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Cityscape of Tibet's second largest city Shigatse - dominated by the Dzong and distant Himalayan mountains Samzhubzê District
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Shigatse Vacations and Tour Packages

Samzhubzê District
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Overview

Take a trip to Shigatse on your China Vacation

On a China vacation, Shigatse, meaning ‘Fertile Land’. It is located 300kms west of Lhasa and is the second largest city in Tibet. The administrative centre of the Shigatse Region, Shigatse City is located at an altitude of 3,840 metres. Shigatse lies on flat terrain and is surrounded by lakes and mountains, including Mount Qomolangma, the Tibetan name for Mount Everest.

Shigatse is a stepping stone to Mount Everest’s base. While providing majestic views of Mount Everest and the Himalayan Mountains, this 600-year-old city is known for its ancient monasteries and is the abode of the Panchen Lama, the second most important spiritual figure in Tibet. Tashilhunpo Monastery, established by the first Dalai Lama around the year 1450, features a combination of Han Chinese and Tibetan architecture.

Southward, leading out of Shigatse is Rongbuk Monastery. Located 6kms from Mount Everest’s base camp, it is the highest religious site in the world! An experience to be sure on tours to China.

Having gone through some rebuilding, Shigatse is one of the most advanced cities in Tibet. Handicrafts are a main industry and tourists can shop for locally-made carpets and clothing, as well as enjoy a Tibetan opera, another of Shigatse’s specialties.

At a Glance

Languages

Mandarin

Currency

Chinese Yuan (CNY)

What do the experts say?

Leo Liu

Leo Liu

Destination Specialist
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It is very enjoyable to travel in China by high-speed train, but you should avoid travelling during the National Holidays from October 1 to 7 and from May 1 to 4, as they get extra busy.
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Lydia Guo

Lydia Guo

Destination Specialist
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Jinxian Road in Shanghai is a small road but full of superb, Michelin-recognized restaurants. I highly recommend visiting here on your travels to China.
Lydia Guo

Lydia Guo

Destination Specialist
Learn More About This Expert
China's many beautiful natural sights and rich cultural areas are what I love most about visiting. Some of my personal favourites are Yunnan's Shangri-La, Xinjiang, Zhangjiajie, and the 5 Great Mountains.

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