Brief
Shigatse also known as Xigatse is the second largest city in Tibet. Situated at the junction of the Yarlong Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) and Nyangchu River, Shigatse literally means "fertile land". Shigatse is located around 300 km west of Lhasa, at an altitude of 3800 meters above sea level. This 600 year old city was earlier the capital of Tsang province and now is the capital of Shigatse prefecture. It is an important stop between Lhasa and west Tibet for pilgrims and tourists. The city has hit the top in the count of tourist and adventurers that come here to witness the might and grandeur of the highest peak in the world, Mt. Everest.

Reasons to visit
Shigatse has a lot to offer to the tourists with its high snow capped peaks, wonderful monasteries and colorful markets that are filled with amazing Tibetan stuff.

Tashihunpo Monaster    
Tashilhunpo Monastery is located at the west part of the Shigatse city and about 250 km away from the capital of Tibet Lhasa. Situated on the foot of Drolmari or Tara’s mountain, it is one of the huge Monasteries of Gelugpa (or Yellow Hat Sect) in China and the biggest Tibetan Gelugpa Buddhism monastery in back Tibet area. Standing on a whooping area of around 300,000 sq. m it is also called the Heap of Glory. It is known as a seat of the Panchen Lama who is considered to be the second most important religious leader of Tibet. Founded by the first Dalai Lama in the year 1447 the monastery significantly expanded by the fourth and successive Panchen Lamas. The Monastery covers an area of nearly 300,000 square meters. The main structures found in the Monastery are The Maitreya Chapel.

Palkhor Monastery    
Built in the year 1427, the monastery has gained the position as the Lord of Tibetan Stupas. The Palkhor monastery is a classical example of age old Tibetan monasteries as it houses both, a temple and a Stupa. What you would find most interesting can be the mural paintings on the wall that depicts stories of Buddha. You will notice that the painting style in this monastery is quite different from paintings that one seen in other monasteries.

Mt. Everest
The highest and the most celebrated peak in the world, Mt. Everest leaves no stone unturned in overpowering your senses. The Everest, also called as Qomolangma in Tibet, has its tip covered with snow throughout the year. This peak is virtually worshiped by all mountaineers as climbing to the top of this mountain is the biggest challenge and the ultimate goal in any mountaineer's life. You as a tourist can also get the same fun, ecstasy and feel the same rush of blood but in an easy way, just stand on the foot of this prodigious part of earth.

Sakya Monastery     
Sakya Monastery is the first monastery of Sakyapa Sect. Like other monasteries, this one is also famous for its uniqueness. The monastery is more than 900 years old and has the collection of few of the most valuable pieces of Tibetan history. Most important of all are the handwritten sutras of about 3000 in number. The main attraction of the monastery is the central hall called Lakhang Chenmo Hall. The name of the monastery means 'Grey Soil' because of its surroundings heavily dominated by grey colour.

Shopping
The traditional handicrafts representating Tibetan culture are favorite souvenirs for visitors.

Festive celebrations
There are many festivals in Shigatse Region which can make your trip great fun. Beautiful songs and dances will form part of most ceremonies. Some of the famous festivals of Shigatse are Buddha unfolding Festival, Ongkor Festival and Linka Festival.