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Lhasa to Ngari Flight: The Fastest Way to Mount Kailash and Western Tibet
Currently, there are two airports in Ngari, namely Ngari Gunsa Airport and Ngari Burang Airport, serving flights to the far western Tibet.
Located 198.9 kilometers from Mount Kailash, Ngari Gunsa Airport is the major airport for flights from Lhasa to Ngari, with around 2 to 3 flights daily. Ngari Burang Airport operates flights from Lhasa to Ngari only from March to October, with 3 flights per week.
However, no matter which airport you landing, you need to take a drive to Darchen at the foot of Mount Kailash in another few hours.
The quick flight from Lhasa to Ngari makes it possible to reach Mount Kailash in just half a day. Check out the flight details below to plan a short trip to Mount Kailash and western Tibet.
Lhasa to Ngari Gunsa Airport: Key Flight Route to Mount Kailash (Updated 2026 Flight Schedule)
Lhasa to Ngari Purang Airport: Only Available for Peak Season
Lhasa to Ngari Flight Fares: Typically USD 400 to 550 One Way
What Travel Documents are Required to Board the Lhasa to Ngari Flight?
When is the Best Time to Fly from Lhasa to Ngari?
How to Reach Mount Kailash after Landing at Ngari Gunsa Airport?
More Essential Tips for a Smooth Journey from Lhasa to Ngari by Flight
Lhasa to Ngari Gunsa Airport: Key Flight Route to Mount Kailash (Updated 2026 Flight Schedule)
Located around 200 kilometers northwest of Mount Kailash, the Ngari Gunsa Airport is the major airport serving flights to western Tibet. It takes about 2 hours from Lhasa Gonggar Airport to Ngari Gunsa Airport, making it possible to reach Mount Kailash from Lhasa within a day.
Generally, there are 2 to 3 direct flights from Lhasa to Ngari Gunsa Airport daily. Since 2026 will be a peak season for Mount Kailash tours, especially during the Saga Dawa Festival, there may be more flights from Lhasa to Ngari Gunsa Airport.
From November to April, during which the travel to Mount Kailash is not available, there will be a sharp drop in passenger numbers. So, airlines may reduce flights to one per day, or even just a few per week, especially during the extremely slow winter months, such as January and February.
Lhasa to Ngari Flight Schedule 2026
| Route | Flight Number | Dep. - Arr. | Duration | Frequency |
| Lhasa Gonggar - Ngari Gunsa | TV9807 | 07:35 - 09:40 | 2 hrs 5 mins | Daily |
| Lhasa Gonggar - Ngari Gunsa | TV9943 | 07:45 - 09:55 | 2 hrs 10 mins | Daily |
Ngari to Lhasa Flight Schedule 2026
| Route | Flight Number | Dep. - Arr. | Duration | Frequency |
| Ngari Gunsa - Lhasa Gonggar | TV9808 | 10:20 - 12:10 | 1 hr 50 mins | Daily |
| Ngari Gunsa - Lhasa Gonggar | TV9944 | 10:40 - 12:30 | 1 hr 50 mins | Daily |
Please Note:
The above flight schedule is for reference only. Please confirm the exact flight for your chosen date before making your travel plans.
Enjoy the stunning view of Mt. Kailash on the flight from Lhasa to Ngari.Lhasa to Ngari Purang Airport: Only Available for Peak Season
Ngari Purang Airport is a newly opened airport in western Tibet. Situated 12 kilometers away from Purang County and 92.2 kilometers south-southwest of Darchen, the Purang Airport offers a shorter journey to Mount Kailash from Lhasa, covering a 2-hour flight and a 2-hour drive in total.
However, unlike the major Gunsa Airport, Purang Airport only operates flights from late March to October. Since the 2026 official flight schedule has not been released yet, we will keep a close eye on updates and provide timely information to help you plan your Mount Kailash tour in 2026.
Join our most popular trip to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar for your next spiritual journey in Tibet!
Lhasa to Ngari Flight Fares: Typically USD 400 to 550 One Way
As this is the only air route from Lhasa to western Tibet, tickets for flights between Lhasa and Ali are typically expensive with few discounts.
Even during the off-season, a one-way ticket costs around 3,000 RMB (about 420 USD), and prices are higher during peak season.
However, due to the limited number of flights, Lhasa to Ngari flight tickets are often hard to get, even at such high prices. Therefore, if you plan to fly from Lhasa to Ngari, be sure to book your ticket as early as possible.
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What Travel Documents are Required to Board the Lhasa to Ngari Flight?
Your passport and Tibet Travel Permit will be checked at Lhasa Airport before boarding the flight to Ngari.
To visit Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, or other areas in western Tibet such as the Guge Kingdom ruins and Zanda Earth Forest, you’ll need additional local travel permits, including the Alien’s Travel Permit and the Military Permit.
But don’t worry. All necessary travel documents are included in our Tibet tour packages. Wherever you visit, we will handle all the permits for you and help you apply for a Chinese Visa if needed.
Tibet Travel Permit PhotoWhen is the Best Time to Fly from Lhasa to Ngari?
During the day, the morning is the best time to fly from Lhasa to Ngari. The high altitude and unique terrain of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, strong winds, and severe convective weather are common in the afternoon, making flying unsuitable. Therefore, most flights from Lhasa to Ngari are scheduled for the early morning when weather conditions are relatively stable.
Throughout the year, May to October are the best times to visit Mount Kailash. To meet the needs of residents and tourists, the number of flights increases during this period.
In winter, with the closure of Mount Kailash tourism, fewer tourists visit, and the number of flights decreases, possibly to only a few flights per week.
May to October are the best time to trekking around Mount Kailash.How to Reach Mount Kailash after Landing at Ngari Gunsa Airport?
As the closest airport to Mount Kailash with the most frequent flights, Ngari Gunsa Airport is 198.9 kilometers northwest of Mount Kailash.
Upon your arrival at Ngari Gunsa Airport, you need to take a drive to Darchen Town at the foot of Mount Kailash. Following the well-paved G219 National Highway (also known as the Xinjiang-Tibet Highway), it takes around 2.5 hours from Ngari Gunsa Airport to Mount Kailash.
As independent travel is not available in Tibet, you need a local Tibet travel agency to arrange the journey to Mount Kailash for you. As the leading member of Tibet tourism, we at Tibet Vista helped over 10,000 global tourists fulfill their dream trip to Mount Kailash annually.
If you’re planning your next Mount Kailash yatra with a flight from Lhasa to Ngari, feel free to share your travel ideas with us. We can help you arrange the best tour as well as the flight ticket according to your needs.
You’ll need to drive to Mount Kailash after landing at Ngari Gunsa Airport.More Essential Tips for a Smooth Journey from Lhasa to Ngari by Flight
Flights from Lhasa to Ngari can sell out quickly. Since 2026 is the peak season for Mount Kailash pilgrimages, it is important to book your ticket as early as possible to secure your flight to Ngari.
Since the flight from Lhasa to Ngari departs early in the morning, be sure to get up early to catch the flight. The check-in and security at Lhasa Airport takes time, especially during peak tourist season from May to October.
At 4,725 meters above sea level, Ngari Gunsa Airport is one of the world’s highest airports. It is easy to get altitude sickness upon arrival. Please move slowly after landing and avoid strenuous activity.
Don’t rush to Mount Kailash Kora. It is suggested to stay in Darch for at least one day before starting the Kailash trek. The entire distance of Mount Kailash Kora is about 52 kilometers, which takes 3 days to complete. En route, you need to cross the Dolma La Pass at 5,650 meters. You need to maintain enough rest and energy to cope with the upcoming trekking challenge.
Make your Lhasa to Kathmandu journey truly meaningful with a spiritual experience at Mount Kailash.
Conclusion
Lhasa to Ngari flights are the only flight journey connecting the holy city with the sacred mountain in far western Tibet. It is possible to get to Mount Kailash from Lhasa within a half day, covering a 2-hour flight to Ngari and a hours’ drive to Darchen.
If you plan to fly to Mount Kailash, be sure to book the flight as early as possible and arrange your itinerary carefully to allow enough time to acclimate to the high altitude.
As the leading travel agency in Tibet, we at Tibet Vista are ready to help you enjoy a hassle-free journey to visit Mount Kailash in the Holy Year of the Horse. Feel free to contact us for professional tour arrangements for your 2026 journey.
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