Highlights of Lhasa to Kailash via Ngari Gunsa Airport
- Avoid the long overland journey by choosing a smooth flight. Save several days compared to the overland route.
- Experience a scenic flight from Lhasa to Ngari Gunsa Airport. Witness breathtaking views of the Himalayas.
- Explore must-visit sites in Lhasa such as Potala Palace, Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Bazaar.
- Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Lake Mansarovar. Bath, meditate, and perform rituals by the lake. Also, have the option to hike to the spectacular monastery called Chui Gompa Monastery.
- Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime experience by undertaking the sacred 3-day trek around Mount Kailash passing Dolma La Pass.
- Witness the different faces of the sacred Mount Kailash during Kailash Parikrama.
- Relish the warm Tibetan hospitality.
Overview
Lhasa to Kailash tour via Ngari Gunsa Ali Airport is the best way to embark on your Kailash Mansarovar journey. Among the various Kailash Mansarovar tour routes, this stands out because it reduces your travel time compared to long overland journeys like the standard Lhasa to Mount Kailash Tour. Moreover, it gives you a very comfortable experience by avoiding long drives.
The tour begins in Lhasa after you arrive at the Gonggar Airport or the train station. From there, you experience a scenic drive to your hotel in Lhasa and rest for the day. You spend three days in Lhasa, exploring and acclimatizing.
After a few days of sightseeing Lhasa, you set out for the most awaited Kailash journey with a thrilling 90-minute flight to Ngari Gunsa Airport. The himalayas views are exceptional from the air. Once you land, the journey continues with a beautiful drive about 200km to Darchen, the gateway to Mount Kailash. From Darchen, a short drive will take you to Lake Mansarovar. You’ll have ample time to soak in the surroundings of this holy lake. In addition, you can hike up to Chui Gompa Monastery and get a mesmerizing view of the lake.
Then comes the most challenging yet highly rewarding part of the journey: Kailash Parikrama or Kailash Kora which is a three-day trek around Mount Kailash. The first day of the parikrama starts with an easy hike to Derapuk which is about 20 km. You hike through incredible landscapes and get to see the sight of Mount Kailash’s south face. The highlight of this day is catching a glimpse of Kailash’s north face during the sunset.
The second day is the toughest as it includes passing the Dolma La Pass which stands at 5,600 meters. Although it’s a challenging ascent, the views and feeling after you cross the pass make it worthwhile. From the pass, it’s a descent followed by a flat trail to Juthulpuk.
Finally, the third day marks the end of the kora. It’s an 14 km trek back to Darchen. Then, you’ll return to Ngaro Gunsa Airport for your flight back to Lhasa. In Lhasa, you’ll have a day to rest and savor your last moments in Tibet before departing the following day.
If you want to explore Kailash more, you can also choose Inner Kora trek which will take you closer to Mount Kailash. For further details on the Kora, kindly go through our blog: Mount Kailash Inner Kora vs Outer Kora: Which One Is For You?
Why Choose Lhasa-Kailash Tour via Ngari Gunsa Ali Airport Instead of the Standard Lhasa to Kailash Mansarovar Tour?
The standard Lhasa to Kailash Mansarovar overland tour is an adventure in its own right, however, requires traveling in a four-wheeler for long hours which may not be enjoyable for some.
On the contrary, the journey via Ngari Gunsa Ali airport is for those who prefer a more efficient and comfortable experience.
The major benefit of choosing this route is that it saves you several days of travel. The overland journey from Lhasa to Mount Kailash takes multiple days of long drives. However, with the Ngari Gunsa Ali flight route, a scenic 90-minute flight will directly take you to the base of the Kailash Parikrama, Darchen. (It’s just a 4-5 hrs drive from Ngari Gunsa Ali Airport to Darchen) This cuts down the days of road travel.
No doubt, driving for several days can be physically demanding, and long hours of driving can take a toll on even the ones who are used to the roads. The flight minuses this challenge and makes the journey much more comfortable.
The flight gives you an unmatched scenic experience as you get an incredible view of the breathtaking scenery and himalayas from the air. Since this route saves your time, it allows to dedicate more energy to the major highlights of the journey such as Lake Mansarovar, Kailash Parikrama, and Mount Kailash.
After all, the Lhasa to Kailash Tour via Ngari Gunsa Ali Airport is perfect for the ones who value efficiency and comfort.
We, Dream Tibet, offer flight options from Kathmandu to Lhasa, as well as from Ngari Gunsa Airport to Lhasa or an overland option from Kailash to Kathmandu.
