Lhasa and Shigatse Tour

Most Asked Questions about Lhasa and Shigtse Tour

• 1. What Makes the Lhasa and Shigatse Tour Special? Buddhist Traditions & Himalayan Vistas

  As two of the biggest cities in Tibet, Lhasa and Shigatse together capture the political, spiritual, and cultural heart of Tibet.

  Lhasa was once home to the great Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo and generations of Dalai Lamas, the spiritual leaders of Tibet. For your Lhasa tour, you will explore some of Tibet’s most iconic landmarks, including three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Norbulingka Palace, and beyond. Each of these places tells the story of Tibet’s rich history and deep Buddhist traditions that have been passed down for centuries.

  Beyond the famous Buddhist sites, you will also wander through Lhasa’s lively streets, where faith and daily life blend beautifully. You can join local pilgrims to walk the kora (pilgrimage trek around sacred sites), sip Tibetan sweet tea in cozy Tibetan teahouses, try local Tibetan snacks, and relax in the parks where locals gather to chat, dance, or play traditional games. It’s a great way to feel the warmth, faith, and everyday life of our Tibetan people up close.

  As your journey continues westward to Shigatse, the landscapes open into wide valleys framed by snow-capped Himalayan peaks. The drive along the scenic G318 Highway itself is breathtaking, passing the turquoise Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet’s three holiest lakes, vast Karola Glaciers, and climbing high mountain passes with fluttering prayer flags.

  In Shigatse, you will visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama (the Great Scholar in Tibetan Buddhism), where the teachings of the Gelugpa school are still preserved with great reverence. Monks chanting in deep, rhythmic tones fill the air with a sense of peace and continuity.

  To many, the biggest highlight of the Lhasa to Shigatse tour lies in the chance to explore the Tibet Everest Base Camp in Tingri County of Shigatse and closely marvel at the north face of Mount Everest and other towering peaks along the rolling Himalayan peaks.

  So, whether you come for a spiritual odyssey, a photography adventure, or to fulfill your travel bucket list to explore Mount Everest, the Lhasa and Shigatse tour promises you an unforgettable experience of a lifetime .

  The most classic Lhasa to Shigatse travel route on the map.

• 2. What Are the Top Attractions Included in the Lhasa and Shigatse Tour? Potala Palace, Everest, and More?

  In Lhasa, the first must-see attraction is the Potala Palace, once the winter palace of the Dalai Lamas. Its fortress-like structure and iconic white and red walls hold countless treasures, such as ancient murals, golden stupas of Dalai Lamas, and sacred relics that reflect the rich history and Buddhist traditions of Tibet.

  Besides, the Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street are among Lhasa’s top highlights that promise you a quintessential Tibetan experience. The Jokhang Temple is the holiest Buddhist site in Tibet. This is where devoted pilgrims from every corner of Tibet come to pray before the 12-year-old statue of Jowo Shakyamuni.

  While the Barkhor Street, the famous 1-km pilgrim circuit that encircles Jokhang Temple, allows you to see devoted Tibetan pilgrims who either prostrate themselves, or spin prayer wheels, and chant mantras to show their devotion to the Buddha enshrined in the Jokhang Temple. You can also enjoy authentic Tibetan cuisines along the Barkhor Street and roam over diverse souvenir stores, fashion boutiques, antique stores, and farm produce markets around.

  What’s more, the Norublingka Park, the summer palace of the Dalai Lamas, and the Great Three Gelugpa Monasteries (Drepung, Sera, and Ganden) are also well worth your visit. Apart from monasteries, the top two holiest lakes, turquoise Yamdrok Lake and heavenly Namtso Lake, are also a popular choice for the Lhasa and Shigatse tour.

  As you journey to Shigatse, the biggest highlight is arguably the Everest Base Camp and Tashilhunpo Monastery. At the Tibet EBC, you can spend an amazing night at the foot of the world’s highest peak and watch the incredible sunset and sunrise over Everest’s summit. It is a magic moment that defies human speech.

  Besides, don’t miss out on the Tashilhunpo Monastery, the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama in Shigatse City. It is the most prestigious Gelugpa monastery in Shigatse and home to the world’s largest Maitreya Buddha.

• 3. How Many Days Does a Lhasa and Shigatse Tour Usually Take? 6 to 8 Days

  The most classic and popular Lhasa and Shigatse tour takes around 8 days. You can spend 3 days in Lhasa to get acclimatized to the altitude while covering Tibet’s most iconic attractions.

  From Lhasa, you can enjoy the overland tour to Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city and the gateway to Mt. Everest, through the turquoise Yamdrok Lake and enchanting Gyantse County.

  After spending one day in Shigatse for acclimatization, you will enjoy our comfortable ride to the Tibet Everest Base Camp. Along the way, you can gaze at the highest Himalayan peaks along the majestic Himalayas at the famous Gawula Pass, including Mt. Everest in the front row, and later spend an unforgettable night at the Tibet EBC before returning to Lhasa on another scenic route.

• 4. How Is the Road Condition from Lhasa to Shigatse? Well-paved Road

  The road from Lhasa to Shigatse is on the well-paved and scenic G318 National Highway and is comfortable for travel on our spacious, clean, and modern tour vehicle.

  Along the way, you will pass some of Tibet’s most stunning landscapes: turquoise waters of Yamdrok Lake, snow-capped peaks, rolling valleys, and high-altitude plains dotted with Tibetan yaks, goats, and idyllic small Tibetan villages. We will make frequent stops so you can stretch your legs, take photos, and simply enjoy the views.

  Besides, the road from Shigatse to the Tibet Everest Base Camp is smooth and well-paved as well. En route, you will wind through the famous 108 hairpin bends, a thrilling experience in itself! Once you reach the Mount Everest parking area, you will hop on the eco-bus for the final stretch to Everest Base Camp, where the views of the majestic north face of Everest will leave you in awe.

  With our experienced drivers and comfortable vehicles, the whole journey feels safe, relaxing, and truly scenic. It is a perfect adventure to the heart of the Himalayas.

• 5. Should I Join a Small Group or a Private Lhasa and Shigatse Tour? It Depends

  Since overseas travelers can only visit Tibet through an organized Tibet tour, you may either consider booking a budget-friendly small group tour or a fully customizable private Lhasa and Shigatse tour to travel at your own pace.

  If you are traveling solo on a budget or enjoy meeting like-minded global travelers, joining our Tibet small group tour is a perfect choice for your Lhasa and Shigatse journey. Each group has up to 12 travelers with fixed departure dates. You will follow the classic route between Lhasa and Shigatse while sharing costs for transportation, guide service, accommodation, and meals, making your trip smoother, more fun, and affordable.

  On the other hand, if you are traveling with your family with elderly parents and small kids, a private Lhasa and Shigatse tour suits you better. It is also an ideal choice if you prefer a tailored adventure to explore secluded Tibetan monasteries or join meditation retreats. With a private tour, you can decide how long to stay at each place, what to eat, and adjust the itinerary and activities to match your own pace and interests.

• 6. Can I Take a Train from Lhasa to Shigatse? Not Recommended

  Yes, there is a bullet train between Lhasa and Shigatse, but we don’t really recommend taking it. The Lhasa to Shigatse train ride only takes about two hours, which is very convenient for local travelers.

  However, for most of our guests, the magic of the Lhasa to Shigatse tour is in the scenic drive across central Tibet. Along the way, you can enjoy some of the most breathtaking scenery and cultural highlights, including the turquoise Yamdrok Lake, traditional Tibetan villages, the snow-capped Karola Glacier, hidden monasteries, and the charming Gyantse County with its famous Kumbum Stupa.

  By the way, if you’re short on time and need to catch your flight home from Lhasa, you can take the bullet train back after visiting Shigatse. It’s fast, comfortable, and only takes about 2 hours.

• 7. Will I Get Altitude Sickness in Lhasa or Shigatse? Perfectly Safe, No Worries!

  Yes, for most first-time travelers to Tibet, especially if you are coming from plains or coastal cities, you might have mild altitude sickness symptoms. However, no worries! It is a natural process of our body to get used to the thin air and low air pressure on the lofty Tibetan Plateau.

  Most of our guests can smoothly adapt to the high altitude in a couple of days in Lhasa. And our itineraries are carefully planned with enough acclimatization days and follow a gradual increase in altitude to help your body get acclimatized comfortably.

  Besides, Lhasa (3,650m) and Shigatse (3,850m) are two of the biggest cities in Tibet, with excellent tourist facilities, hotels, hospitals, and more. Most hotels are equipped with oxygen supply to help guests adapt, and our comfortable tour vehicles are equipped with medical oxygen cylinders and portable oxygen canisters for you to use when needed.

  Most importantly, our experienced local Tibetan guides will always be by your side, ready to offer oxygen and helpful tips whenever you need them, making sure your Lhasa and Shigatse tour is safe and enjoyable.

  To lower the chance of getting altitude sickness, we suggest that before you fly to Tibet, try to avoid intense exercise and get plenty of rest, and don’t catch a cold. Once you arrive in Lhasa, avoid running or jumping, and skip any strenuous activities on the first day. It’s better to have a good sleep in your hotel to give your body enough time to adjust to the high altitude in Tibet.

• 8. What Is the Best Time to Enjoy the Lhasa and Shigatse Tour? April to Nov

  Both Lhasa and Shigatse are year-round destinations in Tibet. The best time to enjoy a Lhasa and Shigatse tour depends on your planned activities, personal interests, budget, and available time.

  If you are planning to capture the clearest Himalayan skies, particularly Mt. Everest in its full splendor, April to early June and September to October are the best times to visit Lhasa and Shigatse.

  During these months, the skies are at their clearest, and the air is fresh and crisp after the winter or summer rains. You can see the Himalayan peaks stretching endlessly under deep blue skies, with Mt. Everest and other snow-capped mountains appearing especially sharp and majestic.

  Meanwhile, the road conditions between Lhasa and Shigatse are also at their best. You can travel easily along the well-paved highway and pass turquoise lakes and snow-capped mountains without worrying about heavy rain, snow, or icy roads.

  If you wish to dive deeper into Tibetan culture and local life, Late May/Early June (Saga Dawa Festival), August (Shoton Festival), and Late June (Tashilhunpu Monastery Thangka Festival) offer you the best times to get a glimpse of the vibrant Tibetan Buddhist holidays. The giant Thangka (Buddhist scroll painting) unfolding, lively Tibetan opera performances, and massive pilgrimage, and more will will offer you an eye-opening experience.

  On the other hand, if you are traveling on a budget, the November to March (Tibet winter travel season) is also a great time to visit. Tibet in winter is peaceful and full of charm. You can enjoy big discounts on flights and luxury hotels, even free entrance tickets to all major sites, and embrace an immersive travel experience without the summer crowds. Highly recommended!

• 9. What Type of Accommodations Can I Expect? Mid-range to 5-star Luxury Resorts

  As two of the major cities in Tibet, Lhasa and Shigatse offer you the best and widest choice of accommodations on the Tibetan Plateau.

  Lhasa (3,650m) is not only the spiritual heart of Tibet for pilgrims but also the largest tourist hub that offers over 1,200 accommodations for global travelers, ranging from 5-star international luxury hotels and chic boutique hotels with views of Potala Palace to budget-friendly chain hotels, and newly-renovated 3-star hotels and hostels that perfectly blend Tibetan-décor with modern elegance.

  The majority of hotels in Lhasa lie around the old quarter of Lhasa, centered around Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street, or near the Potala Palace. Most 4-star or top-end hotels in Lhasa have a diffuse oxygen supply, heating, and humidifiers for you to enjoy a comfortable stay in arid Lhasa.

  Shigatse (3,845m) is Tibet’s second-largest city and a crucial place for lodging before heading to the Tibet EBC in Tingri County. Over 500 accommodations are available, ranging from limited 4-star hotels to tons of 3-star hotels and hostels scattered around the downtown Samzhubzê District. The 4-star Hilton Shigatse hotel is one of your go-to choices, with only 1.6km to Tashilunpo Monastery.

  The best accommodation at Tibet EBC (5,000m) is the Rongbuk Hotel, equipped with an oxygen supply, private western toilets, a decent restaurant, tap water, underfloor heating, humidifiers, and, more importantly, rooms with epic window views of Mt. Everest. It is such a “luxury” accommodation here, given the extreme altitude and harsh environment.

  Alternatively, you can stay in the newly upgraded tents at Tibet EBC. They are now solid steel rooms with clean flooring, twin beds, soft mattresses, fresh linens, extra blankets, and even small windows with Himalayan views. You can also use electric blankets and oxygen supplies to help you sleep more comfortably at such a high altitude, and public areas offer sofas, hot water dispensers, and sinks for quick refreshments or a warm instant coffee anytime.

• 10. Is Vegetarian or Special Tibetan Food Available for the Lhasa and Shigatse Tour? Yes

  Yes, of course! You will find plenty of vegetarian and local Tibetan food options during your Lhasa and Shigatse tour.

  In Lhasa, many Tibetan restaurants and teahouses serve simple but tasty vegetarian dishes, such as fried noodles with vegetables, vegetable Tibetan momo (dumplings), Tibetan noodle soups (with ingredients like potatoes, cabbage, and turnips), and stir-fried greens. Most 4 to 5-star hotels also offer buffet breakfasts with both Western and Asian-style choices, so it’s quite easy to find something that suits your taste.

  If you would like to try authentic Tibetan food, I recommend sampling Tsampa (roasted barley flour), dried yak meat, Balep (Tibetan bread), dried cheese, Khapsse, and yak butter tea, Dresil (Tibetan sweet rice), and more. Many of them are part of our staples. Our friendly local Tibetan guide will be glad to help their favourite Tibetan restaurants that suit your taste.

  By the way, if you are missing Western fast food in Lhasa, you can also find McDonald’s, KFC, and Pizza Hut around Barkhor Street. They serve familiar favorites like burgers, fried chicken, fries, pizza, pasta, and Cokes, which is perfect for a quick meal.