Shigatse, Tibet's second largest city, and the nearby Sakya Monastery, seat of the Sakya school of Tibetan Buddhism, offer a deeper regional exploration beyond Lhasa's standard sites.
The Shigatse Sakya Monastery Tour is a 6-day trip in Lhasa, Shigatse and Sakya, Tibet, rated easy, altitude is the main factor difficulty, reaching a maximum elevation of Karo La Pass, 5,045m (by vehicle). The best time to do this trip is April - October. The package includes group sizes of 1-12 people, hotels in lhasa, shigatse and sakya accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner included daily.
| Country | Lhasa, Shigatse and Sakya, Tibet |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy, altitude is the main factor |
| Max Elevation | Karo La Pass, 5,045m (by vehicle) |
| Duration | 6 |
| Best Time | April - October |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner included daily |
| Accommodation | Hotels in Lhasa, Shigatse and Sakya |
| Group Size | 1-12 people |
What is the significance of Sakya Monastery?
Shigatse, Tibet's second largest city, is home to Tashilhunpo Monastery, seat of the Panchen Lama, while nearby Sakya Monastery serves as the historic centre of the Sakya school of Tibetan Buddhism. This 6-day tour explores Tsang province in greater depth than a standard Lhasa-only visit, combining major monasteries, the historic town of Gyantse, and a scenic vehicle crossing of Karo La Pass.
For travellers wanting a deeper regional exploration of Tibet beyond Lhasa's major sites, this tour offers access to two of the country's most historically significant monasteries and the well-preserved historic town of Gyantse.
This tour suits travellers with a strong interest in Tibetan Buddhist history who want to see beyond Lhasa itself, requiring only easy fitness with altitude as the main consideration.
| Tour | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|
| Shigatse-Sakya Tour | 6 days | West of Lhasa, Tsang province |
| Samye-Yarlung Valley Tour | 6 days | South of Lhasa, Yarlung Valley |
Both tours extend beyond standard Lhasa sightseeing in different directions, with Shigatse-Sakya focused on Tsang province's monasteries and Samye-Yarlung focused on the historical birthplace of Tibetan civilization.
View Himalaya's Shigatse Sakya Monastery Tour starts from USD 1,650 per person, including Tibet Travel Permits, hotel accommodation, and guide. Contact View Himalaya for current rates.
This tour can be extended into the Everest North Base Camp Tibet Tour, since Shigatse lies along the standard route toward Everest's north side.
Exceeded all our expectations in every way. Our guide's English was excellent and he explained the local culture in real depth. A particular highlight for us was a deeper regional exploration of Tsang province beyond Lhasa itself. Thank you to the whole View Himalaya team for making this happen.
A genuinely well organised and memorable trip. Our guide's English was excellent and he explained the local culture in real depth. A particular highlight for us was tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse, seat of the Panchen Lama. If you're considering this trip, just book it - you won't regret it.
Exceeded all our expectations in every way. Having such an experienced guide made a huge difference, especially at altitude. A particular highlight for us was tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse, seat of the Panchen Lama. Would recommend this to friends and family without any reservation.
Exceeded all our expectations in every way. Having such an experienced guide made a huge difference, especially at altitude. A particular highlight for us was sakya Monastery, the historic seat of the Sakya school of Tibetan Buddhism. If you're considering this trip, just book it - you won't regret it.
Could not have asked for a smoother experience. Our guide's English was excellent and he explained the local culture in real depth. A particular highlight for us was tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse, seat of the Panchen Lama. We'd book with View Himalaya again without hesitation.