Shegar is dominated by its 'crystal fort' (the word 'Shegar' means 'crystal' in Tibetan), one of Tibet's most fantastical, whose crumbling defensive walls snake up the side of an impossibly steep mountain that looms over the town. Some travelers have been able to access trails from the Shegar Monastary entrance to the ruined buildings, from where you can see Mt Everest in the distance, though these weren't open at the time of writing.

On the way up you’ll pass Shegar Chode Monastery, a small Gelugpa institution built in 1269. Shegar Chode Monastery originally followed Nyingma, Sakya, Gelug and Kargyu tradition until the period of the fifth Dalai Lama when the Gelugpa became the dominant order. A painting inside depicts Shegar Chode Monastery at the height of its power when it had around 800 monks. These days only 30 remain, but they are happy to have visitors sit and chat with them in the courtyard. Keep an eye out for the ‘longevity sheep’(sheep that were saved from slaughter) that hang out in the yard.