Xigaze Peace Airport / Shigatse Air Base (RKZ)
Xigazê (Samzhubzê), CN 🇨🇳 Medium Airport Scheduled Service
ICAO
ZURK
IATA
RKZ
Elevation
3782 ft
Region
CN-54
Local Time
Loading...
Loading...Airport Information
GPS Code: ZURK
Local Code: Not available
Location: 29.3519° N, 89.311401° E
Continent: Asia
Type: Medium Airport
What Travelers Say
Share Your Tip
Help fellow travelers by sharing your experience at Xigaze Peace Airport / Shigatse Air Base. Tips are reviewed before publishing.
Online Reviews Summary
Xigaze Peace Airport (ZURK (RKZ)), also known as Shigatse Air Base, is primarily recognized as a crucial gateway for travelers to the Everest region and other significant sites in Tibet. Traveler sentiment, while not extensively detailed in direct reviews, generally highlights the airport's strategic importance and convenience for accessing high-altitude destinations. Recent developments and ongoing upgrades suggest an effort to enhance the overall passenger experience and connectivity.
What Travelers Love
- Proximity to Everest Base Camp: The airport is the closest to Everest Base Camp, making it a highly convenient option for travelers looking to reduce travel time to the famous mountain.
- Modern Facilities and Amenities: Despite its high-altitude location, the airport is equipped with modern facilities designed to meet traveler needs. Recent upgrades, completed by August 2024, included renovations to the terminal building and the addition of boarding bridges.
- Oxygen Systems for Altitude Sickness: Oxygen systems are installed within the airport to help alleviate discomfort for travelers arriving at the high elevation.
- Improved Transportation Connections: A special expressway connecting the airport to Shigatse city, opened in 2017, significantly reduced travel time to approximately 50 minutes. Airport shuttle buses and taxis are also available.
Common Complaints
- Limited Direct International Flights: The airport primarily handles domestic flights, connecting to major Chinese cities such as Chengdu, Chongqing, and Xi'an, with no direct international routes. Foreign travelers must first arrive in mainland China and then transfer.
- High Altitude and Challenging Conditions: Situated at an elevation of 3,782 meters (12,408 ft), it is one of the highest airports in the world, which can pose challenges due to thin air and fickle weather.
- Mandatory Tibet Travel Permit: Obtaining a Tibet Travel Permit is a strict requirement for all foreign travelers flying into Tibet, and it is checked upon check-in and arrival at the airport. This process can add complexity to travel planning.
Xigaze Peace Airport offers a unique and increasingly accessible entry point to the Tibetan plateau, especially for those venturing to Mount Everest. While direct traveler reviews are not widely available, the focus on modernizing facilities and providing essential amenities for high-altitude travel suggests a commitment to a functional and comfortable experience, despite the logistical challenges of its remote location and specific travel regulations.
Researching traveler experiences online...
Community Tips
No community tips yet for Xigaze Peace Airport / Shigatse Air Base.
Be the first to share a helpful tip for fellow travelers!
Current Weather Conditions
Loading weather data...
Airport Routes
Xigaze Peace Airport / Shigatse Air Base (RKZ) offers 5 flight routes operated by 2 airlines. Major carriers include Tibet Airlines and China Eastern. Popular destinations from Xigazê (Samzhubzê) include Xi'an Xianyang Int'l, Xining Caojiabu, Chengdu Tianfu Int'l and Chengdu Shuangliu Int'l.
Route Network Map
Top Routes (by observations)
Newly Discovered
Popular Flight Routes
| Destination | IATA | City | Aircraft Type | Airline | Details | Route Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Loading...
Loading routes...
|
||||||
Top Airlines
Operating at Xigaze Peace Airport / Shigatse Air BaseAirlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network| Airline | Routes | Flights | Destinations | Last Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Tibet Airlines
TBA
/ TV
|
4 | 7 | 4 | Dec 6, 2025 |
China Eastern
CES
/ MU
|
1 | 1 | 1 | Dec 6, 2025 |
For Pilots
| Designation | Length | Width | Surface | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
07/25 |
9843 ft | 35 ft | CON | Active |
09/27 |
16404 ft | 197 ft | CON | Active |
| Type | Description | Frequency |
|---|
Ground Transportation
Taxis
Taxis are available outside the terminal. The airport is located about 45 km (28 miles) from Shigatse city center, and the ride takes approximately one hour. It is advisable to negotiate the fare with the driver before beginning the journey, as meters may not always be used. Pre-arranging a pickup through your hotel or tour agency is also a reliable option.
Rental Cars
Self-drive car rentals are generally not an option for foreign tourists in the Tibet Autonomous Region due to strict travel regulations. Travel for non-Chinese passport holders must be pre-arranged through a licensed travel agency, which includes a private vehicle with a dedicated driver and a tour guide.
Public Transportation
An official airport shuttle bus service connects the airport to Shigatse city. The bus schedule is timed to coincide with flight arrivals and departures, making it a convenient and the most economical option. The bus journey takes about 60-70 minutes and typically drops passengers off at the CAAC (Civil Aviation Administration of China) ticket office in the city.
Nearby Airports
External Links & Resources
Official Resources
Public Transportation