Lhasa to Shigatse: How to Get There by Train or Car?

Lhasa, without a doubt, is often the very first choice for a great many tourists embarking on their Tibet trips due to its profound rich historical culture and colorful religious relics. When it comes to Shigatse, the iconic Mount Everest, located within the Shigatse region, is the world's highest peak, standing as a natural wonder. Lhasa and Shigatse, two of the most prominent cities in Tibet, are closely bound together by religion, culture, and geography. In most cases, the travel plan for a Tibet trip includes visits to both Lhasa and Shigatse, integrating seamlessly into a completely visual and spiritual experience. Therefore, how to travel from Lhasa to Shigatse is a problem that needs to be solved.

Travel from Lhasa to Shigatse by Car

The most favored overland route from Lhasa to Shigatse is via sacred Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet's three holy lakes. This car ride covers about 360 kilometers and takes about 8 hours to complete. And this scenic journey will take you to soak in the breathtaking beauty of the Tibetan Plateau. As you make your way towards Gyantse, a stop by Lake Yamdrok will make you spellbound by its resplendent turquoise water. The lake, with its stunning beauty, presents a picturesque backdrop for your leisurely stroll. After your stroll, you can visit the homes of lakeside farmers. Tibetans, known for their hospitality, will welcome you into their simple yet warm homes. Here, you are able to exchange stories with Tibetans in their cozy rooms adorned with traditional Tibetan furnishings. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy an authentic Tibetan meal. You can savor the rich flavors of dishes like butter tea, tsampa, and yak meat.

Subsequently, the journey continues towards Shigatse, with more stunning views of grasslands dotted with yaks and sheep. Perhaps, you can view some endangered animals like Tibetan antelope in their natural habitat. Along the way, you will head to Karola Glacier, composed of layers upon layers of glistening ice, which is the majestic natural masterpieces. Finally, you will arrive your destination, Shigatse after a fulfilling day.

Travel from Lhasa to Shigatese by Train

The Lhasa-Shigatse Railway, is the first railway to connect the two biggest cities in Tibet with a distance of 253 kilometers. The panoramic views from the train window reveal a living Tibet. The snow-capped peaks glistening in the sunshine, yak herders moving across vast grasslands, and Tibetan villagers working in the fields, all these give you new insights and unique experience.

Usually, there are three trains running from Lhasa to Shigatse every day. Train Z9805 departs from Lhasa at 08:10 and arrives in Shigatse at 10:39. And Train C887 departs from Lhasa at 13:00 and arrives in Shigatse at 15:20 while Train Z9807 leaves Lhasa at 15:05 and gets to Shigatse at 18:11. Train ticket prices, based on seat types, range from 6 to 31 USD. The most recommended seat type is hard seat with cheap price and comfortable experience.

Travel from Lhasa to Shigatse with Our Travel Agency

Our dedicated team of travel experts will meticulously handle all details of your Tibet trip. You won't have to worry about traffic jams, train schedules, or the hassle of finding the best rest stops, because they are all pre-arranged carefully according to your wishes. This way, you can rest assured that you will have a wonderful Tibet trip.