Tibet Cities

Gyantse or Gyangtse is the fourth largest city in Tibet after Lhasa, Sigatse and Chamdo. It is situated in Gyangze County and is 254 kms southwest of Lhasa. It is located at an altitude of 3,977 metres above sea level. Gyantse is in the fertile plain of the Nyang Chu valley on the Friendship Highway, which connects Kathmandu, Nepal to Lhasa, Tibet. It is strategically located on the ancient trade routes from the Chumbi Valley, Yatung and Sikkim, which met here. The town still has the feel of a frontier town, with horses and yaks on the main streets. The main places of interest in Gyantse are Kumbum Stupa and Palkhor Monastery. More...

Lhasa is the capital of Tibet. Lhasa in Tibetan language means Holy City. It is the capital of Tibet which dates back to 7th century AD when King Songtsen transferred his capital from Yarlung to Lhasa. This is the largest city in Tibet with an area of 544 square kilometers. It is situated at the foot of Mount Gephel, on the north bank of River Lhasa, a tributary of the Yarlung Tsangbo River, at an altitude of 3,700 meters in the south central part of Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) and counts among one of the highest cities in the world. Lhasa literally means "the Place of Gods". With more than 3,000 hours of sunshine annually, Lhasa is famed as "the City of Sunshine" also. There are many historic sites and famous relics in the city proper and its suburbs, among which the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery and Gandan Monay are world famous. More...

Lhokha, situated to the south of Mt. Kailash, is the oldest city in Tibet. Once called Yarlong, the city is perched at an altitude of 3600 m. above sea level and covers an area of 80000 square km. It is home to few of the earliest monasteries of Tibet and is considered to be the source of Tibetan culture, civilization and the birthplace of Tibetan people. Lhokha is dotted with numerous lakes and rivers meandering down through the valley that add music to the tranquility and silence of the scenic atmosphere in Lhokha city. The main tourist attractions in Lhokha are Trandruk Monastery, Samye Monastery, Yumbulagang Palace and Lhamo Nhatso Lake. More...

Nagqu is situated at an altitude of around 4500 m, in the northern part of Tibet autonomous region. Nagqu covers an area of 40000 square km. Nagqu has established itself as one of the most important political and economic center of Tibet, famous for trading and export of different commodities like animal products, mineral ores, and various agricultural products. The city is quite different from other parts of Tibet. The city has a population of around 331,000 and most of them belong to different communities. The people of Nagqu are colorful and ardent custom followers full of courtesies and hospitality. The best time to visit Nagqu is from May to September when the temperature is bit above the normal. The Nagqu city abounds with magnificent places to see and explore like the Namtso Lake, Shodain Monastery, Zhoima Canyon and Purugangri Glacier. More...

Ngari is situated in the western side of Tibet autonomous region, at an altitude of 4500 meters above sea level and is often referred as a 'Roof of The World'. Ngari city covers the largest area in Tibet but has the lowest population. Mt. Kailash, regarded as the greatest pilgrimage place on earth for many religions, has made Ngari a must visit city for the pilgrimage. Ngari is genuinely scintillating and is equally challenging. One needs to have great physical fitness to complete a travel in Ngari. The best time to visit Ngari city is in the months of May, June, September and October. Ngari is the home to the divine abode of Lord Shiva, Mt. Kailash. Thousand of devotees visit Ngari in order to reach the almighty. Besides Mt. Kailash, the city is brimming with natural wonders that single-handedly are good enough to make Ngari the favorite tourist spot. These are Mapam Yumco Lake, Lhanag Tso Lake, Tholing Monastery. More...

Nyingtri city is also known as Nyingchi city. Nyingchi city is situated in the southeastern side of Tibet Autonomous Region and well adorned with its magical panorama. Nyingchi in Tibetan language means' The Grand Throne of Sun'. Nyingchi is situated at an average altitude of 3000 m which is comparatively lower to other cities of Tibet. This makes the city temperature quite normal without any sudden changes. The area is home to huge well-preserved forests, grown here for many years. And that makes these forests quite rich in flora and fauna varieties. Due to its scenic beauty, Nyingchi city is also known as the "Switzerland of Tibet". The people in Nyingchi city belong to Menba and Luoba tribes and are strong followers of their traditions. The city is surrounded by some high rises that prove to be a good opportunity for seasoned trekkers to pack their bag and head for them. Like all other parts in Tibet, Nyingchi is also quite rich in natural marvels. More...

Qamdo city, also known as Chamdo city, is located in the far eastern side of Tibetan Autonomous Corner. This is probably the most advanced city of Tibet. Situated at an altitude of 3240 m above sea level, surrounded by famous Hengduan Mountains Range and having many rivers and lakes, Qamdo is a naturalist's heaven. Qamdo is also an industrial hub which is visited by the company enterprises and business travelers from the world. The city is one of the most developed city in Tibet, so options for entertainment are also very vast. It has its fair share of shopping arcades, street shops, and movie theaters. Qamdo City is more rich in natural wonders than human marvels. With its distinctive characters and vividness, Qamdo city has slowly but surely made its way to the top tourist spots in Tibet. Some of the tourist attractions in Qamdo are Yiri Hot Spring, Chambaling Monastery, Deqen Phodrang Sacred Mountain and Kanuo Ruins. More...

Shigatse also known as Xigatse is the second largest city in Tibet. Situated at the junction of the Yarlong Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) and Nyangchu River, Shigatse literally means "fertile land". The city has hit the top in the count of tourist and adventurers that come here to witness the might and grandeur of the highest peak in the world, Mt. Everest. Shigatse has a population of over 80,000, of which 97% are Tibetan. It holds famous Tashilhunpo Monastery which is the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama, who is one of the two prestigious spiritual leaders in Tibet. Shigatse has a lot to offer to the tourists with its high snow capped peaks, wonderful monasteries and colorful markets that are filled with amazing Tibetan stuff. The city is dotted with some of the most sublime and important monasteries like Sakya Monastery and Tashilhunpo Monastery apart from the grand Mt. Everest which is the highest peak in the world. More...

Tsetang or Tsedang the capital of Shannan Prefecture is the third largest town in Tibet and an important administrative center. It is called the "the cradle of Tibetan Civilization". Its mild weather and fertile land helped in settlement of Tibet dynasty. Tsedang literally means "monkey's playground" because the first Tibetans born here, were said to be the offspring of a monkey and a demoness. It is located 170 km Southeast of Lhasa in the Yarlung Valley along the banks of the Yarlung River. This region is flourished with important historical landmarks such as Samye Monastery, Yumbu Lhakang Palace, Traduk Monastery and others. The various tourist attractions in Tsedang are Yambulakhang Palace and Monastery, Samye Monastery and Tradruk Temple. More...

Zhangmu is known by its Tibetan name Khasa. This town lies in the southern region of Himalayas about 776 km. away from the capital of Tibet Lhasa. Bordering Nepal to the south, it has been one of the key routes of trans-Himalayan trade between China and Nepal since time immemorial. The work of Sino-Nepal Road, has made this town a most welcome sight both for tourists and traders alike. It is popular among the tourists and adventurers due to its location near the Mt. Everest, the highest peak in the world. Travelers come mainly for climbing up the skyward mountain, admiring the delightful sights, or pilgrimage at its holiness. Since it is closest to Nepal as well, Zhangmu has become an important place for trading between Nepal and Tibet. This beckons huge number of business travelers as well. As a trading port, Zhangmu Town is also much modernized with many grand buildings. More...

A small Tibetan town near the Nepal border is the county seat of Nyalam region in Shigaste Prefecture. Nyalam is situated at 3,750 metres above sea level. A town of stone buildings and tin roofs, Nyalam is an important old trading post.

Xegar, also known as Tingri or Shekar Dzong is a new Chinese commune built at the foot of the ruins of Xegar Dzong. It is renowned for being the starting point for many climbing expeditions. It is base for expedition to Mt. Everest and many other important peaks. It is located at 14,891 feet above sea level and only 7 kms from the main road. With population of 3000, it is the centre of a large and remote country and also the base for the expeditions to Mt. Everest and other peaks. It provides spectacular views of Mount Everest, Mount Lhotse and Mount Makalu which lie around in highest mountain group in the world. This town used to be an important trading post where Sherpas from Nepal exchanged rice, grain and iron for Tibetan wool and salt.

Also known as Shegar, it is a small town near Tingri. Surrounded by mountains, it is settled in the shadow of a ruined fortress. Though the fort has been ruined, it offers a majestic view to the visitors. Seeming to grow out of the craggy brown rock, its sinuous wall bristles with watchtowers like stegosaurus spines. Shegar is the last stop before Everest Base Camp and has the highest post office in China. New Tingri also has a beautiful functioning Gompa. Gompa is a Buddhist temple or vihara which contains a central prayer hall with a Buddha statue, benches for the monks or nuns to engage in prayer or meditation and attached living accommodation. With all these features New Tingri is a wonderful place to explore!