The fastest way into Ngari is by air to Ngari Gunsa Airport (Gar Gunsa, IATA: NGQ), which has direct flights to Lhasa several times a week. The airport sits at 4,274 metres, making it one of the highest commercial airports in the world. Weather cancellations are common, particularly in winter, so build flexibility into any itinerary.
Overland from Lhasa takes at least six days by hired four-wheel drive: west along the Friendship Highway through Shigatse and then southwest via Saga and the northern route to Ali. The alternative approach along the G219 from Kashgar is one of the world's great high-altitude road journeys — over 1,000 kilometres of remote desert and passes above 5,000 metres — but requires prior preparation, a self-sufficient vehicle, and a guide. All visitors to Ngari need the standard Tibet Travel Permit plus an Aliens' Travel Permit, and areas near the Indian border including Mount Kailash require an additional Military Permit.