Shigatse
Seat of the Panchen Lama
Tibet's second city keeps Tashilhunpo Monastery, whose Great Hall roofs the giant gilded future Buddha, and the old town curls beneath its gold rooftops — the last big stop before Everest country.
Don't miss
- Tashilhunpo Monastery
- The road to Everest Base Camp
- Yamdrok and Karola on the way in
Best time to visit: May–October
Altitude: 3,836m — acclimatise gradually
Visas: Australian passport holders currently enter China visa-free for up to 30 days — an arrangement scheduled to end on 31 December 2026, so confirm the rules for your travel dates.