One of the largest monasteries in Tibet, Tashilhunpo Monastery is a must-visit destination on your trip to Shigatse or western Tibet. As the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama and a major monastery of the Gelug School of Tibetan Buddhism, it offers a chance for you to learn about both Tibetan culture and religion.

Thanks to its deep significance, along with its convenient location, the monastery is also a highlight of many classic Tibet tour itineraries, such as the popular Lhasa to Everest Base Camp route.

In this guide, we will walk you through all the essential travel information of Tashilhunpo Monastery. Read to know its highlights, the routes to get there, the best travel time, and more insider tips. Get inspired for your next journey to Tibet!

Where is Tashilhunpo Monastery in Tibet? Why is it Worth Visiting?

Tashilhunpo Monastery is located in the west of Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city, about 260 kilometers from Lhasa. Sitting on the southern slope of Nyiseri Mountain, the monastery is only 5 minutes’ drive for downtown Shigatse.

Founded in 1447 by Gendun Drup, the first Dalai Lama, Tashilhunpo Monastery is the largest monastery in Shigatse, and also serves as the traditional seat of the successive Panchen Lamas. It is also one of the “Four Great Monasteries” of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, together with Ganden Monastery, Sera Monastery and Drepung Monastery in Lhasa.

For tourists who are interested in Tibetan culture and religion, Tashilhunpo Monastery is a must-visit. Here, you can admire ancient murals, giant Buddha statues, and observe how Tibetan monks live and study every day. You can also do kora around the monastery along the sacred pilgrimage path, following the steps of local pilgrims.

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How to Get to Tashilhunpo Monastery? It’s Quite Convenient from Lhasa

It is quite easy to get to Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse from Lhasa, thanks to the short distance and well-constructed roads. Based on your preferences, you can choose to travel either by overland or train.

By Scenic Overland Drive

There are actually two overland routes from Lhasa to Shigatse: the shorter northern route via G318 Highway and the more scenic southern route via Yamdrok Lake. For most tourists, the southern route is the most popular choice, and is usually done as part of a classic central Tibet tour.

Covering a distance of about 360 kilometers, the journey takes about 6 to 8 hours. You will first drive south along the Lhasa River to Yamdrok Lake, from where you continue to Karola Glacier and then Gyantse along the G349 Highway. After that, you will finish the final part to Shigatse.

By Comfortable Bullet Train

If you want to have a faster trip from Lhasa to Shigatse, the train is a good option. As one of the few bullet train routes in Tibet, the Lhasa to Shigatse train depart two times daily and takes only about 2 hours and 20 minutes.

The train is equipped with modern facilities such as oxygen supply, air conditioning, comfortable seats and wide windows. Along the way, you can also appreciate the scenery of Yarlung Tsangpo River Valley and local Tibetan villages. Upon arrival, you just need to transfer from the Shigatse Railway Station to Tashilhunpo Monastery, which is only 9 km away.

Flight No. & Route	Dep./Arr.	Duration	Frequency
H9974 - Lhasa to Kathmandu	08:30/12:05	1h 20m (Nonstop)	Mon, Wed,Thur, Fri
H9775 - Kathmandu to Lhasa	13:15/12:35	1h 35m (Nonstop)	Tues, Wed,Thur, Fri

When is the Best Time to Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery in Tibet?

The Shigatse region is a year-round destination, while the best time to visit is from April to October. During these months, the weather is mild and stable, the skies are clear, and the oxygen content on the plateau is relatively higher, making it suitable for traveling.

In addition to exploring the magnificent Tashilhunpo Monastery, you can also go trekking and sightseeing around Shigatse. With warmer weather, you can visit Mount Everest and even stay a wonderful overnight at Everest Base Camp.

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What are the Highlights of Visiting Tashilhunpo Monastery?

Covering an area of around 300,000 square meters, the magnificent Tashilhunpo Monastery has much to explore. Here are some of the top highlights you should not miss when visiting this site.

1. The Chapel of Jampa

The Chapel of Jampa is known for housing the statue of the Figure Buddha (Maitreya Buddha). The statue is 26 meters high, being the tallest gilded bronze sitting Buddha in the world. It is coated with over 300 kilograms of gold, and decorated with countless precious gemstones.

2. The Assembly Hall

The Assembly Hall, also called Coqen Hall, is one of the oldest buildings in the monastery. Being able to accommodate 3800 monks at a time, it is the place where monks gather for chanting. In addition, the hall has the Sakyamuni Buddha Hall, which houses the statue of Sakyamuni.

3. Kora Path around Chortens

The Tashilhunpo Monastery also offers a beautiful kora route allowing both pilgrims and tourists to do the peaceful pilgrimage. Along the route, you can see colorful prayer flags and golden payer wheels from time to time. You can also get a stunning overlook view of the Shigatse city.

4. Tashilhunpo Thangka Festival

If time permits, you can attend the Tashilhunpo Monastery Thangka Festival in Shigatse. One of the most important Tibetan festivals, the festival usually falls in July and is celebrated for three days. During the time, you can see giant thangka paintings unfolded on the huge wall behind the monastery.

What are the Best Itineraries that Include Tashilhunpo Monastery in Tibet?

Many of the classic Tibet tour routes include a visit to the Tashilhunpo Monastery, thanks to its advantageous location. The most popular tour is the 8-day Lhasa to Everest Base Camp tour, suitable for anyone to visit Tibet. During the trip, you will see Mount Everest in four different viewpoints, and visit Tashilhunpo Monastery on the way back to Lhasa from Shigatse.

Another recommended route is the 6-day Lhasa to Shigatse tour, the most classic route of a Tibet culture tour. You will visit both cultural highlights of Lhasa and Shigatse, and also appreciate the breathtaking natural views at Yamdrok Lake and Karola Glacier.

For those who have enough time and prefer an in-depth discovery of Tibet, the 15-day Lhasa to Mount Kailash tour is a good option. In addition to visiting Mount Everest Base Camp, you will also take a 3-day holy kora around Mount Kailash. The trip combines both cultural and natural wonders in central and western Tibet.

Of course, you can also customize your itinerary based on your space and interests. Just contact us and tell us your travel idea, and we will help you realize the unforgettable trip to Tibet.

More Travel Tips for Visiting Tashilhunpo Monastery in Tibet

1. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites in Tibet. Do not wear too revealing clothing such as shorts or sleeveless tops.

2. Photography is typically forbidden inside the monastery, and is allowed in the courtyards and surrounding areas. Ask for permission before taking pictures or inquiry your guide if you are not sure.

3. It is important to pay attention to altitude sickness when touring Shigatse. Spend a couple of days in Lhasa for altitude adaptation before you head to Shigatse. Also, take it easy and rest often when you climb the monastery.

4. For a better understanding of Tibetan culture and religion, it is suggested to use a local guide when touring the monastery. Our knowledgeable guides are all born and raised in Tibet, with guiding experiences of over 15 years, and can help make your visit more enriching.

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Conclusion

Tashilhunpo Monastery is not only an important Buddhist site in Tibet but also an architectural wonder. It is conveniently accessible from Lhasa by either train or overland routes. Also, you can join many classic itineraries to visit this grand monastery, such as the popular route of Lhasa to Everest Base Camp overland tour.

If you still have any questions about visiting Tashilhunpo Monastery or other Tibet travel ideas, feel free to contact us. We are here to help you enjoy a seamless and pleasant journey to Tibet.