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Shigatse Location Map: Where is Shigatse?
Shigatse is a renowned Mount Everest tourist area in Tibet, China. It is located in the southwestern part of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. It closes Ngari Prefecture in the west, Naqu Prefecture in the north, Lhasa and Shannan Prefecture in the east. And it borders Nepal, Bhutan, and India in the south.
Shigatse stretches approximately 800 kilometers from east to west and 220 kilometers from north to south. It is about 200 kilometers away from Lhasa, the capital of Xizang. The average altitude of the region is above 4,000 meters.
Shigatse Tourist Map: What are the Attractions?
Shigatse prefecture is mainly famous for temples and Mount Everest. Check the Shigatse Map about attractions.
Tashilunpo Monastery (3,860m): It is located in Shigatse City, Tibet Autonomous Region, and is the largest monastery of the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism in Tsang. In Tibetan, it means "Mount Sumeru of Good Fortune". Built in the 15th century, you can visit the world's largest copper Buddha statue of Maitreya and precious cultural relics such as thangkas.
Gyawu La Pass (5,248m): Gyawu La Pass is a must-visit spot on the way to Mount Everest. Located near the Qomolangma National Nature Reserve in Lazi County, Shigatse Prefecture, Xizang, this pass offers stunning views of Mount Everest and other 8,000-meter peaks on clear days. Its proximity to Everest makes it a popular destination for tourists. The pass is marked by a large reserve sign and countless prayer flags fluttering in the wind.
Rongbuk Monastery (5,154m): It is the highest monastery in the world, located approximately 4 kilometers from Everest Base Camp. It's a paradise for mountaineers and photography enthusiasts. In the movie "2012," Rongbuk Monastery's majestic figure appeared during the calm before the storm, becoming a memorable backdrop in the film. From the monastery's viewing platform, you can overlook the magnificent Mount Everest. On clear days, you can even witness the sunrise and sunset over Everest.
Mt. Everest Base Camp (5,200m): This area was established to safeguard the environment of the Mount Everest core zone. It serves as a crucial base camp for both mountaineers and tourists, marking the starting point for Everest expeditions and located just 19 kilometers from the summit. Everest Base Camp offers tents for climbers and visitors, as well as lodges, teahouses, shops, and even a post office. The 5200-meter memorial has become a popular spot for tourists to take photos.
Mount Shishapangma (8,027m): It is a world-class peak located in the central section of the Himalayas. It is the only 8,000-meter peak entirely within China. Situated in Nyalam County, under the jurisdiction of Shigatse City, it is approximately 120 kilometers southeast of Mount Everest and is one of the iconic peaks of the Himalayas.
Sakya Monastery (4,316m): Sakya Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery of the Sakya sect. Located at the foot of Benbo Mountain in Sakya County, Shigatse City, Xizang, China, it attracts numerous visitors with its unique architectural style and rich cultural heritage.
Pelkhu-tso (4,590m): Peiku Tso is the largest lake in Shigatse. Situated 60 kilometers north of Shishapangma, it is a saltwater lake.
Baiju Temple (3,900m): It is located in Jiangzi Town, Jiangzi County, Shigatse City, Tibet Autonomous Region. It is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery that houses the Sakya, Sharpa, and Gelug sects and was founded in the 15th century. Baiju Monastery is a typical example of a Tibetan Buddhist monastery combining a stupa and a temple, representing the architectural style of monasteries in western Tibet from the late 13th to the mid-15th century.
Karola Glacier (5,020m): It is located at the junction of Langkazi County and Jiangzi County in Shannan Prefecture, Xizang, China. It is one of the three largest continental glaciers in Tibet. Covering an area of 9.4 square kilometers, it is one of the closest glaciers to a highway.
Shigatse City Map: Overview of Shigatse
Shigatse City, located in southwestern Tibet, is the second largest city in Xizang and is known as the "Auspicious Garden". Situated on a plateau, the city's average altitude ranges from 3800 to 3850 meters. The renowned Tashilunpo Monastery Monastery, a must-visit on any Tibet tour, is located here.
The city is served by Shigatse Peace Airport, with flights to Xi'an, Chengdu, Chongqing, and Xining. Shigatse has two railway stations: Shigatse Station and Renbu Station.
Shigatse City has 14 counties under its jurisdiction, among which Dingri County, Gyantse County, and Sakya County are must-visit destinations along your tourist route.
- Dingri County: Everest Base Camp
- Gyantse County: White Monastery
- Sakya County: Sakya Monastery
Shigatse Accomodation Map: Where to Stay in Shigatse?
For tourists, there are mainly three accommodation options in Shigatse, closely related to your Xizang travel itinerary.
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Stay in Shigatse City: Shigatse city is the most popular choice for accommodations. Most tourists travel overland from Lhasa to Shigatse, which takes about 8-9 hours. Along the way, visitors visit Yamdrok Lake and the Karola Glacier. After resting in Shigatse city for a night, tourists continue to Mount Everest Base Camp the next day.
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Stay in Everest Base Camp: Accommodations are available at Everest Base Camp. For those who prefer the outdoors, camping is an option during favorable weather conditions. Most visitors choose to stay in the lodges.
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Saga County: After spending a night at Everest Base Camp, if you have plans for a Mount Kailash trekking, you can stay overnight in Saga County and then head to Darchen, the starting point of the trek, the next day.
Shigatse Travel Map: Lhasa & Kathmandu Transportation Routes
Visitors to Shigatse typically start or end their Tibet tour in either Lhasa or Kathmandu.
Lhasa to Shigatse/ Shigatse to Lhasa
Most tourists visiting Shigatse arrive from Lhasa and return the same way. To return to Lhasa from Shigatse Prefecture, travel overland to Shigatse City and then choose between bus and train.
Lhasa is located northeast of Shigatse, and the straight-line distance between the two cities is approximately 250 kilometers. A train journey between Lhasa and Shigatse takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes, while driving takes between 4 and 5 hours depending on the route and conditions.
Lhasa to Shigatse Train Schedule, Tickets & Travel Tips
Shigatse to Kathmandu
If you're planning a trip from Shigatse to Kathmandu, be aware that there are no direct train services. There is roughly a 500-kilometer distance between the two places.
The journey by car takes around 10 hours and involves traveling in a southwestern direction.
Extend Shigatse Travel with Asia Odyssey Travel
With your Tibet Travel Permit in hand for Shigatse, why not make the most of your journey? Explore the many nearby attractions and tailor your trip to your interests.
Lhasa + Shigatse: 8 Days Tour
An 8-day itinerary is common for those visiting Shigatse. Travelers begin with a 3-day stay in Lhasa to acclimatize and explore the city's spiritual heart. The adventure then continues with a 3-day driving to Everest Base Camp, passing by the breathtaking Yamdrok Lake and Karola Glacier. The journey culminates with a visit to the grand Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
Lhasa + Shigatse + Mount Kailash (Include Nearby Attractions): 16 Days Tour
For those who enjoy hiking, a three-day trek to Mount Kailash is a great option after exploring Lhasa and Shigatse. Following the trek, you can continue your adventure by visiting nearby attractions, such as Guge Kingdom, Zanda Earth Forest, etc.
Lhasa + Nyingchi + Shigatse: 12 Days Tour
To balance the stark beauty of snow-capped mountains, consider adding a visit to Nyingchi, where you can admire the vibrant colors of Lulang Forest and the serenity of Basumtso Lake.
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