Shigatse Travel Guide

Tibet Autonomous Region | Population: 703,292

Shigatse City (also called Xigaze) has a glorious history of more than 600 years with various dynasties ruling at different times. The city is located in Tibet, China on the Nyangchu and Yarlung Tsangpo Rivers. The city is blessed with the pristine Trans-Himalayan scenery, picturesque glaciers, snow-capped mountain ranges, high-elevation lakes, frozen waterfalls, mystical caves, etc. that attract tourists from all over the world. Hence, the city has become a sought-after tourist destination over the ages.

An Indian Buddhist monk called Shantarakshita is believed to have stayed in Shigatse in the year 775 AD. He was requested by the Tibetan King Trisong Detsen to build a religious place and the Samye Monastery was constructed. Ever since the city is visited by countless Buddhist pilgrims from different parts of the world. Another ancient relic that draws pilgrims is the Tashilhunpo Monastery at the foothills of the Mount Nima. It has a beautiful architecture that is a mix of Han Chinese and Tibetan styles and is the abode of the Panchem Lama, the second most important religious leader after the Dalai Lama.

Today’s Shigatse is a modern city with well-developed urbanization, infrastructure, accommodation, transport systems, banking, and other conveniences. Its main income is from the booming ecotourism that has become so popular in recent years.

Where To Stay

Attractions

Just like the Tashilhunpo and Samye Monasteries, Shigatse City has many other monasteries that are the main seats of other Buddhist sects. They include the Natang, Rongbuk, Palkor, Xalhu, Sagya, and the Jo-nang Monasteries. Each monastery has a special Buddha Unveiling Festival when pilgrims and tourists can get a glimpse of the main deities in the temples.

Besides religious relics, the city is also well-known for its rich history and historical relics. The Pala Manor, a well-maintained mansion owned by the Pala noble family, is a popular tourist attraction too. Another relic that is part of the tourist circuit is the ruins on Dzong Hill (Gyangze). The ruins were originally a fort built by the locals to prevent the British army from invading Tibet via India.

The Mount Qomolangma (also called Chomolungma or Mount Everest) State Nature Reserve is one of the most visited tourist attractions near Shigatse City. With its diverse geographical landscape, natural beauty, ethnic culture, it is a treasure-trove of irresistible sites that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. The region has an abundance of flora and fauna. It is home to nearly 53 species of mammals, 8 amphibians, 10 varieties of fish, 206 species of birds, and 6 species of reptiles. Many of these creatures are on the endangered list but are protected in this region by the state.

Shigatse is internationally well-known as the mountaineer’s paradise. Mountain climbing starts from the city and it is a base to get acclimatized before attempting the climb. The most difficult climb is believed to be the north face of Mount Qomolangma (Everest), yet nearly 200 expeditions start from the city each year. Shigatse is also the base before climbing other Himalayan peaks in the vicinity like Mount Makalu, Xixabangma, Lozi, and Qowowuyag.

Getting There

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