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Shigatse
The former capital of Tibet, Shigatse is still an important religious centre as it is home to Tibet's most important religious leader after the Dalai Lama. Unlike most cities in Tibet, Shigatse is pleasantly covered in trees, whilst the city is divided into two parts - the charming old town retaining old Tibetan homes lining the narrow streets and the newer commercial district with offices and department stores.
Built in 1447 by the 1st Dalai Lama, who was the disciple of Tsongkapa and the founder of the Gelug (the ‘Yellow Sect’), the monastery has been rebuilt and extended by successive Panchen Lamas, and became the political and religious centre. The monastery covers an area of 300 thousand square metres, ensuring that the visitor only gets a glimpse of this impressive, golden-roofed compound. The main attraction is a 26 metre golden image of Jampa, the future Buddha, completed with nearly 300 kilograms of gold.
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