How to Plan Tibet Tour from India

Tibet, renowned for its majestic Mount Kailash (冈底斯山), serene Lake Mansarovar (曼萨罗瓦湖), and towering Mount Everest (珠穆朗玛峰), continues to captivate the imaginations of travelers worldwide. For Indian visitors, Tibet offers a rich cultural and spiritual experience, and it’s conveniently located next door. Whether you’re drawn to spiritual pilgrimages, thrilling Himalayan adventures, or simply exploring this mystical land, Tibet should be on your travel bucket list.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to plan your trip from India to Tibet, including the best routes, necessary travel permits, and practical tips for an unforgettable journey.

How Far Is Tibet from India? Distance and Available Travel Routes

Distance Between India and Tibet

Tibet is relatively close to India. On the map, the direct distance between New Delhi (新德里) and Lhasa (拉萨) is about 1354.8 km (841.8 miles) in a straight line. However, due to terrain and other travel factors, the actual travel time and distance can vary.

Key Travel Routes from India to Tibet:

  1. Via Nepal by Air (Most Common)

  2. Overland via Nepal (For Adventure Seekers)

  3. Through Mainland China (For Those Seeking More Time in China)

Best Way to Travel from India to Tibet via Nepal by Flight

Fastest Route: New Delhi to Lhasa via Kathmandu

Flying from New Delhi (新德里) to Kathmandu (加德满都) and then connecting to a flight to Lhasa (拉萨) is the fastest and most convenient option for most travelers.

Flights from New Delhi to Kathmandu

  • Indigo Airlines: 07:50-09:50 (Duration: 1hr 45min), Approx. $153

  • Air India: 07:00-09:05 (Duration: 1hr 50min), Approx. $154

  • Nepal Airlines: 09:55-11:55 (Duration: 1hr 45min), Approx. $175

  • Vistara Airlines: 07:55-10:30 (Duration: 2hr 20min), Approx. $185

Kathmandu to Lhasa Flight

From Kathmandu to Lhasa, Himalaya Airlines is the primary carrier for direct flights:

  • Himalaya Airlines: 07:00-10:50 (Mon) – Duration: 1hr 45min, Approx. $640

  • Himalaya Airlines: 08:25-12:00 (Wed, Fri) – Duration: 1hr 20min, Approx. $640

Important Considerations:

  • Tibet Travel Permit (西藏旅游许可证) and China Group Visa (中国团体签证) are required for entry into Tibet. These must be arranged before you depart.

  • It is advisable to spend 4-5 days in Kathmandu to process the required permits.

  • Altitude Adjustment: Lhasa is at an elevation of 3,656 meters. It’s essential to rest and acclimatize upon arrival to avoid altitude sickness.

How to Travel from India to Tibet by Road via Nepal: An Overland Adventure

For those looking for a truly adventurous journey, traveling overland via Nepal is a thrilling way to reach Tibet. This route provides an opportunity to cross the majestic Himalayas and experience the region’s unique landscapes and culture.

Overland from Kathmandu to Lhasa via the Gyirong Border

  • Route: Kathmandu → Gyirong → Everest Base Camp → Tingri → Shigatse → Gyantse → Lhasa

  • Duration: Approximately 8 days

  • Price: From $1019 per person

8-Day Overland Adventure Highlights:

  • Everest Base Camp: A breathtaking view of Mount Everest (珠穆朗玛峰) and surrounding peaks.

  • Tashilhunpo Monastery (扎什伦布寺): A significant Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Shigatse.

  • Yamdrok Lake (羊卓雍湖): A stunning turquoise lake, known for its serene beauty.

  • Potala Palace (布达拉宫): The iconic palace in Lhasa.

Overland Entry Points into Nepal from India:

You can reach Kathmandu by overland travel through multiple points in India:

  • Siliguri and Kakarbhitta (East)

  • Banbasa and Bhimdatta (West)

  • Jamunaha/Nepalgunj, Sunauli/Bhairawa, and Raxaul/Birganj (South)

After crossing into Nepal, continue by bus to Kathmandu. Once in Kathmandu, you can obtain the required permits and head to Tibet.

Alternative: Travel to Tibet from India via Mainland China

If you’re interested in exploring major cities in China before heading to Tibet, flying from India to China is another option. You can then take a domestic flight or the Tibet Train (世界上最海拔最高的铁路) to Lhasa.

Flights from New Delhi to Chinese Cities:

  • New Delhi to Chengdu (成都): 13hr (via Bangkok), Approx. $662

  • New Delhi to Beijing (北京): 11hr 40min, Approx. $646

  • New Delhi to Shanghai (上海): 12hr 20min, Approx. $459

  • New Delhi to Guangzhou (广州): 11hr 45min, Approx. $667

Chengdu to Lhasa via Tibet Train

Chengdu is the closest major city in China to Tibet, offering multiple daily flights and train services to Lhasa. The Tibet Train is one of the most scenic ways to reach Tibet, passing through breathtaking landscapes.

  • 7-Day Overland Tour from Chengdu to Lhasa:

    • Route: Chengdu → Xinduqiao → Litang → Batang → Zogang → Ranwu → Nyingchi → Lhasa

    • Price: From $1780 per person

Best Times to Visit Tibet from India

Tibet is a year-round destination, but the best months to visit depend on what you want to do.

Ideal Times:

  • April to June and September to October are the best months for trekking and exploring Tibet’s outdoors, offering perfect weather with clear skies, comfortable temperatures, and ideal road conditions.

Festivals in Tibet:

  • Saga Dawa Festival (萨嘎达瓦节) in May: Celebrated around Mt. Kailash (冈底斯山), this festival is the perfect time for a spiritual pilgrimage.

  • Shoton Festival (雪顿节) in August: Experience vibrant Tibetan opera and giant Thangka (唐卡) displays in Lhasa.

Off-Season Travel (October to March):

If you’re a budget traveler or looking to avoid crowds, the winter months offer discounts on hotels and flights, fewer tourists, and the chance to engage more deeply with Tibetan pilgrims.

Travel Documents and Services Needed

When traveling to Tibet, you’ll need a Tibet Travel Permit and a China Group Visa if entering through Nepal.

Tibet Vista: Your One-Stop Travel Solution

Tibet Vista offers comprehensive travel services for Tibet-bound travelers:

  • Tibet Travel Permits and China Group Visas

  • Hotel bookings, flight tickets, and train tickets for the Tibet Railway

  • Local guides with years of expertise in Tibetan culture

  • Border transfers and pick-up services

As Tibet’s largest local travel agency, Tibet Vista has been organizing tours for over 30 years, ensuring an authentic, hassle-free experience for over 8,000 travelers annually.