Chinese name: 扎什伦布寺Zhāshí Lúnbù Sì
Location: Southern slope of Nyiseri Mountain in the west of Shigatse City; or 5 minutes’ drive from central Shigatse
Altitude: 3,800 m (12,000 ft)
Builder: Gedun Drupa (1447)
Type: the largest Buddhist monastery in Shigatse; one of the Great Four Holy Monasteries of Tibet
Opening Hours & Ticket: 09:00-17:00; 100CNY/person (May to Oct.), 55CNY/Person (Nov. to Apr.)
How to Get There: You may either hire a private car or choose our clean and safe tour vehicle with seasoned local tour guide and driver. It often takes 5hrs to drive 269km from Lhasa to Tashilhunpo Monastery. Or you can take Tibet train to Shigatse city and then transfer to the monastery.
Sitting on the southern slope of Nyiseri Mountain in the west of Shigatse City, Tashilhunpo Monastery, built in 1447 by Gedun Drupa, the first Dalai Lama, is the largest monastery in Tsang Area as well as the traditional seat of successive Panchen Lamas, Tibet’s second highest incarnation. Meanwhile, it is also one of the Great Six Gelugpa Monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism (another five are Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, Ganden Monastery, Kumbum Monastery, and Labrang Monastery).
The highlights for visiting Tashilhunpo Monastery involve exploring unique architectures and historic sites, like Coqen Hall, Chapel of Jampa, 4 Great Dratsangs, 56 Sutra Halls and 64 Kamcuns, etc.; walking the scenic kora around Tashilhunpo with sincere pilgrims to enjoy the stunning vista of the monastery itself and Shigatse City, even Shigatse Dzong (Samdruptse Dzong or small Potala Palace) in far distance; visiting ancient tombs of the fourth and tenth Panchen Lama and the dazzling chortens, which hold the bones and remains of the sacred lamas of Tibet; observing Tashilhunpo Buddhist debate and scripture chanting to get a hint of Tibetan Buddhism and local monk lifestyle. If possible, you can time your trip with 3-day Tashilhunpo Monastery festival to appreciate the three Giant Thangka Buddha (Amitabha Buddha, Sakyamuni Buddha, Maitreya Buddha) exhibited on the platform.
In a word, here you can explore Tibetan Buddhism, appreciate religious art, and participate in the interesting festivities in just one go. Please follow our in-depth guide below and make the most of Tashilhunpo Monastery tour.
