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". Shigatse is located around 300 km west of Lhasa, at an altitude of 3800 meters above sea level. This 600 year old city was earlier the capital of Tsang province and now is the capital of Shigatse prefecture. It is an important stop between Lhasa and west Tibet for Tibet travelling. 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.
