Tibet travel guide

Shigatse Travel Advice

Shigatse is Tibet’s second city and the gateway to Everest. It is home to the great Tashilhunpo Monastery, the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama. A little planning makes your visit much easier.

1. Best Travel Time to Shigatse

April to October is the most comfortable time. June to August is the busiest season. Winter is cold and dry but clear, with good mountain views and few visitors. The giant thangka festival at Tashilhunpo is held in the 5th Tibetan month, usually in June or July.

Months	What to expect
April–October	The best time; all roads open
June–July	Tashilhunpo thangka festival
July–August	Busiest season, lively atmosphere
November–March	Cold but clear, few visitors

2. Dining in Shigatse

Shigatse has many restaurants. Near Tashilhunpo Monastery and in the city centre you will find Tibetan, Sichuan and Nepali food, and cafés used to feeding travellers on their way to Everest. Butter tea, tsampa, yak meat and momos are everywhere.

3. Shopping in Shigatse

The streets around Tashilhunpo Monastery are the best place for souvenirs:

thangka paintings
Tibetan carpets (Shigatse and nearby Gyantse are famous for them)
bronze statues and prayer bells
silver and turquoise jewellery
prayer flags and incense

4. Transportation

By train	Lhasa–Shigatse railway, about 3 hours
By road via Gyantse	about 360 km, a full day with stops at Yamdrok Lake and the Karola Glacier
By road (direct)	about 270 km, about 5 hours
By air	Shigatse Peace Airport, mainly flights from Chengdu
Altitude	about 3,840 m

5. Health & Altitude Advice

At 3,840 m, Shigatse is a little higher than Lhasa. If you come from Lhasa, you should already be used to the altitude. If you fly straight in, take your first day slowly: avoid heavy meals and alcohol, drink plenty of water and rest.

6. Must-See Attractions

Tashilhunpo Monastery — seat of the Panchen Lama, with a giant 26-metre gilded statue of the Maitreya Buddha
Shigatse Dzong — the rebuilt fortress above the city, with wide views
Gyantse Kumbum — a great stupa with dozens of painted chapels, about 1.5 hours away
Yamdrok Lake — the sacred turquoise lake on the road from Lhasa via Gyantse