What to Do When Revisiting Shigatse for Foreign Tourists
Everest Base Camp and Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse are receiving countless tourists all the year. No wonder most Tibet travel packages related to Shigatse always include the Everest Base Camp and Tashilhunpo Monastery, both of which respectively demonstrate the role of showcasing the wonders of the world and the essence of Tibetan Buddhism culture. It is widely recognized that they live up to their reputations, especially among first-time tourists to Shigatse. This time, I want to step out of these two most well-known scenic spots among the general public and introduce some those, although less famous, are not lacking in cultural depth, so that when you visit Shigatse for the second time, you will have more choices, rather than being confined to the most conventional few scenic spots.
Sangzhuzizong Castle
Looking at Sangzhuzizong Castle Fort from afar is likely to make you a little dazed and think it is the Potala Palace. Both are red and white buildings and both stand majestically on a hill. This place is located at the confluence of the Nyangchu River and the Yarlung Zangbo River, and nearby is the very popular Sangzhuzi Old Market. Although the 600-year history of Sangzhu zizong Castle seems to be not as weighty as that of the Potala Palace, the castle's walls are decorated with exquisite reliefs and murals, reflecting the superb artistic attainments and rich cultural connotations of the ancestors of Tibetan people. It is free of admission and reservation, and at an altitude of 3,800 meters, it is believed to be a well-deserved landmark of Shigatse. This time, you can slow the pace to feel the echoes of history here wholeheartedly and quietly.
Sakya Monastery
The Sakya Monastery in Shigatse is the main monastery of the Sakya School of Tibetan Buddhism, and its red, white and black stripes on its walls already show its distinguished differences from other monasteries. Here lies the world's largest wall of scriptures, which is about 10 meters high and over 60 meters long. Inside the wall, there are ten thousand volumes of scriptures, all of which are handwritten copies. They have been well-preserved for over 700 years. The content of the scriptures ranges from astronomy to geography, covering a wide range of fields such as medicine, history, and Buddhism. Even just standing in front of this wall, you can feel that the condensation of the wisdom of all the predecessors is awe-inspiring in the long river of culture.
Gyirong Valley
Perhaps the last time you went straight back to Lhasa after visiting Shigatse. This time, a change in direction enables you to discover new horizons and new journeys. Keep walking westward and arrive at Gyirong Valley. There is filled with a vertical landform landscape where snow-capped mountains and subtropical forests coexist harmoniously. It is no exaggeration to say that you can find the traces of the four seasons here, as you are surrounded by grasslands, forests, lakes and glaciers. You will find the Sherpa traditional villages hidden in the deep valley. Besides, a light hike here is effortless, spiritual, and refreshing. On your way from Shigatse to Gyirong Valley, you will pass close by another peak over 8,000 meters high in the Himalayas, and that is Mount Shishapangma, as well as Peiku Cuo Lake nearby. Here comes the most crucial part. Gyirong Valley has been an important passage from Tibet to South Asia since ancient times, and even now it is still the case. Gyirong Port serves as a crucial hub for exchanges between China and Nepal, and it holds significant transportation strategic importance for tourists traveling to Kathmandu from Tibet. This means that starting from Gyirong Valley, you don't need to return to Lhasa and take a flight to Kathmandu that costs at least several hundred dollars and only has two or three flights a week. You just need to clear customs at the Gyirong Port and then take a drive for about seven or eight hours to reach the urban area of Kathmandu. This is a new starting point to unlock your new journey.
Conclusion
How to connect these scenic spots into a line still relies on a professional team just like ours. Which travel style do you prefer? It's our honor to receive your messages or calls to build a perfect Tibet trip together.
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39 Comment ON "What to Do When Revisiting Shigatse for Foreign Tourists"
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.