Lhasa to Purang Flight: How to Get to Kailash from Lhasa by Air

The flight from Lhasa to Ngari Purang Airport offers a two-hour aerial journey into the remote and mystical northwest of Tibet, saving valuable travel time while treating you with panoramic views of snow-capped mountains and glittering plateau lakes. Purang, located on the border with Nepal and India, has a rich cultural blend and magnificent natural scenery. Serving as the closet gateway to Tibet’s most sacred sites, Ngari Purang Airport marks the perfect starting point for your Kailash tour.

Lhasa Gonggar International Airport (LXA)

Lhasa Gonggar International Airport is the largest and busiest aviation hub in Tibet. The airport has many domestic routes to destinations such as Beijing, Chengdu, Kunming, and also operates international flights to and from Kathmandu. Comprehensive facilities include restaurants, luggage storage, and free Wi-Fi, etc.

The airport is located about 60 kilometers south of downtown Lhasa, with a one-hour journey to the city. Transportation options include:

Airport shuttle: It takes approximately 1 hour and costs about $4.
Taxi: Depending on traffic conditions and travel time, fares range from $30 to $45.
Pick-up services: Join our Tibet tour, we’ll provide airport pick-up services for you.

Nagri Purang Airport (APJ)

Ngari Purang Airport, also known as Ali Pulan Airport and Ngari Burang Airport, is located at an altitude of about 4,255 meters. Compared to Ngari Gunsha Airport, It is closer to Mount Kailash and is a more convenient option for many pilgrims and tourists. The airport is about 15 kilometers away from Purang County and about 100 kilometers away from Darchen, with a drive of about 2 hours.

Due to its remote location in the border region, Nagri Purang Airport offers relatively basic facilities, including waiting area, baggage claim, and transportation. Despite its small size, it serves as a key hub running flights from Lhasa to major Chinese cities, which greatly shortens the travel time for pilgrims to Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake.

Lhasa to Purang Flight

The flights from Lhasa to Purang offer the fastest connection between central and northwestern Tibet, taking about 2 hours. During the flight, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of the magnificent scenery of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, including snow-capped mountains, sparkling lakes, and river canyons. Both economy and business class are available to suit different travel needs.

Lhasa to Purang Flight Schedule and Price

There is a direct flight from Lhasa Gonggar Airport to Ngari Purang Airport on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in October, and on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from November to December. The flight usually departs early in the morning and passengers can reach Purang before noon, leaving enough time for you to adapt to the high altitude. Due to the limited flights and high demand during the pilgrimage season (especially April to October), you should book your flight in advance to ensure a smooth Mount Kailash tour. Please refer to the latest Lhasa-Purang flight information for details.

Purang to Lhasa Flight Schedule and Price

The return flights from Purang to Lhasa typically depart in the morning, allowing ample time for you to get to the airport and arrive in Lhasa comfortably. Operated by Tibet Airlines, the flight takes about 2 hours, and schedules may vary due to weather conditions.

If you need assistance booking your flight to Kailash, Tibet Horizon offers professional services to help you secure the best flight options and fares, ensuring a smooth and worry-free journey.

Travel Documents for Flying from Lhasa to Purang

You'll need to prepare the necessary documents in advance when traveling to Ngari Prefecture. The following is a list of the main documents required by different travel statuses:

Foreign Travelers: Passport, Chinese Visa, Tibet Travel Permit, Aliens’ Travel Permit, and Military Area Entry Permit.

Taiwanese Compatriots: Taiwan Compatriot Card, Tibet Travel Permit, Military Area Entry Permit, and Border Permit.

Hong Kong/Macao Residents: Home Return Permit and Border Permit.

All Tibet permits must be obtained through a qualified travel agency like Tibet Horizon. We’ll apply for all the Tibet permits for you as part of our Tibet tour packages to ensure a smooth journey. Please ensure that all documents are fully prepared before your trip, as they may be checked at the airport and throughout the Tibet tour. Missing any of these documents may affect the trip.

FAQs on Traveling to Purang from Lhasa by Air

A. How to book the Lhasa Purang flight ticket?

You can book flights from Lhasa to Purang through online travel platforms like Ctrip, or directly through airline websites like Tibet Airlines. Travel agencies like Tibet Horizon that organize Mount Kailash tours often include flight booking in tour packages. Because the flight availability is limited, especially during peak season, you’d better book in advance.

B. How to pack my bags and luggage for the Lhasa to Purang flight?

When flying from Lhasa to Purang, make sure your luggage complies with airline regulations. Most airlines allow around 7kg of carry-on luggage and up to 20kg of checked luggage free of charge. You can check the specific airline policy before departure to avoid overweight charges or issues with restricted items.

As Ngari is located at a high altitude, please prepare warm clothes as a priority. Even in summer, the temperature difference between day and night is still significant. You can also bring common altitude sickness medicines, lip balm, sunscreen, and sunglasses to cope with strong ultraviolet rays and the dry climate. Avoid carrying knives, lighters, sharp objects, or other prohibited items to ensure smooth security checks.

C. How to board the Lhasa to Purang flight?

We recommend arriving at the airport two hours before departure. Lhasa Gonggar Airport is about 60 kilometers from downtown. Please plan your travel time in advance.

Upon arrival, please proceed to the designated check-in counter for your airline. You will be required to present your Tibet Travel Permit and passport. Here you can also choose your seat and check your luggage. Choose a window seat for the best views of the Tibetan Plateau.

After checking in, proceed to security checkpoint. Please make sure your Tibet Travel Permit and boarding pass are easily accessible, as you will be asked to show them again. Please pay attention to the specific regulations on carry-on items in Tibet. For example, certain altitude medications may be subject to stricter scrutiny.

After passing security, head towards to the boarding gate. There are clear signs and information boards displaying flight details. Please listen for announcements, as weather conditions in Tibet can sometimes cause delays or changes.

When your flight is called, proceed to the gate where your Tibet Travel Permit will be checked again. Once on board, find your seat, store your luggage, and wait for takeoff. Please follow all onboard regulations, including setting electronic devices to airplane mode.

The flight from Lhasa to Ngari Purang Airport takes about two hours. During the flight, you can enjoy sweeping view of the Tibetan Plateau. As you approach Ngari, the mountains scenery becomes even more stunning, making the flight experience truly unforgettable .

D. How to get to my hotel from Ngari Purang Airport?

Upon arrival at Ngari Purang Airport, follow the signs to the baggage claim to collect your luggage. If you’ve booked your Tibet tour with us, you will enjoy the free pick-up service and be taken to the reserved hotel.

E. How to get to Mount Kailash from Ngari Purang Airport?

It typically takes 2 to 3 hours to drive 100km from Ngari Purang Airport to Darchen, the starting point of Kailash Kora. As no public transportation is available, you'll need to arrange a transfer through a travel agency or book a chartered car in advance. We will take care of all matters for tourists, including transportation, accommodation, and permits, to ensure that you have a worry-free Mount Kailash tour.

F. How to prevent altitude sickness in Kailash tour?

The best way to prevent altitude sickness is gradual acclimatization and good health. After arriving in Ngari, avoid strenuous activity, get adequate rest, stay hydrated, keep warm, and eat lightly. You can take Hongjingtian in advance or use anti-altitude sickness drugs such as Gaoyuanan or acetazolamide according to the doctor's advice. If you experience severe symptoms like headache, nausea, or difficulty breathing, you should immediately descend to a lower altitude and seek medical help.

Conclusion

Flying from Lhasa to Ngari Purang Airport is an efficient and convenient way to reach Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar. Proper planning of your flights, luggage, and transportation will ensure a smooth start to your journey. Along the way, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains and beautiful lakes, and experience the unique charm of Tibetan culture. If you have any questions about your itinerary, the Tibet Horizon team is always ready to provide professional support. We wish you a safe and fruitful Tibet tour!