How to Travel to Tibet from India
India and China share a bond that's as old as the Himalayas themselves—think ancient Buddhist pilgrimages that crossed mountain passes, traders swapping spices and silk, and cultures weaving together over centuries.
A Note for Indian Passport Holders Visiting Mount Kailash
If you're an Indian passport holder dreaming of visiting Mount Kailash—a sacred site for Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains alike—we need to share a key detail: our travel agency can't arrange this specific trip for you. Mount Kailash trips for Indian visitors are specially managed by either the Tibet Autonomous Region Foreign Affairs Office or designated Pilgrim Centers. These organizations handle the unique permits, border formalities, and logistical support needed for this spiritual journey, which often involves traveling through remote border areas. For other parts of Tibet (like Lhasa or Shigatse), though, we're fully equipped to help you plan!

Flying from India to Tibet: Two Practical Routes
There are no direct flights from India to Tibet—so you'll need a short connecting trip, and both options are straightforward. The first route is via Nepal: Fly from an Indian city to Kathmandu, Nepal's capital. Once in Kathmandu, you can catch a direct flight to Lhasa's Gonggar Airport. The second route is via mainland China: Take a flight from India to a major Chinese gateway city like Chengdu or Kunming (both have frequent international flights). From there, hop on a domestic, direct flight to Lhasa—these flights are reliable, and you'll get a taste of China's diverse landscapes before reaching Tibet.

Taking the Train: A Scenic Alternative
If you love slow travel and want to savor the journey (not just the destination), taking the train to Tibet from India is a fantastic choice—though it also requires a quick connection. First, fly from India to Chengdu or Xining. From there, board one of China's famous Qinghai-Tibet Railway trains—the highest-altitude railway in the world! The train ride is an adventure on its own: you'll glide past snow-capped mountains, vast grasslands where yaks graze, and crystal-clear lakes. Plus, the trains are equipped with oxygen systems to help you acclimate to the high altitude gradually—no sudden altitude sickness surprises. It's a longer trip, but every moment feels like part of the Tibet experience.

Conclusion
Before you pack your bags, let's nail down the essentials: all travelers from India need three key documents: a valid Indian passport, a Chinese visa, and Tibet Travel Permit. Here's the important part: the Tibet Travel Permit can't be applied for on your own—you must go through a licensed Chinese travel agency like ours!


35 Comment ON "How to Travel to Tibet from India"
Asked by Liliana Me** from N/A
plan a 7-8days trip for me and my boyfriend in April
Hi! I would like to plan a 7-8days trip for me and my boyfriend in April (3rd to 10th ideally) to Nepal, Tibet, and, if possible, Bhutan. Do you think it would be doable? Based on what I read, there are some places/things to do to consider: Nepal: Everest Base Camp trek and the Annapurna Circuit, ancient temples, sacred sites like Lumbini, Kathmandu, Tibet: The Potala Palace in Lhasa and the Jokhang Temple. eventually the holy Mount Kailash or the high-altitude plains. Bhutan: Thimphu, Paro, and the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery. To take part in cultural traditions, yoga, meditation... Of course I am open to any recommendations you could make. For your reference, we are both based in Asia: him, in Bangkok and myself in Macau. Thank you so much for the information you could provide and, if possible, an estimated budget for your offer.
Asked by Ke** from Singapore
Cycling Tour to Mt Kailash
Hi , we are planning a Cycling Trip once Tibet opens for Tourism. The plan is we shall arrive to Kathmandu , travel to the border and enter via Kerung. Can you pls send a day to day Itinerary starting from Kerung - Lake Manasarovar - Darchen - Asthapath. We shall go around Kailash on foot and resume Cycling back to Kerung. We are a Group of 6-8 persons. Thanks Pls send ur reply to Kevin
Asked by Debo** from USA
Please can you tell me the prices and dates for the Tibet Luxury Tour.
Also, could you please provide a detailed itinerary - I want to see how many hours are spent on buses/vehicles. Thank you! Deborah
Asked by S** from HongKong
Tibet Tour from HK
May I know if holding Mainland Travel Permit for HK Residents. is it also need to get the visa permit to Tibet and what is the procedure if need to apply? Thank you
Asked by Na** from USA
Is Kailash Mansarovar Trip open for Indian Passport Holder?
Is it open for Indian Passport Holder?
Asked by A** from Singapore
Enquiry on private tour
We are planning a trip from Hong Kong to Tibet during the 12th to 21st of April. We want a private tour that covers all the scenic places as well as the EBC. Please advise an itinerary along with the cost breakdown. Thanks.
Asked by Na** from Canada
We would like to take the train from Xining to Lhasa
Asked by Gr** from Canada
The "Tibet Entry Permit" should be apply
Asked by Tam** from Singapore
Sightseeing Potala Palace
Asked by Ka** from Singapore
plan to travel to Mount Kailash