Shigatse
The town of Shigatse (Xigaze) is called "Center of Rear Tibet", sits at the confluence of Nyangchu and Yarlung Tsangbo Rivers about 250 kilometers to the west of Lhasa. This second largest city

Coracle Ride
The traditional Tibetan boat for ferrying of fishing is an oval-shaped coracle made of willow branches and yak hide. It is virtually unsinkable and can be carried upstream on the back of one strong man.

Pilgrim Walk
An interesting three-kilometer ( two-mile) walk leads back to the city by way of the giant Thangka Wall, the ruins of Shigatse's citadel or dzong and an open-air Tibetan market. It is important to do

Sakya Monastery
In 1073 A.D., Gongjue Jiebu of the Kun family in Tibet built a monastery on a meadow shaped like a lying elephant on the north bank of Zongqu River to teach his new esoteric theory of Buddhism.

Salu Monastery
After Buton's time, Shalu became an important centre of esoteric studies and psychic training. The avowed purpose of lamas who cultivated paranormal abilities was not to become magicians or

Shigatse Gold, Silver and Copper Crafts Factory
This primitive silver-working factory on the southern edge of Shigatse was set up in 1965. Ornamental cups, bowls, ewers and votive butter lamps are hand-made by master craftsmen and workers,

Shigatse Dzong (Fortress)
On the top of a hill north of the city, the place used to be the site of ancient Shigatse County administrations. Dzong means both a fortress and a county government in the Tibetan language.

Tashilhunpo Monastery
Tashilhunpo, meaning Heap of Glory, was the seat of the panchen lamas. It lies at the foot of Drolmari, or Tara's Mountain, on the west side of Shigatse and is today one of Tibet's most active monasteries.