Rikaze

Shigatse is the second-largest city in the Tibet Autonomous Region and a gateway to Everest Base Camp. A trip here can take in Everest, glaciers and lakes, as well as the monasteries and cultural sights of the Tsang region. Below is a guide to sights, itineraries, transport, accommodation and food.

• Tashilhunpo Monastery: The seat of successive Panchen Lamas, this is known as the foremost monastery in Tsang. Visit the Maitreya Buddha Hall and the tomb stupas of past Panchen Lamas to learn about Tibetan Buddhism. The pilgrimage circuit along the hillside behind the monastery also offers views over the entire complex.

• Everest Base Camp: At an elevation of about 5,200 meters, this is a place to view the world's highest peak up close. The golden light on the summit at sunrise or sunset and the starry night sky are the main attractions.

• Karola Glacier: This continental glacier lies close to the road and was a filming location for *Red River Valley*. Along the way, you can see snow-covered mountains and walls of ice at close range and appreciate the scale of the glacial landscape.

• Gyantse Old Town: The main sights are the Gyantse Dzong resistance site, commemorating the fight against British forces, Pelkor Chode Monastery and Pala Manor. Together, they offer a look at a historic fortress, the Kumbum Stupa of a Hundred Thousand Buddhas and a traditional manor estate.

• Yamdrok Lake: Administratively part of Shannan, the lake is a common stop on journeys from Lhasa to Shigatse. In winter, its surface takes on a clear, icy blue, while summer brings turquoise waters, making it a good spot for photography.

Classic Itineraries

• 3-day highlights itinerary (for visitors with limited time):
  • Day 1: Leave Lhasa and visit Yamdrok Lake and Karola Glacier along the way. Check into a hotel in central Shigatse, then focus on resting and allowing time to adjust to the altitude.
  • Day 2: Travel toward Everest Base Camp via Gawu La Pass, where you can see five peaks over 8,000 meters in the distance. Watch the sunset over Everest in the evening, then stay overnight at a guesthouse near Everest or in Basong Village.
  • Day 3: Watch the morning sun turn Everest golden, then return to central Shigatse to visit Tashilhunpo Monastery. Take a train or coach back to Lhasa in the afternoon.
• 5-day extended itinerary (for visitors who want to see more places):
  • Day 1-2: Follow the main route of the 3-day highlights itinerary, visiting Everest Base Camp before returning to central Shigatse.
  • Day 3: Explore the city, visiting Tashilhunpo Monastery and Samdrubtse Dzong, then browse the Free Market for a glimpse of everyday local life.
  • Day 4: Head to Gyantse Old Town to visit Pelkor Chode Monastery and Pala Manor and learn about local history. Return to Shigatse for the night.
  • Day 5: Depending on the time available, visit Sakya Monastery to see its Yuan-dynasty murals, or return directly to Lhasa.

Transport and Accommodation Guide

• Transport options:
  • Train: Trains connect Lhasa and Shigatse, taking about 2.5 hours and costing around RMB 64. The journey offers views of the plateau landscape.
  • Self-drive/private car hire: Driving yourself or hiring a car with a driver are options for visiting Everest, Gyantse and other nearby sights. National Highways G318 and G349 are generally in good condition, but some sections of the road to Everest Base Camp are at high elevations and require extra care when driving.
  • Coach: Shigatse's main bus station has scheduled services to Lhasa, Everest and other destinations, suitable for travelers with more time to spare.
• Accommodation options:
  • Central Shigatse: The city has a wide range of hotels with relatively comprehensive facilities. Given the local elevation of about 3,800 meters, consider accommodation with room-wide oxygen enrichment, such as the Hilton Shigatse or Lanou International Hotel, to make the acclimatization period more comfortable.

• Everest Base Camp: Accommodation mainly consists of Tibetan-run guesthouses and tent lodgings; 8848 Oxygen Guesthouse is one example. Facilities are generally basic and offer a taste of life on the plateau. Book ahead before traveling.

Local Food Guide

• Tashi Restaurant: Located at the entrance to Tashilhunpo Monastery, this large, canteen-style restaurant is popular with local residents. Options include freshly brewed sweet tea, Tibetan noodles, yak meat buns and fried potatoes. Expect to spend about RMB 15 per person in a casual, everyday local setting.

• Fengsheng Tibetan Restaurant: This well-regarded Tibetan restaurant in the city offers Tibetan song and dance performances. Dishes and drinks include tsampa, butter tea and yak meat, making it a place to try traditional Tibetan flavors.

• Zhonglin Restaurant: The menu focuses on northwestern Chinese flavors, with options such as grilled lamb ribs and lamb skewers. If Tibetan food is not to your taste, this offers an alternative.

• Local snacks: Street stalls sell pengbi, a soybean snack with a texture similar to wantuo, a firm, bowl-set jelly. Highland barley wine is another characteristic local drink.

Practical Tips

• Adjusting to the altitude: Central Shigatse is about 3,800 meters above sea level, while Everest Base Camp is about 5,200 meters. Avoid strenuous activity when you first arrive, and hold off on washing your hair or bathing. Consider packing oxygen canisters, glucose and similar supplies before your trip.
• Border permit procedures: A border permit is required to visit border areas such as Everest, Yadong and Gyirong. You can arrange one in advance where your household registration is held, or apply at a permit office in Lhasa or Shigatse with your original ID card. On-site processing on working days takes about 10 minutes.
• Monastery etiquette: Remove hats and sunglasses before entering the main halls. Photography is not allowed inside, and you must not step on thresholds. Follow a clockwise direction when walking pilgrimage circuits or around monasteries, and respect local religious customs.
• Clothing and sun protection: The plateau has large temperature differences between day and night, as well as strong UV radiation. In every season, bring windproof, warm clothing such as a down jacket and an outdoor shell, along with sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat.
• Drone restrictions: Flying drones is prohibited in areas such as monasteries and border zones. Violating the rules may result in confiscation of your equipment or other penalties.