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Tashilhunpo Monastery is the largest monastery in the Shigatse region of Tibet, located on the eastern slopes of Mount Nima, west of Shigatse. It served as the residence of successive Panchen Lamas since the Fourth Panchen Lama. Along with Lhasa's "Three Great Monasteries"—Ganden Monastery, Sera Monastery, and Drepung Monastery—it is collectively known as the "Four Great Monasteries" of the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. These four monasteries, along with Ta'er Monastery in Qinghai and Labrang Monastery in Gansu, are considered the "Six Great Monasteries" of the Gelugpa sect.
Tashilhunpo Monastery covers an area of 150,000 square meters and is surrounded by a wall that winds its way along the mountainside, with a circumference of over 3,000 meters. Within the monastery, there are 57 scripture halls and 3,600 rooms. Built into the hillside, with its back against the mountain and facing the north, the monastery's grounds are sunny. The halls are arranged in a continuous sequence, creating a harmonious and symmetrical pattern with a balanced density.
Suitable for all seasons
Recommended visit time: 1-3 hours
100 yuan/person
9:00-17:00
Tashilhunpo Monastery, founded in 1447 by the 1st Dalai Lama, is the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama. It is a major religious, cultural, and historical site in Shigatse and an important center for Tibetan Buddhism.
Located in Shigatse city, approximately 270 km from Lhasa. Accessible via private car, taxi, or organized tours. Walking is feasible within the monastery grounds.
Open daily, typically from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. The best time to visit is May to October when the weather is mild and roads are accessible.
Entrance fee is around ¥100–¥120. Tickets are usually purchased on-site; online booking may be available through travel agencies.
Booking in advance is recommended during peak tourist seasons, ideally 1–2 weeks ahead. Otherwise, tickets are generally available on-site.
2–3 hours are sufficient to explore the main halls, courtyards, and surrounding areas.
Guided tours are available in Chinese and occasionally English through local travel agencies. Audio guides are not common.
Enter through the main gate, visit the courtyards, explore key temples and halls, end at the Maitreya Buddha statue, and optionally explore surrounding chapels and shops.
Night visits and light shows are not available. Special tours can be arranged through travel agencies.
It can be busy during public holidays and weekends. Weekdays and early mornings are the least crowded times.
Basic facilities include restrooms, small food stalls, seating areas, and souvenir shops near the main entrance.
Main halls and courtyards are accessible, but uneven steps and terrain may pose challenges for disabled visitors.
Cash is preferred. Some shops accept mobile payments like WeChat Pay or Alipay, but credit card acceptance is limited.
Small Tibetan-style eateries and guesthouse restaurants near the monastery. Full-service restaurants are available in Shigatse city.
Vegetarian options are commonly available; vegan and halal options may be limited and require advance planning.
Souvenir shops sell Tibetan handicrafts, prayer flags, thangka paintings, and traditional jewelry.
