Tibet: Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in Shigatse
Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in the town of Shigatse was build in the 14th century by the first Dalai Lama and is the second largest monastery in Tibet. It sits up the mountain above the town valley, affording panoramic views. It’s the seat of Panchen Lama, the second highest position after Dalai Lama in the Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery is a massive complex of several chapels, stupas, and other buildings, housing over 1500 monks (4000 in the past). You go exploring it building by building, chair by chapel viewing amazing gold plated statues and monks’ living quarters, and myriads of lamps burning yak butter. Hundred of pilgrims in traditional Tibetan clothing take their daily circular trail through the monastery and chapels, carrying giant yak butter jars with them.
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