Shigatse
Shigatse Overview
Chinese Name: 日喀则 English IPA: Shigatse Location: The Southwest of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and Tibet Autonomous Region Population (city): 845,300 Language: Tibetan Language Zip code: 857000 Tel code: 0892 Time zone: UTC+8
Bordering Nepal, Bhutan and India, Shigatse is the second largest city in Tibet, which is known as the seat of Penchen Lama and ‘the fertile manor’. With a long history of more than 600 years, Shigatse was once the educational and political center of Tsang Area. Shigatse is listed as a national historical and cultural city by the state council. With cool climate and abundant water resources, it is the largest grain producing area in Tibet. Its agriculture mainly includes highland barley, wheat planting and yak herding, and handicraft industry there is relatively developed. What’s more, the highest peak in the world, Mount Everest(or Qomolangma), is standing here.
Highlights:
- The World’s Highest Peak: In the Tingri county of Shigatse City, there are the snow-capped peaks, the original forest belts, the sacred mountains, the holy lakes, the grasslands, famous monasteries and ancient temples, led by the Mount Everest. At the southern border of Shigatse, there is “the world’s highest peak” – Mount Everest, and the Qomolangma Nature Reserve.
- Famous Attractions in Shigatse: There are many monasteries and temples in Shigatse, so apart from the world-renowned Mount Everest, the scenic spots in Shigatse are mainly temples. The famous monasteries in Shigatse are Tashilhunpo Monastery, Baiju Monastery, Sakya Monastery, Rongbuk Monastery, Shalu Monastery and so on.
- Religion Culture: Shigatse is the place where Panchen Lama lived in. The Panchen Lama, also known as the Panchen Erdeni, is another leader of the gelug sect whose status in Tibetan Buddhism is equal to that of the Dalai Lama. Tashilhunpo Monastery, a monastery of Panchen, is one of the four major monasteries of Shamanism. It has both religious and political functions, and is the administrative core of Shigatse and even Tsang area. Tashilhunpo Monastery is also a must-see for many tourists when they come to Shigatse. The Shalu Monastery in the southeast of the city is the origin of the Shalu Sect(夏鲁派) of Tibetan Buddhism. It was built in the 11th century and preserves many exquisite murals.
Hot Destinations in Shigatse
Other Destinations in Shigatse
- Tingri County
- Zhangmu Town
- Namling County
- Gamba County
- Zhongba County
- Nyalam County
- Dinggyê County
- Yadong County
- Gyirong County
- Xaitongmoin County
- Saga County
- Samzhubzê District
- Rinbung County
- Ngamring County
- Mount Everest
- Bainang County
- Gyangzê County
- Lhazê County
- Sa’gya County
- Gangga Town
- Kangmar County
Shigatse Attractions
There are many monasteries and temples in Shigatse, so apart from the world-renowned Mount Everest, the scenic spots in Shigatse are mainly monasteries. Top Attractions Shigatse boasts abundant tourist resources in Tibet, including mysterious Tibetan monasteries, magnificent snow mountains, stunning lakes, unique ethnic culture and the like. The outstanding one is bound to be Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world. Besides, religious culture takes an important position in Shigatsa, so the second highlight of Shigatse is the spectacular monasteries of different sects of Tibetan Buddhism. [...]
Shigatse Tours
Shigatse is one of popular destinations in Tibet travel. Shigatse tours are combined with the breathtaking natural scenery and impressive cultural landscapes. Shigatse tours usually include Mount Everest, Tashilhunpo Monastery, Rongbuk Monastery and other famous attractions in Shigatse, as well as the other classic destinations like Lhasa, Xining, Beijing, Yunnan, etc. Thses tours not only allow you to explore the brilliant Tibetan culture and authentic Tibetan customs, but also allow you to appreciate the natural charm of Tibet. Our Shigatse tours provide [...]
Climate & When to Go
Climate & When to Go The information on Shigatse climate could be helpful for preparing a Tibet travel. Situated in the southwest Qinghai Tibet Plateau and Tibet Autonomous Region, Shigatse has an average high elevation of 4,000 meters. Yarlung Zangbo River and Nianqu River rejoin in Shigatse, and creates vast river valleys and fertile plains, giving Shigatse a warm and sunny climate. It features thin air, strong ultraviolet, low air pressure, less oxygen than flat areas. Shigatse Weather Graphs and Climate Features Shigatse has roughly three regional climates. The area north of the Himalayas and south of the [...]
More Shigatse Climate & When to Go >>
Transportation
Transportation Subsequent development has greatly improved the transportation of Shigatse. Shigatse is considered the second traffic center of Tibet after Lhasa. The China-Nepal Highway connects Lhasa with it and then stretches into Nepal. With the 318 National Highway, Lhasa-Purang Highway and Shigatse-Yadong Highway running through, Shigatse has extensive and efficient network of highways. Therefore, the transportation in Shigatse is relatively convenient in Lhasa. How to Get in Shigatse It's easy for travelers to transfer to Shigatse no matter you prefer a flight journey, a driving adventure or a train ride, and even a [...]
More Shigatse Transportation >>
Festivals and Activities
Tibetan Festivals are traditionally based on Tibetan calendar. Most of the Tibetan festivals on the Tibetan plateaus are deeply influenced by Buddhism or rich ancestral culture. During the festivals, all the people wear traditional costume and perform different traditional dances and ritual activities. Festival is the best way to experience the diverse culture and tradition of the local and their ethnic affinity. Here below are some festivals and activities in Shigatse worth to experience. Festivals in Shigatse Besides some Chinese traditional festivals, like Spring Festival(usually in late Jan. or early Feb.; Jan 25, 2020) [...]
More Shigatse Festivals and Activities >>
Travel Tips
Shigatse was called Tsang by Tibetan with a history of more than 600 years, at the altitude of 3,830 meters above the sea level. As the second largest city of Tibet and one of the spiritual leaders in Tibet, Shigatse plays a significant role in Tibet Plateau. To have a better travel experience in Shigatse, here are some useful Shigatse travel tips which may be helpful for your Shigatse tour. When plan your trip to Shigatse, view our answers to questions about Shigatse travel to get better understanding of Shigatse [...]
Useful Maps
To help you have a better understanding of Shigatse City, we provide you different Shigatse maps including Shigatse transportation map, Shigatse tourist attractions map, Shigatse region map and Shigatse location map, etc, through which you can probably know how to get to Shigatse and what to discover there. Renowned for the world's highest peak Mount Qomolangma, Shigatse lies in the southwest of Tibet, on the southwestern border of China. It adjoins Nagri on the west, Nagqu on the north, and [...]
Shigatse Accommodation
Shigatse accommodation lists the recommended luxury, comfortable, economic and cheap hotels and hostels in Shigatse, which can help you stay in Shigatse City with great environment and service during your Tibet travel. As the second largest cities in Tibet, Shigatse is not only an important transfer city, but also an wonderful top travel destination. You may find the hotels better than other places except for Lhasa. There are newly founded 4 star hotels which are equipped with top-class facilities and cozy [...]
More Shigatse Accommodation >>
