Shigatse Travel Tips - Classic Routes

The extended line of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway - Lhasa-Shigatse Railway was completed and is about to be put into operation recently. The no-railway history in Southwest Tibet will be ended with the construction of Lhasa-Shigatse Railway. Tourists making a Tibet tour in this August might have the chance to pay a visit to Shigatse City and Red River Valley. As a professional Tibet tour operator, Tibet Tour would like to introduce the classic routes for visitors interested in visiting Shigatse.

Shigatse is quite noted for both its natural scenery and cultural atmosphere. The highest mountain above the sea level - Mt. Everest is located in Shigatse. Also, the residence of Panchen Lamas - Tashilhunpo Monastery is also situated in Shigatse. Therefore, Shigatse has been an attractive place for visitors interested in the plateau natural landscapes and ancient Tibetan culture.

Be situated at the confluence of Yarlung Zangbo River and Nianchu River, Shigatse is located in southwestern Tibet.With an average altitude around 3800 meters, Shigatse City is the second largest city on Tibet Plateau, and also the residence of the Panchen Lamas in history. There are 5 special round tour routes and 3 classic essence routes in Shigatse currently.

Classic Routes in Shigatse - 2 International Routes

The Kathmandu-Zhangmu-Shigatse-Lhasa-Kathmandu is the most popular international travel route in Tibet. A large number of overseas tourists would like to enter into Tibet from Kathmandu and fly back to their own country via Kathmandu after their trip in Tibet. It should be noted that all foreign visitors choosing this international route are required to apply for the China Tourist Visa from the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu. At the same time, the China Visa obtained in the other cities or countries will be regarded as invalid. Generally, it takes about 3 work days to obtain the China Tourist Visa in Kathmandu. The flights between Kathmandu and Chengdu and Lhasa are available.

The Zhangmu-Saga-Zhongba-Mt. Kailash-Jilong is the second international travel route in Tibet. It is quite suitable for tourists willing to visit Ngari Plateau. But, be different from Zhangmu Port, the Jilong Port is not opened for foreign visitors all year around. More complicated permits will be required if tourists would like to leave Tibet via Jilong Port. 2014 is the Year of Horse according to the Tibetan calendar, the application of the Tibet Travel Permit and Border Pass is more complicated for tourists willing to make kora around Mt. Kailash this year.

Classic Routes in Shigatse - 3 Classic Routes

Shigatse-Mt. Everest Base Camp is one of the most attractive classic routes. Visitors choosing this route will have the chance to take a close look of the highest mountain around the world. It takes about 8 hours driving to get to Rongbuk Monastery from Shigatse. A good conditioned 4WD will ensure passengers a better experience on the bumpy road to Mt. Everest Base Camp.

Besides, domestic tourists could also choose the other two classic routes. There's a famous Chinese film called the Red River Valley was taken in the Red River Valley in Shigatse. Visitors could visit that famous valley to appreciate the breathtaking natural landscape. In addition, tourists could also pay a visit to the origin place of Yajiang River. It must be an unforgetable experience to taste the traditional Tibetan food in the local Tibetan families.