Cheapest Flights to Lhasa from Paris with Altitude Acclimatization Stops

The straight-line distance between Paris and Lhasa exceeds 7,000 kilometers, and currently, there are no direct flights connecting these two cities. This means you have to opt for flights with transfers or stopovers. Popular transit hubs include Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu and Xi'an in China, which not only break up the long journey but also offer opportunities to encounter different extraordinary aspects of Chinese culture. However, since Lhasa is located at around 3,650 meters above sea level, which is strikingly different from Paris's 35-meter elevation, you should pay more attention to gradually acclimatizing to higher altitudes.

Top Chinese Transit Hubs for Gradual Altitude Adjustment before Your Tibet Trip

Chengdu

Before heading to Tibet, Chengdu, located at 500 meters above sea level, serves as the perfect transit city. Its 2.5-hour direct flights to Lhasa minimize altitude shock while offering ample time to acclimatize. As China's National Forest City, Chengdu boasts lush bamboo forests, urban parks, and a humid subtropical climate, creating a high-oxygen environment that eases the transition to Tibet's thin air. Beyond health benefits, spicy hotpot, Sichuan noodles, sweet rice dumplings—Chengdu's culinary treasures never fail to captivate visitors. Most importantly, nowhere else can you find more direct flights to Lhasa than in Chengdu. There are over 20 daily direct flights to Lhasa, offering a wide range of departure times throughout the day.

Kunming

Known as the “Spring City” for its year-round mild and pleasant climate, Kunming is one of China's most famous tourist destinations. Surrounded by lush greenery and abundant flowers, the city offers a refreshing atmosphere. With an altitude of around 1,900 meters, Kunming offers a moderate elevation that can help your body adjust more comfortably to the higher altitudes of Tibet. Staying here for a day or two can be highly beneficial for acclimatization. Moreover, Kunming has many direct flights to Lhasa, with a flight duration of about three hours. This makes it a convenient and efficient transit point.

Chongqing

Sitting at about 200 meters above sea level, Chongqing offers a gentle start before your adventure to Tibet. With at least 10 daily direct flights to Lhasa, each lasting around 3 hours, you can easily schedule your Tibet trip. This convenient connection allows your body to gradually adapt, making Chongqing a practical choice for acclimatization.

Budget Flights from Paris to Lhasa: Altitude Adjustment Stops

Option One

You can pick the flight route from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Lhasa Gonggar Airport, operated by China Southern Airlines. With a transfer in Guangzhou and a stopover in Chongqing, the journey takes about 20 hours. The lowest fare can reach approximately 490 euros.

Option Two

It's recommended that you choose the flight route from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Lhasa Gonggar Airport, provided by Thai Airways International. With a transfer in Bangkok, the journey takes about 19 hours, and the average fare is around 370 euros. Then, take a direct flight from Chengdu to Lhasa, which takes approximately 2.5 hours and has an average fare of about 70 euros.

Option Three

For tourists who want to make a transfer in Kunming, it is suggested to choose the flight route operated by China Southern Airlines from Beauvais-Tillé Airport to Changshui International Airport. The flight involves transfers in Budapest and Guangzhou, with a minimum cost of 280 euros. After arriving in Kunming in about 1 day and 7 hours, then travel from Kunming to Lhasa, which takes about 3 hours and has a minimum cost of 70 euros.

Conclusion

Due to significant fluctuations in flight prices, the above-mentioned fares are for reference only. They represent the economy class prices I found during the off-season. During the peak season, prices may increase by up to 30% or more. For the latest and most accurate fares, please refer to the official websites of the airlines. If you need assistance in tracking down the cheapest flight deals, our travel agency is delighted to offer a flight booking service for guests who purchase our Tibet travel packages.