Shigatse (or Xigaze, Pinyin: Rikaze) is one of the seven prefecture-level cities of China's Tibet Autonomous Region. Covering an area of 182,000 sq. km., Shigatse is the second largest city in Tibet after Lhasa. Located 270 km southwest of Lhasa, Shigatse is easy to get to by road, by rail and by air.
Shigatse
When we talk about Shigatse, normally we indicate the urban area of Shigatse city. But in a broad sense, Shigatse is an immense region including the following Tibet's iconic attractions : the highest peak Mount Everest(in Dingri County), the ancient political and religious centers Shigatse Dzong and Gyantse Dzong; an array of temple architectures such as the Tashilunpo Monastery, the Gyantse Kumbum and Sakya Monastery; and the long sprawling border areas with Nepal, Bhutan and India (the former border Zhangmu Port in Nyalam County, and the current one Gyirong Port in Gyirong County).
In this article, we'll give a brief introduction to the Shigatse travel inclusive of the top things to do in Shigatse and the relevant good time to visit different destinations.
The urban area of Shigatse: It shares a great weather similarity with Lhasa. Based on weather, visiting the downtown Shigatse is feasible and suitable all year round. It has weather pleasant spring and autumn. The summer brings more rainfall than other seasons, but still cannot be referred to as rainy. The daytime in winter can be surprisingly warmer than other metropolitans in China, and the nighttime, can be below freezing point, which can be coped with by adding extra clothing or staying in a cozy hotel.
Remote areas in Shigatse: As Shigatse encompasses such a massive land, different scenic spots at different parts of Shigatse may witness distinct weather patterns. The more isolated areas such as the Mount Everest region or the Zhongba Plain region are colder than the city area.
Shigatse is popular among travelers both for its natural wonders and for its cultural sites. Here below are the top attractions and best season we recommend to visit.
Best season to travel for nature in Shigatse area is autumn (ignore me if you have your favorite season). It is the time when the groves, meadows and wetlands nurtured by the Yarlung Tsangpo River and the tributary Nyang-chu River (Pinyin: Nianchu River) in Shigatse, turn into warm bright autumn color. It is the rain free time just after the departure of rainy season(summer), which means sunny days and brisk air, and transparently clean waters reflecting the azure blue sky. Moreover, the everlasting snowy mountains (most of them over 8,000 meters high) stand humbly in the backdrop of all the views you may take in.
Mount Everest (Tibet's side)
Location: 300 km south of Shigatse city; in Dingri County, Shigatse.
Best season: spring and autumn (especially May, June, September and October)
Spring and Autumn are the best seasons to do sightseeing at Mount Everest region, thanks to the body friendly temperature in the daytime. Most days during these two seasons are sunny, enabling a high chance of seeing the Mount Everest peak with a clear panoramic view at the Tibet's Everest Base Camp.
Moreover, in Spring and Autumn, the weather conditions in the courses leading to Mount Everest base camp from Lhasa or Shigatse, are also relatively good, when severe weathers such as heavy snows and hails are less likely to happen.
Therefore, it is both weather pleasant and safer to take a Mount Everest trip then.
Tibet's side Everest Base Camp
Peikutso Lake
Location: southwestern part of Shigatse
Best season: autumn
Peikutso Lake is the largest lake in Shigatse region, covering an area of 300 sq. km., with an altitude of 4,590m. Most parts of Peikutso Lake are within Gyirong county, while a small portion of it belongs to Nyalam County. It is located 60 km south of Mount Shishapangma, (8,027 meters high).
Looking at Peikutso Lake on the map, it shapes like an 8 or an erected bowknot. Seeing her in real life, you'll find that this tranquil lake is embraced by mountains on three sides. On the surrounding grassland, you can spot wildlife such as wild horse, Tibetan wild donkey (Kiang), Tibetan antelope, crane, and duck, etc. And you'll be thrilled seeing how abundant the lake is of fish.
In clear autumn days, the lake surface can give a clear reflection of the beautiful Mount Shishapangma, which is believed as an auspicious sign. A little reverence and romantic wish never hurt.
Zhongba Plain and Its Numerous Wetlands
Location: westernmost part of Shigatse, in Zhongba County, close to Ngari Prefecture of Tibet.
Best season: summer and autumn
Zhongba Plain is a vast plain that occupies one fourth of the whole Shigatse region. Its length from the north to the south is 294 km; and the width from the east to the west is 254 km. Zhongba Plain is situated between the western part of the Himalaya Mountains and the Gangdise Mountains.
Zhongba Plain is the home to many wetlands which are teeming with lovely aquatic plants. In summer and autumn, you're likely to find little yellowish flowers blooming in the water. Herds of cattle and sheep are very common and you can also make the most by experiencing some moments of riding a horse.
A Wetland at Zhongba Plain in Shigatse
The Five Valleys in the Southern foot of the Himalaya Mountains
Location：southernmost of Shigatse, in the national border area
Best season：autumn
The famous Five Valleys indicate the river valley areas located in the Southern foot of the Himalaya Mountains. They are the Gyirong Valley, the Yadong Valley, the Chentang Valley, the Gama Valley, and the Zhangmu Valley.
Among the Five, Gyirong Valley is the most famous because the current border pass in use, the Gyirong port is located nearby. It is on the route of the travelers who journey between Tibet and Nepal, and has a reputation among cyclers for its beautiful mountain and forest scenery. Imagine the enthusiastic and bold autumn colors in the Gyirong Valley, with the running water adding a nimble rhythm to the image. You'll get amazed by the nature masterpiece in there.
Top Cultural Things in Shigatse
Shigatse is most famous for the Tashilhunpo Monastery, the seat of Tibet's Panchen Lamas. And as a vital transport hub, Shigatse serves as a rest stop for travelers extending their visit to the Mount Everest, the Mount Kailash, and so on. Shigatse attracts numerous national and international tourists to admire the architectural beauty and the intense religious culture. However, Shigatse will surprise you with more, including the fascinating Tibetan artwares and also the intangible heritage such as the Tibetan drama.
Tashilhunpo Monastery
Location: suburb of the Shigatse City
The iconic symbol of Shigatse is the Tashilhunpo Monastery. It was completed in 1447 AD, and holds a significant standing among Tibetan Buddhists, and is one of the Great Four Monasteries of Gelug Sect of Tibetan Buddhism in Tibet Autonomous Region.
The initial project to build it was come out with by the first Dalai Lama, and has been the seat of Tibet's Panchen Lamas for many centuries. It covers an area of 300,000 sq. km. and has a grand chanting hall which can accommodate 2,000 people at one time. The 30 meters tall Maitreyan hall also adds grandeur to its architecture. Tashilhunpo Monastery also has funeral stupas that enshrine the late Panchen Lamas of the previous generations.
Tashilhunpo Monastery
Tibetan Artwares
Shigatse is rich in ethnic handiwork and thus an ideal place to shop for memorabilia. Various types of artwares can be appreciated or purchased, such as the elaborately gold-plated roofs on the temple architecture, gold and silver products that Tibetan people use in their daily life, the high-end and delicately made Tibetan boots; traditional rugs and carpets made in Gyantse, Shigatse, Tibetan wool products, traditional Tibetan costumes, Tibetan knives made in Lhatse, Shigatse, jade objects, wood bowls and bamboo wares made in Gyirong, and so on.
Places for shopping Tibetan souvenirs:
Tibetan Drama
Shigatse is regarded as the place of origin for the Tibetan drama. It originated from the ancient religious art, which can date back to the eighth century. It is from the seventeenth century that Tibetan drama derived from the religious rites. It is a kind of performance combining mainly singing, chanting, dancing, acting, monologue, and special stunts. On May 20, 2016, Tibetan drama was listed as the national intangible cultural heritage.
Best times to appreciate the Tibetan drama performance would be when the traditional festivals are hold. You may check the events and times as follows.
Tibetan New Year (February or March)
Saga Dawa Festival (May or June)
Shoton Festival (August)
Tibet Tours you may be interested in:
5 Days Lhasa Yamdrok Lake Tour
6 Days Lhasa Gyantse Shigatse Tour
