Part 3 Shigatse
After Lhasa visiting, we continued our trip to Shigatse. Shigatse City is the second largest city in Tibet, lying about 250km southwest from Lhasa, and 90km northwest from Gyantse.
The first site we reached was the holy Yamdrok Lake. It taken 3 hours driving from Lhasa.TThe challenge is high attitude mountain Gandbala 4700metres. Driving twisted and turning up the clouds and the mountains are great!
Driving from Lhasa to Shigatse.
Yamdrok Lake
Yamdrok Lake.a freshwater lake in Tibet, it is one of the three largest sacred lakes in Tibet. It is over 72 km (45 mi) long. The lake is surrounded by many snow-capped mountains and is fed by numerous small streams. The lake has an outlet stream at its far western end and means turquoise in English due to its color.The lake’s bright turquoise colour and the view of the winding waterway tucked in the mountains are breathtaking.
Yamdrok Lake
About two hours away from Yamdrok Lake ,we saw the imposing Karola Glacier towering aloft on the right side of the road.
Karola Glacier
It isn’t a big glacier, but the white glacier is spectacular from the highway, and it is close enough (about 300 yards) to walk to from the highway.You can see the various layers in the ice stack, and if the sun is shining, it is a brilliant white sight.
Continuing your trip, you will get to the historical city of Gyantse.Had a good lunch in the town, then went to visit Palcho Monastery
Palcho Monastery
Palcho Monastery was founded in 1427 and completed in 1437. And the building combines Stupas, Zhacangs and Temples, also it owns the characteristics of Nepali, Han and Tibetan architecture.By housing three sects of Kadampa, Gelugpa and Sakyapa, it enjoys a high status in Tibet Buddhism history as these three sects get along well with each other.
Palcho Monastery
Prayer Wheels at Palcho Monastery
Gyantse Dzongis very close with Palcho Monastery.Perched high above the center of Gyantse Ancient Town, Gyantse Dzong (Gyantse Fortress) is one well preserved Dzong with historical significance in Tibet. But it is closed. We were unable to climb to the top of Gyantse Dzong, It was a pity. It would be great to get the fabulous view of Palcho Monastery and Gyantse’s whitewashed old town below.
Gyantze Dzong viewed from Palcho Monastery
After the Gyantse sightseeing, kept drive about 3 hours, we arrived at hotel in Shigatse. It was really a long day. Having good rest was really needed.
On next day, we got up early to visit our last stop before driven back to Lhasa.
Tashilhunpo Monastery
One of the few monasteries in Tibet to weather the stormy seas of the Cultural Revolution, Tashilhunpo remains relatively unscathed. It is a pleasure to explore the cobbled lanes twisting around its aged buildings. Covering 70,000 sq metres, the monastery is now the largest functioning religious institution in Tibet – home to around 950 monks – and one of its great monastic sights. The huge golden statue of the Future Buddha is the largest gilded statue in the world.
View of Tashilhunpo Monastery from distance
A corner of Tashilhunpo Monastery
A corner of Tashilhunpo Monastery
In the afternoon, driven along the Nepal – China Highway back to Lhasa.
Our trip is till to end. My memory of it will always fresh in colors in my whole life.
>> 8 Days Tibet Dream Tour from Nyingchi to Lhasa
>> 8 Days Lhasa Mount Everest Private Tour via Shiagtse
>> 7 Days Mount Everest Brief Tour from Lhasa
>> 7 Days Classic Lhasa Nyingchi Discovery Tour
Want to know more about the experienced travel expert Catherine’s trip? You could just contact her directly or continue to read more about her travelogues.
