Mount Everest, towering at 8,848 meters above sea level, is the ultimate dream destination for adventurers, mountaineers, and armchair travelers alike. Straddling the border between Nepal and China (Tibet), Everest draws visitors from every corner of the globe. Is it possible to fly to Mount Everest? What are the nearest airports to Everest in Nepal and Tibet (China)? You’ll find the answer here.
Flying to Everest from Nepal
1. Lukla Airport: Your Gateway to Everest Base Camp (Approx. 30 km)
Lukla Airport (Tenzing-Hillary Airport), perched at 2,860 meters above sea level, is hands-down the closest airport to Mount Everest on the Nepal side. Just about 30 kilometers as the crow flies from Everest’s summit and roughly 65 kilometers by foot to Everest Base Camp, Lukla serves as the traditional launchpad for the Everest Base Camp trek.
Despite its allure, Lukla’s runway is notoriously short—only 527 meters in length and about 20 meters wide. One end of the runway slopes steeply upward into the hillside, while the other drops off precipitously into the valley below. Pilots require special certification and deft skill to land here, earning Lukla its reputation as one of the world’s most dangerous airports.
Each day, approximately 20–30 flights connect Kathmandu and Lukla, operated by several domestic carriers. Flights depart early in the morning to take advantage of clearer weather windows before mountain clouds gather. Although weather delays and cancellations are common—especially during monsoon season—planning your trek during peak trekking months (March–May, September–November) offers the best chance of smooth operations.
Trekking from Lukla to Everest Base Camp
Once you land in Lukla, you’ll embark on a dynamic 10–14 day trek to Everest Base Camp. This classic route winds through Sherpa villages, rhododendron forests, and high mountain passes such as the renowned 5,545-meter-high Kongma La or the more popular Cho La Pass, depending on your chosen itinerary. Along the way, you’ll stop at Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) for acclimatization and visit Tengboche Monastery, the spiritual heart of the Khumbu region. Trekkers typically budget for moderate accommodations (tea houses) and meals as they ascend, culminating in an unforgettable sunrise at Everest Base Camp.
For those pressed for time or who prefer to skip the multi-day trek, helicopter flights from Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp provide a thrilling alternative. These scenic tours—lasting 1 to 2 hours round-trip—land at the famed Kala Patthar viewpoint (5,545 m), granting unparalleled close-up vistas of Everest’s north face, Lhotse, Nuptse, and more. Though the cost (USD 1,000–1,500 per person) can be steep, the aerial perspective and photo opportunities are second to none.
Tourist photos at Everest Base Camp
Flying to Everest from Tibet (China)
On the northern flank of Everest, the Tibetan side offers a different flavor of adventure, with several new airport options opening up access to the remote region.
2. Shigatse Tingri Airport: Closest Airstrip to North EBC (Approx. 52 km)
Shigatse Tingri Airport, inaugurated in 2022, sits at an elevation of around 4,000 meters, adjacent to China National Highway G219. It lies approximately 52 kilometers southwest of North Everest Base Camp (EBC), making it the closest nascent airport to the base camp on the Tibetan side.
At present, the only scheduled service is a Chengdu–Tingri route, with a layover in Lhasa on the return leg. Due to limited flight frequency and irregular scheduling, Tingri Airport remains a niche choice. Its proximity to EBC is offset by the challenges of sparse ground infrastructure and abrupt altitude changes, which increase the risk of acute mountain sickness.
Despite its constraints, Tingri Airport can appeal to seasoned travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience. If you value minimal road travel and have a flexible schedule, flying into Tingri and organizing local transport (private vehicles or jeep convoys) to EBC could shave a day or two off the traditional Lhasa–Shigatse road journey. However, most visitors still favor other Tibetan airports for reliability.
3. Shigatse Peace Airport: Accessible from Mainland China (Approx. 390 km)
Also known as Shigatse Pala Airport, Shigatse Peace Airport lies some 390 kilometers from Everest Base Camp. While farther away than Tingri, it compensates with established connections to major Chinese cities, making it the most practical “northern gateway” to Everest for travelers departing from China.
Flight Connections
- Chengdu ↔ Shigatse: Daily service (TV9976 departs at 06:35, arriving at 09:10; return TV9975 departs 09:50, lands 11:50).
- Chongqing ↔ Shigatse: Triweekly flights (PN6449 departs 06:00, arrives 09:10; PN6450 returns 09:50, lands 12:30).
- Xi’an ↔ Shigatse: Multiple weekly options (TV6059, MU6863, TV6060, MU6864), with flight times ranging from 3 to 3.5 hours.
Flight Schedule at a Glance
| Route | Flight No. | Departure | Arrival | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chengdu–Shigatse | TV9976 | 06:35 | 09:10 | 2h 35m |
| Shigatse–Chengdu | TV9975 | 09:50 | 11:50 | 2h |
| Chongqing–Shigatse | PN6449 | 06:00 | 09:10 | 3h 10m |
| Shigatse–Chongqing | PN6450 | 09:50 | 12:30 | 2h 40m |
| Xi’an–Shigatse | TV6059 | 06:40 | 10:10 | 3h 30m |
| Xi’an–Shigatse | MU6863 | 10:45 | 14:20 | 3h 35m |
| Shigatse–Xi’an | TV6060 | 10:50 | 13:45 | 2h 55m |
| Shigatse–Xi’an | MU6864 | 15:00 | 18:05 | 3h 05m |
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Regular connections to Chengdu, Chongqing, and Xi’an; modern terminal facilities; reliable mountain-lapped approach.
- Cons: Longer overland journey to EBC; significant altitude gain in a short time; need to arrange ground transport (approx. 2-day drive via Lhasa–Gyantse–Shigatse–Rongbuk route) or internal flights to Tingri.
Everest Base Camp
4. Lhasa Gonggar International Airport: Major Hub, Farther Afield (Approx. 562 km)
Lhasa Gonggar Airport, serving the Tibetan capital, sits at 3,570 meters elevation and is the primary aviation hub for Tibet. It offers domestic flights from Beijing, Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi’an, and even international service from Kathmandu, Nepal.
Although Lhasa Gonggar is nearly 562 kilometers from Everest Base Camp, it remains the most common entry point for visitors to Tibet. The scenic overland journey along Highway G318 unfolds over 9–10 hours, passing Yamdrok Lake’s turquoise expanse and windswept plains beneath the looming peaks of the Himalaya.
Recommended Itinerary
To minimize altitude stress and maximize cultural immersion, consider China Dragon Travel’s 8-Day Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Tour:
- Lhasa Arrival
- Downtown Lhasa: Potala Palace — Jokhang Temple — Barkhor Street
- Lhasa — Yamdrok Lake — Karola Glacier — Shigatse
- Shigatse — Tingri — E.B.C.
- E.B.C. — Tingri — Shigatse
- Shigatse — Tashilunpo Monastery — Lhasa
- Lhasa — Namtso Lake — Northern Tibet Grassland — Lhasa
- Lhasa Departure
Insider Tips for Flying to Everest
Choose Your Adventure:
- Trek Classic: Fly Kathmandu → Lukla, then trek to Base Camp (10–14 days).
- Heli Experience: Helicopter Kathmandu → Kala Patthar → Kathmandu (1–2 hours).
- Road + Flight: Fly Chengdu/Chongqing/Xi’an → Shigatse → overland to EBC (8–10 days).
- Fast Track: Fly Chengdu → Tingri → jeep convoy → EBC (5–7 days).
Altitude Acclimatization:
Plan 2–3 rest days in Kathmandu (1,400 m) or Lhasa (3,650 m) to stave off altitude sickness. Hydrate constantly, avoid overexertion, and consider medication like acetazolamide.
Book Early:
- Lukla flights fill up quickly during trekking seasons (March–May, September–November).
- Tibetan permits require advance application—allow at least 2–4 weeks.
Seasonal Windows:
- Nepal Trekking: Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November) provide stable weather and clear mountain views.
- Tibet Touring: April–May and September–October offer mild temperatures and minimal rainfall.
Permits & Visas:
- Nepal’s TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card and Sagarmatha National Park permit are mandatory.
- For Tibet, you must secure a Chinese visa and a Tibet Travel Permit before entering. China Dragon Travel handles all permit paperwork, ensuring a seamless journey.
Lukla Airport remains the quintessential launch point for the classic Nepal trek, while Shigatse’s emerging airstrips and Lhasa Gonggar’s international connections open fresh options on the Tibetan side.
Ready to turn your Mount Everest aspirations into reality? China Dragon Travel specializes in tailor-made Everest expeditions and comprehensive Tibet tour packages. From securing your permits to arranging comfortable accommodations, our expert team will guide you every step of the way – so you can focus on the awe-inspiring journey ahead.
