How to Visit Shigatse?

Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet, offers a blend of natural beauty, deep spirituality, and rich culture. But there's more to Shigatse than just the city itself. The region is also known as Shigatse Prefecture, which spans an area of 182,000 square kilometers and boasts an average elevation of 4,000 meters (13,124 feet). Shigatse City serves as the heart of this vast region and has been an important center of Tibetan Buddhism for centuries. With its historic monasteries, stunning mountain vistas, and proximity to Mount Everest, Shigatse has become a must-visit destination for tourists in Tibet.

A Land of Majestic Peaks and Spiritual Heritage

Shigatse is surrounded by dramatic Himalayan landscapes and is home to five peaks over 8,000 meters, including Mount Everest, which sits on the border between China and Nepal. For decades, it has been a popular stopover for travelers entering Tibet from Nepal via the Friendship Highway, making it a key point of entry for many Tibet-bound tourists. The city itself is a vibrant mix of ancient Tibetan culture and the stunning natural beauty of the Tibetan Plateau.

Weather and Climate of Shigatse

Shigatse enjoys a relatively mild climate for a Tibetan region. Thanks to its location, where the Yarlung Tsangpo and Nyang Chu Rivers converge, the area is known for fertile land and mild temperatures compared to other parts of Tibet. This unique geographical setting has earned Shigatse the nickname "The Rich Manor."

The climate is cool and cold, with a typical plateau mountain climate. Summer temperatures hover around 21°C (70°F) during the day and drop to 10°C (50°F) at night. Even in winter, the temperature can rise to a comfortable 7°C (50°F) when the sun is shining. Overall, Shigatse is a great destination year-round, with pleasant weather conditions for sightseeing and outdoor activities. >> See more about Shigatse Weather

How to Get to Shiagatse?

Shigatse lies in the southwest of Tibet and is conveniently connected to Lhasa, making it easy for travelers to reach. The distance between the two cities is about 265 km, and most visitors travel from Lhasa because the transportation options are frequent, comfortable, and reliable.

By Road from Lhasa

Traveling by road is also popular. The expressway and the Friendship Highway are flat, well-paved, and safe, taking around 5–6 hours. This route passes famous viewpoints such as Yamdrok Lake and Karola Glacier, making it ideal for sightseeing.

By Train from Lhasa

The Lhasa–Shigatse Railway offers the most convenient way to travel. The journey takes 2.5–3 hours, following a scenic route along the Yarlung Tsangpo River. Trains run daily and are very comfortable for all types of travelers.

By Air

Shigatse Peace Airport operates limited flights, mostly seasonal or connected through Lhasa or Chengdu. There is also an airport in Tingri, but it primarily serves Everest-area routes. Because flight schedules are not frequent, most tourists still prefer traveling from Lhasa by train or car.

From Nepal

For travelers entering Tibet overland, the classic route is Gyirong Port → Tingri → Shigatse. This has been a popular path for visitors heading toward Everest and then continuing deeper into Tibet.

Attractions in Shigatse

Shigatse is a city with a strong religious atmosphere, with numerous monasteries and temples. The people here are extremely pious. Whether walking on the street or in the temples, you can see Tibetan women and men holding prayer wheels everywhere. Besides visiting the monasteries, most travelers will also go to witness Mt.Everest, the highest mountain in the world.

Tashilhunpo Monastery

Tashilhunpo Monastery is the largest monastery in Shigatse Prefecture and one of the top four Gelugpa Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in Tibet, which was built in 1447. The other three are all in Lhasa City: Drepung, Sera, and Ganden. As the home of the Panchen Lama, it used to have thousands of monks. Up to now, around 600 monks are still living there. The funerary stupa of the first Dalai Lama, the only one not entombed in Lhasa, is honored in the monastery. Besides, there is a giant statue of the Maitreya Buddha with a height of 26.2 meters, which is the highest cupreous sitting Buddha in the world. >>See more about Tashilhunpo Monastery

Shalu Monastery

Shalu Temple is located in a mountain col in the southeast of Shigatse City, about 26 kilometers from downtown Shigatse. The current Shalu Temple complex is basically preserved from the Yuan Dynasty. And it's one of the best-preserved early monasteries in Tibet. The entire building is a Tibetan-style palace and a Han-style roof. It is a combination of traditional Tibetan forms and inland structural shapes, which look unique and special. There are four most precious treasures passed down from generation to generation, namely, sutras made of sandalwood, holy water encapsulated in a copper altar, a stone basin used by Chetsun Sherab Jungnay to wash his face, and a cornerstone engraved with six-character mantras. >>See more about Shalu Monastery

Sakya Monastery

Sakya Monastery is located in Sakya County, about 180 kilometers south of Shigatse City, between the Kailas Range and the Himalayas. It has a history of more than 900 years. Because there are countless treasures and cultural relics in the monastery, including a large number of murals, statues and scriptures, it enjoys the reputation of "Second Dunhuang". In history, the Sakya Monastery was once as famous as the Potala Palace and the Samye Monastery. It's the main temple of the Sakya Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. >>See more about Sakya Monastery

Mount Everest

If you are traveling to Shigatse, it's definitely worth visiting Everest Base Camp. At an altitude of 8844.43 meters, it is the height that many mountaineering enthusiasts want to challenge all their lives. Even if ordinary tourists cannot climb, they can come to  Everest Base Camp - the foot of Mt. Everest, to admire its appearance. Whether it is the Golden Summit in the early morning, the starry sky at night, or the flag clouds of Mount Everest viewed from Jiawula Pass, you will surely be amazed by the sacredness of Mount Everest. >>See more about Mt.Everest

Sangzhutse Dzong

Built in 1360, Sangzhutse Dzong is located on a mountain north of Shigatse City. It's also called “Little Potala Palace” because it looks like the Potala Palace in Lhasa. However, according to historical records, Potala Place took Sangzhutse Dzong as a building template. From a distance, the red and white walls of Sangzhutse Dzong are very conspicuous under the sun, and you can view its magnificent figure even far away. No matter before or now, Sangzhutse Dzong is one of the landmarks of Shigatse and has played an important role in history. From the 14th century to the 15th century, the Nedong Dynasty built a total of 13 dzongs and Sangzhutse Dzong was the last one. Therefore, its architectural skills are more sophisticated, its scale is the largest, and its appearance is the most beautiful. Due to the high terrain, you can get a great view of Shigatse City from here. >> See more about Sangzhutse Dzong

Final Thoughts for Travelers

Shigatse is a place where breathtaking nature and timeless tradition come together. Whether you come for its ancient monasteries, peaceful Buddhist atmosphere, or the unforgettable journey toward Mount Everest, the region offers experiences found nowhere else in Tibet. No matter how long you stay, Shigatse leaves a quiet and lasting impression, making it a highlight of any Tibet itinerary.