Before 1950s, transportation in Shigatse remained somewhat primitive. Residents relied on animals such as the yak as their main mode of transportation. There were no highways, only narrow winding trails extending throughout this area. This made it difficult for residents to get in touch with the outside world. However, subsequent development has greatly improved transportation in and around this area. Today Shigatse is the transportation center of Tibet. The China-Nepal Highway connects Lhasa and Shigatse then stretches into Nepal. With the No.318 National Highway, Shigatse-Yadong Highway and Lhasa-Purang Highway passing by, Shigatse is now connected to an extensive and efficient network of highways, and the 18 districts in Shigatse region are interlinked. Without ready access to water and air transportation, the highway plays a very important role in the economy and day-to-day life in Shigatse.

Due to its high elevation and severe weather, Shigatse does not have an airport or railway station. Trains do run to the nearby city of Lhasa, from which you can drive to Shigatse via the connecting highway. What's exciting is that the Tibet Railway will extend to Shigatse in the coming few years. And now, though somewhat time consuming, driving is one of the best ways to get an up-close tour of this mysterious land.

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