Shigatse: The Sacred Lake Wonderland Beneath the Snowy Mountains

「🗺️Shigatse 3-Day Tour | Tashilhunpo Monastery and Mount Everest・Guide Suitable for All」

Shigatse, a sacred city in the hinterland of Tibet embraced by snowy mountains, where the golden roof of Tashilhunpo Monastery shines brilliantly under the sun, and the snow-capped peak of Mount Everest pierces the sky. Bringing the whole family here, you can hear the chanting in the monastery, watch the starry river on the plateau, and experience the dual shock of faith and nature.

🗓️Itinerary Overview
Day 1: Arrive in Shigatse → Tashilhunpo Monastery → Shigatse Zongshan Ruins
Day 2: Karola Glacier → Yamdrok Lake → Gyantse Zongshan Ancient Fortress
Day 3: Dingri → Everest Base Camp → Return

🙏Day 1: Pilgrimage to the Sacred Temple · Exploring the Ancient City
📍Tashilhunpo Monastery (5A, ticket 100 RMB, free for seniors over 60, free for children under 1.2 meters)
Highlights: One of the six major Gelugpa monasteries, the residence of the Panchen Lama, with a 26-meter tall copper statue of Shambhala Buddha inside, awe-inspiring. Seniors can sunbathe on the sun terrace and listen to monks chanting; children can enjoy the mythological stories in the murals and feel the solemnity of Tibetan Buddhism.
🕙Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00, recommended to arrive at 10 AM to avoid tour group peaks.
📸Photo Spots: Monastery entrance (for panoramic shots of the golden roofs), outside the Shambhala Buddha Hall (for the giant Buddha silhouette).
💡Tips: Remove hats and sunglasses inside the monastery, no photography; walk clockwise around the prayer wheels, do not step on thresholds; seniors can take the electric shuttle (30 RMB/person) to reduce walking.

📍Shigatse Zongshan Ruins (Free)
Highlights: Overlooking the old city of Shigatse from a commanding height, the remaining castle walls tell stories of resistance against the British, and the summit offers a full view of the city. Seniors can slowly climb the gentle slope, children can count the prayer flags on the hillside, feeling the weight of the "Hinterland Fortress."
🕙Opening Hours: All day, recommended to visit at dusk to capture the silhouette of the ruins against the sunset.
🍖Recommended Dining: "Snowland Restaurant" in the city, Tibetan curry rice (mildly spicy), yogurt rice (sweet and glutinous), about 40 RMB per person; Sweet Tea House’s butter tea (10 RMB/pot) warms the body and helps prevent altitude sickness.
🏨Recommended Accommodation: Shandong Hotel Shigatse, oxygen rooms (altitude sickness prevention), family rooms available, includes breakfast (white porridge and steamed buns suitable for seniors and children), price 400-600 RMB/night.

🏔️Day 2: Glacier Viewing · Sacred Lake Reflecting Blue
📍Karola Glacier (ticket 50 RMB)
Highlights: One of Tibet’s three major continental glaciers, the glacier tongue reaches right to the roadside, seemingly within reach. Seniors can view from the observation deck, children can admire the deep blue cracks in the ice, feeling the grandeur of this "living fossil glacier."
🕙Opening Hours: All day, recommended to arrive before 10 AM to avoid the harsh midday light.
📸Photo Spots: Glacier observation deck (capture glacier and prayer flags), roadside mani stone pile (photos with glacier background).
💡Tips: Altitude 5036 meters, avoid running or jumping; do not approach the glacier (dangerous and environmentally harmful); bring sunglasses to prevent snow blindness.

📍Yamdrok Lake (5A, ticket 60 RMB)
Highlights: One of Tibet’s three sacred lakes, the water changes colors with the light—blue, green, turquoise—and you can see Tibetan antelope and waterfowl around the lake. Seniors can sit quietly by the lake, children can chase yaks, and take a boat ride (150 RMB/person) to enjoy the lake’s winding bays.
🕙Opening Hours: All day, recommended to arrive at 3 PM to capture the sunset turning the lake red.
📸Photo Spots: Gangbala Pass (for panoramic lake views), shallow lake shore (for reflections in the water).

📍Gyantse Zongshan Ancient Fortress (ticket 60 RMB)
Highlights: A site of resistance against the British, filming location of "Red River Valley," the fortress is built on a hilltop overlooking the Gyantse plain. Seniors can listen to stories of the "Zongshan heroes," children can climb the steps for adventure, feeling the indomitable spirit of the "Hero City."
🕙Opening Hours: 9:00-18:00.
💡Tips: The mountain path is steep; seniors can visit only the foot of the hill; the fortress lighting at dusk creates a great atmosphere for photos.

🌌Day 3: Gazing at Everest · Wishing Under the Starry Sky
📍Everest Base Camp (ticket 160 RMB + environmental vehicle 120 RMB)
Highlights: The best viewing point of the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest. You can stay and eat in the tent camp, watch the sunrise on the golden mountain, and the starry river at night. Seniors can rest in tents, children can count the flag clouds on the snowy peaks and hang wish plaques on the prayer flags.
🕙Opening Hours: All day, recommended to depart at 4 AM (5 hours’ drive from Shigatse) to catch the sunrise.
📸Photo Spots: Everest viewing platform (for sunrise on the golden mountain), base camp monument (for photos with Everest).
💡Tips: Altitude 5200 meters, bring oxygen tanks (50 RMB/can); temperature difference over 20°C day and night, wear down jackets and hats; bring extra warm packs for tent stays.
🍖Recommended Dining: Butter cake (10 RMB each) and beef soup (30 RMB/bowl) at the base camp tent restaurant, simple and warming against the cold.

✨Shigatse Survival Guide
1️⃣Transportation: Attractions are scattered, car rental with driver recommended (800-1000 RMB/day, including driver); border permits required for Everest (free to apply in your registered residence in advance); city taxi starting fare 10 RMB, bus 1 RMB.
2️⃣Clothing: Wear windproof and warm clothes year-round! Summer (June-August) wear long sleeves + fleece + shell jacket; winter wear down jacket + thermal pants + snow boots; UV is very strong, wear sunglasses, scarves, and sunscreen.
3️⃣Altitude Sickness Prevention: Higher altitude than Lhasa (3800-5200 meters), avoid bathing in the first two days; bring Rhodiola and glucose oral liquid; if children or seniors have headache or vomiting, descend to lower altitude immediately.
4️⃣Taboos: Monastery etiquette same as Lhasa; do not randomly photograph locals (especially pilgrims); do not litter at Everest Base Camp (strict environmental protection).

🛍️Must-Buy Souvenirs
①Hinterland Tibetan knives (craft ornaments, 100-300 RMB, check regulations for checked baggage)
②Everest commemorative coins (50 RMB/set, engraved with altitude 8848.86 meters)
③Tibetan embroidered pendants (40 RMB each, handmade with auspicious patterns)
④Shigatse barley wine (low-alcohol sweet wine, 80 RMB/bottle, great for gifts)

The beauty of Shigatse is the faith of Tashilhunpo Monastery, the majesty of Everest, and the purity of the sacred lakes. No matter who you come with, once you touch the prayer wheels and gaze at the snowy mountains, you will remember the vastness and devotion of the plateau. If you come to Shigatse, do you most want to take your parents to see the stupa at Tashilhunpo Monastery, or accompany your children to count stars at Everest Base Camp?