As the largest airport terminal in the Tibet Autonomous Region, Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA), also known as Lhasa Gonggar International Airport, is the major Tibetan airport connecting holy Lhasa City to the other major cities in China and the rest of the world.

For travelers planning to fly to or from Lhasa, we walk you through everything you need to know about Lhasa Gonggar Airport for a seamless flight journey.

Where Is Lhasa Gonggar Airport Located? The Altitude of Lhasa Gonggar Airport

Lhasa Gonggar Airport is located outside Lhasa city in Gyazuling (Jiazhulin) township of Gonggar County, Shannan Prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region, or around 64 km (around 1 hour drive) from downtown Lhasa.

Lhasa Gonngar Airport sits on the southern bank of the Yarlung Tsangpo River, where the wide plains are suitable for runways. Green mountains with elevations between 5,362m and 6,126m surround the airport, giving visitors a scenic welcome to the region.

With an elevation of around 3,570m, it is among the highest airports in the world, but it is actually surpassed by Qamdo Bamda Airport (4,334m), Shigatse Peace Airport (3,800m), and Ngari Gunsa Airpot (4,274m) in Tibet. Explore the top 5 airports in Tibet.

Pilots require special training to land at these high altitudes. Despite the challenging conditions, Lhasa Gonggar Airport has the longest unblemished safety record of any airport in the plateau region.

Lhasa Gonggar Airport panorama.

How Far Is It from Lhasa Downtown? How to Travel from Lhasa Gonggar Airport to Lhasa Downtown?

Downtown Lhasa is around 64 km from the Lhasa Gonggar Airport, but convenient transfer options make it a short journey. The Lhasa Airport Expressway was built in 2011 to improve access to the airport.

Travel time is now shortened to around 59 minutes by taxi or airport shuttle bus via the Lhasa Airport Expressway from Lhasa Gonggar Airport to downtown Lhasa.

The airport shuttle’s ticket pick-up area can be found at Gate 5 in the arrivals hall of Terminal 3. Buses are available from 05:00 to 19:30 and leave when full. Tickets cost 30 CNY per person.

Gate 5 exit of Lhasa Gonggar Airport for the airport shuttle bus to downtown Lhasa.

Taxis are a faster but more expensive option. Likewise, it usually takes around 52 minutes to get from the airport to the area around Potala Palace. The fare costs between 200 and 260 CNY.

For our guests, as a local Tibetan travel agency, we offer a complimentary shuttle service from the airport to your hotel in Lhasa. Besides, our welcoming Tibet guide will greet you with a white Khata (a ceremonial scarf) as a gesture of respect, goodwill, and hospitality. Pre-book one of our Tibet tours for the most convenient transfer.

Tibet Vista guide picks up guests with white Khata at Lhasa Gonggar Airport.

What Is Lhasa Gonggar Airport Like? Modern or Traditional? Terminals Available Nowadays

Since its construction in 1965, Gonggar Airport has undergone several expansions and renovations, making it a modern airport capable of handling millions of passengers each year.

Terminal 3, the newest domestic terminal, was opened in 2021, expanding the airport by 88,000 m2 and adding 21 extra boarding gates. By 2025, it will be able to handle 9 million passengers annually. The new terminal has a lotus-shaped roof and a Tibetan-style architectural design. Learn all the flights to Tibet.

Exterior of terminal 3 of Lhasa Gonggar Airport.

Terminal 3 has free WIFI service and a range of food options. In addition to Chinese and local Tibetan food, passengers can enjoy coffee and fast food, including KFC and Burger King. First-class and business-class lounges are located on the 3rd floor. On the 1st floor, passengers in need of assistance can find first aid and medical services, including supplemental oxygen supplies. Baggage lost and found and luggage inquiries are also located on the 1st floor.

First and business class lounge area of terminal 3 of Lhasa Gonggar Airport.

Is Lhasa Gonggar Airport an International Airport? International Flight Schedules between Lhasa and Kathmandu, Nepal in 2024

Though Lhasa Gonggar Airport is an international airport, currently, direct flights to destinations beyond China are only offered to Kathmandu, Nepal. Himalaya Airlines flies between Lhasa and Kathmandu three times a week. The flight is only 1 hour and 35 minutes and flies over the Himalayas for a unique bird' s-eye view of Mount Everest.

Flights Lhasa-Kathmandu

BTW, if you want to explore the majestic Himalayan mountains closely, especially for admiring Mount Everest, traveling overland from Lhasa to Kathmandu or vice versa is your best bet.

8 Days Driving Across Himalaya Overland Adventure from Kathmandu to Lhasa

Tour Route: Kathmandu - Gyirong - Everest Base Camp - Tingri - Shigatse - Gyantse - Lhasa

Price from USD1169 p.p

Is Lhasa Gongga Airport Busy? All Domestic Flights to Lhasa Gonggar Airport

Lhasa Gonggar Airport is among the 50 busiest airports in China. While it has far fewer passengers than bigger cities like Guangzhou and Shanghai, considering its remote location, an impressive 5 million passengers pass through each year.

There are 28 non-stop routes operated to other cities in China, including major destinations like Beijing and Shanghai. Chengdu, Chongqing, and Xi'an have the most direct connections. Also, read how to get to Tibet by flight, train and overland.

Non-Stop Flights to Lhasa

More Insider Tips for Flying to/from Lhasa Gonggar Airport

To overseas travelers flying into Tibet, make sure you have your passport and Tibet Travel Permit ready as you go through the security checks to board the flight to Lhasa. For our guests, we can offer a free Tibet Travel Permit processing service, please feel free to email us for free consultations.

A Sample of Tibet Travel Permit.

If you fly to Lhasa Gonggar Airport from lower-elevation cities like Chengdu (500m), you may experience symptoms, such as headache, dizziness, loss of appetite, fast heart rate, shortness of breath, etc. in the first 24 hours as your body adjusts itself to cope with the decreased oxygen on Tibetan plateau.

We recommend that you rest at your hotel in Lhasa before starting your Tibet tour to allow your body time to acclimatize. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol. Learn how to avoid altitude sickness in Tibet.

8 Days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Small Group Tour

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

Price from USD949 p.p

In Tibet, it’s common to experience big temperature differences between day and night. Daytime in Lhasa can reach up to 25°c in summer, but it can drop to single digits at night. Pack layers of clothes so you can adjust and stay comfortable.

Additionally, since there is around 1-hour drive from downtown Lhasa to Lhasa Gonggar Airport, make sure you arrive at least 1h30 min earlier to get your flight ticket and luggage check-in in the terminal. We offer a free airport transfer service to our clients as well.

Conclusion

Lhasa Gonggar Airport has helped to make Tibet more accessible to travelers from around the world. With flights available from major travel hubs in China and Kathmandu, Nepal, you're never more than one stop away from arriving in the capital of Tibet. So, you can easily plan your Tibet-Nepal tour for an even grander adventure.