日喀则市

Why this place

Shigatse is Tibet's second city and the seat of the Panchen Lama, whose monastery Tashilhunpo is one of the four great Gelug monasteries — and one of the most impressive buildings in Tibet. It is the last major town on the road to Everest Base Camp.

What to see

• Tashilhunpo Monastery, with the 26-metre seated Buddha and the Panchen Lama's tombs
• The Shigatse fortress and the old town's market
• Sakya Monastery, north of the road — grey-walled and covered in mandala murals
• The road south to Everest Base Camp (North) via Tingri
• Pelkor Chode and the Gyantse Kumbum, at Gyantse on the way

What to eat

• Tibetan staples: momo, thukpa and butter tea
• Shigatse is known for its 'tse' barley and the local yak dairy

Best time

April–June and September–October

Practical tips

• Everest Base Camp trips are organised from Shigatse and Lhasa; the permit and vehicle arrangements are not DIY