Little-known Attractions of Shigatse Prefecture

Shigatse Prefecture is regarded as the largest cultural, economical, and religious center of southwestern Tibet. It is always available in your recommended itinerary as it is almost the only way which must be passed to Mt. Everest. There are many famous attractions such as Tashilhunpo Monastery, Palkhor Monastery, Tingri, and Gyantse, etc. But how to say, in my opinion, more and more people would like to visit the little-known attractions in the scenic spots. It is said to be a special experience of the journey get rid of the crowd. What about you?

Little-known Attractions of Shigatse Prefecture

Palkhor Monastery

Palkhor Monastery is unique and highly respected by Sakya Sect, Kardam Sect and Gelug Sect together. The Bodhi Tower is representative of Palkhor Monastery and it consists of numerous Buddhist towers. Therefore Bodhi Tower is also called Ten Thousand of Buddhist Towers. It is regarded as the symbol of Palkhor Monastery. In addition, Palkhor Monastery is divided into 3 floors and full of 16 Buddhist scripture halls.

Location: the northeast suburb of Gyantse Town of Gyantse County, about 100 kilometers far from Shigatse Prefecture.

Zongshan Castle

Zongshan Castle was established at the top of the Zongshan Mountain. It is a little dangerous as there are full of steep cliffs all around. It is proud of a thousand year history. In 1904, Zongshan Castle was once acted as the place to resist the British invasion. Hence, many cultural relics are preserved till now such as the barbette and stone tablet.

Location: Gyantse Town of Gyantse County.

Pala Manor

Pala Manor was once acted as a large noble manor, which is preserved well till now.

Location: Gyantse Town of Gyantse County.

Dachang Muqye Monastery

It is the largest monastery of Sakya Sect in Latse County. It is not very large but it is highly respected by believers and pilgrims.

Location: Quxia Town of Latse County.

Qiqyen Hot Spring

It is about 4010 meters high and it is said to be helpful for some disease, such as the skin disease.

Location: Nearby G318 National Highway (Sichuan-Tibet Highway), Latse County.

Pingtsolin Monastery

It is very magnificent and historic. It covers an area of 37800 square meters. The gathering palace is representative of the major body of Pingtsolin Monastery. On December 27th according to Tibetan calendar every year, the religious dancing ceremony will be held in Pingtsolin Monastery. On October 8th every year, the religious worship ceremony will be held here, too.

Location: Pingtsolin Monastery of Latse County.

Gyenang Monastery

Gyenang Monastery is proud of thousand of year history and highly respected by Nyingma Sect (Red Sect). It consists of 9 palaces and 1 large scripture hall. The Buddha statue of padmasambhava is enshrined and worshipped in Gyenang Monastery. There are 16 precious cultural relics inside Gyenang Monastery. In addition, there are some Buddhist temples and caves in the north of Gyenang Monastery, both of which are used for great Buddhist masters to cultivate themselves according to a religious doctrine.

Location: Pingtsolin Village of Latse County.