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Pioneer of Tibet Tourism for Overseas Travelers since 1984!
Xigaze Tibet China: Facts of Xigaze (Shigatse) & How to Visit Xigaze in 2026?
Xigaze, renowned as Shigatse or Rikaze, gracefully stands as a modern metropolis, adorned with deep-rooted Buddhist heritage and an abundance of captivating tourist destinations. As Tibet's second largest city, Xigaze is a very popular destination among tourists.
Enveloped in the embrace of centuries-old tradition as the ancestral home of the esteemed Panchen Lamas, Shigatse has long stood as the vibrant heart of Tsang (or Rear Tibet), both culturally and politically.
Today, it proudly extends its role as a vital nexus for travel, facilitating journeys from the enchanting city of Lhasa to iconic destinations such as Everest Base Camp, Mount Kailash, and the picturesque land of Nepal.
Facts of Xigaze (Shigatse): Location, Population, Maps, Economy, Altitude, etc
How to Get to Xigaze (Shigatse)? What is the Easiest Way?
What are the Highlights of Xigaze (Shigatse) Tourism? What is Xigaze Famous for?
How is the Climate of Xigaze (Shigatse) and When is the Best Time to Visit?
Top 3 Most Popular Tourist Itineraries of Xigaze (Shigatse), Tibet
Facts of Xigaze (Shigatse): Location, Population, Maps, Economy, Altitude, etc
Located in the southwestern part of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, Xigaze covers an area of 182,000 square kilometers with 17 counties. With altitudes ranging from 3840m to 8844.43m, the undulating terrain bestows upon Xigaze a landscape of unparalleled beauty.
(Simple click to enlarge the map)Shigatse Prefecture Location Map
Furthermore, Xigaze serves as a central hub, linking Ngari/Ali to the west, Nagqu to the north, and Lhasa and Shannan to the east. Its southern border with Nepal, Bhutan, and India enhances its popularity as a tourist destination, facilitating exploration throughout the Tibet Autonomous Region and the enchanting Himalayan kingdoms.
With a population of approximately 870,000, Xigaze is characterized by a blend of traditional and modern industries. Agriculture plays a crucial role, with barley, wheat, and yak herding being the mainstays. In recent years, there has been substantial investment in infrastructure, tourism, and renewable energy, contributing to the city's economic growth.
How to Get to Xigaze (Shigatse)? What is the Easiest Way?
Typically, travelers have the choice of reaching Xigaze by car, train, or air, with traveling by air being the quickest and most convenient option.
Getting to Xigaze by Flight: As one of the Tibet’s five airports, Xigaze Peace Airport is located Jiangdang Township, Xigaze Region, about 43 kilometers (26.7 miles) to the downtown area. Tourists can take the flight from Chengdu, Chongqing and Xi’an to Xigaze.
The flight from Chengdu to Xigaze operates every day. The flight leaves at 06:35 a.m from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, and arrives at Xigaze Peace Airport at 9:00 a.m. Also, there is one direct flight from Chongqing to Xigaze every Tuesday. The flight departs from Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport at 6:00 a.m. and arrives at 09:00 a.m.
Every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, there is one direct flight from Xian to Xigaze. The flight departs from Xian Xianyang International Airport at 6:25am and arrives at 9:55am. Additionally, their is another flight from Xi’an to Xigaze on every Thursday which departs at 10:35am and arrives at 13:50.
Getting to Xigaze by Train: The Lhasa to Xigaze railway covers about 248 km and takes just 2.5 hours by high-speed train. This convenient service caters to both locals and tourists, with two trains departing from Lhasa at 8:00 and 13:30 respectively.
But for the first-time travelers to Tibet, it is not recommended to take a train to Xigaze, because you will miss the chance to visit stunning sites, like Yamdrok Lake. If you plan to take a round trip between Lhasa and Xigaze, you can travel to Xigaze by car, and get back to Lhasa by train.
Getting to Xigaze by Overland via Friendship Highway: Presently, road travel remains the primary means for tourists to reach Xigaze. Regardless of your starting point, whether it's the sacred city of Lhasa or Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, you can easily reach Xigaze via the Sino-Nepal Friendship Highway.
For travelers on an overland tour from Kathmandu to Tibet, a typical itinerary includes a Everest Base Camp tour before arriving in Xigaze city. The journey takes approximately three days, with overnight stays in Syabrubesi and Gyirong, allowing one day to explore the EBC.
What are the Highlights of Xigaze (Shigatse) Tourism? What is Xigaze Famous for?
Xigaze is famous for its rich cultural heritage and natural wonders, attracting tourists from around the world each year. Key attractions in Xigaze include Everest Base Camp, Rongbuk Monastery, Tashilhunpo Monastery, and Shalu Monastery.
Everest Base Camp: At an elevation of 5,200 meters above sea level, North Tibet's Everest Base Camp comprises dozens of yak tent hotels, with the flags of China and Qomolangma National Nature Preserve flying in the center, providing basic accommodation for tourists.
The best time to visit Mt. Everest is from April to May and September to November, when the weather is stable and not too cold or rainy. During these periods, you're more likely to capture stunning shots of the golden sunrise and flag clouds over the summit.
Rongbuk Monastery: Built in 1899 by Ngawang Tenzin Norbu, Rongbuk Monastery stands at an altitude of 5,154 meters above sea level, making it the world's highest monastery. Situated at the end of the Rongbuk Glacier in the northern foothills of Mount Everest, it is approximately 20 kilometers from the summit.
The monastery comprises new and old sections, with the old part located 3 kilometers south of the new complex. There you'll find meditation caves used by Guru Rinpoche. You can also embark on the pilgrimage kora around Rongbuk Monastery, offering stunning views of the surrounding alpine scenery.
Tashilhunpo Monastery: There's an old local saying that goes: "One has never been to Xigaze if they've ignored Tashilhunpo Monastery." Situated at 3,950m, Tashilhunpo is the Tibetan Buddhist hub of Tsang and the foremost attraction in Xigaze.
Founded by the First Dalai Lama in 1447 and expanded by the Fourth and subsequent Panchen Lamas, it serves as the seat of the Panchen Lamas, second only to the Dalai Lama in the Gelugpa Tibetan Buddhist hierarchy. The monastery houses the tombs of Panchen Lamas and a Maitreya Buddha statue.
Shalu Monastery: At 4000 meters above sea level, Shalu Monastery stands as one of Tibet's ancient Buddhist temples and the ancestral temple of the Tibetan Buddhism Shalu sect. Constructed in 1087 by Jigzun Xerab Qoinnyai, it harmoniously blends Han and Tibetan architectural styles, serving as a hub for scholarly learning and psychic training.
How is the Climate of Xigaze (Shigatse) and When is the Best Time to Visit?
In Xigaze, the year begins in the dry season, with January and February being the driest months, experiencing no rainfall. These months are cold, with daytime temperatures averaging around 0 to -3 degrees Celsius and dropping to -10 to -12 degrees Celsius at night.
March to May marks the onset of spring in Xigaze, with temperatures rising gradually and a slight increase in the chance of rain. Nighttime temperatures can still be cold, ranging from 0 to -5 degrees Celsius, while daytime temperatures range from 5 to 10 degrees Celsius.
June and July are the wetter months, transitioning from the dry to the rainy season. July sees peak temperatures, averaging around 23-24 degrees Celsius during the day, with nighttime temperatures between 6-9 degrees Celsius. Most rainfall occurs in the evenings.
August is the wettest month, with temperatures starting to drop slightly to around 15 degrees Celsius. From September to November, rainfall decreases, with temperatures ranging from approximately 12 degrees Celsius in September to 2-3 degrees Celsius in November.
December marks the start of winter, with daytime temperatures averaging around 0 to -3 degrees Celsius and nights dropping as low as minus ten degrees Celsius. However, the weather remains dry and clear, with no rainfall.
Best Xigaze Weather for Different Travelers: April to November offers the optimal time for visiting Xigaze due to its stable, cool temperatures, though be prepared for sudden weather changes. Winters can be bitterly cold. Mount Everest's North Base Camp experiences typically frigid winter. Thus, April to May and September to November are recommended for visiting Mount Everest.
Trekking in the area is best done in the spring and summer months, from April to May and October to November. With very little rain in these months, and warmer temperatures than in the winter, the spring and autumn present the ideal conditions for high altitude trekking in the area, including the stunning trek from Old Tingri to Everest Base Camp.
If you are looking for general touring, then the summer months are the best, despite being the wettest. Rain in the area tends to fall in the late evenings and overnight, which leaves the day times clear and bright for touring around the stunning landscapes and temples of the region.
Top 3 Most Popular Tourist Itineraries of Xigaze (Shigatse), Tibet
Xigaze hosts numerous iconic tourist attractions such as Tashilhunpo Monastery and Mount Everest Base Camp. Building upon these highlights, we have crafted several specially designed tours in Xigaze.Here are the Top 3:
8 Days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Small Group Tour: This 8-day journey from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp is a true adventure of a lifetime. Explore the majestic Potala Palace in Lhasa and delve into the lives of modern Tibetan monks at Tibet's largest monasteries.
In the Himalayan region, marvel at Mt. Everest from four exclusive viewpoints handpicked for you. Spend a night at Everest Base Camp, witnessing breathtaking sunsets, sunrises, and the mesmerizing starlit sky.
7 Days Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Small Group Tour: Beginning in Lhasa, explore iconic landmarks such as the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple. Then head west to Xigaze, immerse yourself in local village life near the sacred Lake Yamdrok. The highlight of the journey is a night at Everest Base Camp.
Throughout the trip, marvel at Mount Everest from various vantage points. Journeying to Gyirong on the edge of the Himalayas, witness the range's diverse landscapes, from snow-capped peaks to lush forests.
10 Days Lhasa to EBC and Namtso Lake Small Group Tour: Your journey starts with exploring Lhasa before heading west to the Everest region. Traverse glaciers, lakes, farmlands, villages, and monasteries, reaching EBC for breathtaking sunrises, sunsets, and starlit skies.
Continuing onward, venture to Damxung Grassland to discover the stunning Namtso Lake. Marvel at its vast expanse, surrounded by the Nyechen Tanglha Mountain range. Encounter nomadic tents and herds of yaks and sheep amidst the grasslands of northern Tibet.
More Tips for Visiting Xigaze (Shigatse)
1. Due to its high altitude, acclimatizing properly is crucial to avoid altitude sickness in Tibetan Plateau. Spend a few days in lower-altitude areas before venturing to higher places such as EBC.
2. Xigaze is a region with rich cultural heritage and religious significance. Respect local customs, traditions, and etiquette, especially when visiting monasteries, temples, and sacred sites.
3. Pack versatile clothing suitable for changing weather conditions. Also, if you intend to visit temples or monasteries, dress modestly by covering your shoulders and knees.
4. No matter you travel to Xigaze by car, train, or air, a Tibet travel permit is mandatory for all foreign tourists. Opting for our service ensures complimentary handling of all paperwork.
Conclusion
Xigaze, deeply rooted in southwestern Tibet, is a fundamental component of Tibetan culture. It offers a plethora of enchanting attractions and experiences for those who are fascinated by Tibetan culture and the natural beauty of the region.
Whether exploring historic monasteries or trekking near Mount Everest, Xigaze entices with its blend of cultural heritage and natural marvels, inviting travelers on a journey of discovery and enlightenment. Feel free to contact us for more info!
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