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 Shigatse from Xi’an without any complicated transfer. Please stay tuned for Tibet Horizon’s further information on planning your trip, including cost-effective booking strategies and must-see landmarks along your route, ensuring your visit to Tibet is nothing short of wonderful.

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 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.

Airports in Shigatse

Shigatse Peace Airport

Nestled in Jiangdang Township, Shigatse Peace Airport (RKZ) is 43 kilometers from Shigatse's downtown area and 225 kilometers from Lhasa. Conveniently located only 390 kilometers northeast of Everest Base Camp, it acts as a crucial hub for travelers exploring the Everest region, enabling easy access without the hassle of stopping in Lhasa. In addition, its proximity means you can quickly descend to lower altitudes if you experience altitude sickness while visiting Everest Base Camp.

Shigatse Peace Airport

Shigatse Tingri Airport

Shigatse Tingri Airport (DDR), also known as Xigaze Dingri Airport, is located in the Mount Qomolangma National Natural Conservation Area with an altitude surpassing 4,000 meters. As the third-highest high plateau airport in the world, it demonstrates the dependability and stability of its facilities in adverse weather circumstances, enabling the safe operation of distribution and electronic information systems, and thereby contributing to Tibet's civil aviation advancement.

Xi’an Shigatse Flight

As the world-famous ancient capital of history and culture, Xi’an is a popular site for tourists to start a Tibet tour. And Shigatse, known as the “National Historical and Cultural City”, is a good choice to enter Tibet. Therefore, embarking on a journey from Xi’an to Shigatse by air is a profound exploration of diverse cultures and landscapes.

Xi’an to Shigatse Flight Schedule and Ticket Price

There are a few direct flights to Shigatse from Xi’an per week and the duration is around 3 hours and 30 minutes. Here is the Xi’an to Shigatse flight schedule for your reference, you can ask our travel consultant for a detailed airfare, schedule, and book Xi’an to Shigatse flight tickets for you.

Shigatse to Xi’an Flight Schedule and Ticket Price

On the return trip, there are also two direct flights from Shigatse to Xi’an per week. One flight takes off from Shigatse Peace Airport at 10:35 every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, and the other one departs at 14:30 every Thursday and Sunday. Besides, two connecting flights taking off from Shigatse Tingri Airport are operated every Wednesday, with a transition in Lhasa. 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 Shigatse from Xi’an

Before taking the flights to Tibet from Xi’an, it’s imperative for you to obtain some necessary documents as follows.

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.

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. 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 Shigatse Flight

How to book my Xi’an Shigatse flight tickets?

Flight tickets from Xi’an to Shigatse 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 Shigatse 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 Shigatse.

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 Shigatse Peace Airport. Stay calm and listen for instructions from the announcements as you disembark.

How to get to my hotel from Shigatse Peace Airport?

Upon reaching Shigatse Peace 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 Shigatse, 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.

How to get to Mount Everest Base Camp from Shigatse Peace Airport?

The traveling distance from Shigatse Peace Airport to the EBC is around 339 kilometers. Here are several ways for you to get to Everest Base Camp from Peace Airport.

By car - the most recommended way: Driving is the most popular way to travel from Shigatse to Everest Base Camp. It takes about 5 to 7 hours to complete the route. Starting from Shigatse, you’ll head southeast on the G318 highway, also known as the Sichuan Tibet Highway. The road traverses the vast Tibetan Plateau, offering panoramic views of rolling grasslands and distant snow-capped peaks. Along the way, you’ll pass through small Tibetan towns like Lhatse and Tingri. When you approach the Chomolungma Nature Reserve, the landscape will become increasingly dramatic with spectacular views of the Himalayas and the towering Mount Everest emerging on the horizon.

By motorcycle - an exhilarating adventure: The whole journey is about 9-10 hours by motorcycle. Unlike driving, motorcycling allows you to experience the Himalayan breeze up close and immerse yourself more fully in the natural surroundings.

How to get to Mount Everest Base Camp from Shigatse Tingri Airport?

Shigatse Tingri Airport is the closest airport to Everest Base Camp in Tibet. The traveling distance to the EBC is around 79 kilometers. Here are two ways for you to get to Everest Base Camp from Tingri Airport.

By car - a popular way: The journey takes about 1 to 2 hours from Shigatse Tingri Aiport to EBC. The road is asphalt-paved, making it suitable for driving. But as you reach the Gawula Pass, brace for a twisty road with abrupt curves.

By trekking - for trekking lovers: The trail starts in Old Tingri and extends about 70 kilometers through the high altitude of Tibet. This 4-day trek will take you through deep valleys and up steep passes such as the 5,150 meter Lamna La Pass, along with stunning scenery, unique monuments, and the peaceful village of Zombuk, etc. The trail will then lead you to the world-famous Rongbuk Monastery, one of the highest monasteries in the world, with a breathtaking view of Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak.

What is the best time to visit Shigatse from Xi’an?

Shigatse's climate is characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. Generally speaking, May through October is the best time to visit Shigatse. Although there may be more rainfall from June to August, it mostly occurs at night, allowing for enjoyable daytime exploration. During this period, the climate is pleasant and the scenery is particularly gorgeous, making it an optimal time to explore natural landscapes and religious culture.

Additionally, if you plan to visit Mount Everest, May to June is recommended as the best time to travel to Mount Everest due to the suitable temperatures and high visibility.

Besides, Shigatse has many religious buildings and temples, including the famous Tashilhunpo Monastery, Pachor Monastery, Sakya Monastery, etc. These places will not be affected by the climate and can be visited at any time. Therefore, you can plan your visit based on your intended itinerary and points of interest.

Conclusion

Taking the flight from Xi’an to Shigatse is a very convenient way of traveling to Tibet. The direct Xi’an Shigatse flight takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes to reach the plateau every week. With this comprehensive guide on how to get to Shigatse 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!