How to Get to Mount Kailash. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Major Airports & Airlines

Lhasa Gonggar Airport LXA

This is the main airport for travelers from abroad entering Tibet. It is found about 60 kilometers (37 miles) to the southwest of Lhasa city. This airport is your likely entry point.

Airport Facilities

Basic facilities including restaurants, shops, and duty-free options.
Cash machines and currency exchange services are available.
Medical help and oxygen are available for those with mild Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).

Airlines and Routes

Most international travelers fly into a major Chinese city first and then connect to Lhasa.

Flight Information

From Mainland China: Air China, Sichuan Airlines, Tibet Airlines, China Eastern, China Southern operate flights to Lhasa.
Usual Routes: Chengdu offers the most frequent connections. Other cities include Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chongqing, Xi'an, Xining.
International Routes: Direct international flights to Lhasa are limited. A few seasonal flights might connect from Kathmandu, Nepal.

High Season May, Sep-Oct

More often flights, higher prices. Book well in advance. Dollar Flight Club for deals.

Shoulder Season June, Aug

Prices a little less than high season. Flight frequency might be somewhat reduced.

Low Season July, Nov-Apr

Fewer flights. Delays/cancellations due to adverse weather. Prices might be lower, but accessibility can be an issue.

Airport Transfers & Flight Search

Lhasa Airport Transfers

Tour Operator Transfer: The most common and suggested option. Your Tibetan tour operator arranges a private vehicle and guide to pick you up.
Public Transport Restriction: Foreign visitors cannot take public taxis or shuttles independently from the airport due to regulations.
Your presence on an organized tour is strictly monitored from arrival.
Skyscanner for flight options.

Flight Booking Considerations

Book two separate flights: one international to a Chinese city, and a single domestic within China to Lhasa.
Consider flight availability and price fluctuations based on season.
Allow ample layover time for public transport through mainland China.
Ensure your itinerary aligns with your Tibet Travel Permit.

Seasonal Flight Availability & Pricing

High Season Impact

Greater demand leads to more frequent and generally more expensive flights. Early booking is advised.

Low Season Challenges

Fewer flights and potential for delays or cancellations due to adverse weather in winter or monsoon.

Transit Points

Chengdu is the most popular city for connecting flights to Lhasa owing to its frequent connections.

Getting There: Land Transportation

Qinghai-Tibet Railway

This railway connects Lhasa having key Chinese cities. This is a popular option for travelers seeking gradual altitude acclimatization.

Train Journey Insights

Connects Lhasa with Xining, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, and Lanzhou.
Main Hub: Lhasa Railway Station. Other stations: Xining, Golmud, Nagqu.
Classes: Hard Seat, Hard Sleeper, Soft Sleeper. Soft Sleeper is suggested for comfort.

Overland Travel to Kailash

The journey to Kailash is an exciting experience, often taking a few days. Roads are for the most part paved but can be rough closer to Kailash. Road quality has improved.

Road Conditions & Safety

Your tour cost includes transportation in a private vehicle with a driver. No public transport for foreign tourists to Kailash.
Safety: Long stretches at high altitude. Weather (snow, ice, landslides) may influence roads. Mountain roads are winding with steep drops.
Checkpoints: Expect frequent police and military checkpoints. Your permits will be checked. Your guide handles these interactions.

Border Crossing Nepal

It is feasible to enter or exit Tibet by land from Nepal via Gyirong Port. This entails a scenic but extended and sometimes challenging overland journey.

Nepal Border Travel

You still need all required Tibetan permits.
You must be part of an organized tour.
This is a popular option for travelers combining Tibet and Nepal.

Self-Driving & Public Buses

Foreigners are not permitted to self-drive in Tibet. Long-distance public buses are also generally restricted for overseas travelers to remote areas.

Regulations for Foreigners

Self-Driving: Not permitted. All travel must occur with an official Tibetan driver and tour guide.
Public Buses: Generally not permitted for foreigners traveling to remote areas like Mount Kailash.
Compliance: All overland travel to Kailash must occur with a tour operator's private vehicle and guide to comply with regulations.

Important Travel Restrictions

Foreigners are not permitted to self-drive in Tibet.
International driving permits are not recognized for independent driving.
Public transportation to remote areas like Kailash is generally not an option for foreign tourists.

Your tour driver manages all driving laws and conditions, ensuring safe travel.
Be aware of weather-related road blocks during monsoon and winter seasons.
Expect frequent checkpoints where permits is set to be verified.

Getting There: Sea/River Arrivals

No Sea or Major River Access

Tibet is a landlocked region, with no sea or major a way to the river for international travel.

Travel Mode Exclusions

International travel to Tibet by sea is not possible.
Major river getting around for foreign visitors is not an option.
Your journey will involve air and land transportation inside the region.

Local Water Transportation

Local water activities are limited to specific areas for scenic purposes, not general transport.

Lake Manasarovar Boats

Boat rides are available on Lake Manasarovar.
These are generally arranged by your tour guide for scenic purposes.
They provide an unique perspective of the sacred lake and surrounding landscape.

Important Note

This section is not relevant for Mount Kailash or Tibet as it is a landlocked region.

Clarification

Go by sea or major river is not a mode of transport to or from Tibet.

Focus on Air & Land

Concentrate on planning your journey via air into Lhasa and land transport with your tour operator.

Getting Away: Departure Information

Exit Fees & Procedures

There are no specific departure taxes for exiting Tibet or China. All flight taxes are typically included in your ticket price.

Departure Process

Airport (Lhasa Gonggar LXA): Arrive 2-3 hours before domestic flights; 3-4 hours for direct international flights.
Train Station (Lhasa Train Terminal): Arrive at least 1 hour before departure.
Permit Check: Your Tibet Travel Permit will be checked upon departure. Your tour guide assists with the help of this.

Airport/Station Facilities

Lhasa Gonggar Airport provides basic facilities for departing passengers. These include shops, dining options, and waiting areas.

Passenger Amenities

Lhasa Gonggar Airport: Shops, dining options, waiting areas.
Lhasa Rail Depot: Waiting rooms, small shops, food stalls.
These facilities are sufficient for pre-departure needs.

Departure Tips

Time Allowance

Allow extra time for potential security checks and the slower pace connected to altitude at the airport.

Guide Assistance

Your tour guide will be present to assist with the whole departure procedures, including permit checks.

Baggage & Customs

Verify that all your belongings are accounted for and follow customs regulations.

How to Get to Mount Kailash