Xigatse


The town of Xigatse is called “center of rear Tibet”, which located in the alluvial plain at the confluence of Brahmaputra and Nianchuhe rivers, about 250 kilometers to the west of Lhasa, and is at an elevation of 3,800 meters. With the area of 3,875 square kilometers, it is the second biggest and the only county-level city in Tibet.

Xigatse is an ancient city in the altiplano with a history of nearly 600 years. It was an important administrative district of Tibet.
The region around is historically known as the Rear Tibet and Xigatse has been its political, business, cultural and religious center. The residence for all the Panchen Lamas has been traditionally in the town.

The ancient town of Xigatse has become well-known for its past and rich cultural tradition with Palcho, Sakya, Pingcuolin and Juenang monasteries and the breath-taken scenery such as the Qomolangma Nature Reserve covering an area of over 30,000 square kilometers in the nearby region.

The annual ceremony of display of Buddha tapestry, the Sorcerer's Dance Festival, the Ximuqingpo Festival at the Shalu Monastery and the active local Tibetan theater are popular attractions to visitors.

Xigatse region enjoys a moderate climate with plenty of sunshine. The fertile river valley is one of the granaries of Tibet. Summer here is usually mild and wet, and brings most of the annual rainfall. Winter is cold, dry and windy.

Xigatse Region, where culture and nature have been shining for centuries, is truly a great place waiting for you to explore.