Transport · Airports · RKZ
日喀则和平机场 · RKZ / ZURK. The high-altitude airport serving Shigatse — Tibet's second city, home to the Tashilhunpo Monastery and base for visits toward Everest Base Camp and the Nepal border.
About this airport
Shigatse Peace Airport is a civilian-military dual-use facility at approximately 3,782 metres elevation in the Shigatse district of Tibet Autonomous Region. Shigatse is Tibet's second city and the seat of the Panchen Lama — the Tashilhunpo Monastery, founded by the First Dalai Lama in 1447 and the traditional residence of the Panchen Lamas, is the city's defining institution and one of the largest functioning monasteries in Tibet.
Tibet Travel Permit requirements apply for most foreign nationals. This permit must be arranged through a registered Tibet travel agency and cannot be obtained independently — tour group status is typically required for the permit to be valid. Additional Alien Travel Permits are required for travel toward the Nepal border, Everest Base Camp, and certain restricted areas. Confirm current requirements before booking.
Flights connect primarily from Lhasa (Gonggar Airport) and some cities such as Chengdu [VERIFY: current routes — May 2026]. The short flight from Lhasa to Shigatse avoids the road journey across the Tibetan plateau, which is an impressive but long drive.
From Shigatse, the Friendship Highway continues southwest toward the Nepal border at Zhangmu/Rasuwagadhi (approximately 5 hours) and to Everest Base Camp (approximately 4 hours) via the Rongbuk Monastery approach. The Sakya Monastery — an imposing fortress-monastery of the Sakyapa sect — is approximately 140 km west.
Terminals
Single military-civilian terminal at approximately 3,782 m elevation.
Transit to the city
Shuttle or taxi to Shigatse city approximately 40 minutes [VERIFY: current transport — May 2026].
Priority Pass lounges
No Priority Pass lounges confirmed at this airport.
Food
Very limited. Basic snacks at altitude.
Sleep options
No airside hotel.
Transit visa-free rules
No TWOV programme. Tibet Travel Permit required for most foreign nationals. Some areas near the Nepal border require additional Alien Travel Permits [VERIFY: current requirements — May 2026].