How to Get to Mount Kailash via Ngari Gunsa Airport

The classic overland route from Lhasa to Mount Kailash spans a staggering 1,600 kilometers—a breathtaking yet demanding journey that takes at least 4 to 5 days by vehicle. For some tourists, this may sound daunting, but there is a more direct path to the heart of Tibetan spirituality: flying into Ngari Gunsa Airport offers a modern-day shortcut to this sacred realm.

Ngari Gunsa Airport Basics: Location, Altitude and Distance to Mount Kailash

First off, let's get familiar with Ngari Gunsa Airport, known by its IATA code NGQ. Situated near Gunsa Village in Shiquanhe Town, Ngari Prefecture, this airport sits at an impressive altitude of 4,274 meters above sea level, making it one of the highest civil airports in the world. The key advantage here is its proximity to Mount Kailash: the road distance from the airport to Darchen, the small village at the foot of Mount Kailash, is around 200 kilometers. A comfortable car ride along well-paved highways will get you there in 4 to 5 hours, passing through the vast, rugged beauty of western Tibet's landscapes, including glimpses of snow-capped peaks and open grasslands. Shiquanhe Town, the administrative center of Ngari Prefecture, is also just 50 kilometers from the airport, making it a convenient stop for rest or supplies before heading to the sacred mountain.

Direct flights to Ngari Gunsa Airport are primarily from Lhasa Gonggar Airport, operated by Tibet Airlines, and the flight time is just 2 hours. This is the most reliable and frequent route, with daily flights departing in the early morning, so you'll arrive in Ngari well before noon to start your journey to Mount Kailash. If you're coming from other cities in China or abroad, you'll first fly to Lhasa—major cities like Chengdu, Xi'an, Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou all have regular direct flights to Lhasa, with flight times ranging from 2 to 4 hours. Once in Lhasa, you can easily connect to your Ngari flight the next day; many travelers choose to spend a day or two in Lhasa to acclimatize to the altitude before heading to the even higher Ngari region, which helps reduce the risk of altitude sickness.

Essential Documents for Your Flights to Get to Mount Kailash

One of the most important parts of planning a trip to Mount Kailash is securing the right documents, and this is where many international travelers feel overwhelmed. First, you'll need a valid Chinese visa to enter China. Beyond that, you'll require a Tibet Travel Permit to enter the Tibet Autonomous Region, and since Ngari is a remote border area, you'll also need an Aliens' Travel Permit and Military Permit to visit Mount Kailash. The key thing to remember is that these permits cannot be obtained individually—they must be arranged through a registered Tibetan travel agency.

Flight vs. Overland: Which Is Right for You?

While flying to Ngari Gunsa Airport is undoubtedly the most efficient way to reach Mount Kailash, it's worth considering the pros and cons of both flight and overland travel before making your decision. Flying saves you days of driving, which is perfect if you have a tight schedule or prefer to focus your time on exploring Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar. However, it does mean you'll miss out on some of the most jaw-dropping scenery that western Tibet has to offer. The overland journey from Lhasa to Mount Kailash takes you through iconic spots like Yamdrok Lake and even Mount Everest Base Camp, where you can stand face-to-face with the world's highest peak. For first-time visitors to Tibet, the overland route also offers a gradual acclimatization to the increasing altitude, which can help reduce the risk of altitude sickness.

Conclusion

If you're traveling from Kathmandu, going directly to Ngari saves you the trouble of covering hundreds of extra kilometers—something you'd have to do if you start your trip in Lhasa. And since you'll be on a private Tibet tour, you have the freedom to design an itinerary exactly how you want it. Tell us what you're looking for!