Why Shigatse Travels? Because we are the Best!
Shigatse Travels is one of the oldest agencies in Tibet, with more than 25 years’ experience working with both international agencies and individual travellers. Dedicated to quality service, Shigatse Travels offers the best on-the-ground service and support possible.
We are situated in the heart of Lhasa, only a few minutes’ walk from the Jokhang, where it’s easy to keep track of all that is going on.
Our guides work for us and are trained by us to meet your expectations (and more) and ensure you get the most from your trip.
Our aim is to work with you to design and customise your itinerary, its standards & inclusions to suit you and to provide as much flexibility along the way as is permitted by local regulations.
Make all your Tibet travel arrangements directly with a Lhasa-based, Tibetan owned tour operator and enjoy your perfect Tibet travel experience.
Travelling in Tibet
In general across Tibet infrastructure is improving daily and in most of the areas tourists visit you will not experience hardship. Outside the main cities of central Tibet western travellers are not the primary focus and hotels may reflect this.
Roads are good, local Tibetan & Chinese restaurants are everywhere and you will have mobile access virtually everywhere.
Some of our itineraries operate in remote areas where infrastructure may be basic. Tours, especially to western Tibet, are by nature not conventional holidays; conditions are harsher, events less predictable, facilities less developed and the lifestyles very different to those you are familiar with.
Remember, as with all travel, however good organization is, we are at the mercy of the unexpected, and while most of the time things go smoothly, this cannot be guaranteed. The unpredictable, however often leads to unexpected encounters and the best experiences.
Responsible, Sustainable Travel
Tibet is our home and at Shigatse Travels we are committed to sharing our world with you whilst maintaining and respecting the cultures, traditions and environment unique to each region.
We encourage all travellers to be aware of the responsibilities of traveling; understanding social and political problems; respect for cultural differences; causing as little impact as possible and making a positive contribution to the areas we travel in. This includes respecting your guides suggestions relating to respect, photography, appearance, visiting monasteries, politics, begging and the environment.
We are committed to responsible and sustainable tourism practices, ensuring a positive impact on the local communities and environments we visit. Whether you’re traveling solo or with a group, we can help you plan an unforgettable travel experience. Your attitude is the most important way that you can contribute – respect local customs and traditions, dress appropriately, talk to people as equals, listen to their views and accept that their perspectives may be very different from your own. Remember – the view of Tibet particularly presented by the western media is not the only view, nor necessarily that of Tibetans in Tibet (rather than in India).
Politics
NO political activity may be undertaken by travellers under any circumstances. This includes taking photos of military personnel or installations, public political comment or possession of photos or flags associated with exile groups. These are the legal government regulations for travel in China/Tibet and by booking with us you agree to abide by the laws of the country whilst in China/Tibet.
Regardless of your personal views, remember all sides have an agenda and realities not as black & white as media presents. Be aware that it is your guide who will be held primarily responsible for your actions – resulting in fines, loss of guide license, even imprisonment depending on the severity of the offense – along with the agency so affecting the livelihood of all employed.
References
We had a fantastic time. We loved Tibet – the culture, the monasteries and the scenery. We found the people incredibly friendly, warm and welcoming. We are flying back to Beijing tomorrow morning. Thank you for putting together such a great itinerary for us.
Best regards
Yvonne & family, UK
We always wanted to thank you for your excellent organisation and for your good help. It was a pleasure for us working together with you and we really enjoyed our trip to Tibet, Xinjiang and Kirgystan. If you will need a reference customer feel free to take me as a reference. You can be sure, it will be a good reference.
All three tourgides and all drivers were really nice and good people, whom we can recommend for another booking. Kalsang from Lhasa was the best of all of them! He is really friendly and knowledgable. Please give him our best greetings. We had also really good experiences with the owner of the Kirgysten travel office.
Christof, Switzerland
Just a quick one to say thanks for organising our trip and that we really enjoyed it! JingMi (spelling!?), our guide, was fantastic, as was our driver. The overall arrangements and itinerary were very well planned and executed, with the right amount of flexibility too. Thanks again and good luck, Sean
Just a quick note of appreciation for Tenzin and Mima’s service and hospitality! Tenzin is a very good guide – knowledgeable, helpful and most patient. Mima is an excellent driver. Both were extremely agreeable and did everything they could to give us the best experience possible. Please share our appreciation again with them and feel free to use me if I can ever be a reference. Laeticia
I had a fantastic trip! So thanks again for that! The drivers and guide were great. I am still sorting out my photos. I shall send you some photos of Pubu, Chumbei, Dundhup and Wangchen very soon. I miss Tibet a lot! It was so nice and quiet and people were so generous and welcoming!
Isabel, France
Shigatse Travels Tibet 