Ngari Gunsa Airport: Gateway to the Roof of the World

Elevating Travel to New Heights

Ngari Gunsa Airport, situated southwest of Shiquanhe Town, commenced construction in May 2007 and officially started operations on July 1, 2010. Perched at an altitude of 4,274 meters, it ranks as the third highest airport globally, only surpassed by Qamdo Bamda Airport (4,334 meters) and Sichuan Kangding Airport (4,280 meters). The airport boasts a 4,500-meter-long and 60-meter-wide runway, accommodating high-altitude aircraft like the Airbus A319.

The terminal building spans approximately 3,900 square meters, with an annual passenger throughput capacity of 120,000. The airport leverages satellite-based RNP precision navigation technology, significantly reducing delays and diversions due to weather, thus bolstering air transport capabilities for passengers and cargo. The operation of this airport is critically important for local economic development, especially for boosting tourism.

Travel Tips for Visitors

Flight Connectivity

• The flight from Chengdu to Ngari, including stopover time, takes about 4.5 hours, while the flight from Ngari to Lhasa is a mere 1.5-hour journey, offering great convenience. China Eastern Airlines has introduced a Xi’an—Lhasa—Ngari route.

High Altitude Considerations

• Given the airport’s high altitude, the oxygen level is lower, reducing aircraft performance by around 40%. The complex climate, with winds exceeding grade 8 for 120 days a year, requires planes to navigate through valleys for takeoff and landing.
• Alternative airports are significantly distant, with Hotan Airport in Xinjiang 550 km away and Lhasa Gonggar Airport 1,100 km away, making flights as challenging as those to and from Linzhi Airport.

Exploring Ngari from the Airport

Several travel routes originate from Gunsa Airport, enabling visitors to explore the wonders of Ngari:

1. Gunsa Airport to Shiquanhe Town (50 km) to Rutog (120 km) and back to Shiquanhe Town (120 km).
2. Gunsa Airport to Holy Mountain and Lake (210 km) to Guoqiong Monastery (100 km) and back to Shiquanhe Town (360 km).
3. Gunsa Airport to Zanda County (180 km) to Ruins of the Guge Kingdom (20 km) and back to Shiquanhe Town (240 km).
4. Gunsa Airport to Holy Mountain and Lake (210 km) to Zanda County (220 km) to Ruins of the Guge Kingdom (20 km) and back to Shiquanhe Town (240 km).
5. Gunsa Airport to Shiquanhe Town (50 km) to Ge’gyai (120 km) to Gaize (385 km) to Tso (100 km) to Coqen (184 km) and back to Shiquanhe Town (789 km).

Embarking on a journey to Ngari’s vast landscapes becomes an adventure with the strategic location of Gunsa Airport, offering visitors a unique gateway to explore the highest plateaus and the mystical charm of Tibet.

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