Shigatse, formerly known as Tsang by the Tibetans, is an ancient region situated at an altitude of 3,830 metres above sea level. As Tibet’s second-largest city, Shigatse is best known as the seat of the Panchen Lama. Situated on the alluvial plain at the confluence of the Yalong Tsangpo and Nyangchu rivers, Shigatse was once the political, religious and cultural centre of ‘Back Tibet’. The famous landmarks in Shigatse are considered the city’s calling cards, such as Mount Everest, standing at an altitude of 8,848.13 metres, and Sakya Monastery, one of the six great monasteries of Tibet, founded by the first Dalai Lama in 1447. In this article, we discuss the climate and geography of Shigatse, so that tourists can choose the best time to visit this sacred city.
Tourists will encounter local conditions such as thin air, strong ultraviolet rays, low atmospheric pressure and less oxygen than at lower altitudes. A High-Altitude Pass is required to visit many parts of Tibet. We therefore recommend that you apply for the pass before travelling to Tibet. You can also apply for it in Lhasa and Shigatse, but a deposit is required.
Four-Season Weather
Shigatse has distinct wet and dry seasons throughout the year: it is dry, windy and cold, with little rain or snow from October to April, but the weather changes to mild, warm, humid and rainy between May and September. The average maximum temperature in Shigatse is 12°C throughout the year, with an annual rainfall of 522mm. Between January and April, the weather is at its worst. It is very windy and cold. In May, the weather is fine. At midday, the average temperature is 13°C and there is around 56 mm of rainfall each month. Between June and September, the weather is splendid. Between October and December, the weather is at its worst. The rainy season usually arrives in Shigatse in July and August, particularly at night. Furthermore, Shigatse’s climate features an average of 3,300 hours of sunshine, around 120 frost-free days and an average of 450 millimetres of rainfall per year. As with the weather and climate in the Lhasa area, Shigatse can be visited in most seasons.
Perfect for All Seasons
The Shigatse area enjoys good weather almost all year round and has excellent tourist facilities. If tourists wish to visit Mount Everest, the period from October to April of the following year is not ideal for the trek due to the cold weather, and July and August are the rainy season; on misty, rainy days, Mount Everest cannot be seen either. The best time to climb Mount Everest is from April to June, and many mountaineering enthusiasts choose this time to visit Shigatse.
The best time to visit Shigatse is from April to October, whilst the peak season is from May to September. However, it is important to remember that there is a week-long national holiday from 1 to 7 October, as Shigatse remains a major destination for both domestic and international tourists. There are crowds of people everywhere. Shigatse boasts splendid natural, historical and cultural sites, including Tashilumpo Monastery, Sakya Monastery, the world’s highest mountain, Mount Everest, and the Pala Local Mansion, amongst others. You can travel to Everest Base Camp, take a unique trek on the world’s highest mountain or marvel at the stunning Karola Glacier, making your dream of the frozen world a reality.
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