As the second-largest city in Tibet, Shigatse is not only the home to the revered Panchen Lamas (Great Scholar in Tibetan Buddhism), but also serves as a crucial hub connecting Lhasa to Tibet Everest Base Camp, Kathmandu and Ngari in western Tibet.

Whether you are keen to admire the majestic Mt. Everest in its full splendor, plan to travel overland from Lhasa to Kathmandu, or simply explore the peaceful local life, folk traditions, Himalayan treks, and off-the-beaten Buddhist sites different from bustling Lhasa street, Shigatse is well worth your visit.

In this travel guide, we offer you the best traveler’s guide to Shigatse, Tibet, including top highlights, travel routes, tour plans, hidden gems, and more insider tips. So, you can plan a perfect journey to Shigatse.

Where Is Shigatse? Why Is It So Important in Tibet?

266km to the west of the holy Lhasa city lies the Shigatse City, affectionately referred to as “an auspicious manor with fertile land” by local Tibetans. Proudly standing as the second-largest city in Tibet, Shigatse spans a vast area of 179,240 km² in southwestern Tibet, with Samzhubzê District serving as its cultural and urban center, alongside 17 smaller counties.

Historically, as the former political and spiritual heart of the Tsang region, Shigatse has remained the traditional seat of the Panchen Lamas for over 600 years. Today, being a key transportation hub in southwestern Tibet, Shigatse connects Lhasa and Shannan to its east, bridging the mystical landscapes of Ngari to its west, and marking China’s southwestern borders with Nepal, Bhutan, and India along its southern edges.

Where is Shigatse on the Tibet map.

To most travelers, however, the biggest draw of Shigatse lies in its role as both your ultimate gateway to Tibet Everest Base Camp through its Tingri County and a vital hub for the epic overland tour from Lhasa to Kathmandu on the scenic Sino-Nepal Friendship Highway via Gyantse, Shigatse, and Gyirong County.

No. 1 Highlight in Shigatse: Closely Explore Mt. Everest

If you are keen to fulfill your childhood dream of standing at the foot of the lofty Mt. Everest, the Tibet Everest Base Camp in Tingri County of Shigatse shall be at the top of Tibet travel list.

You will travel from Shigatse to EBC via scenic G318 HWY and winding Zhufeng Road, which covers 306km and marks the best highlights in the journey.

After entering the Qomolangma National Nature Preserve in Tingri, you will slowly ascend via multiple hairpin bends to the famous Gawu La Pass (5,210m), where you can admire the Makalu (8463m), Lhotse (8516m), Mt. Everest (8848.86m) and Cho Oyu (8201m) and Shishapangma (8012m), five of the highest peaks along the might Himalyas.

Our guests gaze upon the top five highest peaks at Gawu La Pass.

After transferring to an eco-bus for the last 20km’ drive (26min), you finally reach Tibet Everest Base Camp (5,010m) built for normal travelers for Everest sightseeing. Unlike the “dwarfed” Mt. Everest vista seen from Nepal’s EBC, the Tibet Everest Base Camp promises you a jaw-dropping and unobstructed view of the entire north face of Mt. Everest.

The incredible golden summit of Mt. Everest seen at Tibet EBC.

8 Days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Small Group Tour: Marvel at Mt.Everest Real Close from 4 Different Viewing Platforms

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Shigatse - Lhasa

Price from USD949 p.p

Join our small group tour to Mt. Everest, prepare for jaw-dropping Mt.Everest Vista in its full splendor.

Most Significant Monastery in Shigatse: Tashilunpo

Aside from the mind-blowing Mt. Everest vistas, Shigatse is also home to a variety of historical Buddhist sites that are well worth exploring.

Situated in the downtown of Shigatse City, the prestigious Tashilunpo Monastery covers 70,000m² and boasts itself as the largest Gelugpa monastery in Shigatse. For years, Tashilunpo Monastery has remained the traditional seat of Panchen Lamas, the great scholar of Tibetan Buddhism. Learn the top 6 Gelugpa monasteries in Tibet.

Inside this tremendous monastic academy, you can see local Tibetans walking the kora around the iconic white Tibetan stupas and marvel at the 26m statue of Maitreya Buddha, the world’s largest Jampa statute made of 300kg of gold and tons of precious stones.

You may also worship tombs of the fourth to tenth Panchen Lamas or meditate with the chanting monks in the Assembly Hall and observe the exquisite Tibetan Thangkas. With time permits, you can follow the Tashilunpo Kora route to enjoy the vista of magnificent Shigatse Dzong from afar.

The prestigious Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse City.

3 Himalayan Treks in Shigatse: Shalu to Nartang Trek, Tingri to EBC Trek, Gama Valley Trek

Lying at the heart of the majestic Himalayas, Shigatse offers you some of the world-class Himalayan treks to stretch your legs. If you adapt well to high altitude in Tibet and wanna dive deep into Himalayan regions, the following three Himalayan treks are your go-to choices.

For beginners of alpine treks, the leisurely 3-day Shalu to Nartang trek offers you a great start to explore the off-the-beaten monasteries and unique highland landscapes around Shigatse City.

You will trek on the old trade route between the Shalu Monastery and Nartang Monastery and feel the caravans laden with scriptures and treasures that once passed this way. Though without epic Himalayan peaks, the dry, eroded canyons and gulches, Ripu hermitage, Tibetan herders’ countryside life, and intriguing Buddhist sites will leave you in awe.

Trek from Shalu to Nartang trek on eroded canyons.

8 Days Shalu to Nartang Trek (Best Countryside Hiking Trail)

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shalu - Trek to Nartang - Shigatse - Lhasa

Price from USD p.p

Enjoy the minimal and leisurely trek from Shalu to Nartang on an ancient trade route in Shigatse.

If you want to trek to Tibet Everest Base Camp instead of enjoying the bus ride, the classic 4-day Tingri (Gangga) to EBC trek is your best bet. This 70km thrilling trek offers you a lifetime experience to trek from Tinrig Plain, Ra-chu Valley, Zommug (Tibetan nomadic settlement ) to reach Rongbuk monastery and Tibet EBC.

Our guests trek from Tingri plain to Tibet EBC.

12 Days Tingri to Everest Base Camp Trekking Tour (Classic Everest Trek via Ra-chu Valley)

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Old Tingri - Trek to EBC - Shigatse - Lhasa

Price from USD1443 p.p

Embark on the exhilarating trek from Gangga to Tibet EBC.

If you are keen to explore the Himalayas’ best-kept secret and enjoy Mt. Everest from a different perspective, the 8-day Gama Valley trek is exactly what you’ve been looking for. This untouched trekking route takes to the Base Camp on the eastern slope of Mt. Everest, passing through the otherworldly Gama Valley, one of the top ten classic trekking routes in the world recommended by American and British explorers.The Gama Valley trek covers around 111km and allows you to traverse vibrant meadows, sparkling alpine lakes, and pristine forests, and Orchid Valley and highland pasture.

Our guests take photos with stunning Himalayan peaks at Gama Valley.

15 Days Gama Valley Trekking in the Eastern Slope of Mt. Everest

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Gama Valley Trek - Shigatse - Lhasa

Price from USD2890 p.p

Follow our trekking experts to dive deep into Himalayan's best-kept secret in Shigatse and enjoy otherworldly Himalayan views.

3 Hot Festivals in Shigatse: Tashilhunpo Festival, Gyantse Horse-racing Festival, Sakya Cham Dance

Visiting Shigatse during its traditional festivals offers you a perfect chance to soak up the unique Shigatse festive vibes and learn more about rarely-seen Buddhist and folk traditions.

From the 14th to the 16th day of the fifth lunar month (June 28-30, 2026), Shigatse Tashilhunpo Thangka Festival is held to honor the Sakyamuni’s birth, enlightenment, and entry into nirvana. During the three-day festivities, you can join locals to see three huge Thangkas including Buddha Amitabha, Sakyamuni Buddha, and Maitreya Buddha being unfolded on the huge Thangka Wall for three days in a roll.

8 Days Tashilhunpo Festival Tour to Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse, and Tsedang

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Tsedang

Price from USD p.p

Join us to expereince three days of festivities and joys during Tashilunpo Thangka Festival in Shigatse.

Another extremely popular and entertaining festival in Shigatse is the Gyantse Damar Horse-racing Festival in Gyantse County, which has over 600 years of history. The joyous three-day festival is held in mid-July (July 9-11, 2025) close to the Gyantse Fortress. During the event, contestants from 19 local villages will compete in horse races, horseback archery, yak races, wrestling, tug-of-war, and traditional dances. You may also roam over the lively bazaar and savor local food.

7 Days Gyantse Damar Festival Tour

Tour Route: Lhasa - Lake Yamdrok - Gyantse - Lhasa

Price from USD p.p

Watch thrilling horseback archery, yak races and more in Gyantse Damar Horse-racing Festival.

Besides, the traditional Sakya Monastery Cham Dance (July and November on the Tibetan Calendar) in Sakya County is another dramatic festival that offers you a glimpse into the ancient Tibetan Buddhist tradition. During the annual two dharma assemblies, you can watch Cham Dance, performed by trained monks wearing masks of protective deities and elaborate colorful robes. Such solemn rituals aim to ward off evil spirits and spread blessings and happiness to all beings.

The dramatic Cham Dance in Sakya Monastery.

How to Get to Shigatse from Lhasa? By Road, Train and Flight

Nowadays, travel from Lhasa to Shigatse can’t be easier. You can do it by road, train or flight.

However, the most classic and popular way to get to Shigatse from Lhasa is by road via Gyantse County before reaching Shigatse City. This scenic 360km drive via the G349 National Highway takes around 6 hours and allows you to cover all the star attractions along the way, including turquoise Yamdrok Lake, Palcho Monastery, and Gyantse Fortress in Gyantse County.

The most classic and popular travel route from Lhasa to Shigatse.

Alternatively, If you are short on time, taking the Bullet train (C885, 2h20m) from Lhasa to Shigatse is a more straightforward option. The C885 train leaves at 07:10 and arrives at Shigatse at 09:30. Booking the business-class seat (CNY225/31USD) and first-class seat (CNY103/14.17USD) promises the most comfy ride.

However, the comprise is that you won’t be able to see the holy Yamdrok Lake and idyllic Gyantse scenery.

The bullet train from Lhasa to Shigatse.

Finally, though Shigatse has Shigatse Peace Airport, currently there are no direct flights between Lhasa and Shigatse. So, it’s not a viable option.

Don’t Forget, Shigatse Is Only One Step Away from Kathmandu

If you plan to travel overland from Lhasa to Kathmandu, Gyirong County, a border town neighboring Nepal or around 474km southwest of Shigatse City, is your crucial exit point to Kathmandu, Nepal.

The classic travel route is by following the scenic G318 Highway from Shigatse to Lhatse County, Tingri County (with a detour to visit EBC), Nyalam County until reaching Gyirong County. From Gyirong Town, you drive 25km to Gyirong Port, the current Sino-Nepal border, and cross the border to Rasuwagadhi for another 150km (or 7-hour drive) to Kathmandu.

7 Days Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Small Group Tour: Traverse from the North Side to the South Side of Mt.Everest for the Best of the Himalayas

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Gyirong - Kathmandu

Price from USD989 p.p

Experience the roller coaster ride from Lhasa to Kathmandu via Tibet EBC.

With offices in Lhasa Kathmandu and Chengdu, we offer you a budget-friendly and popular 7-day Lhasa to Kathmandu small group tour via EBC with a smooth border transfer.

What Are the Best Time of a Year to Visit Shigatse?

Well, Shigatse is an all-year-round destination that can be visited at any time. However, certain times of the year can be more appealing to certain travelers.

If your main goal is to admire Mt. Everest at Tibet EBC and other majestic Himalayan peaks, April to June and September to November are the best times to enjoy the crisp air and high visibility and Everest treks for marveling at the rolling Himalayan peaks, esp. the Mt. Everest free of dense clouds in monsoon season from late June to August.

10 Days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp, Namtso Lake and Holy Elephant Gate Small Group Tour

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - EBC - Shigatse - North Tibet Grassland - Bange - Namtso Lake - Holy Elephant Gate - Lhasa

Price from USD1299 p.p

This 10-day Lhasa to EBC tour via Shigatse combines epic Mt.Everest vista with photogenic Yamdrok and heavenly Namtso Lake views.

What Are the Accommodation Options in Shigatse?

As over 85% of travelers visit Shigatse to either visit Mt. Everest or afterward exit Tibet to Kathmandu.

In Shigatse City, you have the most extensive choices for hotels, ranging from budget-friendly and clean 3-star hotels to mid-range 4-star hotels and 5-star luxury hotels to cater to different travelers.

For the luxury and premium 5-star hotels close to Tashilunpo Monastery in downtown Shigatse, go for Hilton Shigatse and Qomo Langzong Urcove Hotel, which provides you with spacious and super-clean rooms, varied breakfast, oxygen-supply, gym, bar, etc. you name it. For 4-star mid-range hotels, Shigatse Shunyi Starlight Hotel, Wan Xin Zhige Hotel, and Schery Hotel strike a perfect balance between price and comfort.

The spacious and clean room of 5-star Hilton Shigatse Hotel.

More Insider Tips for Visiting Shigatse

Last but not least, for foreign nationals visiting Shigatse and other parts of Tibet, currently, you can only travel via a guided Tibet tour with a local Tibet travel agency like us. Firstly, you need to apply for a Chinese tourist visa and then, we will help you apply for the Tibet Travel Permit to legally board the flight or train to Lhasa and other travel documents for visiting all corners of Shigatse, including EBC.

A sample of Tibet Travel Permit.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, Shigatse’s rich blend of jaw-dropping Himalayan vistas, unique history, and festivities makes it a must-visit destination for travelers exploring Tibet! If you have more questions about Shigate tours and traveling in Tibet, don’t hesitate to email us for free and expert travel solutions. Cheeers!