, there are no direct flights from Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) to Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA). Travelers will need to make at least one stop—typically in major mainland Chinese cities such as Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi’an, or Kunming—before catching a connecting flight to Lhasa.
Option 1: Fly from Hong Kong to Lhasa via Mainland China
This is the fastest and most popular route. It involves taking a domestic flight from Hong Kong to a city in China with direct flights to Lhasa, then transferring to a second flight.
Step-by-Step Breakdown:
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Fly from Hong Kong to Chengdu (or other major cities)
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Airlines: Air China, China Eastern, Hong Kong Airlines, Cathay Pacific
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Flight duration: Around 2.5 to 3.5 hours
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Popular cities to transfer in: Chengdu (CTU or TFU), Chongqing (CKG), Xi’an (XIY), or Kunming (KMG)
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Fly from Chengdu (or connecting city) to Lhasa
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Airlines: Tibet Airlines, Air China, Sichuan Airlines
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Flight duration: About 2–3 hours depending on the departure airport
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Recommended Connection:
Hong Kong → Chengdu → Lhasa
This route offers the most daily flights and smooth connections, especially in the high season (May–October).
Flight Combo Price Estimate (HK → Chengdu → Lhasa):
Total cost usually falls between RMB 1800–3000 (≈ USD 250–420) for economy class if booked in advance. Prices may surge during holidays or last-minute bookings.
Important Note: Foreign travelers are required to obtain a Tibet Travel Permit before boarding a flight to Lhasa from any Chinese city. Make sure your local Tibet tour operator arranges the permit in advance.
For better flight connections and lower total travel time, choose a morning flight from Hong Kong to Chengdu, and book an afternoon flight from Chengdu to Lhasa. That way, you can complete the journey in one day without overnight transit.
Option 2: Take the Train from Mainland China to Lhasa
If you enjoy scenic train travel and have time to spare, taking the Tibet train is an unforgettable experience. Although there’s no direct train from Hong Kong to Lhasa, you can take a high-speed train to a major departure city and then board the Qinghai-Tibet Railway to Lhasa.
Step-by-Step Breakdown:
Take a high-speed train from Hong Kong West Kowloon Station to mainland China
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Popular routes:
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Hong Kong → Guangzhou South (1–2 hours)
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Hong Kong → Shenzhen North (about 15–30 minutes)
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Estimated Fare:
Second Class: RMB 80–400 (≈ USD 11–55) depending on the city
First Class: RMB 150–600 (≈ USD 20–85)
Transfer to a city with direct trains to Lhasa
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Best cities to transfer:
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Chengdu: Chengdu to Lhasa train (Z322) takes ~36 hours
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Xining: Starting point of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, shortest train ride to Lhasa (~22 hours)
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Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an: Longer train routes with sleeper options
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Estimated Fare to Xining:
Second Class: RMB 350–750 (≈ USD 50–105)
First Class: RMB 550–1000 (≈ USD 75–140)
Board the train to Lhasa
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Train includes soft/hard sleepers, dining car, oxygen supply
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Highlights include views of Qinghai Lake, Tanggula Mountains, and Tibetan Plateau wildlife
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Estimated Ticket Prices:
Soft Sleeper: RMB 780–1150 (≈ USD 110–160)
Hard Sleeper: RMB 500–800 (≈ USD 70–110)
Hard Seat: Not recommended for long travel
Total Estimated Cost from Hong Kong to Lhasa by Train:
Depending on your route and class of travel, the total cost ranges from RMB 1000–2000 (≈ USD 140–280) per person.
Travel Time Estimate:
Expect 2 to 3 days for the full journey, including transfers and layovers.
Option 3: Fly to Kathmandu, Then Overland to Lhasa (Not Recommended in 2025)
Some travelers consider flying from Hong Kong to Kathmandu, Nepal, and then traveling overland into Tibet. However, as of 2025, border policies and permit requirements make this option complicated for most international tourists.
Currently, the Gyirong border (Nepal-Tibet) is open intermittently and requires group visas and special arrangements via a Tibet tour operator. This route is scenic but not recommended unless you’re on a pre-arranged group tour that handles the logistics.
Required Documents for Traveling to Lhasa from Hong Kong
While Hong Kong SAR passport holders can enter mainland China without a visa for short visits, traveling to Tibet requires the following:
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Tibet Travel Permit (Mandatory for all foreigners to enter Lhasa)
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Chinese Visa (For international travelers departing from Hong Kong)
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Group Visa (if entering from Nepal) – only applicable for overland travelers
Your Tibet tour operator will arrange your Tibet Travel Permit and can mail it to your hotel in mainland China before you fly or board a train to Lhasa.
Best Time to Travel from Hong Kong to Lhasa
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April to October is the best period to visit Lhasa, with pleasant weather and good visibility.
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July and August are peak tourist seasons with frequent flights but more crowds.
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Winter (November–March) sees fewer tourists and cheaper flights, but some routes may reduce frequency.
Conclusion: Which Route Should You Choose?
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Want the fastest, easiest option?
→ Fly from Hong Kong to Chengdu, then fly to Lhasa -
Craving adventure and scenery?
→ Take the train via Xining or Chengdu -
Already visiting Nepal and love rugged travel?
→ Consider the Kathmandu to Lhasa route (with caution and permits)
Whichever route you choose, Lhasa awaits with its golden rooftops, sacred monasteries, and timeless spiritual atmosphere. Make sure your travel documents are in order, book your permits early, and get ready for a journey of a lifetime.
