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How to Go to Tibet from Malaysia? 6 Routes from KL to Tibet (2025)

Written by Lydia|Updated: 2025-02-17

Wondering how to go to Tibet from Malaysia? While there are no direct flights from Malaysia to Tibet of China, you can easily reach this stunning destination by transiting through major cities in China or Singapore.

Popular routes include flights from Kuala Lumpur or Penang to cities like Chengdu, Kunming, Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou, each offering convenient connections to Tibet. Singapore also serves as a transit hub with new international flight options to Lhasa.

In this Penang or KL to Tibet Transport Guide, we outline 6 practical routes for Malaysian travelers, complete with flight schedules and transit city highlights. Whether you're looking for speed, comfort, or adventure, you'll find all the details you need to plan your perfect journey to Tibet!

Visa-free Travel to China:

Starting December 2024, transit travelers from 54 countries can stay for up to 10 days without a visa. Better yet, visitors from France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and several Asian countries enjoy 30-day visa-free stays through 2025.

US, UK, and Canadian passport holders can visit for 6 days visa-free. Learn more details about How to Visit China Without a Visa in 2025>>

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  • triangleMalaysia to Tibet Distance: Are There Flights to Tibet from Malaysia?
  • triangleRoute 1: How to Go to Tibet from Malaysia via Chengdu
  • triangleRoute 2: Travel to Tibet from Malaysia via Kunming
  • triangleRoute 3-5: Get to Tibet from Malaysia via Guangzhou, Shanghai or Beijing
  • triangleRoute 6: How to Go to Tibet from Malaysia via Singapore
  • triangleDo Malaysian Need a Visa to Tibet? Chinese Visa Free Now!
  • triangleJoin in Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT) to Travel to Tibet from Malaysia

Malaysia to Tibet Distance: Are There Flights to Tibet from Malaysia?

The straight-line distance between Malaysia and Tibet is approximately 3,356 kilometers. Currently, there are no direct Malaysia to Tibet flights.

Travelers from Malaysia must transit through other Chinese cities such as Chengdu, Kunming, Guangzhou, Shanghai, or Beijing. Additionally, with the introduction of international flights from Singapore to Lhasa, you can also transit through Singapore.

 Travel to Tibet from Malaysia
Travel to Tibet from Malaysia

Route 1: How to Go to Tibet from Malaysia via Chengdu

Take a Malaysia to Chengdu Flight First

For a trip from Malaysia to Tibet via Chengdu, consider flights from Kuala Lumpur to Chengdu. There are 4 nonstop flights daily, along with additional layover options. If departing from Penang, transit in Kuala Lumpur or other cities is required.

Departure Arrival Flight Time Frequency Flight Type
Kuala Lumpur Chengdu 4.5-17.5h Daily Nonstop/Layover
Penang Chengdu 6-27h Daily Layover

Then Travel from Chengdu to Lhasa by Flight, Train or Car

Chengdu, the hometown of pandas, is a must-visit city. Upon arrival, take a short Chengdu tour to explore its unique charm before heading to Tibet.

Traveling from Chengdu to Lhasa, you have 3 transportation options:

  • Chengdu to Lhasa Flight: The fastest option, taking only 2.5 to 3 hours.
  • Chengdu to Lhasa Train: A slower option, requiring about 34-35 hours.
  • overland tour to Tibet via the G318 Highway: A challenging but scenic route, taking 7-10 days.
Departure Arrival Flight Train Car
Chengdu Lhasa 2.5-3h 34-35h 7-10d

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
Lhasa Airport
Lhasa Airport

Route 2: Travel to Tibet from Malaysia via Kunming

Malaysia to Kunming Flight First

Another option to travel to Tibet from Malaysia is transiting through Kunming.

Kuala Lumpur offers 3–4 direct flights daily to Kunming, along with connecting flight options. If departing from Penang, transits in Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Guangzhou, or Shanghai are required.

Departure Arrival Flight Time Frequency Flight Type
Kuala Lumpur Kunming 3.5-25h Daily Nonstop/Layover
Penang Kunming 6-29h Daily Layover

Next, Kunming to Lhasa Flight

Kunming, known as the “City of Eternal Spring,” is a gateway to the vibrant Yunnan Province. Before continuing to Tibet, it’s highly recommended to take a Yunnan tour and explore Dali, Shangri-La, and Lijiang.

From Kunming to Lhasa, a flight takes just 3 hours, offering a quick and convenient option.

Alternatively, you can take an overland tour to Tibet along the G214 National Highway, passing picturesque towns like Lijiang and Shangri-La and witnessing the majestic Meili Snow Mountain.

Departure Arrival Flight Car
Kunming Lhasa 3h 8-12d

Stone Forest, a World Natural Heritage Site
Stone Forest, a World Natural Heritage Site
Lhasa Jokhang Temple
Lhasa Jokhang Temple

Route 3-5: Get to Tibet from Malaysia via Guangzhou, Shanghai or Beijing

Fly from Malaysia to Guangzhou, Shanghai or Beijing

To travel from Malaysia to Tibet, you can also transit through popular Chinese destinations like Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou. These major aviation hubs offer extensive flight networks, making them convenient for traveling to Tibet.

Departure Arrival Flight Time Frequency Flight Type
Kuala Lumpur Guangzhou 4-19.5h Daily Nonstop/Layover
Penang Guangzhou 3.5-18h Daily Nonstop/Layover
Kuala Lumpur Shanghai 5-23h Daily Nonstop/Layover
Penang Shanghai 5-23.5h Daily Nonstop/Layover
Kuala Lumpur Beijing 6-18.5h Daily Nonstop/Layover
Penang Beijing 7.5-26.5h Daily Layover

Fly or Take a Train from Guangzhou, Shanghai, or Beijing to Lhasa

Each of these cities features world-famous attractions worth exploring before heading to Tibet. For example:

  • Beijing: The Forbidden City, the Great Wall of China, etc.
  • Shanghai: The Bund, Yuyuan Garden, etc.
  • Guangzhou: Canton Tower, Cantonese cuisine, etc.

From these cities to Lhasa, you can choose between flights or trains. Flights are faster, while trains are ideal for those with more time and seeking scenic views.

Departure Arrival Flight Train
Guangzhou Lhasa 6.5h 53-54h
Shanghai Lhasa 7-8.5h 44-45h
Beijing Lhasa 4.5h 40-41h

Cantonese Cuisine
Cantonese Cuisine
Mount Everest Base Camp
Mount Everest Base Camp

Route 6: How to Go to Tibet from Malaysia via Singapore

From Malaysia to Tibet, Transit in Singapore

With direct flights from Singapore to Tibet, travelers from Malaysia can consider Singapore as a transit point.

Daily flights from Kuala Lumpur or Penang to Singapore are highly convenient, with over 50 options, including both direct and connecting flights, taking just 1 to 1.5 hours.

Departure Arrival Flight Time Frequency Flight Type
Kuala Lumpur Singapore 1-1.5h Daily Nonstop
Penang Singapore 1.5-5h Daily Nonstop/Layover

Singapore to Tibet Flight is Available Now

Singapore now offers direct flights to Lhasa with brief layovers in cities like Chengdu, Kunming, Chongqing, Xi’an, Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou. Layover durations range from 2 hours to 23 hours.

For a more seamless experience, transiting through Chengdu, Chongqing, Kunming, or Beijing is recommended, as they typically require only 1 stop. Routes via Shanghai, Guangzhou, or Xi’an involve 2 or more layovers, making them less convenient.

Departure Arrival Flight Time Frequency Flight Type Layover City
Singapore Lhasa 10.5-29h Daily Layover Chengdu, Kunming, Chongqing, Beijing, etc.

Depart from Lhasa
Depart from Lhasa
Lhasa Airport
Lhasa Airport

Do Malaysian Need a Visa to Tibet? Chinese Visa Free Now!

To travel from Malaysia to Tibet of China, the required documents are:

No Chinese Visa Needed Now: Malaysian passport holders can enjoy a 30-day visa-free stay in China under the visa-free policy, valid until December 31, 2025.

Tibet Travel Permit (mandatory): This is mandatory for all foreign travelers visiting Tibet. It is issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau and is required to board flights or trains to Tibet. This can only be applied for through a local travel agent like Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT).

Additional Permits (if applicable):

Join in Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT) to Travel to Tibet from Malaysia

When planning your travel to Tibet from Malaysia, Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT) is your trusted partner for a hassle-free experience. With expert services and tailored solutions, AOT ensures every detail of your trip is handled professionally.

Why Travel to Tibet from Malaysia with AOT?

  • Hassle-Free Permits: AOT secures your mandatory Tibet Travel Permit and any additional permits for restricted areas, such as Mount Everest Base Camp or Mount Kailash.
  • Customized Itineraries: Get a personalized travel plan to suit your interests, preferences, and schedule.
  • Professional Local Guides: Explore Tibet’s cultural and natural wonders with experienced guides who offer deep insights.
  • Comprehensive Services: Enjoy seamless travel logistics, from flight and train bookings to visa-free entry support for Malaysia-China travel.

Start the adventure of a lifetime and discover the wonders of Tibet with Asia Odyssey Travel. Contact AOT today to plan your dream trip from Malaysia to Tibet!

If you have any questions about this article, please contact us by submitting the following form and we'll immediately get back to you.

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