Planning a Trip

Getting There

At the time of writing a Tibet Travel Permit and a guide, vehicle, and driver were required for travel to anywhere in the TAR, Shigatse included. Landcruisers used to make the journey to Lhasa in around 3 hours, but since a bus crash in 2006 which killed 26 tourists on this road, police speed checkpoints mean that the journey now takes 5 hours. Destinations beyond Shigatse require an ATP, which guides can arrange here or in Lhasa. In case the situation changes and foreigners are allowed on buses, the bus station is on Shanghai Lu (tel. 0892/882-2903), near the junction with Zhufeng Lu. Buses connect with Lhasa (5 hr.; ¥54) every 50 minutes throughout the day.

Fast Facts

Banks, Foreign Exchange & ATMs -- Cash and traveler's checks may be changed at the Bank of China, on Zhufeng Lu, by the intersection with Shandong Lu. Hours are weekdays 9:30am to 6pm and weekends 10:30am to 4:30pm and there are 24-hr. ATMs here.

Internet Access -- 24-hr. Xinkong Wangba is opposite the Shigatse Hotel on Shanghai Zhong Lu, and charges ¥3 to ¥5 per hour.

Post Office -- The main post office (summer 9:30am-6:30pm and winter 10am-6:30pm) is at Zhufeng Xi Lu 12.

Visa Extensions -- The PSB (tel. 0892/882-2056) used to offer 1-month extensions a week before expiration (9:30am-12:30pm and 3:30-6:30pm summer; 10am-1pm and 3:30-6:30pm winter). This is also where your guide will have to go to arrange your Alien Travel Permit.