Lhasa and Shigatse Travel Review of the 9th Group in June 2016

Exploration of Tibetan Buddhism is one of the highlights of Tibet tour. As two of the biggest cities in Tibet, Lhasa and Shigatse are home to a great number of Tibetan monasteries, esp. with Gelug Sect, such as Jokhang temple, Sera Monastery, Ganden Monastery, Drepung Monastery, Tashilhunpo Monastery, etc. Heading southwest from Lhasa by following Yarlung Tsangpo River, tourists can trace the development of Tibet Buddhism. As exotic people and customs unfold before your eyes, you will have the first-hand experience of what Tibet truly looks like. Join the private Tibet tour of 9th group that features Tibetan culture in June.

Hike in Drepung Monastery, the Biggest Monastery with Gelug sect in Lhasa

Located around 5km west of Lhasa city, Drepung Monastery is one of three primary Gelugpa Buddhist Monasteries in Lhasa. Since it sets on hillside, it offers a great opportunity for hiking.

Enjoy the Picturesque View of Lhasa River

The Gigantic Thangka Unfolding Platform was Seen Afar

The best time to visit Drepung Monastery would be in the 8th month of Tibetan calendar when grand Shoton Festival is celebrated. Then the massive Thangka will be displayed in the monastery. Huge crowds of pilgrims, monks and locals are expected to come for worship.

Huge Mani Stone in Drepung Monastery

Similar to prayer flags, Mani Stone is pretty common and can be seen frequently esp. on mountaintop in Tibet. Colorful Buddhist mantras or scriptures are engraved on enormous rocks or plates. What is different from prayer flags is that Mani Stones are considered to be the offering to local gods and spirits.

Follow the Trail Leading to Mountaintop

Feel Thirsty and Drink Refreshing Spring inside the Mountain

Closely Observe Yarlung Tsangpo River

The source of Yarlung Tsangpo River is believed to be at Angsi Glacier in western Tibet, southeast of Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar. It runs through Tibetan plateau like a fierce dragon, breaking through the barriers and wiggling on the roof of the world. As Yarlung Tsangpo Valley bred splendid Tibetan culture and civilization, the Yarlung Tsangpo River is reputed as Tibet’s mother river.

Explore Tashilhunpo Monastery, the Most Prominent Gelugpa Monastery in Shigatse

Jointly built by Tsongkhapa’s 8th disciple and 1st Dalai Lama, Tashilhunpo Monastery is the largest monastery in Shigatse. It covers an area of 300,000 sq meters and houses world’s largest gilt statue of Future Buddha (measuring 22.4m high). The historical assemble hall and tombs of 5th to 9th Panchen Lamas in this large Buddhist compound are fun to explore.

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