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Shigatse

 
 

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Shigatse

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Shigatse Shigatse Tashilhunpo, the monastery home to successive Panchen Lamas (erudite master), is definitely worth a visit. Saved by the Cultural Revolution. © René Mattes

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  • Shigatse

Shigatse is 220 miles south west of Lhasa. Ruins of its 17th century walls still exist, however, having been damaged, the town has lost its charm, apart from a few small streets. It is worth visiting Tashilhunpo, the monastery of the Panchen Lama (erudite master). Having been spared by the Cultural Revolution for political reasons, the size of the Tashilhunpo gives a specific idea of the old monasteries, where some 6,000 monks lived. You can attend a religious service in the morning. Shigatse is one of the great stops on the Katmandu-Lhasa route.

Towns

Other reasons to go

  1.   Landscapes

  2.   Arts and culture

  3.   Monuments