Shigatse (Tibet)

At an elevation of 3900m, Shigatse is the second biggest town, not even considered as a city, in Tibet. Shigatse has been the seat of Panchen Lama, the second highest ranking Lama after the Dalai Lama, who is traditionally based in Tashilhunpo Monastery, which is one of the six largest Tibetan monasteries.

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On the way from Lhasa to Shigatse

Tashilhunpo Monastery

Pilgrims waiting for the opening of main hall - (Tashilhunpo Monastery, Shigatse)

A pair of very cute "lions"? - (Tashilhunpo Monastery, Shigatse)

Courtyard - (Tashilhunpo Monastery, Shigatse)

Different TV stations like Hong Kong TVB, Mainland Pheonix etc... - (Tashilhunpo Monastery, Shigatse)

Wondering what kinda questions do they ask?

I overheard some like Do you watch TV? Do you think that it is very boring to chant or pray whole day? Do you get distracted by external influences like TV? ---- I guess they are wondering how do the Tibetan Lama strike a balance and remain focus as the whole world is globalising and accessing to the "outside" world is made easier with increasing number of tourists, TV programmes etc...

Taking off Shoe - (Tashilhunpo Monastery, Shigatse)

Kitchen Cook - - (Tashilhunpo Monastery, Shigatse)

Took this photo in the mini-van. Guess who's the artist on the left? It's Ah-Du, the Singaporean Singer. So I asked the Tibetan driver if his teen daughter was the one who stick Ah-Du photo in his van, and his replied was "No! I sticked it myself as I like Ah-Du!". Seems that Ah-Du is pretty popular in Tibet too...

Happenings at a local market - (Shigatse)

Taken from a Fortress. - (Shigatse)

Prayer Flags at the Fortress - (Shigatse)

Three Guangzhuo friends (Zhang Wei, Da Lian, Lin Chuan) at the peak - (Shigatse)