Lhasa, the provincial capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region, is a renowned holy city on the Tibetan Plateau, famous for the iconic Potala Palace. In contrast, Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet, is home to Tashilhunpo Monastery, the traditional residence of the successive Panchen Lamas.

If you plan to travel west from Lhasa, especially to visit Everest Base Camp or embark on the epic overland journey from Lhasa to Kathmandu, it’s essential to know about the transfer options between Lhasa and Shigatse.

Here, we will introduce the best 3 ways to travel between Lhasa and Shigatse, making the most of your journey from central Tibet to southern Tibet.

Locations of Lhasa and Shigatse

Located in the central region of Tibet, Lhasa is nestled in the Lhasa River Valley at an altitude of about 3,650 meters, surrounded by mountains. Shigatse, about 254 kilometers west of Lhasa, sits at an elevation of around 3,800 meters in the U-Tsang region of Tibet. Situated on the Sino-Nepal Friendship Highway and the G318 National Highway, Shigatse is about 340 kilometers northeast of the Tibet Everest Base Camp and 568 kilometers from the Gyirong border.

Lhasa and Shigatse Location Map

Lhasa to Shigatse via Yamdrok Lake: 7-Hour Scenic Trip (365.5km)

The most popular way to travel from Lhasa to Shigatse is the scenic route via Yamdrok Lake and Gyantse Ancient Town. It is 365.5 kilometers in total and takes around 7 hours to complete.

Starting from Lhasa, you will first drive about 130 kilometers to Yamdrok Lake via Qushui Town. En route, you will pass local Tibetan villages and drive along a section of the Yarlung Zangbo River through the well-paved road.

Lhasa to Shigatse overland tour via Yamdrok Lake.

After enjoying the beauty of Yamdrok Lake at the viewing platform, you will drive along the road for about 40 kilometers to the Karola Glacier, continue for 20 kilometers to pass the Manla Reservoir, and then drive about 70 kilometers to reach the Kumbum Stupa in Gyantse.

From Gyantse to Shigatse, it's another 95 kilometers, taking about 1.5 hours. You’ll arrive in Shigatse in the late afternoon.

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Lhasa to Shigatse via Friendship Highway: 3-Hour Highway Experience (262.4km)

Besides the scenic tourist route from Lhasa to Shigatse, a more effective roadway between Lhasa and Shigatse is along the Friendships Highway, which is 943 kilometers in total from Lhasa to the Sino-Nepal border.

The distance from Lhasa to Shigatse via the Friendship Hghway is about 263 kilometers, which is the shortest land journey from Lhasa to Shigatse. This is also a section of the G318 National Highway. The road condition is quite good. And it takes only 3 hours to drive from Lhasa to Shigatse. Most of the journey takes you alongside the Yarlung Zangbo River, allowing you to enjoy the stunning scenery as you drive along the highway.

Enjoy a Lhasa to Shigaste overland journey via the Friendship Highway.

However, this is not a common route for tourists traveling from Lhasa to Shigatse by road, as it bypasses attractions like Yamdrok Lake and the ancient town of Gyantse.

Typically, this route is taken for the return journey, providing a quicker way to get back to Lhasa after exploring Shigatse or visiting Everest Base Camp.

Lhasa to Shigatse by Train: 2.5-Hour High-speed Train Experience (248km)

The Lhasa-Shigatse Railway, stretching 248 kilometers, opened in August 2014. This high-speed railway has reduced travel time between the two major cities of Tibet to only 2.5 hours, making it convenient for residents and providing tourists with a unique travel experience from Lhasa to Shigatse or vice versa.

Every day, there are three pairs of Lhasa-Shigatse high-speed trains, each taking about 2.5 hours. On board, there are the business class, the first-class, and the second-class seats to choose from.

The daily high-speed train running between Lhasa and Shigatse.

Lhasa to Shigatse Trainschedule in 2026

Shigatse to Lhasa Trainschedule in 2026

Insider Tips:
If you want to experience the Lhasa-Shigatse high-speed train during your Tibet tour, feel free to share your travel ideas with us. We’ll take care of your train tickets, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable journey for you.

More Insider Tips

The road conditions from Lhasa to Shigatse are excellent, making it suitable for both biking and motorcycling, except for classic overland tours. Generally, it takes about 3 to 4 days to ride a bike from Lhasa to Shigatse via Yamdrok Lake and Gyantse Ancient Town, while motorcycling the same scenic route typically takes 2 to 3 days.

Since this journey is an adventure on the high plateau, it’s best to avoid a tight schedule to ensure a comfortable experience. The altitude can cause discomfort for some travelers, so giving yourself plenty of time to acclimate is advisable.

Even though the road conditions are quite good, it’s important to pay attention to your driving speed. There are speed limits along the highway between Lhasa and Shigatse, so the actual driving time may be longer than you expect. Just relax, lower your speed, and enjoy the amazing landscapes passing by!

As the last major city on the way to Mount Everest from Tibet, Shigatse is an important stop for supplies and the preparation for your trip to Everest Base Camp. If you plan to visit Everest Base Camp, in addition to your Chinese Visa and the Tibet Travel Permit, you will also need another permit to Mount Everest - the Alien’s Travel Permit. This permit can be applied for at the Foreign Affairs Office in Shigatse before you leave for Everest Base Campupon your arrival in Shigatse. Our travel guide will assist you in obtaining the permit, so there’s no need to worry about that. Usually, it takes about 1.5 hours to secure the permit.  

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Conclusion

Lhasa and Shigatse, the two largest cities in Tibet, are both rich in cultural and religious heritages. From the Potala Palace to the Tashilhunpo Monastery, a Lhasa Shigatse tour is one of the popular travel routes in Tibet, allowing you to experience authentic Tibetan culture.

Nowadays, travel between Lhasa and Shigatse is convenient, with the highway and high-speed railway enabling you to cover 260 kilometers in just three hours. For a truly unforgettable experience, consider the scenic route that takes you through Yamdrok Lake and Gyantse. This journey not only makes the trip more enjoyable but also allows you to discover some of Tibet’s most breathtaking sights, including sacred lakes, glaciers, snow-capped mountains, and the beautiful Yarlung Zangbo River.

If you’re interested in the journey or need assistance planning your Lhasa-Shigatse tour, feel free to contact us. We, at Tibet Vista, are always ready to help you create the best travel experience in Tibet.