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Shigatse to Saga: the Key Route from Central to Western Tibet (Mt.Everest to Kailash)
Shigatse to Saga is the major route from central Tibet to the gateway of western Tibet. Passing through some of the most scenic parts of the Tibetan Plateau, there are two routes to travel from Shigatse to Saga.
The best-known route from Shigatse to Saga is via the Everest Base Camp in Tibet, offering stunning views of the Himalayas, as well as Mt. Everest from different angles along the way. This 2-day route is the most popular choice among tourists.
The other route takes you to drive directly via the G318 National Highway, without visiting the Everest Base Camp, in just 8 hours.
You can take either route according to your time and schedule. Check the ultimate guide about the two routes from Shigatse to Saga for better arrangements of your journey from central to western Tibet.
Location of Shigatse and Saga: How Far Is the Journey?
Shigatse to Saga via Everest Base Camp: Key Highlight of a Lifetime Western Tibet Trip (2 Days)
Shigatse to Saga without Everest: the Shortest Route into Western Tibet (8 Hours)
Main Tourist Attractions in Shigatse and Saga (Beyond Mt.Everest)
Location of Shigatse and Saga: How Far Is the Journey?
Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet, is located 245 kilometers southwest of Lhasa. At an altitude of 3,800 meters, Shigatse is the major city in central Tibet and a vital gateway to the Mount Everest region.
Saga County, located west of Shigatse, is a key transit point for those traveling to western Tibet. From there, you can reach the Gyirong port and the Zhangmu Port to the south and Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar to the northwest.
The distance from Shigatse to Saga is about 450 kilometers, connecting by two routes. The most popular way from Shigatse to Sage passes through Everest Base Camp, covering a total distance of around 520 kilometers, while another route via the G318 National Highway is just 459 kilometers in total.
Shigatse and Saga Location MapShigatse to Saga via Everest Base Camp: Key Highlight of a Lifetime Western Tibet Trip (2 Days)
The most renowned route goes from Shigatse to Everest Base Camp, where you'll stay overnight, and then continues to Saga.
Starting from Saga,you'll first follow the G318 National Highway to Lhatse. Upon arrival,you'll travel south along the G219 National Highway, crossing the Gyatso La Pass and entering the Qomolangma National Nature Preserve.
After arriving in Tingri, the small town at the foot of Mount Everest, you'll keep driving along the Zhufeng Road southward to the Gawula Pass for panoramic views of the highest peaks of the Himalayas. Then,you'll navigate the thrilling 108-turn route to reach Everest Base Camp in Tibet.
Overnight at Everest Base Camp,you'll have the opportunity to witness the breathtaking sunset and sunrise over the world's highest peak and appreciate the stunning starry skies at night.
Admire the panoramic views of the Himalayas on the way from Shigatse to Saga via Everest Base Camp.Next morning, after visiting the Rongbuk Monastery, the world's highest monastery, you'll return to G219 National Highway and take the drive northwest to Saga.
On the way to Saga, you'll pass through Peikotso Lake with a far distance view of Mt. Shishabangma. As the world's 14th-highest peak (8,027m), it is an 8,000-meter-high mountain located entirely within China.
This classic route from Shigatse to Saga via Everest Base Camp is typically planned as a 2-day journey. Spanning 520 kilometers, the road of this route is completely well paved and in good condition.
Just pay attention to the winding roads in the Everest region. If you are prone to motion sickness, you can take motion sickness medicine in advance.
| Day | Route | Highlights |
| Day 1 | Shigatse (3,850m) - Lhatse (4,010m) - Gyatso La Pass (5,280m) - Tingri (4,300m) - Gawula Pass (5,198m) - Everest Base Camp (5,000m) | The classic travel route to Everest Base Camp from Shigatse, with different views of Mt. Everest, and a visit to the Rongbuk Monastery. |
| Day 2 | Everest Base Camp (5,000m) - Peiku Tso Lake (4,580m) - Saga (4,500m) | Drive westward into the Ngari Plateau along the Himalayas, pass by Peiko Tso Lake, and enjoy the stunning view of Mt.Shishabangma in the distance. |
Join our Lhasa to Mount Kailash tour, featuring a scenic journey to Everest Base Camp.
Shigatse to Saga without Everest: the Shortest Route into Western Tibet (8 Hours)
The most direct route from Shigatse to Saga follows the G318 National Highway to Lhatse and continues the journey along the G349 National Highway to Saga.
With a total distance of just 450 kilometers, it is the shortest journey from Shigatse to Saga, taking about 8 hours by car.
The entire journey, at an average altitude of over 4,000 meters, will take you through the desolate and vast plateau scenery of western Tibet. As it is rarely visited by tourists, this route is a haven for wildlife. You will get a chance to encounter wild animals such as Tibetan wild donkeys.
Along the way, you'll admire rivers, lakes, and breathtaking desert scenery. Crossing the mountain passes over 5,000 meters, you'll be amazed by the surrounding mountains with glaciers.
The road of this route is a single-lane, two-way asphalt road in generally good condition. However, extended driving can be tiring. If you stop to rest or admire the landscapes at viewpoints along the way, please wear windproof and warm clothing to prevent the strong wind and cold temperature at such a high altitude.
You can see Tibetan wild donkeys during the overland journey from Shigatse to Saga.Main Tourist Attractions in Shigatse and Saga (Beyond Mt.Everest)
Saga County is actually a county under the administration of Shigatse City. In addition to the Everest Base Camp, there are many attractions that you can visit on the way from Shigatse City to Saga County.
Tashilhunpo Monastery, the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama, is a must-see attraction in Shigatse. Founded in 1447, it is renowned for its majestic architecture, golden rooftops, and many cultural significance. It houses a 26-meter statue of the Maitreya Buddha, which is one of the largest of its kind in the world. While strolling through its ancient paths, you'll experience both the tranquility of its ancient halls and the vibrant atmosphere of the monks and local pilgrims.
Our guests visit Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.Shigatse Dzong, also called the small Potala Palace, stands tall on the hill on the northern side of the ancient city of Shigatse. While taking the trek around Tashilhunpo Monastery, you will enjoy a stunning view of the Shigatse Dzong and the old town of Shigatse.
Enjoy a stunning view of the Shigatse Dzong and the old town of Shigatse.Located about 26 km south of downtown Shigatse, Shalu Monastery is an important center for the Buton school of Tibetan Buddhism. Founded in the 11th century, Shalu Monastery is famous for its blend of Tibetan and Han Chinese architectural styles and its vibrant murals for centuries.
Shalu Monastery shows a special architectural style combining Han with Tibetan style.Sakya Monastery, on the way to Everest Base Camp, is located about 165 km west of downtown Shigatse. As a major monastery of the Sakya school of Tibetan Buddhism, its distinctive gray, white, and red walls embody the unique monastery style of the Sakya school. You'll admire the special architectural blends of Tibetan and Han styles with exquisite Buddhist murals and rich cultural relics.
Sakya Monastery embody the unique monastery style of the Sakya school.Phuntsoling Monastery is located in Lhatse County, about 90 kilometers from downtown Shigatse. Nestled on a hillside on the northern bank of the Yarlung Zangbo River, it is a key monastery of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism, which was founded in the 16th century by the great accomplished master Pema Karpo and boasts a rich history. Its magnificent architecture, incorporating traditional Tibetan style, is renowned for its exquisite murals, Buddha statues, and collection of precious Buddhist texts.
Located at the northern foot of the Himalayas, Peiku Tso Lake is about 120km from Saga. At an altitude of 4,580 meters, it boasts pristine blue water, contrasting beautifully with Shishapangpa Peak and a line of the Himalayan peaks at a distance. It's also the homeland for wild animals, such as Tibetan wild donkeys and Tibetan antelopes. You can experience the stunning natural landscapes of the Tibetan Plateau on the way to Saga.
Standing at 8,027 meters above sea level, Mount Shishapangma is the only 8,000-meter peak located entirely within China. It is located approximately 700 kilometers northeast of downtown Shigatse and 300 kilometers from Saga County. The towering snow-capped peaks and the plateau lakes at their foot create a magnificent and breathtaking natural landscape.
The stunning view of Peiku Tso Lake and Shishapangma PeakSaga County is dotted with numerous natural hot springs, rich in minerals. These springs, many of them naturally formed open-air pools, blend seamlessly with the distant snow-capped mountains and vast grasslands. They are not only a place for locals to bathe and relax, but also a favorite resting spot for travelers passing through the Xinjiang-Tibet Highway (the G219 National Highway). Soaking your feet here, washing away the dust of a journey, allows you to deeply experience the unique comfort and tranquility of a plateau journey.
This is the best China Tibet tour with an unforgettable overland trip to Kathmandu, ideal for first-timers!
More Insider Tips
The altitude along the route from Shigatse to Saga remains above 4,000 meters. You will also cross mountain passes over 5,000 meters. Therefore, please avoid strenuous exercise when stopping to sightsee or rest during the trip. For your comfort and safety at high altitude, all our travel vehicles are equipped with portable oxygen.
If you travel further from Saga to Mount Kailash, you need to apply for extra travel documents, such as the Alien's Travel Permit and the Military Permit, in advance. Once you book your Mount Kailash tour with us, we ensure you get all necessary travel documents in time for a smooth journey.
Whether you take the 2-day journey from Shigatse to Saga via Everest Base Camp, or the 8-hour drive directly along the national highway, it is suggested you bring some snacks to keep your energy up along the long drive.
During the overland journey from Shigatse to Saga, it is common to meet wild animals, such as wild yaks, Tibetan wild donkeys, or even Tibetan antelopes. Please follow your tour guide's instructions, stay quiet, and observe the wild animals from a safe distance.
Explore the wild west of Tibet on an epic journey from Lhasa to Mount Kailash and the ancient Guge Kingdom.
Conclusion
Shigate to Saga is the most essential journey from central Tibet to western Ngari Area, where the sacred Mount Kailash and holy Lake Manasarovar are located.
From Shigatse to Saga, you can either choose to travel through Everest Nature Reserve with a visit to Everest Base Camp in Tibet in 2 days, or take the shortest journey along the national highway for just 8 hours.
No matter which way you choose to go, we at Tibet Vista can help you arrange the smoothest and hassle-free journey with an in-depth exploration of authentic Tibet. It's time to plan your Tibet tour with us now!
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