Ngari Gunsa Airport (NGQ)
Shiquanhe, CN 🇨🇳 Medium Airport Scheduled Service
ICAO
ZUAL
IATA
NGQ
Elevation
14022 ft
Region
CN-54
Local Time
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GPS Code: ZUAL
Local Code: Not available
Location: 32.09794° N, 80.053971° E
Continent: Asia
Type: Medium Airport
Keywords: Ali Airport
What Travelers Say
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Online Reviews Summary
Traveler sentiment at Ngari Gunsa Airport (ZUAL (NGQ)) appears to be largely positive, primarily due to the airport's crucial role in providing significantly improved and faster access to the remote Ngari Prefecture, especially to sacred sites like Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar. While direct traveler reviews with personal anecdotes are limited, the available information suggests a generally efficient operation, particularly concerning security and immigration processes.
What Travelers Love
- Access to Sacred Sites: The airport is highly valued for dramatically shortening travel times to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, making pilgrimage and tourism to this once-isolated region much more feasible.
- Efficient Security and Immigration: Travelers can expect short wait times for both security checkpoints and passport control, with current estimates often around 7-8 minutes for each, indicating a smooth processing experience.
- High-Altitude Operational Capability: As one of the highest airports in the world, its ability to operate effectively in challenging high-altitude conditions is a notable strength, enabling air travel to this remote region.
- Essential Facilities and Services: The compact terminal offers essential travel services, including check-in, baggage claim, waiting areas, and VIP lounges with amenities like warm refreshments and free Wi-Fi, designed for comfort in the high-altitude environment.
Common Complaints
- Altitude Sickness Risk: A significant concern for travelers flying into Ngari is the high altitude (4,274 meters or 14,022 feet), which carries a substantial risk of altitude sickness. Overland travel is often recommended as an alternative to mitigate this.
- Limited Independent Travel for Foreigners: International tourists are generally not permitted to travel independently in Tibet and must arrange tours with local agencies, including transportation from the airport.
- Lack of Direct Shuttle to Key Sites: While the airport facilitates access, there is no direct shuttle bus service between Ngari Gunsa Airport and Mount Kailash (Darchen), requiring travelers to arrange private transfers or use tour agency services for this leg of the journey.
- Transportation Limitations: Beyond organized tours, options for ground transportation from the airport can be limited, though airport shuttle buses to Shiquanhe Town and car rentals/taxis are available.
Ngari Gunsa Airport serves as a vital gateway to one of Tibet's most revered and geographically challenging regions, significantly improving accessibility for pilgrims and tourists. While its primary strength lies in connecting this remote area with major cities and offering efficient airport processes, travelers should be well-prepared for the high altitude and plan their onward transportation carefully, especially if visiting Mount Kailash or Lake Manasarovar.
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Airport Routes
Ngari Gunsa Airport (NGQ) offers 6 flight routes operated by 3 airlines. Major carriers include Tibet Airlines, Lucky Air and China Eastern. Popular destinations from Shiquanhe include Kashgar (Kashi), Lhasa Gonggar, Chengdu Tianfu Int'l and Shache Airport.
Route Network Map
Top Routes (by observations)
Newly Discovered
Popular Flight Routes
| Destination | IATA | City | Aircraft Type | Airline | Details | Route Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Top Airlines
Operating at Ngari Gunsa AirportAirlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network| Airline | Routes | Flights | Destinations | Last Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Tibet Airlines
TBA
/ TV
|
4 | 15 | 4 | Jan 2, 2026 |
Lucky Air
LKE
/ 8L
|
1 | 3 | 1 | Aug 14, 2025 |
China Eastern
CES
/ MU
|
1 | 2 | 1 | Jan 2, 2026 |
For Pilots
| Designation | Length | Width | Surface | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
15/33 |
14764 ft | - ft | ASP | Active |
| Type | Description | Frequency |
|---|
Ground Transportation
Taxis
Pre-arranged private transfers are the most common and recommended option. Due to the airport's remote location (about 45 km from Shiquanhe town), it is highly advisable to book a vehicle in advance through your hotel or tour operator. For international tourists, transportation is almost always included as part of a mandatory, pre-arranged tour package.
Rental Cars
Standard self-drive car rental services are not available at Ngari Gunsa Airport. Foreign travelers are generally not permitted to drive in Tibet. Renting a vehicle with a private driver is possible but must be organized in advance, typically as part of a tour package arranged through a licensed travel agency.
Public Transportation
There are no regular public bus or train routes serving the airport. An airport shuttle bus service typically runs between the airport and the main town of Shiquanhe. The schedule is limited and coordinated directly with flight arrivals and departures.