The profound history and rich culture of Xi’an City draw many tourists from both home and abroad every year. It is convenient for you to take a flight to Xi’an from your own country and then fly directly to Qamdo, known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this comprehensive guide aims to provide you with a smooth and enjoyable experience as you embark on your adventure to Qamdo.

Xi’an Xianyang International Airport

Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) is located in Xianyang City, approximately 35 km northwest of the city center of Xi’an. It is the largest airport in Northwest China with three terminals, T1, T2, and T3. Xi’an Xianyang International Airport can be reached by metro, shuttle bus, and taxi.

Metro and Express train - most recommend: You can take Metro Line 2 or 4 from Xi’an downtown to Xian North Railway Station or Beikezhan Station, then transfer to the airport intercity train to the airport. The whole duration is about 45 minutes and it costs $3.
Airport Shuttle Bus - a convenient way: There are 9 shuttle bus lines available for you from downtown to Xi’an Airport and vice versa with a duration of 1-1.5 hours. The ticket price is about $4. Also, Xi'an Xianyang International Airport has long-distance bus lines to nearby districts in Xi’an and cities in Shaanxi.
Taxi - feasible but expensive: It takes about an hour and costs $14 one way by taxi.

Xi'an Xianyang International Airport

Qamdo Bangda Airport

Situated at the west bank of Yuqu River in a narrow valley in Qamdo City, Qamdo Bangda Airport (BPX) is the second highest airport in the world with an elevation of 4,334 m above sea level. Qamdo Bangda Airport is also known for the farthest distance to downtown, the world's longest runway, and the world's worst climate. Currently, the Qamdo Airport has flights to Lhasa, Chengdu, Chongqing, Tianjin and Anhui Fuyang. It offers a convenient way for you to visit famous spots, like Ranwu Lake and Karuo Relics in Qamdo.

Xi’an Qamdo Flights

Flying from the ancient city of Xi'an to the mystical Qamdo is an enjoyable and unforgettable journey. As you soar above the clouds, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of lush landscapes and towering mountains, gradually transitioning into the breathtaking scenery of Qamdo.

Xi’an to Qamdo Flight Schedule and Ticket Price

Both direct and connecting flights are available for you to arrive in Qambo from Xi’an. The direct flight is operated on Wednesday and Sunday while the connecting flights are operated daily, transiting in Chongqing or Lhasa. Here is the Xi’an to Qamdo flight schedule for your reference. You can ask our travel consultant for a detailed airfare, schedule, and book Xi’an to Qamdo flight tickets for you.

Qamdo to Xi’an Flight Schedule and Ticket Price

On the return trip, there is a direct flight flying from Qamdo to Xi’an every day. However, only one connecting flight taking off from Qamdo is operated daily, with a transition in Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport. The following flight schedules and fares are only for reference. Please contact us to catch up on the latest information.

Travel Documents Needed for Flying to Qamdo from Xi’an

Tibet Travel Permit

Tibet Travel Permit, also known as Tibet Visa or Tibet Entry Permit, is an indispensable travel permit for international tourists to enter Tibet. It should be obtained through a local Tibetan tour agency like Tibet Horizon since individual applications are not accepted by Tibet Tourism Bureau. With our help, you will get the Tibet Travel Permit without going through any troublesome application procedure.

Aliens’ Travel Permit

Aliens’ Travel Permit, also known as PSB Permit, is issued by Tibet Public Security Bureau. It is a specific document required for travelers who wish to visit certain areas within the Tibet Autonomous Region that are not typically open to foreign tourists. And to visit Qamdo requires Aliens’ Travel Permit.

It can only be obtained through a licensed travel agency like Tibet Horizon by submitting the necessary documents including the destinations, travel dates, and tourists’ information.

Chinese Visa and Your Passport

In addition to the Tibet Travel Permit, a valid Chinese Visa and your passport are essential for your travel preparations. A Chinese visa is always needed, no matter whether you are taking a flight or a train to Tibet and it should be obtained from the Chinese Embassy or the Chinese Consulate General before you arrive in China. Ensure that the visa type matches your travel purpose, whether it is on tourism, business, or other activities. The passport will be needed for many situations: booking flight tickets, checking in flights, checking in hotels, checking in at the Border Station in Tibet, etc. Make sure your passport is valid and original.

FAQs about Xi’an to Qamdo Flight

How to book my Xi’an Qamdo flight tickets?

Flight tickets from Xi’an to Qamdo can be booked via online websites, such as Booking.com, Expedia, Ctrip, Qunar, etc. You are also highly welcome to let Tibet Horizon book your flight tickets. We are always keeping up with the latest flight news and usually can book the ticket at a cheaper price. Besides that, our user-friendly platform has a range of Xi’an Tibet tour packages tailored to suit your preferences. Whether you are eager to immerse yourself in Tibet’s breathtaking landscapes or pursue an efficient and effective business travel experience, we’ve got you covered.

How to board Xi’an to Qamdo flight?

Ensure you arrive at Xi’an Xianyang International Airport with plenty of time to spare, typically two hours before departure, with all the documents needed for flying to Qamdo.

Upon your arrival at the airport, find the check-in counter for your airline. You need to show your passport together with your Tibet Travel Permit to the clerk, and they will give you a boarding pass that shows the flight number, boarding time, boarding gate, destination, and seat number. If you have baggage to check, this should also be done during check-in.

Next, go through the security check and wait for your plane. Pay attention to the airport announcements or the latest updates on the screen so you don't miss your boarding time.

When boarding, you should show your boarding pass and the Tibet Travel Permit to the attendant at the boarding gate and find your assigned seat on the plane.

Then, after 3 hours in the air, your plane will touch down at Qamdo Bangda Airport. Stay calm and listen for instructions from the announcements as you disembark.

How to get to my hotel from Qamdo Bangda Airport?

Upon reaching Qamdo Bangda Airport, please follow the directions to the baggage claim area to retrieve your checked luggage. If you book your Tibet tour with us, you can enjoy our shuttle service between your hotel and the airport for free. In this case, when you arrive in Qamdo, our tour guide will meet you at the exit and transfer you to the reserved hotel. We prioritize punctuality, ensuring that you reach your destination on time.

Is there any tourist attractions in Qamdo?

Yes. As the home of Khamba culture, Qamdo is known for its rich cultural heritage and scenery. From snow-capped peaks and glistening glaciers to lush forests and cascading waterfalls, the region offers a wide range of scenic spots for travelers to explore.

Laigu Glacier: It is a mesmerizing spectacle of natural beauty. The vast expanse of ice stretches out like a glistening silver carpet, reflecting the radiant sunlight in dazzling shades of blue and white. Glistening with frost, towering ice cliffs rise majestically from the ground, with serene ice lakes nestling at their bases. Besides, the ice lakes present various colors due to the difference in geology and soil constituents, offering a different kind of beauty in every season.

Rawok Lake: Standing to the south of the famous Laigu Glacier, it is a sacred site that is revered for its spiritual energy and natural beauty. In the morning, as the first rays of sunlight hit the lake, the waters shimmer with a radiant glow, creating a magical atmosphere that seems almost surreal. As the day progresses, the lake's colors change with the shifting light and weather, offering a different visual experience every hour. It’s a good place for you to pray, meditate, and seek inspiration from its serene and majestic surroundings.

Galden Jampaling Monastery: It is a prominent Buddhist monastery located at the confluence of the Ongqu and Zhaqu rivers in Karuo Region. This monastery has hundreds of Buddhist statues, hierarchical figures, beautiful murals, and Thangka paintings that are all well worth seeing. They all display the superb artistry of the Qamdo painters.

Conclusion

Taking the flight from Xi’an to Qamdo is a very convenient way of traveling to Tibet, with the direct Xi’an Qamdo flight taking off from Xi’an to reach the plateau every week. With this comprehensive guide on how to get to Qamdo from Xi’an by air, we believe you are fully prepared to arrange your flight to Tibet and ready to set off on an extraordinary adventure. Whenever you have any questions or need assistance during the preparation for a journey to Tibet, our professional and friendly team is always ready to help. Tibet Horizon wishes you a smooth and delightful trip!