Beijing to Lhasa 2026 - Should I Take the Train or Fly?

For travelers short on time or seeking convenience, flying is the most efficient way to reach Lhasa. Currently, there are typically two non-stop daily flights operating from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) to Lhasa Gonggar International Airport (LXA), with one departure in the morning and another in the afternoon. The flight duration is approximately 4.5 hours. A highlight of this journey is the breathtaking aerial perspective it offers. As the plane begins its descent, travelers are treated to unparalleled views of the snow-capped Himalayas stretching across the horizon.

It is worth noting, however, this rapid ascent brings travelers directly to Lhasa's high altitude of 3,656 meters, which does not allow the body sufficient time to acclimatize. Your first day in Lhasa should be for rest.

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For travelers with time, the train to Lhasa is an ideal way to acclimatize to the high altitude. The primary service on this route is the Z21 train, which departs once daily from Beijing West Railway Station at around 7:30 PM and arrives at Lhasa Railway Station after a breathtaking 40.5-hour journey across the Tibetan Plateau. Given the journey's duration, we highly recommend booking Soft Sleeper class for optimal comfort.

While the entire route offers an immersive scenic experience, the most spectacular landscape unfolds along the Golmud to Lhasa section of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. This section sequentially traverses the majestic Kunlun Mountains, the vast Hoh Xil Nature Reserve, the towering Tanggula Pass, and then descends into the Changtang Grasslands, passing by the serene Cona Lake. It condenses the plateau's most stunning landscapes, from snow-capped peaks and grasslands to pristine lakes and diverse wildlife. To ensure passenger comfort throughout this high-altitude adventure, the train is equipped with an advanced oxygen supply system.

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1. High Altitude Precaution: It is crucial to spend your first day in Lhasa (3650m) resting. Stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activities, and it is highly advised that you avoid taking showers for the first three days. You may also consider medication like Diamox after consulting your doctor. A highly recommended strategy is to select a hotel that provides oxygen amenities such as oxygen dispensers or oxygen-enriched rooms.

2. Must Have Permits: All non-Chinese passport holders must obtain a Tibet Travel Permit (also called Tibet Entry Permit) before entering Tibet, and additional permits may be required for certain areas due to its proximity to international borders. At Tibet Discovery, we handle all permit applications for our clients, so you don’t need to worry about the paperwork.

3. Best Time to Visit Lhasa: May to early October offers the most stable weather and beautiful scenery in Lhasa, and is also the prime season for participating in vibrant local festivals like the iconic Shoton Festival.

4. What to Pack: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and lip balm are non-negotiable due to the intense high-altitude sun. Pack layered clothing, as temperatures can swing dramatically in a single day.

Generally, a well-paced Beijing tour to cover the key highlights requires about 4 days. The essential sights are the Forbidden City, Mutianyu Great Wall, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, and Hutong, which showcase the city’s imperial history and architectural grandeur. If you have extra time, consider a deeper Great Wall experience: hike the scenic Jinshanling section, admire the stunning night views at Simatai, or explore other less-crowded sections like Huanghuacheng, Gubeikou, or Juyongguan.

After your Beijing experience, you can take a flight or a train to Lhasa. A classic Lhasa tour takes 3~4 days. Your first day in this high-altitude capital should be dedicated entirely to rest and acclimatizationand. Once acclimatized, you can begin with the essential highlights: majestic Potala Palace, sacred Jokhang Temple, bustling Barkhor Street, which is a perfect blend of faith and local life. Extend your exploration to include the Sera Monastery, Norbulingka, Tibet Museum, which will offer a superb overview of the region's rich tapestry of culture, history and art. For the ultimate adventure, venture further to breathtaking destinations like Yamdrok Lake, Namtso Lake, or Mt. Everest.

Choose one of our Beijing Lhasa Tours below or chick to check All Beijing Tibet Tour ⋙

☞ 4 Days Lhasa Tour from Beijing by Flight
☞ 8 Days to See the Harsh Contrasts of Beijing and Tibet
☞ 8 Days Lhasa Tour from Beijing by Train