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Pala Manor is the main manor of the Pala family, a great Tibetan aristocratic family. Its full name is Pajue Lakang. It is located in Banjue Lunbu Village, about 4 kilometers southwest of Gyantse County. It is the only intact manor of the three major aristocratic lords of old Tibet in Tibet.
The Pala family is an ancient family with a history of over 400 years. According to research, their ancestor was a lama who was selected by King Zangdu (1618) from a monastery in Qiangwang, upstream of the Nianchu River, to be brought to Bhutan to manage the Pulakang Monastery. He later became the chief of a Bhutanese tribe.
By the end of the 19th century, the Pala family had developed to the point where they owned 37 manors, more than 15,000 acres of land, 12 pastures, more than 14,000 heads of livestock, and more than 3,000 serfs in Gyantse County, Lhasa, Bailang County, Yadong County, Shannan and other areas, becoming one of the twelve major noble families in Tibet.
Suitable for visiting in all seasons
Recommended play time: 2-3 hours
25 yuan/person
9:00-18:00
Pabala Manor is a historic residence of a Tibetan noble family in Shigatse. It represents traditional Tibetan architecture and provides insight into the social and cultural life of the local aristocracy in historical Tibet.
The manor is located near Shigatse city center. Visitors can reach it by taxi or private car from Shigatse. Walking is possible if staying nearby, as there are no metro systems in Shigatse.
Typically open during daylight hours, around 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to visit is from May to October when weather is mild and roads are accessible.
Entrance fees are modest and can be purchased onsite at the manor. Online booking is generally not required.
Booking in advance is not necessary for most visitors, but for guided tours or larger groups, 1–2 days in advance is recommended.
Approximately 1–2 hours to explore the manor and its courtyards, longer if including local village walks and photography.
Guided tours are available, usually in Mandarin. Some local guides may provide explanations in English, but audio guides are not common.
Start at the main entrance → Explore the main halls → Walk through courtyards → Visit family rooms → Exit via gardens or terraces → Optional village walk nearby.
Night visits are generally not available. Special tours are usually daytime cultural or photography-focused tours.
It is typically quiet. Weekdays during the shoulder season (May–June or September–October) are the least crowded.
Basic facilities such as toilets and small rest areas are available. Food and shops are limited; plan accordingly.
The manor is moderately accessible. Elderly and children can visit, but uneven floors and stairs may limit accessibility for disabled visitors.
Cash is recommended for entrance fees and local purchases. Cards or mobile payments are rarely accepted.
Nearby small restaurants and Tibetan tea houses offer local cuisine. Larger dining options are available in Shigatse city center.
Vegetarian options are available in Tibetan restaurants; vegan and halal options are limited.
Accommodations are mainly in Shigatse city center, including guesthouses and mid-range hotels.
Souvenir shops are primarily in Shigatse, selling Tibetan handicrafts, prayer flags, yak wool items, and traditional jewelry.
