Shigatse Peace Airport: The Closest Airport to Tibet Everest Base Camp

For tourists planning a trip to Mount Everest, the overland route from Lhasa is always the most popular and classic choice. However, flying to Shigatse Peace Airport is also a great alternative, as it is the closest airport to Everest Base Camp in Tibet. You might wonder which flights serve the airport, how to travel from there to the base camp, and what permits you’ll need. Don’t worry! This article covers everything you need to know about Shigatse Peace Airport, making it easier for you to plan a smooth journey.

Where is Shigatse Peace Airport? 390 Km Northeast of Everest Base Camp in Tibet

Shigatse Peace Airport is located in Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet, about 43 kilometers from the city center and 225 kilometers from Lhasa. Sitting at an elevation of around 3,782 meters (12,408 feet), it is one of the highest airports in the world.

Shigatse Peace Airport is the cloest airport to Everest Base Camp in Tibet.

Nestled in the heart of the plateau, the airport is approximately 390 kilometers northeast of Everest Base Camp. If you’re in a hurry to reach Mount Everest or nearby attractions, flying into Shigatse offers a quicker route without needing to stop in Lhasa.

8 Days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Small Group Tour

Lhasa - Yamdrok Lake - Gyantse - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Dinggye - Sakya - Shigatse - Lhasa

Price from USD949p.p

Shigatse Peace Airport Flight Schedule: Direct Flights from Chengdu, Chongqing and Xi’an

Although there are no international flights to Shigatse Peace Airport, you can find direct flights from several major cities in mainland China. Currently, flights to Shigatse are available from Chengdu, Chongqing, and Xi’an, all of which are well-connected international hubs.

Most of these flights operate regularly, especially during the peak travel season from April to October, when the weather is most favorable for exploring Tibet and the Mt. Everest region. Given the high demand for tickets during this time, it’s recommended to book your flight in advance to secure your ticket.

Tibet Everest Base Camp sees the most tourists from April to October.

(1) Chengdu to Shigatse Flight

Chengdu, known for its rich history and as the home of the famous giant pandas, currently offers nonstop daily flights to Shigatse. The flights depart from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport in the morning and take about 2 hours and 35 minutes to arrive at Shigatse Peace Airport. On the return trip, there is also one daily flight from Shigatse to Chengdu. The flight price starts at around $158 for an economy ticket per person.

(2) Chongqing to Shigatse Flight

The flights from Chongqing are also well-scheduled, offering daily service to Shigatse during the peak season. In the low season, flights typically operate every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Departing from Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport, the flight duration is approximately 3 hours. The price for an economy ticket starts at approximately $114 per person.

(3) Xi’an to Shigatse Flight

Xi’an, renowned for its Terracotta Warriors, offers a convenient route for travelers flying into Shigatse Peace Airport. Flights depart from Xi’an Xianyang International Airport in the morning and take approximately 3.5 hours to reach Shigatse. During the peak season, there are daily flights, while in the low season, flights operate three to four times per week. The cost of an economy ticket begins at about $137 per person.

Note:
1. The flight schedules listed above are for reference only and may be subject to change due to various factors, such as travel seasons. Please feel free to contact us for real-time information before planning your flight to Shigatse.

2. For outbound flights from Tibet, it's generally better to fly from Lhasa rather than Shigatse, unless your schedule is very tight. Flights from Shigatse offer fewer options, tend to be more expensive, and have less convenient schedules compared to those from Lhasa. Additionally, with the new highway connecting Shigatse and Lhasa, you can now reach Lhasa Gonggar Airport in just around 3 hours, making it a more convenient choice.

What Permits are Needed Before Taking Flights to Shigatse Peace Airport?

Before flying to Shigatse Peace Airport, you’ll need to obtain some essential documents, including a Chinese visa and a Tibet Travel Permit.

Tibet Travel Permit is a must for any foreinger to Tibet.

If you're from countries like Australia, New Zealand, Poland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Ireland, Malaysia, and Singapore, you can currently enter China without a visa. For travelers from other countries, you can apply for a visa at a Chinese Embassy in your home country or abroad.

As for the Tibet Travel Permit, we will handle the application on your behalf, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free process. Once it's ready, we’ll send it to you so you can use it to board your flight. We recommend applying for the permit at least two weeks before your departure to ensure everything goes smoothly.

8 Days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Small Group Tour

Lhasa - Yamdrok Lake - Gyantse - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Dinggye - Sakya - Shigatse - Lhasa

Price from USD949p.p

How to Get to Everest Base Camp from Shigatse Peace Airport?

The route from Shigatse Peace Airport to Everest Base Camp is relatively straightforward, as the airport is conveniently located near the G318 Highway. If you've booked your Tibet tour with us, we’ll take you all the way to the base camp in a comfortable vehicle.

The journey usually takes around 7-8 hours. The first part takes you through Shigatse city, following the G318 Highway. Once you reach Tingri, you’ll leave the highway and head south toward the Qomolangma National Nature Preserve. After navigating some winding roads, you’ll finally arrive at Everest Base Camp.

Along the way, you'll enjoy spectacular views of snow-capped Himalayas, vast plateaus, and charming Tibetan villages. As you approach Everest Base Camp, the landscape becomes even more dramatic, with the towering peak of Mount Everest slowly coming into view.

The road from Shigatse to EBC passes the Gawula Pass.

For a more relaxed journey, you can choose to break the trip with an overnight stop in Shigatse city. This gives you time to rest and helps with acclimating to the higher altitudes.

What Other Attractions Can be Explored around Shigatse Peace Airport?

In addition to Everest Base Camp, there are plenty of other attractions worth exploring around Shigatse Peace Airport. You can visit these sites either before or after your trip to Mount Everest, depending on your travel route.

(1) Tashilhunpo Monastery

Tashilhunpo Monastery, located in Shigatse city, is one of the most significant monasteries in Tibetan Buddhism and the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama. With its golden roofs and intricate murals, this sprawling monastery is a beautiful example of Tibetan religious architecture and a peaceful place to explore. Situated about 50 kilometers from the airport, it’s just an hour’s drive by taxi.

Tashilhunpo Monastery is a must-see in Shigatse city.

(2) Sakya Monastery

Another nearby attraction is Sakya Monastery, often called the "Second Dunhuang" for its remarkable collection of ancient Buddhist scriptures and artwork. As the main monastery of the Sakyapa Sect of Tibetan Buddhism, it houses some of the most magnificent surviving art in Tibet. Located about 130 kilometers west of Shigatse, it's conveniently situated along the road to Tingri.

Sakya Monastery is the main monastery of the Sakyapa Sect of Tibetan Buddhism.

(3) Pelkhor Choede Monastery

Pelkhor Choede Monastery in Gyantse is a unique attraction located about 100 kilometers east of Shigatse city. It is renowned for its rare blend of three Tibetan Buddhist sects: Gelug, Sakya, and Kagyu. The monastery’s highlight is the magnificent Kumbum Stupa, a multi-tiered structure with 108 chapels. Rich in history and art, it offers a captivating glimpse into Tibetan religious culture.

Pelkhor Choede Monastery is located on the way from Lhasa to Shigatse.

For a more complete experience of Tibet, you can join an Everest Base Camp tour starting in Lhasa. This way, you'll cover all the major highlights from Lhasa to Shigatse and on to EBC, and it also allows for a gradual ascent along the way.

8 Days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Small Group Tour

Lhasa - Yamdrok Lake - Gyantse - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Dinggye - Sakya - Shigatse - Lhasa

Price from USD949p.p

Conclusion

Shigatse Peace Airport provides a convenient gateway to the stunning Everest Base Camp in Tibet. With direct flights from Chengdu, Chongqing, and Xi’an, it’s the perfect starting point for your Tibetan adventure. We recommend booking your flight in advance and securing the required Tibet Travel Permit for a hassle-free trip. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us for expert assistance, or simply book your Tibet tour with us for a worry-free journey.