Shigatse | You MUST Hike This Hidden Pilgrimage Path! 🚶♂️✨

The Journey to Shigatse Driving from Lhasa to Shigatse on the highway, the landscape shifted dramatically—dusty winds 🌪️ and endless tunnels carved through mountains. We departed Linzhi in the afternoon and arrived in Shigatse at 10 PM, greeted by the city’s golden glow (fitting for the "Sunlight City"!). Pro tip: Sunscreen is NON-NEGOTIABLE here—the UV rays don’t play! ☀️ Tashilhunpo Monastery: A Crimson Wonder 🏯 Entry: ¥100/person (cheaper in off-season). ⚠️ Warning: The iconic red walls are coated with natural pigment—touch them, and you’ll leave with souvenir-stained hands (learned this the hard way! 🙌🔴). The Secret Kora (Pilgrimage Path) Behind the monastery, a lesser-known trail winds up the mountain: Stone steps (take it slow for altitude acclimation) ⛰️ Golden prayer wheels 🌀 lining the path Panoramic views of Tashilhunpo Monastery + distant Shigatse Dzong Fortress 🏰 🚗 Alternative Access: We drove directly to Shigatse Dzong (parking available) and hiked from there—saved time without missing the vistas! Why This Hike? 1️⃣ Spiritual Vibes: Walking alongside murmuring pilgrims, spinning prayer wheels—pure Tibetan energy. 🙏 2️⃣ Photography Gold: Sunset lights up the monastery in golden hues—bring your camera! 📸 3️⃣ Escape Crowds: While tourists flock to the main halls, this path offers solitude and soul-stirring views. Local Insights Altitude Alert: At ~3,800m, hydrate and pace yourself. 💧 Post-Hike Fuel: Try yak butter tea at nearby teahouses—locals swear by it for energy! ☕ #ShigatseHiddenGems #TibetTravelDiaries #OffbeatPilgrimage #TashilhunpoViews #RoadTripTibet