Shigatse

Shigatse is Tibet's second-largest city and was once home to the Panchen Lama. The Shigatse Dzong rises over the city's northern edge, its resemblance to the Potala Palace unmistakable. Tashilhunpo Monastery was long the seat of the Panchen Lama, historically the second-most important spiritual authority in Tibet after the Dalai Lama. The monastery houses a chorten containing the remains of the 4th and 10th Panchen Lamas, the Jamba Chapel, the Kelsang assembly courtyard — where monks can still be seen debating and praying today — and the main assembly hall. The area around the Dzong and Tashilhunpo Monastery is lined with souvenir stalls and restaurants.