Shigatse Attractions

In order to appreciate the spectacularity of "the third pole'  , ambitious people come here from a great distance desiring to realize the dream of challenging the utmost limits of human being. And that is the charm of Everest. It is the pride of Shigatse that has become one of the most charming tourist attractions in Tibet.

Shigatse, used to be called Tsang by Tibetan, connects with three countries of Nepal, Bhutan and Sikkim in the south, Ngari in the west, Nagqu in the north and Lhasa and Shannan in the east. It occupies an area of 176,000 square kilometers. It is 800 kilometers from east to west and 220 kilometers from north to south, with a border of 1,354 kilometers

Shigatse Region consists of one city, Shigatse City, 17 counties including Gyangtse County, Sakya County, and Tingri County, and a trading port, Zhangmu Town. Most of the people living here are Tibetans. Other nationalities such as Han, Hui, Mongolia, Manchu, and Miao have also lived here for centuries. There are also less than one thousand Sherpas living in and around Zhangmu, Tingri, and Dinggye.>>>hotels in shigatse

Shigatse is one of the world's highest cities with beautiful high plateau scenery. It is also a hot spot for Chinese tourism. The average elevation here is in a range of 3840 meters (about 12598.4 feet) - 4464 meters (about 14645.7 feet), which endows cool and even cold weather to the area. In the high plateau, the climate is not very pleasant due to the frequent wind and dry atmosphere. However, it is not bad a place for summering. Its long history gives this city a strong cultural heritage, especially in respect of Buddhism. The approximately 600 year-old majestic Tashihunpo Monastery   has a magnificent architectural style with a golden roof and resplendent buildings. Dozens of monasteries belonging to different sects enhance the atmosphere of Buddhism. Various grand festivals like Buddha Unveiling Festiva l in the monasteries each year give people a chance to admire the huge portraits of three Buddhas. Shigatse is rich in medicine resources, among which there are more than 300 kinds of medicines for common use, such as aweto, fritillaria, gastrodia tuber, hsueh-lien-hua, rhodiola root and rhubarb.>>>Shopping in Shigatse

This 600-year-old city is the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama, who is one of the two prestigious spiritual leaders in Tibet and the abbot of the Tashilhunpo Monastery. Recent years, the local government renews and develops lots of traditional festivals, such as Gyangtse horse festival and Shigatse culture festival, which will guide you to appreciate the rich folk custom and culture.>>>Festivals in Shigatse

Shigatse is the second largest city within Tibet and has undergone large scale development. Visitors can find various restaurants in Shigatse City now. Tibetan foods served in local Tibetan restaurants are tasty and delicious. The restaurants are decorated in Tibetan style and reveal a strong sense of tradition. Sichuan cuisine is also popular in the city, and offer great meals at a low price. .>>>Dining in Shigatse

Gyangtse County is the most important pass on the way from Lhasa to Shigatse. One can head to Lhasa, Shannan, Shigatse City, Tingri, Yadong and Zhangmu from this busy county. Mt. Everest located in Tingri County is the highest mountain in the world. Every year, thousands of tourists and mountaineers from all over the world, come to appreciate and challenge the sacred and awe-inspiring 'Goddess the Third'. Zhangmu is an important trading port as well as a border town between China and Nepal. Many visitors enter or leave Tibet through this small but busy town..>>>Shigatse Transportation

Mt. Everest is also known as Mt.Qomolangma, meaning Goddess Third in Tibet, is the highest peak in the world. The 8,848 meters (29,028 feet) high peak, snow capped throughout the year.read more

The Pelkhor Chode Monastery occupies an important place in Tibetan Buddhism history because different Buddism sects, like Gelugpa, Sakyapa, were compatible in this monastery

Rongbuk Monastery was built in 1899, as a Nyingmapa monastery since it was said that once Padmasambhava, founder of Nyingmapa, preceded his religious cultivation here.

Sakya Monastery, reputed as the "Second Dunhuang", is the first Sakyapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism created by its initiator Khon Konchog Gyalpo in 1073 from which Sakyapa rose and once ruled Tibet, occupied 14,700 square km.

Tashilunpo Monastery is located on the southern slope of the Nyima Mountain to the west of the Shigatse city. It represents the Tibetan super architecture art in the Last Tibetan spiritread more

The Shalu Monastery is located 20 kilometers (12 miles) south of Shigatse. Chetsun Sherab Jungnay founded the monastery in 1040. The story of its founding involves Chetsun and his teacher. His teacher suggested that Chetsun shoot an arrow, and found a monastery where the arrow hit. The flying arrow hit a new bud. The monastery was named Shalu,meaning "new bud" in Tibetan.

In the center of the county exits the Dzong Fortress . It is the witness of the fierce fight between the unyielding Gyangtse people and British invaders.

Zhangmu Port is built along a winding road that is lined with private homes, shops, restaurants and government buildings. The booming border trade attracts merchants from inland China, Tibet and Nepal  >>>   Lhasa to Zhangmu Route Map

Although some parts of Shigatse Region are remote and still developing, the abundant cultural relics and majestic natural beauty of the area allure more and more visitors both from home and abroad every year.  >>>  Shigatse Travel Tips                                               

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