Best Places to Explore Shigatse's Surroundings
Defining Shigatse merely by the most famous Everest Base Camp and Tashilhunpo Monastery seems too thin. There are some lesser-known attractions scattered around Shigatse that are worth visiting for tourists who like to explore overlooked marvels. In this way, you can see Shigatse with more depth and layers.
Kumbum Monastery
Kumbum Monastery, located in Gyantse County, Shigatse, was first built in the early 15th century. It is astonishing that the three major mainstream sects, namely the Sakya School, the Gelug School and the Shalu School, have coexisted harmoniously in this monastery, which is sufficient to show that its religious status is so high. The most prominent building here is the Kumbum Pagoda, which is known as the "Ten Thousand Buddha Pagoda" and truly lives up to its reputation. There are indeed over ten thousand Buddha statues remaining inside the pagoda. This nine-story pagoda covers an area of over 2,200 square meters and is about 40 meters high. Just from the outside, you can see numerous Buddha halls and porches extending in all directions from the base, which is extremely spectacular. Entering inside, murals depicting religious stories about Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and guardian deities gradually unfold before your eyes. Although not all of the 100,000 pagodas are open to tourists, you can still catch a glimpse of numerous exquisitely crafted sculptures.
Sakya Monastery
Sakya Monastery, the headquarter of the Sakya School, is located between the Himalayas and the Yarlung Zangbo River. Sakya Monastery is divided into the South Monastery and the North Monastery, facing each other across the river. However, as the North Sakya Monastery has become a ruin, nowadays when people mention Sakya Monastery, they mostly refer to the South Sakya Monastery. When first arriving at Sakya Monastery, many tourists might think it is a castle, as this monastery is surrounded by 10-meter-high walls on all sides and has corner towers at each of its four corners. Then, when you arrive at the entrance of this monastery, the red, white and gray stripes on the wall distinguish it from other Tibetan Buddhism monasteries you have seen. These are the symbols of the Sakya school. Entering the Lakhang Chenmo Hall, the tall and sacred Buddha statues inside, as well as the 10-meter-high and 60-meter-long wall of scriptures, all leave one in awe. It is said that this wall of scriptures contains tens of thousands of volumes of scriptures.
Mount Shishapangma
On the way from the Everest Base Camp to Saga, drive along National Highway 219 for about 100 kilometers and you will witness Mount Shishapangma, the 14th highest mountain in the world. This towering snow-capped peak will appear unobstructed by the roadside. Even if you just look at it from the car, you can feel its strong visual impact.
Peikutso Lake
On the same way from the Everest Base Camp to Saga, after you encounter Mount Shishapangma, you can be ready to meet Peikutso Lake. It is the largest lake in Shigatse, with an altitude of approximately 4,600 meters. It is located on the most conventional and convenient route from the Everest Base Camp to Saga. This lake is situated within the Mount Qomolangma Nature Reserve. It is rich in fish and rare animals such as Tibetan gazelle often forage around the lakeside. From the lakeside, you can overlook Mount Shishapangma, about 60 kilometers away. The majestic peak is reflected on the emerald blue lake surface, which is very worth taking a photo of as a memento.
Conclusion
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39 Comment ON "Best Places to Explore Shigatse's Surroundings"
Asked by Jacob Keis** from N/A
Train booking
We are a group of 15 (perhaps 17) who need to take the June 8th 15:27 train from Xining to Lhasa. We need to book this soon so prompt reply would be helpful. We are getting our permits from an agent and should have them in 6-8 days.
Asked by Nirm** from Australia
Hi, I’m interested in doing the Mount Kailash tour. I only have holidays from 20/09 to 4/10 this year. Do you have a tour that includes these dates? How much would the tour be? Are the flights, visas, passes and permits included in your prices? Thank you kindly. Regards, Nirmala (Nationality: Australian Group Size: 1 person Arrival Date: 20/09/26) Nationality: Australian Group Size: 1 person Arrival Date: 20/09/26
Asked by An** from N/A
Best time to travel for the Linka festival
Hey, I'm looking to travel to the Linka festival with my partner. When is the best time to go this year? Thanks!
Asked by Goldliam Soo** from N/A
lm from nyc in the usa how much is your 13 day Mt Kai lash tour in September or June
Hi, lm from nyc in the usa how much is your 13 day Mt Kai lash tour in September or June? And approximately how much would would the airfare be round trip? Thank you
Asked by Liliana Me** from Macau
plan a 7-8days trip for me and my boyfriend in April
Hi! I would like to plan a 7-8days trip for me and my boyfriend in April (3rd to 10th ideally) to Nepal, Tibet, and, if possible, Bhutan. Do you think it would be doable? Based on what I read, there are some places/things to do to consider: Nepal: Everest Base Camp trek and the Annapurna Circuit, ancient temples, sacred sites like Lumbini, Kathmandu, Tibet: The Potala Palace in Lhasa and the Jokhang Temple. eventually the holy Mount Kailash or the high-altitude plains. Bhutan: Thimphu, Paro, and the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery. To take part in cultural traditions, yoga, meditation... Of course I am open to any recommendations you could make. For your reference, we are both based in Asia: him, in Bangkok and myself in Macau. Thank you so much for the information you could provide and, if possible, an estimated budget for your offer.
Asked by Ke** from Singapore
Cycling Tour to Mt Kailash
Hi , we are planning a Cycling Trip once Tibet opens for Tourism. The plan is we shall arrive to Kathmandu , travel to the border and enter via Kerung. Can you pls send a day to day Itinerary starting from Kerung - Lake Manasarovar - Darchen - Asthapath. We shall go around Kailash on foot and resume Cycling back to Kerung. We are a Group of 6-8 persons. Thanks Pls send ur reply to Kevin
Asked by Debo** from USA
Please can you tell me the prices and dates for the Tibet Luxury Tour.
Also, could you please provide a detailed itinerary - I want to see how many hours are spent on buses/vehicles. Thank you! Deborah
Asked by S** from HongKong
Tibet Tour from HK
May I know if holding Mainland Travel Permit for HK Residents. is it also need to get the visa permit to Tibet and what is the procedure if need to apply? Thank you
Asked by Na** from USA
Is Kailash Mansarovar Trip open for Indian Passport Holder?
Is it open for Indian Passport Holder?
Asked by A** from Singapore
Enquiry on private tour
We are planning a trip from Hong Kong to Tibet during the 12th to 21st of April. We want a private tour that covers all the scenic places as well as the EBC. Please advise an itinerary along with the cost breakdown. Thanks.