Fly to Lhasa first and then take bus or car to Shigatse.

Most foreign travelers arrive in Tibet by plane.

From China, Chengdu is the easiest and most popular starting point. Daily flights carry tourists to Lhasa in about 2 hours and cost RMB1200. Chongqing, a neighboring city, also has flights to Tibet. However, there are only two flights every week. It is also possible to go from Beijing and Xi'an (only one flight every week).Luckily, Flights from Shanghai are new, operating on Wednesdays and Sundays. Travelers in Nepal may also fly from Kathmandu.

Gonggar Airport is 98 km south of Lhasa city. Airport buses take tourists to the city soon after they arrive. The drive costs foreigners RMB40 and takes about two hours. Taking a taxi costs RMB250 to RMB300. Minibuses from Shigatse to Lhasa also stop outside the airport to make extra money.