Rikaze

Shigatse has a large temperature difference between day and night on the plateau, so keep warm and use sun protection when traveling.

Shigatse is the second-largest city in Tibet. It combines snowy mountain and sacred lake scenery with a strong cultural atmosphere, and it is also an important stopover on the way to Everest Base Camp. Its elevation is higher than Lhasa’s, the commercial feel is relatively lighter, and traditional Tibetan features are fairly well preserved.

Here is a travel reference for Shigatse:

• Tashilhunpo Monastery: The traditional seat of successive Panchen Lamas and one of the six great monasteries of the Gelug school. Inside, you can visit the main halls, watch monks debate scriptures, and go to the Buddha display platform for a view over Shigatse city.

• Mount Everest Base Camp: At an elevation of about 5,200 meters, it offers close-up views of the world’s highest peak. The sunset and starry sky around the 8,848.86-meter mountain are spectacular. You must apply for a border permit in advance before going.

• Yamdrok Lake: One of Tibet’s three great sacred lakes. In winter, the water turns a clear icy blue, while in summer it is as deep blue as a gemstone. The lakeside road has wide-open scenery and is good for photo stops along the way.

• Karola Glacier: The glacier is close to the road, so you can directly feel its grand scale and imposing presence. It is usually visited on the same day as Yamdrok Lake.

• Gyantse Old Town: The town is home to the Zongshan Anti-British Ruins, Palcho Monastery, and Pala Manor, making it a good place to learn about Tibet’s modern history and traditional manor culture.

• Peiku Lake: From the lakeshore, you can see Shishapangma in the distance. On clear days, the mountain’s reflection appears on the lake surface. There are relatively few visitors, so the overall travel environment is fairly quiet.

Classic 5-Day Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive in Shigatse. Take the high-speed train from Lhasa to Shigatse. The journey takes about 2.5 hours, and the elevation after arrival is about 3,800 meters. After checking in, focus on resting. Try not to wash your hair or take a shower, and let your body gradually adapt to the high-altitude environment.
• Day 2: Cultural tour of Shigatse city. In the morning, visit Tashilhunpo Monastery to learn about local religious culture. In the afternoon, go to Samdruptse Dzong Fortress, also known as the “Little Potala Palace,” for a view over the city. In the evening, visit the free market on Xigaze Pedestrian Street.

• Day 3: Lhasa - Yamdrok Lake - Karola Glacier - Shigatse. Travel along the scenic G349 + G318 route. Visit Yamdrok Lake in the morning, pass Karola Glacier in the afternoon, and return to Shigatse in the evening to rest.

• Day 4: Shigatse - Everest Base Camp. Set off early in the morning, passing Gyatso La Pass on the way, then arrive at Everest Base Camp. You can take photos in front of the 8,848.86 stone marker and wait for the golden sunrise or sunset on the mountain and the starry sky.

• Day 5: Everest - Shigatse/Lhasa. Return from Everest Base Camp. Depending on your physical condition, you can go back to Shigatse to rest, or take the high-speed train directly back to Lhasa to prepare for your return trip.

Recommended Local Food in Shigatse

Preventing and Dealing with Altitude Sickness

Shigatse city is at an elevation of about 3,800 meters, and Everest Base Camp is about 5,200 meters. Altitude sickness should be a key consideration during the trip.

• Acclimatize in advance: You can first stay in Lhasa, at an elevation of 3,650 meters, for 1-2 days before going to Shigatse. Avoid heading to even higher-altitude areas immediately after arrival.
• Prepare before arrival: In the week before entering Tibet, try to avoid catching a cold and pause intense aerobic exercise. You can also take rhodiola or Gaoyuan’an in advance.
• First 48 hours after arrival: Try not to wash your hair or take a shower, avoid strenuous activity, and do not drink alcohol or stay up late. When sleeping, you can raise your pillow by 15-30 degrees to help reduce discomfort from altitude sickness.
• Emergency equipment: Carry a pulse oximeter so you can monitor blood oxygen levels. Also prepare a portable oxygen canister or a vehicle-mounted 10L medical oxygen cylinder. If you develop chest tightness, headache, or other symptoms, do not force yourself to continue. Use low-flow oxygen promptly and rest.
• Daily habits: Drink warm water in small amounts frequently, and keep daily water intake at 2.5-3 liters. Use less lipstick so your travel companions can observe whether your lips show signs of oxygen deficiency, such as turning purple.

Transport and Border Permit

• Long-distance transport: The high-speed train is a convenient way to travel from Lhasa to Shigatse. The journey takes about 2.5 hours, and you can also enjoy the scenery along the route. For self-driving or chartered vehicles, you can take National Highway G318. The scenery along the way is good, but it takes longer, about 6-7 hours.
• City transport: Shigatse city is not large. You can take a taxi or Bus No. 1 to reach major sights such as Tashilhunpo Monastery.
• Border permit: You do not need a border permit if you are only visiting Shigatse city and Yamdrok Lake. If you are going to Everest Base Camp, Gyirong Port, Yadong, and other places, you must apply for a border permit in advance. You can apply at the police station in your place of household registration, or apply offline in Lhasa. Offline processing in Shigatse is also relatively fast, but it is best to go early and queue.

Accommodation and Clothing Tips

• Where to stay: Accommodation options in Shigatse city are relatively well developed. Hotels near Tashilhunpo Monastery or around Shenli Times Square are good choices. Choosing a hotel with diffused oxygen supply or nasal oxygen supply can help improve rest at night.
• What to wear: The plateau has a clear temperature difference between day and night. Daytime temperatures may reach the teens, while nighttime temperatures can be close to 0°C. Use the “onion layering method” and prepare a down jacket, hardshell jacket, thermal underwear, wool beanie, and gloves.
• Sun protection and moisturizing: UV rays are strong on the plateau, so prepare high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat. The local climate is dry, so also bring lip balm, moisturizing face cream, and body lotion.