Shigatse
A two hour drive from Gyantse, Shigatse is the capital of the central Tsang region, and Tibet's largest city. Long a political rival to Lhasa, Shigatse is the seat of the Panchen Lamas, the second-highest lamas in Tibet, after the Dalai Lama. Like Lhasa, Shigatse has an old town, with a range of rambling alleys, compounds, and monasteries, as well as a newer, more modern enclave.
Experiences
A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.
Family Dinner
Have dinner in the home of a local family, learning about their way of life in this remote region.
Gang Gyen Carpet Factory
Tour the Gang Gyen carpet factor with your guide, and witness the intricate weaving processes involved in making Tibetan carpets.
Ngor Monastery
Hike around the hills of the Ngor Monastery outside of Shigatse, following a popular pilgrim and trekkers’ trail between the Ngor and Nartang monastic complexes. Founded in 1429, Ngor is a lovely small monastery with beautiful surroundings.
Old Shigatse
Explore Shigatse with your expert guide, visiting the bazaars and the remains of the old dzong, or fortress. Once a testament to the power of Shigatse’s Tsang kings, the dzong was recently rebuilt and restored to its former state.
Tashilunpo Monastery
Visit the Tashilunpo Monastery, home to the Panchen Lama, a ranking spiritual figure second only to the Dalai Lama in importance. Founded in 1447, the monastery is a large compound of chapels, courtyards, and byways. Within the monastery is a tall, 75-foot (23 meter) statue of the Maitreya Buddha, finished with gold leaf, as well as a population of resident monks. Like the Potala in Lhasa, Tashilunpo houses several impressive funeral chapels for the Panchen Lamas, including that of the 10th, who passed away in 1989 and whose chortem, or stupa, cost an estimated $8 million to build.
Tibet Regions
Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below on the right.
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Exclusively Asia
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
Travelogues
An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.
Tibet’s Second City: Highlights of Shigatse
- Author
- Jay Tindall
Located at the confluence of the Brahmaputra and Nyang rivers, Shigatse is the ideal spot to overnight on the way to Mt. Everest Base Camp or Kathmandu…
Kailash: Over the Hills Where the Spirits Fly
- Author
- Joe Cummings
On a pilgrimage in western Tibet, Joe Cummings visits Everest’s North Face Base Camp, along with Mount Kailash, Asia’s most sacred peak.
The Road to Gyantse
- Author
- Jay Tindall
They say that travel is not about the destination, but the journey. I learned the true value of this statement on the long road from Lhasa to Gyantse in Tibet.
What Others Say
Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said about us recently.
Honeymoon Couple from New York
We had such a fabulous time touring with our Remote Lands guide.
Two couples from France and Switzerland
Our party preferred a French-speaking local guide and you found someone who was both knowledgeable and helpful. We would recommend her to anyone with the same needs.
