Tsang

Traditional Tibetan 'Tsang', with Tashilhunpo Monastery, Gyantse Dzong and Palcho Monastery, Everest Base Camp, and the Gyirong Valley and Yadong border gorge, it is the classic next step up on the plateau.

Tsang (Houzang, or 'Back Tibet', in Chinese) corresponds, in traditional Tibetan geography and tourism usage, to the whole of Shigatse City. Historically it was centered on Shigatse, in contrast to Ü, which is centered on Lhasa. Highlights: Tashilhunpo Monastery in urban Shigatse is the seat of successive Panchen Lamas. Gyantse is an important historic town with the Gyantse Dzong fortress, Palcho Monastery and the Kumbum stupa. The Qomolangma National Nature Reserve in Tingri County lets you reach Rongbuk Monastery and the Everest Base Camp viewing area, where on a clear day you can see sunlight on the golden summit of Everest, and snow peaks such as Shishapangma can be seen in the distance along the way. The Gyirong Valley is a forested gorge on the southern slope of the Himalayas, borders Nepal, and the Gyirong border crossing leads to Nepal. Yadong lies in a gorge near the borders with India and Bhutan, with a humid climate and lush forests. Classic itinerary: from Lhasa, go via Yamdrok Lake and the Karola Glacier to Gyantse, reach Shigatse the next day, then follow the G318 to Tingri and Everest Base Camp, about four to five days one way. You can continue west to the Gyirong Valley or connect west to the Ngari Grand Loop, and Yadong needs another one to two days. Getting there: Shigatse Peace Airport has flights, the Lhasa–Shigatse Railway connects the two cities, and within the region travel is mainly by chartered car, self-drive and group tours. Notes: border areas such as the Everest reserve, Gyirong and Yadong require a border pass, and foreign visitors need a Tibet entry permit and must travel with a licensed guide. Everest Base Camp is above 5,000 m, so acclimatize fully in Lhasa before going and bring plenty of warm clothing.

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