Most people are suprised to learn that Shangri La is a town called Zhongdian and not Tibet. Zhongdian is a small town on the border of Tibet. Mainly Tibetans live here and regularly travel to Lhasa.

There are many tours from this town, and the town has internet.

Zhongdian to Lhasa by air

Airline: China Southern Airlines
Daily flights to Lhasa from Zhongdian, which depart 10:35am and arrive in
Lhasa approximately 12:20pm the same day.

Cost: 1490 Yuan
Tibet Travel Permit cost: 1060 Yuan
Total cost: 2550Yuan (includes taxi to airport).
Tibet Travel Permit can be issued in 1 day

Zhongdian to Lhasa by train

No train service available.

Zhongdian to Lhasa Overland

By Bus - Sleeper bus is 558 Yuan, 2 nights 3 days. Currently
only Chinese nationals can purchase this tickets, however foreigners have been able to get them as well. In the past, a Tibet permit was not required as the passengers on the bus were almost always Tibetan.

By Jeep/Landcruiser: 7-9day tour costs about 4000-6000Yuan, which includes the Tibet Travel Permit. Permit takes 4-5 days to be arranged.

Where to purchase tickets/flights from Zhongdian to Lhasa Tibet?

You can arrange travel to Tibet via agencies.