Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in Shigatse Tibet

Tashilhunpo Monastery is the most important monastery in Shigatse and one of the six great monasteries of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. It is the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama. Tashilhunpo Monastery is a must-see cultural and religious site when visiting Shigatse or traveling toward Everest Base Camp.

Key Information

·       Tibetan name: བཀྲ་ཤིས་ལྷུན་པོ་ 

·       Chinese name: 扎什伦布寺

·       Founded: 1447

·       Founder: Gendun Drup, the First Dalai Lama

·       Altitude: ~3,900 meters

·       Location: Shigatse city, Tibet Autonomous Region

Highlights

·       Houses the world’s largest gilded statue of Maitreya Buddha (26 meters high)

·       Important residence and burial site of past Panchen Lamas

·       Rich collection of thangkas, scriptures, stupas, and murals

·       Active monastery with hundreds of resident monks

Architecture

·       Massive monastery complex built on a hillside

·       Golden roofs, white walls, and red chapels typical of Gelug monasteries

·       Stunning views over Shigatse city and the surrounding valley

Festivals

·       Famous for the Thangka Unveiling Festival during Tibetan New Year (Losar)

·       Colorful ceremonies, chanting, and monastic rituals