Shigatse Travel Weather and Climate in April

Shigatse Weather and Climate in April

Average Minimum Temperature (℃): -1
Average Maximum Temperature (℃): 7
Average Precipitation/Rainfall(mm): 19
Rainy Days: 1
Relative Humidity (%): 34
Average Wind Speed (kmph): 11.1

When you travel to Shigatae in April, as the gateway city to Mt. Everest and the second largest city in Tibet, Shigatse features relatively low air pressure and air thin. There won’t be a huge temperature change annually yet dramatic temperature drop from daytime to the night is so palpable. The arid and windy weather pattern dominates then scene in April. There won’t be much chance for you to be exposed to extreme wind chill. So long as the radiant sunshine engulfs you in the daytime, April is such a sweet season to explore Shigatse, traditionally known as the seat of generations of Panchen Lamas.

What to Wear for an April Shigatse Travel

It can still be quite cold at nights and in the later evenings. Daytimes are also not guaranteed to be hot, with temperatures that can range from 5-16 degrees in the daytime. Mostly, the skies are clear, but you may experience some rain, so a rainproof jacket would be useful. Warmer clothing is still needed, even in the lower-lying areas of Nyingchi, and in the west, the temperatures can be cold, so layers of warming clothes are essential still.

Useful Travel Tips for your Shigatse Travel in April

  • There are some medications for altitude sickness available, but you should consult your own doctor before you take them, and it is not recommended.
  • Tibet Travel Permit: This permit is issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau and is required for all international travelers heading for Tibet. You need to apply for this permit one month prior to your arrival in Tibet as this permit takes some time to get ready and you need to produce the original copy of this permit at the Airport before you board the flight. 
  • For a good visit to Tibet you need to pack carefully, as it can be cold there at any time of the year. Make sure that you have your valid passport and Chinese Entry Visa with you at all times, and that it is kept secure or on your person at all times.
  • No matter which season you go to Tibet, you should bring sunglasses and sun protection equipment, including sun hats, sunscreens etc.
  • Low rainfall and warmer weather makes April one of the best months for regional travel and hiking in the famous high mountains in the west and south such as Kailash and Everest.

Things to see and do at Shigatse in April

  • For foreign travellers, Everest Base Camp has become one of the most popular trekking destinations in Tibet, offering the chance to gaze on the magnificent north face of the world’s highest peak– Mount Everest.
  • Rongbuk Monastery, the highest monastery in the world, was established sometime in the early part of the 20th century, under the Nyingmapa Sect. Its history is sketchy. Rongbuk Valley was know as the “sanctuary of the birds”. There was a strict ban on killing any animal in the area.
  • The Summer Palace of Panchen Lamas is situated far below Tashilhunpo Monastery, about 1km south of Tashilhunpo Monastery. You can follow the road till the end and turn right into the compound. After your visit in Shigatse, you may pay a visit there if you have extra time. 
  • The most famous of Natang Monastery are the workshops for printing Buddhist sutras. In 1730, the local government of Tibet started the creation of the printing house in order to save and carry on the Tibet ancient books and scriptures. It took more than 20 years to complete this huge scripture printing house. 
  • Tashilhunpo Monastery: This large ancient monastery in Shigatse was founded in 1447. It sits with a rugged grey mountain at the edge of town. Photographers can get beautiful photographs against a blue and white sky. It was a town for 5,000 monks.
  • Pelkor Chode Monastery means “Auspicious Wheel Joy Monastery” in Tibetan language. It lies at the foot of the Dzong Hill to the west of Gyangze Town. Encircled by mountains on 3 sides, the monastery is composed of 4 major parts: Buddhist halls, tower, Zhacang and surrounding wall. It is an important cultural relic protection unit on the level of the Tibet.
  • Gyantse Dzong or Gyantse Fortress in one of the best preserved dzongs (one kind of fortress) in Tibet. It stands high above the Gyantse City on a huge spur of grey brown rock.

 Shigatse Weather and Climate by Month

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