Best Itinerary to Experience Shigatse for First-Time Foreign Tourists

Covering the most iconic spots from Mt. Everest to Tashilhunpo Monastery, the 3-day itinerary offered by our travel agency balances awe-inspiring natural scenery with deep cultural immersion, perfect for making the most of your time in this remarkable part of Tibet. Along the way, we'll share practical tips to help you adapt to the altitude and enjoy a smooth, memorable trip.

Day 1: Shigatse → Mt. Everest – Chase the Himalayan Giant

Your Shigatse adventure kicks off with a journey to the world's highest peak, Mt. Everest. Start your morning by sorting out your travel permits—an essential step for visiting the Himalayan scenic area, and something our Tibet travel agency can handle seamlessly for you, saving you time and hassle. Once ready, hit the road for the 340-kilometer drive to Everest, which takes around 8 hours. As you ascend from 3600 meters to 5200 meters, the landscape transforms from green valleys to rugged mountain terrain, offering glimpses of traditional Tibetan villages along the way. Don't miss the Dingri Observation Deck and Gawula Mountain Observation Deck—these are the best spots to capture panoramic views of Mt. Everest and the entire Himalayan mountain range, with snow-capped peaks stretching as far as the eye can see. Aim to reach the Rongbuk Monastery living area before sunset; from the Everest Base Camp, you'll witness the magical moment when the sun dips below the horizon, painting the Everest peak in golden hues (weather permitting). Spend the night at the Rongbuk Monastery tent guesthouse—while simple, it's the closest accommodation to Everest, and the quiet of the mountain night under a sky full of stars is an experience you'll never forget.

Day 2: Mt. Everest → Dingjie → Shigatse – Explore Sacred Sites and Scenic Vistas

Wake up early on day 2 to catch the morning glow of Mt. Everest—there's nothing quite like watching the first light of day hit the snow-capped peak, turning it from white to pink. After breakfast, visit Rongbuk Monastery, the highest monastery in the world. Nestled at the foot of Everest, this Nyingma sect monastery has a peaceful, spiritual atmosphere, with meditation caves dotting the surrounding cliffs and prayer stones lining the paths. Take a moment to wander the monastery grounds and absorb the tranquility before heading back. The drive back to Shigatse covers 360 kilometers (around 8 hours) and takes you through Dingjie County and Sakya County. Along the way, stop at the Himalayan Xilin Observation Deck, where you can admire the eastern face of Mt. Everest and Lhotse (the fourth-highest peak in the world). If time allows, you'll also get a glimpse of the rural Tibetan life, with yaks grazing on the grasslands and locals going about their daily routines. Arrive back in Shigatse in the evening and treat yourself to a traditional Tibetan song and dance dinner—savor local delicacies like tsampa and butter tea while enjoying lively performances that showcase Tibetan culture. You'll stay at the Shigatse Xigayangqia Hotel or a similar comfortable accommodation, the perfect place to rest after a day of exploration.

Day 3: Shigatse → Lhasa – Discover Tashilhunpo Monastery and Return to the Capital

Before leaving Shigatse, dedicate your morning to visiting Tashilhunpo Monastery—the largest monastery in Tsang. As one of the Four Great Monasteries of the Gelugpa sect, it's a masterpiece of Tibetan architecture, with golden-roofed halls, intricate murals, and the iconic 26-meter-tall gold-gilded statue of the Future Buddha (Maitreya). Take your time to wander the monastery complex, watch monks chanting in the prayer halls, and learn about the monastery's centuries-old history from a local guide. After exploring the monastery, it's time to head back to Lhasa. The 280-kilometer journey takes around 5 hours, either by car or train, and follows the Brahmaputra Rive.

Conclusion

If this fixed itinerary doesn't quite match your preferences—whether you want to spend more time hiking around Everest, explore additional monasteries, or adjust the pace—we also offer personalized private Shigatse itineraries.