For travelers planning to fly to Tibet, Nyingchi Mainling Airport is a great alternative to the more popular Lhasa Gonggar Airport. With its lower altitude, it offers a gentler, more welcoming entry for tourists concerned about altitude sickness on the plateau. In this guide, we'll take you through everything you need to know about Nyingchi Mainling Airport, from flight schedules and travel permits to transportation options and nearby attractions. Read on to get inspired for your next journey to Tibet.

Where is Nyingchi Mainling Airport? Why Fly to Nyingchi Recommended?

Nyingchi Mainling Airport is located in the southeastern part of Tibet, about 50 kilometers from Nyingchi city and around 400 kilometers from Lhasa. At an elevation of 2,949 meters, it is the lowest airport in Tibet, in contrast to Lhasa Gonggar Airport, which sits at 3,570 meters, and Shigatse Peace Airport, which is at 3,782 meters.

Many travelers opt to fly to Tibet via Nyingchi because of its lower altitude. Since the average elevation across Tibet is about 4,500 meters, visitors often face challenges in adjusting to the high altitude upon arrival. By starting your journey in Nyingchi, you can ease into the experience, helping to minimize the risk of altitude sickness.

Besides, Nyingchi offers a more off-the-beaten-path experience in Tibet. Known for its serene natural beauty, Nyingchi is less crowded than bustling Lhasa. After landing in Nyingchi, you can take time to explore the area's attractions while acclimating to the altitude. Once you've adjusted, you can comfortably travel to higher-altitude regions like Lhasa, Shigatse, or even Mount Everest Base Camp. This not only makes your trip to Tibet safer but also more comfortable, allowing you to enjoy the journey at a relaxed pace.

Nyingchi Mainling Airport Flight Schedule: Direct Flights from Chengdu, Chongqing and More

Nyingchi Mainling Airport is conveniently connected to several major cities in mainland China, making it an accessible option for tourists. Chengdu and Chongqing are the primary departure points, with daily direct flights available to Nyingchi. Additionally, cities like Xi’an, Beijing, and Guangzhou offer direct flights, typically departing every other day or daily.

(1) Chengdu to Nyingchi Flight

As a crucial gateway to Tibet, Chengdu features four direct flights to Nyingchi each day. Operated by Air China, Sichuan Airlines, and Tibet Airlines, these flights depart from either Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) or Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU). The journey takes approximately two hours, and prices for economy tickets start at $126 per person.

Route	Dep. – Arr.	Flight No.	Airlines	Frequency	Price
Chengdu to Nyingchi	07:10 – 09:25	CA2539	Air China	Every Day	From $126
Chengdu to Nyingchi	07:55 - 10:10	3U6673	Sichuan Airlines	Every Day	From $126
Chengdu to Nyingchi	06:40 - 09:00	TV9730	Tibet Airlines	Every Day	From $154
Chengdu to Nyingchi	07:15 - 09:30	3U8627	Sichuan Airlines	Every Day	From $154

(2) Chongqing to Nyingchi Flight

Chongqing offers 2 to 3 flights to Nyingchi daily, operated by Tibet Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, and West Air. These flights depart from Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport and take about 2.5 hours to reach Nyingchi. Prices for economy tickets start at $90 per person.

Route	Dep. – Arr.	Flight No.	Airlines	Frequency	Price
Chongqing to Nyingchi	06:20 – 09:00	PN6211	West Air	Every Other Day	From $90
Chongqing to Nyingchi	07:50 - 10:30	TV9983	Tibet Airlines	Every Day	From $100
Chongqing to Nyingchi	09:00 - 11:35	3U8029	Sichuan Airlines	Every Day	From $100

(3) Flights to Nyingchi from Beijing, Xi’an and Guangzhou

In addition to flights from Chengdu to Nyingchi, there are several direct flights from Beijing, Guangzhou, and Xi’an. Most of these flights depart in the early morning, but they are not available every day, so please check the flight schedule in advance to ensure a smooth journey.

Route	Dep. – Arr.	Flight No.	Airlines	Frequency	Price
Beijing to Nyingchi	06:30 – 10:35	CA4127	Air China	Every Day	From $126
Xi’an to Nyingchi	07:20 - 10:20	3U3287	Sichuan Airlines	Every Day	From $147
Guangzhou to Nyingchi	07:00 - 11:00	CZ3477	Southern Airlines	Mon, Fri	From $284

Note:
Flight schedules to Nyingchi are significantly influenced by climate and seasonal changes. The information provided above is for reference only and may be subject to change. Please feel free to contact us for real-time information before planning your flight to Nyingchi.

What Permits are Needed before Taking Flight to Nyingchi Mainling Airport?

Before flying to Nyingchi Mainling Airport in Tibet, you’ll need to secure a few essential documents, including a Chinese Visa and a Tibet Travel Permit.

The Chinese Visa is required before arriving in Chengdu, Chongqing, or other cities in China, and you can apply for it on your own in your home country or a third country. The good news is that, currently, citizens of countries like France, Germany, Italy, Austria, and Spain enjoy visa-free entry to China. Check for more information on whether you need a Chinese Visa for Tibet travel.

The Tibet Travel Permit is mandatory for all international tourists visiting Tibet and can only be obtained through a licensed Tibetan travel agency. We can guarantee your Tibet Travel Permit when you book your Tibet tour with us. The application process is simple, and once the permit is issued, we will deliver it to your address in mainland China, allowing you to board your flight to Nyingchi. To avoid any delays, make sure to contact us at least two weeks in advance.

How to Get to Nyingchi Downtown from Nyingchi Mainling Airport?

Getting to Nyingchi's city center from Nyingchi Mainling Airport is easy and convenient. The airport is located about 50 kilometers from downtown Nyingchi, and the journey typically takes around one hour by car.

The most common way to reach downtown is by private transfer. If you book your Nyingchi Tibet tour with us, we offer a free airport pickup service. Upon arrival, your tour guide and driver will meet you at the airport exit and escort you to your hotel in Nyingchi, ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free journey—especially helpful if you're carrying a lot of luggage or are unfamiliar with the area.

Alternatively, airport shuttle buses are available just outside the terminal. A one-way ticket costs 25 CNY per person, and the bus schedule is arranged to coincide with flight arrivals. For a quicker option, you can also take a taxi, with fares typically around 150 CNY.

How to Get to Lhasa from Nyingchi?

The distance between Nyingchi and Lhasa is about 400 kilometers, and there are several ways to make the journey, depending on your preferences and schedule.

One popular option is to take a private vehicle, which we can arrange for you. This allows for a scenic road trip with stops at key attractions along the way. The drive from Nyingchi to Lhasa takes about 6 to 8 hours, and the breathtaking views make the journey well worth it. You’ll pass famous landmarks like Mila Mountain and Basum Lake.

Alternatively, you can take a bullet train from Nyingchi to Lhasa. Departing daily, the train takes about 4 hours to reach Lhasa Railway Station, with tickets starting at 129 CNY for a second-class seat. This modern train offers a comfortable experience, and you’ll be treated to stunning, ever-changing landscapes along the route.

What Attractions to Explore around Nyingchi Mainling Airport?

Nyingchi is home to some of Tibet’s most beautiful natural attractions, and many of them are within easy reach of Nyingchi Mainling Airport. Whether you’re interested in exploring dense forests, crystal-clear rivers, or towering mountains, Nyingchi has something to offer.

Lulang Forest: Often described as a "fairyland," Lulang Forest enchants visitors with its mist-covered trees, lush meadows, and vibrant wildflowers. Scenic viewpoints nestled within the forest offer breathtaking vistas of snow-capped peaks, making it an ideal spot for hiking or enjoying a peaceful picnic in nature's embrace.

Basum Lake: This pristine turquoise lake is surrounded by towering mountains and ancient pine forests. Revered as a sacred site by Tibetan Buddhists, Basum Lake is not only a place of spiritual significance but also a perfect destination for boating, hiking, or simply soaking in the tranquil beauty of the landscape.

Midui Glacier: Known for its striking blue ice formations and dramatic contrasts between snow and rock, Midui Glacier is one of Tibet's most accessible glaciers. It offers a rare opportunity to witness the raw power of nature up close, with excellent chances for hiking and photography.

Nnamjagbarwa Mountain: Often called the "Father of Icebergs," Nnamjagbarwa Mountain dominates the landscape with its awe-inspiring presence. Standing at over 7,700 meters, it is one of Tibet's most revered peaks, with its elusive summit often shrouded in clouds, adding an air of mystery. While direct hiking or climbing is not possible, the majestic mountain can be seen from a distance along the G318 Highway or at Sejila Pass, offering incredible views of this iconic giant.

Conclusion

Nyingchi Mainling Airport is an excellent entry point to Tibet at a lower altitude, with convenient flights from cities like Chengdu, Chongqing, and Xi’an. Whether you’re arriving to explore Nyingchi’s stunning landscapes or continuing your journey to Lhasa and other higher-elevation regions of Tibet, this airport makes your trip smoother and more enjoyable. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us or book your tour now.