Shigatse lies at the meeting of the Yarlung Tsangpo and the Nyang Chu rivers, in a wide farming valley at 3,840 m. Historically the capital of the Tsang region, it rivalled Lhasa for power, and the rebuilt Shigatse Dzong on its hill recalls that past. Today it is a large modern city with broad avenues, an airport and a railway link to Lhasa, but its heart is still the great monastery of Tashilhunpo on the western edge of town.
Tashilhunpo was founded in 1447 by Gendun Drup, later recognised as the first Dalai Lama, and became the seat of the Panchen Lamas. Its gold roofs, white assembly halls and red chapels cover a hillside, and its Maitreya chapel holds a seated statue of the future Buddha some 26 m high. Pilgrims walk a kora path around the walls, spinning prayer wheels and stopping at shrines.
Most travellers spend one night here, either on the Lhasa–Gyantse–Shigatse circuit, on the way to Everest's north base camp, or on the long road from Lhasa to Kailash. A second night allows a morning trip to Shalu Monastery and a slower look at the old town. Foreigners need a guide and the Tibet Travel Permit; check current status before you travel.
What to see and do
- Tashilhunpo Monastery
Founded in 1447 and seat of the Panchen Lamas, Tashilhunpo is one of the great Gelug monasteries. Its chapels hold the tombs of several Panchen Lamas and a 26 m gilded Maitreya, among the largest seated metal statues anywhere.
- The Tashilhunpo kora
A pilgrim path of about an hour circles the monastery walls and climbs the hill behind, lined with prayer wheels, mani stones and rock paintings. It gives views over the gold roofs and the city.
- Shalu Monastery
About 22 km south-east of town, Shalu dates from the 11th century and blends Tibetan and Chinese styles, with green-glazed tile roofs and fine early murals. It sees few visitors.
- Shigatse Dzong
The fortress on the hill above the old town was rebuilt in the 2000s on the lines of the original, often compared to a small Potala. It is best seen from the streets below at sunset.
- Gateway to Everest and Kailash
Shigatse is the last city on the road west. From here it is about 330 km to Everest's north side via Lhatse and the Gyatso La, and some 450 km to Saga on the way to Kailash.
Experiences in Shigatse
How to reach Shigatse
Road
Lhasa–Shigatse is about 270 km (4–5 h) by the direct northern road, or about 360 km via Yamdrok Lake and Gyantse with sightseeing stops. Gyantse–Shigatse is about 90 km (1.5–2 h).
Rail
The Lhasa–Shigatse railway takes about 3 hours. Foreigners can use it with their guide and permit; seats sell out in summer.
Air
Shigatse Peace airport, about 45 km from town, has limited flights to Chinese cities. There are no flights from Kathmandu; travellers from Nepal fly to Lhasa.
Where to stay
Shigatse has several mid-range and upper mid-range hotels in the city centre and along the main avenues. The Gesar Hotel (Xigaze Gesar Hotel), a Tibetan-styled 4-star property, is a common choice for tour groups. Other hotels change names and standards often, so we book the best available 3-star or 4-star rooms for each departure. All have heating and hot water; some offer room oxygen. Stays near the Tashilhunpo end of town allow an easy early walk to the monastery.
Tips from our trip managers
- Visit Tashilhunpo in the morning when monks are active and light is good on the roofs.
- Walk the kora clockwise and allow an hour; the hill section is steep at 3,900 m.
- Ask before photographing inside chapels; many charge a camera fee or ban photos.
- If you are heading to Everest, buy snacks and water here; choice thins out beyond Lhatse.
- Carry your passport for checkpoints entering and leaving the city.
