If you want to go to Shigatse from Lhasa (about 347km) by road, there are two routes.  Most passengers take the 'high way' heading west, the road goes all the way along the Nyang Chu River, the road system is quite good. 

Some people choose a taff road, going south, take the mountain road, go all the way up to climb up the top of the Gangba-La pass, stop at Yamdroktso Lake, suddenly you will meet Karola Glacier face to face.  The Karola Glacier is quite close to the road, a breathtaking view of the Karola Glacier is an unforgetable experience. 

In fact, climate change is raising the temperature in Tibet by as much as a third of a degree a year – that's twice as fast as the rest of the world. The Karola glacier, has melted halfway up the mountain, The ice is melting as fast as seven per cent a year.

China tours inclusive of visiting Kaorla Glacier