Shangri-La to Lhasa Transportation

By Air

Route: Direct flights from Shangri-La Diqing Airport (迪庆香格里拉机场) to Lhasa Gonggar International Airport (拉萨贡嘎机场)
Duration: ~1 hour
Note: Limited daily flights – advance booking recommended

Flight Schedule from Shangri-La to Lhasa
Flight Number Airline Departure Time Arrival Time Flight Duration Frequency
MU5774 China Eastern Airlines 11:35 13:35 2 hours Daily
MU5939 China Eastern Airlines 10:35 12:45 2 hours 10 minutes Daily
TV9839 Tibet Airlines 13:30 15:50 2 hours 20 minut
Notes
  • Flight Information: The above flight schedule is for reference only. Actual flight details may be subject to change due to factors such as seasons and weather. Please refer to the latest information from the airlines or official channels.
  • Booking Advice: It is recommended to book your tickets in advance, especially during the peak travel season (July to September), as ticket prices may increase.
  • Tibet Travel Permit: If you are a foreign tourist or from Hong Kong, Macao or Taiwan, you need to apply for a Tibet Travel Permit in advance, which is an essential document for entering Tibet.
  • Checking and Booking: To check the latest flight information or book tickets, you can visit the airline’s official website or use platforms such as Ctrip or Qunar.

By Long-Distance Bus

Route:

  • 1000km journey via National Highway 214 (滇藏公路) and National Highway 318 (川藏公路)
  • Includes overnight stop
    Duration: ~2 days
    Features: Scenic but challenging mountain roads
Notes
  • Booking in Advance: Due to the high demand for long-distance bus tickets from Shangri-La to Lhasa, it is recommended to book your tickets well in advance, especially during the peak travel season (July to September).
  • Travel Duration: The total distance is approximately 1,786 kilometers. The journey is quite long and usually takes about 2 days, with stops for rest and meals along the way.
  • Road Conditions and Weather: The road conditions are complex along the route, and some sections may be affected by weather conditions. It is advisable to check the latest road information before you travel.
  • Altitude Sickness: Lhasa is located at a high altitude. Upon arrival, it is important to acclimate to the high-altitude environment and take precautions against altitude sickness.
  • Further Inquiry and Booking: For further inquiries or to book tickets, you can contact the Shangri-La Passenger Transport Station or use relevant platforms to make your reservation.

By Train (Connecting)

Options:

  1. Bus/plane to Dali (大理) or Kunming (昆明) first
  2. Board trains to Lhasa from these cities
    Duration:
  • Kunming-Lhasa: 20+ hours
    Advantage: Comfortable with plateau views

Chartered/Shared Vehicles

Features:

  • Flexible itinerary
  • Higher cost
  • Requires pre-arranged reliable drivers

Self-Driving

Recommended Routes:

  • Yunnan-Tibet Highway (214国道)
  • Sichuan-Tibet Highway (318国道)
    Requirements:
  • Experienced mountain driving skills
  • 4WD vehicle recommended
  • Real-time road condition monitoring

General Tip: Regardless of transportation method, thorough advance planning is essential for safety and comfort.