Both Lhasa & Shigatse are included among the ancient cities of Asia; these cities are located in Tibet sovereign region of the People’s Republic of China. These are included in the list of highly located cities in the world with an elevation of 3,656 Mete
Cultural & Religious Significance
Both Lhasa & Shigatse are included among the ancient cities of Asia; these cities are located in Tibet sovereign region of the People’s Republic of China. These are included in the list of highly located cities in the world with an elevation of 3,656 Meters & 3,840 Meters respectively.
Apart from its geographical significance, the cultural and religious importance of these cities are more than 1300 years old, which is the main reason of tourist attraction. Lhasa city which is also known as ‘the city of sunshine’ is famous for its ancient Tibetan Buddhist spots whereas Shigatse city which is also known as ‘Fertile land’ is famous for its mesmerizing natural landscaping, especially the epic mountain scenery along Himalayas.
Mt. Everest
Likewise, many other cities, Lhasa & Shigatse is also famous for its rich cultural assets. Mostly people love the Tibetan Buddhism culture because it has huge collections of ancient Dalai Lama monks. Visiting these cities truly refreshes your soul and reveals the facts of ancient civilization in this world.
Tibetan Buddhism Monastery
Top Travel Highlights of Lhasa
For those who would like to visit Lhasa, we have a perfect travel plan by which you can explore more about Lhasa city attractions & hot spots. Here we go:
A. Introduction to a city of Lhasa
Name: Lhasa City
Elevation:3,656 Meters above sea Level
Common Border:Chengguan District
Title:Administrative Capital of Tibet Province
Climate:Frosty Winter & Moderate Summer
B. Attraction of Lhasa
Attraction # 01 – Potala palace
Potala Palace was famous because it was the house of Dalai Lama of Buddhism. Presently, this place becomes the world heritage site operated by UNESCO and turns into a Museum. You must visit Potala palace to explore more. This place also considered as the landmark of Tibet Autonomous Region in China.
Attraction # 02 – Jokhang Temple
The name of Jokhang is not new to the people of Lhasa city, it is included among the most sacred and ancient temple of that city. Daily thousands of people visit Jokhang temple and connect themselves with Tibetan Buddha. Currently, this temple is under control of Gelug School. Most importantly, this spot is also a part of world heritage site of UNESCO.
Attraction # 03 – Sera Monastery
Moving 05 kilometers towards north from Jokhang Temple or Barkhor Street, you will experience the hypnotic view of Sera Monastery. It was founded in the year of 1419 by Jamchen. In the year of 1959, hundreds of monks were destroyed in an attack which was valuable loss for Buddhism culture. Total count of monks in 1959 was 5,629 numbers; numerous monks are still available in Sera monastery which reflects pure ancient civilization. Never miss the dramatic Monk Debate in Sera Monastery in the afternoon. In the debate courtyard are monks debating in pairs on their study course and Buddhist Philosophy.
Sera Monastery
Monks debating
Attraction # 04 – Drepung Monastery
Along with Sera Monastery, you can also find Drepung Monastery which is equally popular in that area. Actually, Drepung monastery is famous for its gigantic ‘Thangka’ uncovered every year in the month of august during Shoton Festival. This giant Thangka Buddha is the real attraction of tourist from all around the world.
Drepung Monastery
Attraction # 05 – Ganden Monastery
Ganden Monastery is the set of great three monasteries of Lhasa city. This was founded in the year of 1409 by Lozang-Dragpa; he was the founder of Gelug Monasteries University. It is one of the best places to explore ancient historical buildings because it was destroyed and partially rebuilt after 1959. Tourist found this place attractive because they can explore as much as they can without moving a lot.
Ganden Monastery
C. Best Time to Visit Lhasa
The best months for visiting Tibet are, May – June – September & October. Don’t consider to visit Tibet in July & August because due to heavy rains it would be difficult to explore monuments.
Note: International visitors cannot visit Tibet from Mid-February to March.
D. Food Attraction of Lhasa
Other than exploring historical building, food is another draw to international tourists. There are several 5-star restaurants that serve exceptional food to their customers, some are as follows:
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Snow land Restaurant – Famous of mid-range Western & Nepali food.
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Dunya Restaurant & Bar – Famous for Tibetan Foods.
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Tibetan Family Kitchen – Famous of Nepali, Tibetan & Chinese Food.
Here are some best & popular foods and beverage of Lhasa:
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Yak meat
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Tsampa
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butter Tea
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Lhasa beer
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Thenthuk
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Momos
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Sha Phaley
You can simply make your tour memorable by enjoying these delicious and mouthwatering dishes.
Love Lhasa beer
Cultural & Religious Significance
For those who would like to visit Shigatse, we have a perfect travel guide by which you can explore more about its attractions & hot spots. Here we go:
A. Introduction to a city of Shigatse
Name: Shigatse City
Elevation: 3,800 to 4,400 Meters above sea Level
Common Border: South Nepal
Title: second largest city of Tibet
Climate: Frosty Winter & Moderate Summer
B. Attraction of Lhasa
Attraction # 01 – Tashi Lhunpo Monastery
It was founded by 1st Dalai Lama in the year of 1447. Historically rich attraction in the city of Shigatse, this monastery was dismissed when Gorkha Kingdom attacked. This monastery is considered the most sacred place of Panchen Lamas, the 2nd highest monk of Gelug ritual. People usually visit this monastery from every corner of the world to explore more about it.
Tashi Lhunpo Monastery
Attraction # 02 – Palcho Monastery
Palcho Monastery or Shekar Monastery is located in the Gyantse country near Nyangchu river valley. The main attraction of Palcho Monastery is ‘Kumbum’, which is multi storied collection of Buddhist sanctuary. The first kumbum was discovered in the year of 1427, presently it has 9 levels of lhakangs and the top one is covered by golden dome. Its efficacious structure & giant architectural details makes it the largest structure in Tibet province.
Palcho Monastery
Attraction # 03 – Everest Base Camp
Shigatse prefecture is closely located to the city of Nepal which is famous for Mount Everest the series of highest mountains on earth. Everest base camp facility becomes the most popular attraction among tourist to visit Shigatse. Actually, you need to hire some charter car of shuttle bus to access the Everest for base camp. Frosting weather lovers & hikers found this adventurous event best in Shigatse.
Everest Base Camp
Attraction # 04 – Rongbuk Monastery
In the 18th century people used this place as a cave of nuns. It was founded in the year of 1902 by Norbu Lama. It is located to the north side of Everest at an altitude of 5154m. You must visit this place because it is included among the highest monasteries in the world.
Rongbuk Monastery
Attraction # 05 – Gawu Lu Pass
Gawu la pass is one of the best places to spend time in Mt. Everest Nature Reserve. This place allows to enjoy series of 5 highest mountain located in nearby areas. This mesmerizing view of mountains will take your breath for a while.
Gawu Lu Pass
C. Best Time to Visit Shigatse
Best time to visit Shigatse is from April to October, you can also visit in January and December if you are diehard fan of frosting winter season.
D. Food Attraction of Shigatse
Food are the primary attraction among tourist, here are some best restaurant located in Shigatse where you can enjoy exceptional dishes in affordable prices:
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Tashi Restaurant
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Gongkar Tibetan Restaurant & Bar – Famous for mouthwatering noodles.
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Songtsen Restaurant – Famous of Western Cuisines
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Naychung Café – Famous of all kind of Nepali, Chinese & Tibetan food
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Yak Restaurant – Famous for French toast pizza, sizzlers & burgers.
Here are some best & popular foods of Shigatse:
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Tsampa
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Beef & Mutton curry
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Tibetan Noodle
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Milk, Curd & Yogurt
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Tibetan Sausages
You can simply make your tour memorable by enjoying these delicious and mouthwatering dishes.
Travel Documents Required for Tibet Tour
Traveling to Tibet is not difficult as you are assuming, you need to fulfill certain formalities as per local government tourism policies before reaching there. Here are the lists of some document which you need to make a set of it:
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People coming to China from any other country, should have Chinese valid visa application along with passport.
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A valid Tibet Travel Permit, for people coming to mainland of china. This is compulsory for foreigners.
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Group Tourist Visa and Tibet Travel Permit for those who come from Nepal.
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You should have military permit (Visiting sensitive areas of Tibet) and alien’s travel permit (Required if you are willing to move outside Lhasa).
Tibet Travel Permit
Bag Pack List
Are you planning to look around historical assets of Tibet? No Idea what you should carry? Here comes the best article for you, we are going to covers some basic but necessary items to carry along with you while visiting Lhasa & Shigatse:
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Hiking Boots – Due to located on higher altitude, you need it most.
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Insulation Pads & Sleeping Bags – Tibet is an isolated place, while visiting Everest camp this will be your helping hand.
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Rains Suit – Lhasa & Shigatse are usually under heavy rain attach.
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Inner Wool Sweater – If you are willing to enjoy frosty winter.
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10 to 15 Pair of socks – Due to humid environment you need it most.
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Shirts & Towel – Carry light weight full sleeves t-shirt which makes you comfortable.
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Medication – While traveling to isolated area of Tibet, you may not find any medical stores around.
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Camera – To capture the mesmerizing moment of your life.
Else you can take whatever you want but to keep basic item would be essential.
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