Palcho Monastery: A Multicultural Tibetan Buddhist Temple

Here is a travel guide to Palcho Monastery: Basic Information Palcho Monastery is located about 1 km northwest of Gyangze County, Shigatse City, Tibet Autonomous Region. It is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery where the Sakya, Shalu, and Gelug sects coexist. It is open from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm. Tickets cost CNY 60, and an additional CNY 10 is charged for taking photos of the Kumbum Stupa. Transportation If you are departing from Shigatse, you can take a long-distance bus to Gyangze County and then walk to Palcho Monastery. Tour Route After entering Palcho Monastery, first visit the Tsokchen Hall, which enshrines the Three Buddhas and a giant gilded bronze statue of Maitreya Buddha. The columns are covered with colorful khatas and thangkas, and the walls are decorated with exquisite Buddhist murals. Then, head to the Kumbum Stupa, the iconic building of Palcho Monastery. The stupa has 9 floors, 77 chapels, and 108 doors. The walls of each chapel are painted with Buddha statues, which are said to number more than 100,000, hence the name. It is a veritable museum of Buddha statues. During the visit, you can walk along the corridor and enjoy the unique charm of this pagoda-temple complex. Please do not touch the Buddha statues or murals. Notes Respect local religious customs. Keep quiet in the Buddha halls and do not make loud noises. In principle, photography is not allowed in Tibetan Buddhist temples, but it is allowed in the Kumbum Stupa for a fee of CNY 10. Do not use flash when taking photos. Palcho Monastery is located at an altitude of 3,900 meters, so you may experience altitude sickness. Take precautions in advance, such as preparing medicine for altitude sickness. Local Cuisine You can try local Tibetan cuisine, such as blood sausage, beef and mutton, and butter tea, to experience the unique flavors.