Shigatse
Shigatse (official spelling: Xigaze) is the second largest city of Tibet with a population of 1 million (approximately). The city is situated 250 km southwest from Lhasa and 95 km northwest from Gyantse. Shigatse, also known as an official throne of Panchen Lamas is situated at the confluence of Bramhaputra River (Yarlung Zangbo – the longest river of Asia) and Nyangchu River. Shigatse situated at an altitude of 3900 meters is the administrative head quarter of Xigatze prefecture of Tibet. Various unknown pilgrimages start from Shigatse. Near Shigatse are the Wuyuk and Tobgyal Valleys, home to highly respected Buddhist and Bonpo institutions.
Tashilhunpo Monastery is the jewel of Shigatse which was founded by Gendun Drup (the very first Dalai Lama) in 1447. Also the Tashilhunpo Monastery is known as the throne of Panchen Lamas. Until the Chinese troops arrived in the 1950s, the Panchen Lama had administrative power in Tibet (Shigatse prefecture). The Tashilhunpo Monastery has a popular Thangka (scroll) display festival that falls in June OR July). The festival lasts for 3 days.
Another highlight of Shigatse is Samdruptse Dzong. This Tibetan castle was built some where in the 15th century. The model of castle looks almost similar to the Potala Palace. Previously, the castle was the Royal Palace of the King of U-Tsang and Shigatse was the capital city.
