Shigatse Peace Airport was the fifth civilian airport in Tibet, opened on October 30th, 2010. It is a dual-use military and civilian airport serving Shigatse, the second-largest city in the Tibet Autonomous Region, China. Construction of Shigatse Airport started in 1968 and was completed in 1973. It was solely for military use until 2010 when a 532 million yuan expansion was completed.

1. Shigatse Peace Airport Location: 390 km Northeast of Everest Base Camp in Tibet

Shigatse Peace Airport is located in Jiangdang Township, 43 kilometers from downtown Shigatse and 225km from Lhasa. Situated at an elevation of 3,782 meters (12,408 ft) and surrounded by mountains, it is one of the highest airports in the world.

Shigatse Peace Airport Location Map

Only 390 km northeast of Everest Base Camp, Shigatse Airport is an important gateway for travelers exploring the Everest region, offering convenient access without the need to stop at Lhasa. Moreover, its nearby location means you can quickly move to lower altitudes if you feel sick due to high altitude while visiting Everest Base Camp.

2. Shigatse Peace Airport Flight Schedule: Direct Flights from Chengdu, Chongqing, and Xi’an

Now, an increasing number of tourists who ends their Tibet tour choose to fly to inland from Shigase, especially after Mount Everest tour. In addition, Shigatse is the second-largest city in Tibet, with the arrival of the peak tourist season, Lhasa, as the capital of Tibet, will be packed with tourists here and there. Therefore, flying to Shigatse is absolutely the best choice.

However, Shigatse Peace Airport is a dual-use military and civilian airport, so there are only several flights to Shigatse from Chengdu, Chongqing, and Xi’an mainly operated by Tibet Airlines and Air China. The following is the details for your reference.

Chengdu and Shigatse Flight Schedule (the Only Daily Flight):

Chongqing and Shigatse Flight Schedule:

Xi’an and Shigatse Flight Schedule:

Please Notice:
1. Before you leave, make sure you have the Tibet Travel Permit. You need this permit to check in for your flight to Shigatse.
2. The above information on the flight schedule is for reference only, please refer to real-time information.

3. How to Get to Everest Base Camp from Shigatse Peace Airport

Shigatse Peace Airport is the closest airport to Everest Base Camp in Tibet. It lets anyone with limited travel time cut down the journey to the famous mountain. If you’re arriving in Tibet at Shigatse Airport, our tour guide and driver will meet you there.

Overland trip to the Everest Base Camp in Tibet

It’s a relatively straightforward route to Everest Base Camp from Shigatse Airport, taking approximately 7-8 hours to complete. The journey begins by passing through Shigatse City and following the G318 National Road, also known as the Sino-Nepal Friendship Highway.

Upon reaching the town of Old Tingri, you'll turn off the highway and head south, traversing through the Qomolangma National Nature Preserve, before finally arriving at Everest Base Camp via a winding road.

Please Notice:
If you want to experience more on your journey to Everest Base Camp, consider joining an Everest Base Camp tour from Lhasa and then return to Shigatse for departure. This allows you to explore the highlights of Tibet from the capital to central Tibet and saves time, eliminating the need to return to Lhasa for outbound flights.

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Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Shigatse - Lhasa

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4. How to Explore Shigatse and Around from Shigatse Peace Airport

It is suggested to stay in Shigatse City after your arrival and head to Everest Base Camp the next day so that your body can get used to the high altitude better. It takes about 1-hour ride from Shigatse Peace Airport to Shigatse Downtown. You can stay at the hotel for a good rest and acclimatize to the high altitude.

Here are some attractions in Shigatse and around that are worth a visit during your days in Shigatse.

Tashilhunpo Monastery is a highlight for all trips to Shigatse. Founded in 1447 by the 1st Dalai Lama, Tashilhunpo Monastery is one of the four Monasteries of Gelugpa (or Yellow Hat Sect) in Tibet. The full name in Tibetan of the monastery means "all fortune and happiness gathered here" or "heap of glory". The monastery is the traditional seat of successive Panchen Lamas, the second highest-ranking Tulku lineage in the Gelug tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. It is located at the foot of Drolmari (Tara's Mountain). If you get there at a proper time, it may be lucky for you to witness the pilgrims circumambulate the monastery on the Lingkhor outside the walls.

Tashilunpo Monastery - the most important monastery in Shigatse

Sakya Monastery is on the road to Tingri, 127 km west of Shigatse. It is the principal monastery of the Sakyapa Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Also, it is known as Pel Sakya, in Tibetan, its name means “White Earth” or “Pale Earth”. Its Mongolian architecture is extremely different from that of temples in Lhasa and Yarlung. The only surviving ancient building is the well-preserved Lhakang Chempo or Sibgon Trulpa. It houses some of the most magnificent surviving artwork in all of Tibet. Strolling inside, you will experience rich Tibetan Buddhism and appreciate lots of colorful and vivid frescos on the wall.

Sakya Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastic complex renowned for its distinctive grey architecture.

Pelkhor Choede in Gyantse is another nearby attraction. Located in Gyantse, Gyantse County, about 100km east of Shigatse, Pelkhor Choede (Palkhor Monastery or Palcho Monastery) is a typical Tibetan monastery. The monastery precinct is a complex of structures which, apart from the Tsuklakhang Monastery, also covers its Kumbum, believed to be the largest such structure in Tibet, that is most famous for its 108 chapels in its several floors and the old Dzong or fort. Kumbum is the landmark of this monastery with nine floors, and each one has unique chapels with exquisite images. The monastery is in the central county, thus you just stop and visit it when passing by from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp.

You can take a side trip to Gyantse Kumbum Stupa and Palkhor Monastery.

Gyantse Dzong, also called Gyantse Fortress, is one of the best-preserved Dzongs in Tibet, perched high above the town of Gyantse on a huge spur of grey-brown rock. Due to the determined resistance of the Tibetans against far superior forces during the British expedition to Tibet of 1903 and 1904, Gyantse is often referred to by the Chinese as the "Hero City". Now, the Gyantse Dzong is still a base for patriotic education. Here, not only can you bask in the plentiful Tibetan Culture, but also the National integrity.

6 Days Central Tibet Culture Small Group Tour

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse- Lhasa

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5. More Facts about Shigatse Peace Airport

While not a tourist attraction, the remote, high-altitude airport is an interesting location in itself. You’ll be struck by the views of the Himalayas as you fly in or out of Shigatse Airport, and the surrounding mountain landscapes make for a unique setting.

Here are some other facts about Shigatse Peace Airport:
● Don’t be concerned about the remote location. The airport is equipped with modern facilities to meet the needs of travelers.
● Shigatse Peace Airport can accommodate 230,000 passengers and 1,150 tons of cargo annually
● In 2017, a Special Expressway was opened from the city to the airport, cutting travel times by 50 minutes.
● The airport is making significant contributions to local development. Increased connectivity with the rest of China has boosted tourism, increased trade and commerce, promoted cultural exchange, and created many local jobs.
● Because of the high elevation at 3,782 meters above sea level, travelers should take care when flying in from lower altitude regions to avoid altitude sickness.

10 Days Lhasa to EBC and Namtso Lake Small Group Tour

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - EBC - Shigatse - Lhasa - Namtso Lake - Damxung - Lhasa

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Conclusion

Shigatse Peace Airport makes Tibet and Mount Everest more accessible for travelers. Located only several hours away from Everest Base Camp in Tibet, visiting the famous mountain is easier than ever. The Shigatse region also has many attractions of its own worth visiting. Contact us to learn more about tours from Shigatse to Everest Base Camp.