Chengdu to Shigatse Flights

Being the second-largest city in Tibet, Shigatse once served as the religious and cultural center of Tibet. With numerous peaceful monasteries and mesmerizing natural wonders, Shigatse is a popular travel destination for travelers. This city is about 260 kilometers away from Lhasa. Due to road conditions, it often takes about 4 hours to drive from Lhasa. The air traffic between Chengdu (CTU) and Shigatse (RKZ) greatly improved local tourism development.

Flight Info

• Distance: 1,469 kilometers (913 miles)
• Flight Duration: 2.5 hours to 3 hours
• Frequency:  1 to 2 flights per day
• Major Airlines: Tibetan Airlines, Air China
• Ticket Average Price: 1,890 CNY
• Airport Name and IATA Code: Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU), Shigatse Peace Airport (RKZ)
• Increase in altitude: 500 m (Chengdu) to 3,782 m (Shigatse).

Chengdu to Shigatse Flight Schedule

Shigatse to Chengdu Flight Schedule

Please Note:

There might be a change in the flights and fares because of seasonal and climate change. Contact us to get a better and more detailed flight schedule. Ensure you have a Tibet Travel Permit before you reach the airport.

FAQs

What is the perfect time to plan a trip from Chengdu to Shigatse?

May to October is the ideal time to visit Shigatse. The incredibly humid temperature of the place due to the elevation is a great benefit. The summers are rough and wet, while the winter is dry and windy. Though from July to August, the heavy rains may become a source of some obstacles to smooth transportation. If you want to trek to Mt. Everest, May to October except July and August is the best time. May and June are the best times to climb Mount Everest and other high mountains. During this period, many adventurous travelers and climbing enthusiasts will go to Shigatse.

In addition, Shigatse has many religious buildings and temples, including the famous Tashilhunpo Monastery, Shalu Monastery, and Sakya Monastery. These places are not affected by the weather and can be visited at any time. So you can determine the time of your visit based on the tourist sites you want to visit.

What should you be taking for a flight from Chengdu to Shigatse?

An official permit known as the Tibet Travel Permit (Tibet Visa/Tibet entry permit) is required for traveling in Tibet. According to regulations, all foreign tourists must obtain a Tibet Entry Permit before entering Tibet. Before boarding the plane to Tibet, your Tibet entry permit and Chinese visa will be checked at the airport.

Without a travel permit, no one will be allowed to enter Tibet. So, ensure you have the file before taking a flight. Your passport and China Visa are also required.

What about Shigatse Peace Airport?

Shigatse Airport is 3,783 meters above sea level and is the fifth-highest airport in China. It is 43 kilometers away from Shigatse city.  The airport is located in the hinterland of the Tibetan Plateau, where the air is thin and the weather changes drastically. The altitude of the ridges on both sides of the runway is 3,800 to 4,500 meters. The ridge areas are covered with snow all year round. The take-off and landing routes are complex, making flying difficult.

It's the only airport in Shigatse Prefecture. That means if you want to visit Mt.Everest, the closest airport is Shigatse Peace Airport.

How to reach Shigatse from Lhasa?

Lhasa is a beautiful place in southwest Tibet. Lhasa is at a distance of about 260 km from Shigatse.

By train: 2 trains run daily between Shigatse and Lhasa. The journey takes around 3 hours.

By road: Travellers can opt for one of the two highways between Lhasa and Shigatse.

What other city in Tibet can I fly to apart from Shigatse?

Besides Shigatse, tourists can easily get a flight to Lhasa or Nyingchi from Chengdu. However, the Chengdu to Lhasa flight is the most popular choice for many tourists entering Tibet. During peak tourist season, there are more than 20 flights from Chengdu to Lhasa, so tourists can make flexible arrangements according to their travel schedule.

You may also consider flying to Nyingchi from Chengdu, as it can help you adapt to the altitude better. In addition,  Nyingchi has rich natural tourist resources like Draksum Lake, Lulang forest, etc.

How to prevent high altitude sickness when traveling around Tibet?

Altitude sickness can lead to a lot of serious effects on the body. Very basic effects include headache, chest tightness, asthma, lack of strength, drowsiness, or insomnia. In more severe cases, symptoms such as edema, severe cough, and high fever may occur. Usually, new visitors to Tibet suffer from altitude sickness to some degree.  You are suggested to stay at least 2 days in Shigatse before moving forward. During the 2 days, don't move strenuously. Also, try not to shower as it may cause a cold. When traveling in Tibet, tourists can bring some medicines to resist altitude sickness and ensure a comfortable sleep, such as Rhodiola rosea.