Kangding Airport transport / Litang weather in November

hello
friend,about the transportation,kangding airport is the second higest altitude in the world, if you travel with u friend,you can hire a bus,it is convenient for you,pick you up in the airport ,and direct you to the scenic spots,of course,it will save more time.due to the climate,the vegetable is not very enough,so the accomadation maybe cost more.the chengdu to kangding airport will set out in the morning.the weather in nov,it will be lesser cold than you said,just bringing some outer coat with you will be ok.
you are indeed right,there are sunny sky during the year,Tibet is plateau climate.the cloud and the air is thin,so the sunshine is strong,

Q: Is there a direct minivan/bus to Kangding?
A: There is always some sort of transport available in both directions - pretty much guaranteed - but your at the whim of the driver and waiting for a full load etc.

Q: Is there any minivan/bus from the airport to Tagong or at least to that turn off for Tagong (Xinduqiao I think)?
A: As above. But you don't need to go all the way round through Xinduqiao to get to Tagong - there is a much shorter route via Dorakharmo.

Q: Coming from Litang to Kangding, is the airport close to the main road so I could get off the bus at the airport?
A: The airport is actually in the middle of nowhere and its a bit of a stretch to call at "Kangding Airport" It is not on the main road from Litang at all! To be honest its hardly worth the hassle of flying - why not just jump a bus to Chengdu from Kangding?

Q: Is there any accomodation just near the airport? Dare I say budget accomodation?
A: Last year there was only a few nomad tents nearby!! Perhaps there is accomodation there now - but why stay near the airport? Its not very inspiring!!

Q: Do they fly all year Chengdu to/from Kangding?
A: Summer = yes. Winter = no but maybe! depends on demand and weather.

Q: About weather in Litang:
I've been to Litang a couple times in the summer so I know what the weather's like then.
How's the weather there in late November? I'm guessing pretty darn cold.
Would it be worth going then?
A: weather is cold but fall colours are amazing and if you are well equiped at can be a wonderful time of year to travel.

Q: Are there sunny blue skies at all during that time of year?
A: Yes.....blue sky often pops out. Its classic mixed fall mountain weather - be prepared for anything!!

Q: I know that Lhasa has nice blue skies even in January, but I also know that the climate is pretty different in Kham. Does anybody have any experience over there in late November?
A: Kham weather is generally wetter and wilder than Lhasa - but you're asking for a very broad generalization!

Overall - travelling to Kham in November is recommended. Weather is generally drier than the wet summer months and there a far fewer tourists. Bring your winter woolies!! If you want to get off the beaten track - its a great time to go.

Thanks for all the info! The reason for flying is mainly time constraints. We'll probably take the bus though to acclimate. I've got more questions coming on a new thread about this region.

You don't win much time by flying, unless the Chengdu-Kangding road is washed out or under heavy repair. Kangding-airport is not much more than a single landing strip and it's a looong ride from Kangding. At least 2 hours on a very bumpy mountainroad. It's kind of rediculous to fly from Chengdu (500 m) to Kangding airport (4300 m). That's a big bang for any person! Potentially dangerous even, were it not that Kangding is almost 2000 m lower! (Tagong at 3700 meter would be ok too, but you'll be dizzy at least).

So, if you fly you need to go to chengdu airport which takes about 1 hour (if you're on the wrong side of the city). Then you have to be at least 1 hour in advance for your flight. Then the flight is say 1 hour (including boarding and getting off). Once arrived you will take at least 2 hours on a bus, but you probably will not leave immediately and also this road can be washed out and take way much longer. So at least it's gonna take you 5-6 hours fro Chengdu to Kangding if you fly. The Chengdu-Kangding road takes about 8 hours if it's normally accessible... Then I didn't mention the price difference.....

Very beautiful area though. Was there again last summer and did a great 4-day trek in the shadow of mighty Gongga Shan and saw a Horse race festival a on the Tagong grasslands, a couple of hours hiking from the village. Fantastic!

I totally agree! Flying to Kangding Airport is a rather pointless exercise..... Flying out may be more efficient if you plan your travel appropriately - but for all the hassle you may as well take the bus or shared van.