Which airport is nearest to Mount Kailash?

Which is the Closest Airport to Mount Kailash?

Ngari Gunsa Airport, also known as Ali Kunsha Airport, is the nearest to Mount Kailash. It is an airport located in Ngari Prefecture, one of the prefectures within Tibet that’s located in west part of Tibet, China, one of the major airports for tourists who would like to take a trip to see Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar. It is located about 200 km from Mount Kailash. Once landing in this airport, visitors would have to take a journey by road to reach Mount Kailash and Darchen, a base camp for the pilgrimage.

Another airport close to Mount Kailash is Ngari Purang Airport, or Ngari Burang Airport. This airport was recently inaugurated and serves the west of Tibet, which is closer to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, about 100 km from Darchen via a road trip. Flights from this airport may be seasonal and fewer in number, but they operate during the peak season.

To reach Mount Kailash, you can fly into Lhasa Gonggar Airport from any international destination and then take a domestic flight from this airport to Ngari Gunsa Airport or Ngari Purang Airport, and then undertake a road trip to Mount Kailash.

Nearest Airport to Mount Kailash No.1: Ngari Gunsa Airport (also called Ali Kunsha Airport) 

Ngari Gunsa Airport (IATA code: NGQ), also called Ali Kunsha airport, is the closest airport if you want to travel to Mt.Kailash and Lake Manasarovar on western Tibet.

It lies in Ngari Prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region, China, at an elevation of about 4,274 meters (14,022 feet) above sea level. This airport opened in 2010 and remains one of the highest in the world.

The term “closest airport” here means it offers the most direct air access before travelers continue by road to the pilgrimage destination at Darchen, the base town for Mount Kailash.

Kailash to Airport Distance

• Airport to Mount Kailash, Darchen: It is about 200-248 km from the airport to Mount Kailash, Darchen by vehicle via the highway with different routes and weather.
• Approximate driving time: The driving time is about 4 to 5 hours, covering high-altitude terrain.
• The airport is also about 50 km (31 miles) from Shiquanhe, also referred to as the Ngari town, which is a major administrative center. This is where travelers may choose to stop over before proceeding to Darchen.

Tentative Flight Fare

• Most direct flights to the Ngari Gunsa Airport originate from Lhasa Gonggar Airport, LXA, in Tibet:
• One-way economy fare per person per sector: The economy one-way fare is about US$440-US$550 per person per sector.
• Business Class: The fare for a Business Class one-way ticket is more than US$640.

Increase in Air Fares

 Air fares tend to rise during the peak season, i.e., spring and summer, especially during the pilgrimage season, i.e., Saga Dawa.

 Low season, i.e., late autumn to winter, may see the fares remaining the same or decreasing slightly, as the frequency of flights is less.

Therefore, early bookings are recommended to get the best fares.

Distance to Darchen and Lake Manasarovar with Driving Hours

After landing

• From Ngari Gunsa Airport to Darchen, the base of Mount Kailash, the distance is approximately 200-248 km, which takes around 4 to 5 driving hours.
• From Ngari Gunsa Airport to Lake Manasarovar, the distance is approximately the same.
• Travelers usually land in the morning, and the journey to Darchen or Lake Manasarovar is completed by the late afternoon, depending on the weather.

Road Conditions: Roads are mostly paved, but the road conditions may be bad during the winter season.

Mount Kailash Airport Flight Schedule

Return flights (Ngari to Lhasa) usually depart around mid-morning between 10:20 am and 10:40 am, arriving by 12:30 pm daily on most flights.

Departure and Arrival Processes

Departure (Boarding) at Lhasa Gonggar Airport

• Reach the airport at least 2 hours before the flight to account for security screening and permit verification.
• Airlines flying to Ngari usually ask travelers to show their Tibet Permit while checking in.
• Flights to Ngari from Lhasa normally take off between 07:00 am and 08:30 am because the weather condition is better for the NGQ flight around these hours.

Arrival at Ngari Gunsa Airport

• Leave the airplane and go through customs or other formalities.
• The destination, located at 4,274 metres above sea level, is so high that many visitors rest upon arrival before continuing their journey.
• A transfer to Shiquanhe or Darchen can typically be organized by your tour operator/vehicle service.

Luggage Limits and Airline Policies

Baggage Rules

• Carry-on: Passengers can usually carry 1-2 pieces, with weights of 5-10 kg.
• Checked: Economy class passengers can take between 20 and 30 kgs.
• Sports equipment: Extra fees are charged, and travelers will need to declare the baggage during check-in.

Airline Policies

• Most flights are operated by Tibet Airlines.
• Flights to high-altitude areas might have additional rules on cargo weights.
• Anyone who is flying should also check with the airline about what their baggage allowances are for that portion of their trip, based on the class of service booked.

Permits Required

The Ngari and Mount Kailash regions are only accessible to tourists entering with special permits. The following permits are required for foreign travelers to enter Tibet and book domestic flight tickets.

• Tibet Travel Permit (TTP): Travelers must obtain a permit to enter Tibet. The permit is essential to board any domestic flight.
• Military Permit: Travelers need a permit to visit off-limits areas, such as Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar.
• Alien Travel Permit (ATP): Travelers might need a permit to enter certain areas in the highlands.

Nearest Airport to Mount Kailash No.2: Ngari Purang Airport (also known as Ali Pulan Airport)

Ngari Purang Airport, also named Ali Pulan Airport, or Ngari Burang Airport, is a dual-use military and civil airport. The airport is in the Burang County in western Tibet, Ngari Prefecture of China. The airport began operations on 27 December 2023, and it would handle military flights, as well as civilian flights to pilgrimage sites in the region, including Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar. The airport is located at an elevation of around 4,250 m above mean sea level and is one of the high altitude airports in the region.

Ngari Purang Airport is by the border with Nepal and India, which shortens the distance from other airports to the Mount Kailash pilgrimage via road. The airport is pretty new and its services are still developing.

Kailash to Airport Distance

Ngari Purang Airport is closer to major pilgrimage places compared to other regional airports, like:

• Onwards from Purang, to Mount Kailash (Darchen): near to 106km (by road).
• Purang Airport to Lake Manasarovar: around 56km by road.

Approximate driving times:

• To Mount Kailash: (Darchen). 2-3 hr.
• To Lake Manasarovar: 1- 2 hours.

Road condition on this route is paved most of the way, yet remote, so please be prepared for potential delays during winter or bad weather.

Given that Ngari Purang Airport is located much closer to these revered destinations than any of the other airports found in western Tibet, you can save some valuable time on your travel. Especially if you're a pilgrim looking for a shorter route overland after reaching the airport.

Tentative Flight Fare

Airfare to Ngari Purang Airport differs by season, demand and route. An often quoted fare for flights from Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA) to Purang is:

• Economy class: about US$ 442 per person one way.
• Business class: about US$ 555 one way per person.

These are indicative fares; they reference only the fare level on which you can purchase a ticket. Flight costs in high pilgrimage seasons(Summer and autumn) would be higher as there will be less availability. In general, booking early will lead to better value fares.

Flights from other Chinese cities, including Chengdu, Xi'An, Beijing or Kunming, usually are routed through Lhasa before heading out to Purang.

Flight Schedule

Ngari Purang Airport is relatively new and serves a remote area, so flight plans are less available now, and most of them are seasonal. All direct flights depart from Lhasa Gonggar Airport and are scheduled to coincide with the peak travel season.

Flight days are largely determined by the month of the year and the weather. Regular changes happen as timetables are modified. Always double-check specific timings with the airline or travel agent prior to booking.

Purang services are seasonal, and flights are generally more frequent in spring, summer and early autumn when pilgrimage and tourist traffic is highest. In the winter, there may be fewer flights or a suspension of service because of weather and less demand.

Departure and Arrival Processes

Departure from Lhasa Gonggar Airport

• You should be at the airport 2- 3 hours early to check‑in and clear security.
• Passengers need to show their Boarding Pass with Tibet Travel Permit and other necessary materials, if any (they will be checked prior to boarding).
• Departure early in the morning is the norm to benefit from the more pleasant weather and to get to Purang before noon.

Arrival at Ngari Purang Airport

• Once on the ground, planes make their way to the terminal. Purang is new and out of the way, so facilities may be less developed than in larger hubs.
• Expect baggage claim, passport check and permit verification at the arrival terminal.
• Land direct transfers (shared or private vehicles), which are available through operators in a bit more than public transport.
• Tourists are recommended to take a short rest after arrival at the airport for a soon departure to Mt Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, since the airport is on high altitude.

Luggage Limits and Airline Policies

Airlines flying to Ngari Purang Airport generally follow domestic Chinese airlines’ baggage policy. Still, due to the high altitude and smaller aircraft used for such flights, weight restrictions can be applicable for baggage:

• Carry-on baggage: Usually, the weight range for carry-on baggage can be between 5 and 10 kg per passenger.
• Checked luggage: Economy class weight is between 20 and 30 kg, with weight restrictions applying due to the high altitude and aircraft on some of these flights.
• Oversized and/or special items: Appropriate charges apply, in line with the air carrier's baggage policies.

Always check your baggage allowance with the airline before purchasing a ticket. 

Permit Required

Special permits are needed to travel to Purang and beyond Mount Kailash this is especially true for travelers with foreign passports:

• Tibet Travel Permit (TTP): It is a necessary permit for entering Tibet, and the government will not allow you to board flights to Purang without this.
• Alien Travel Permit (ATP)/PSB Permit Needed for entry to restricted areas like Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar.
• Military Clearance: This clearance is also needed for restricted areas like the Ngari prefecture.
• These trips are not open to a single application. Travelers can obtain them only through a travel agency.

What Airlines Operates at Ngari Gunsa Airport?

Lhasa (LXA) to Ngari Gunsa (NGQ) Flight Schedule and Fares

Airline: Tibet Airlines

Notes:

• These flights depart early in the morning and return late.

• Schedule and timings of flights may change depending on season (in the winter, sometimes only one or two a day).

Urumqi (URC) to Ngari Gunsa (NGQ)

Airline: Lucky Air (via a stop in Kashgar)

Notes:

• The flight is weekly, due to weather and seasonal factors.

Kashgar (KHG) to Ngari Gunsa (NGQ)

Airlines: China Eastern Airlines, Lucky Air

Notes:

• Kashgar flights are not going to be a daily service; they typically run once or twice a week.

Airlines Operating at Ngari Purang Airport

Western Tibet also has an airport division at the Ngari Purang Airport, which is primarily supported by Chinese domestic carriers. Regularly scheduled flights are provided by Tibet Airlines (TV) from Ngari, operated to Lhasa Gonggar Airport multiple times weekly or even daily in season. Other airlines that operate to Ngari are China Eastern Airlines (MU) and Lucky Air (8L), both of which operate flights in Kashgar and Urumqi, often with a stopover. Routes and schedules can change with weather and demand, due to the airport’s high-altitude remote location.

Ngari to Lhasa (Tibet Airlines)

Approximate Fares (One-Way)

Notes:

There are multiple flights a day from Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA) to Ngari Gunsa Airport. In the morning, there are frequent flights, and it is the easiest way to get to Ngari from the capital city of Tibet.

Ngari to Kashgar (China Eastern Airlines and Lucky Air)

Approximate Fares (One-Way)

Notes:

These flights are not daily, but they operate on certain days, i.e., on Tuesday and Sunday, according to the schedule.

Ngari to Urumqi (via Kashgar) - Lucky Air

Approximate Fares (One-Way)

Notes:

These flights have a stopover in the city of Kashgar, and the flights are weekly, i.e., on Fridays, and the days may change according to the season.

What are the Benefits of Reaching Mount Kailash By Flight?

Opportunity to Visit Lhasa

Travelers have the opportunity to visit Lhasa before traveling to Mount Kailash. After reaching Lhasa Gonggar Airport, travelers can explore the spiritual and cultural heartland of Tibet before moving towards Mount Kailash. Travelers can visit famous tourist spots such as the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple.

After visiting Lhasa, travelers can fly to Ngari Gunsa Airport near Mount Kailash. This reduces the traveling time as travelers get to see the major tourist spots of Tibet before reaching their destination.

Significant Time Saved Compared to Overland Travel

Traveling by plane reduces the traveling time from several days to just a few hours. The flight from Lhasa to Ngari takes approximately 2 hours. The distance between Lhasa and Mount Kailash is covered in approximately 4-5 days by driving. After reaching Ngari Airport, travelers have to cover a smaller distance to Darchen via road.

Easier Access to Mount Kailash Region

Ngari Gunsa airport, being much closer to the Mount Kailash region compared to the city of Lhasa, flying provides easier access to the region. This is particularly useful to those who are time-bound or have mobility problems.

Avoids Long Distance Driving

The most important advantage of flying to the region is that it avoids long-distance mountain driving, which can be exhausting and often involves delays due to bad weather. Long-distance mountain road travel also requires careful planning to account for the high altitude.

How to Reach Kathmandu to Ngari Gunsa Airport to Mount Kailash? 

Ngari Gunsa Airport Code

The IATA code of the Ngari Gunsa Airport (Ali Kunsha Airport) is ‘NGQ,’ and the ICAO code is ‘ZUAL. This code is very important when reserving the flight or when you want to check its schedule, so you will be sure that you have booked your ticket for the correct airport, which is located near the famous Mount Kailash in western Tibet and not some other airport.

How to Use Airport Code for Booking?

Since there are no direct flights from Kathmandu to Ngari Gunsa Airport, you will have to make a reservation for connecting flights by using the airport codes. The codes to use are KTM-LXA-LXA-NGQ. On most online reservation sites, you will have to enter LXA first and then NGQ.

This will enable you to plan your trip with the right route, which includes Lhasa Gonggar Airport, the major airport for flying to western Tibet.

Step‑by‑Step: Kathmandu to Ngari Gunsa Airport to Mount Kailash

Step 1 - Get Travel Papers Ready: Complete all travel documents and schedules.

Before you go, you will need to get all required permits (Tibet Travel Permit, Border Pass and Military Permit) via a local travel agency in Kathmandu. Independents are barred from entering Tibet, and these permits are a must to get into the Ngari and Mount Kailash area.

Step 2 - Fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa

Take a flight from Kathmandu at Tribhuvan International Airport to Lhasa Gonggar Airport. There are scheduled flights, with a 1.5-hour flight time as well. It will be your first substantial leg of the journey.

Step 3 - Acclimatize in Lhasa

We need to stay at least one day for acclimation in Lhasa (~3,650 m) before we travel further to west Tibet.

Step 4 - Take a flight from Lhasa to Ngari Gunsa Airport (NGQ)

Take a domestic flight from Lhasa Airport (LXA) to Ngari Gunsa Airport (NGQ); the flying time is around 90 minutes. The flight times run in the morning, and are daily or near-daily with services provided by Tibet Airlines.

Step 5 - The Road to Mount Kailash

Upon arrival at NGQ, transfer overland by private vehicle or your tour vehicle to Darchen, the gateway of Mount Kailash. It is approximately a 4-5 hour drive (around 200 km) on good highways.

Step 6 - Start Your Kailash Trip

On arrival at Darchen, rest and prepare for the Circuit (Mount Kailash Kora ) or a visit to the Lake Manasarovar region.

10 Days

Lhasa to Kailash Tour via Ngari Gunsa Ali Airport

Price from

US$3000 US$3200

How to Get to Mount Kailash via Ngari Purang Airport from Kathmandu?

Ngari Purang Airport Code

Ngari Purang Airport, also referred to as Ngari Burang Airport, has an airport code “APJ”. This is important when booking flights since it indicates your final destination as Purang Airport in western Tibet near Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar.

Therefore, by using the correct airport code APJ in booking flights, you will be searching and booking the correct airport rather than another in Tibet.

How to Use Airport Code for Booking?

Since no direct flights are available between Kathmandu and Ngari Purang Airport, you will have to book connecting flights for your trip. For this purpose, first, you can search for flights between Kathmandu (KTM) and Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA).

Once your flight is confirmed for this route, you can search for another flight between Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA) and Purang (APJ) by writing your destination airport code as ‘APJ.’ Also, most travel sites allow you to book multiple flights for your trip (multi-city booking), so you can search for flights between these routes, i.e., KTM-LXA-APJ. As flights are less available between APJ, you should book your flight in advance for your trip.

Step‑by‑Step: Kathmandu to Ngari Purang Airport to Mount Kailash

Step 1 - Prepare Travel Documents

To start off your journey, it is necessary to obtain the necessary travel permits, such as the Tibet Travel Permit, Alien Travel Permit, and Military Permit, from a registered travel agency in Kathmandu. Traveling independently to Tibet and Mount Kailash for foreign nationals without travel permits is prohibited.

Step 2 - Fly Kathmandu to Lhasa

Take a direct flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa, out of Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and land at Lhasa Gonggar Airport, a route available several times a week for about 1.5 hours’ flying. This is your first Tibet flight.

Step 3 - Acclimatize in Lhasa

It is recommended to spend at least one or two days acclimatizing to the climate of Lhasa (approx elevation of 3,650 m) before departure for the higher elevation regions of western Tibet to help lower the risk of altitude sickness. 

Step 4 - Fly Lhasa to Ngari Purang Airport (APJ)

When departing from Lhasa Gonggar by domestic flight, you will access Ngari Purang Airport (APJ). The duration of the flight is approximately 2-2.5 hours, typically occurring during the early morning hours and arriving by noon. 

Step 5 - Road Transfer to Mount Kailash

Once you land at APJ, take a pre-arranged vehicle to Darchen and the Mt. Kailash region. The official distance from APJ to Mt. Kailash is approximately 106 km, and takes approximately 2-3 hours to drive on a paved road.

Choosing the Right Gateway to Reach Mount Kailash By Flight

Ngari Gunsa Airport (NGQ) is currently the best option for reaching Mount Kailash by air.

Ngari Gunsa Airport is the primary operational airport in western Tibet. It has frequent flights from Lhasa Gonggar Airport. It also has flights from other cities such as Kashgar and Urumqi. These flights operate multiple times daily or weekly, depending on the season.

Ngari Gunsa Airport is 200 km away from Mount Kailash. It has established logistics for planning a Mount Kailash tour by air.

Ngari Purang (Burang) Airport (APJ) is closer to Mount Kailash by road, i.e., 106 km. This means that it takes a shorter distance to reach Mount Kailash from this airport.

However, flights are only available a few times a week from Ngari Purang, and that too during a particular season. So, it does not offer the same level of service as Ngari Gunsa for reaching Mount Kailash.

What travel documents are required to reach Kailash Mansarovar By Flight?

• Passport: Must be valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond the travel date.

• Boarding Pass & E-ticket: Flight confirmation is required to board your flight for the routing from Lhasa, Chengdu to Ngari Airport or vice versa. Book only after obtaining permits.

• Will need a Chinese Visa: The tourist (L) visa for Tibet/China will be needed.

• Tibet Travel Permit (TTP): Compulsory documents issued by authorized tour operators only. Individual applications not accepted.

• Alien Travel Permit: This permit is necessary if you are visiting Ngari Prefecture, which comprises both Ali and Purang counties.

• Military Permit: This is necessary if you are visiting the restricted border areas of Kailash Mansarovar.

• Transit Visa: This is necessary if you are passing through countries that require entry permits during your layover.

• Indian Nationals: They are required to travel via the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, which the Ministry of External Affairs arranges.

Important Note: The flights are seasonal, and there are limited flights to these airports. All Tibet travel permits are arranged only through registered tour operators, and foreign travel to the Kailash region is completely prohibited, irrespective of the airport you choose to travel to.

How to Avoid Altitude Sickness while getting to Nagri Airports?

Flying directly into Ngari’s high-altitude airports like Ngari Gunsa (NGQ) or Purang (APJ), you soar up extremely fast to altitudes above 4,500m, where the chances of altitude sickness increase manifold due to the much lower levels of oxygen available at higher altitudes. One of the most effective ways of reducing the possibility of altitude sickness is through a process of gradual acclimatisation, where your body gets a chance to adapt to the much lower levels of oxygen.

Because of this, many travellers choose to take a slower overland route from Nepal into Tibet instead of flying straight to Ngari. Traveling overland will enable you to acclimatize gradually. It can also provide time to rest in between stops (Lhasa or Saga), which offers your body a better opportunity before you hit the highest points.

Advice for preventing altitude sickness.

• Ascend slowly: Add extra days in places like the Tibetan capital, Lhasa (3,650m), before moving west.
• Hydrate: Drink plenty of water to support hydration levels.
• Avoid alcohol and cigarettes: Both can make your symptoms worse.
• Rest, and don’t do more than you need to: You want your body to adjust.
• Let your guide know if one develops: Early intervention can help alleviate the discomfort.