Tashilhunpo Monastery
Highlight tourist attraction in Shigatse
Tashilhunpo Monastery (3,500m) is founded in 1447 by the first Dalai Lama. In Tibetan language, it means ‘heap of glory’ or ‘all fortune and happiness gathered here’. Tashilhunpo Monastery regarded as a historic and culturally essential monastery in Shigatse, Tibet. It is also the largest functioning religious institution in Tibet. Worth to mention that, the huge golden statue of the Future Buddha is the largest gilded statue in the world.This monastery is located on the southern slope of the Nyima Mountain, in Shigatse city.
Histories and Festivals
Since 1447, Tashilhunpo Monastery has been the traditional seat of successive Panchen Lamas (the second highest ranking Tulku lineage in the Gelugpa tradition. Therefore, every year, believers and tourists from both domestic and abroad come here to travel and worship.There is an important festival celebrated in Tashilhunpo Monastery, the Sunning of the Buddha Festival. It happens from 14th to 16th of the fifth month of the Tibetan Calendar. During the festival, three Buddha are displayed on the display platform. First day displays the Buddha representing the past, the second day displays the present and the last day displays the future.
Practical Tashilhunpo Monastery Travel Tips
There is much to learn before visiting it.
1. The Admission Fee is 80 RMB (for summer), 50 RMB (for winter).
2. It opens from 9:00 to 17:00 (the temples are closed during 12:00 to 14:00).
3. No cameras inside the Palace, no short pants and skirt.