While traveling in Tibet, if conditions permit, I recommend not missing any opportunity to witness both sunset and sunrise. During these times, the lighting undergoes rich variations, providing the optimal conditions for photography. Tashilhunpo Monastery, weathered by nearly five centuries, still stands with its magnificent aura, vibrant colors, and sacred and solemn halls atop Mount Nyima to the west of Shigatse City. If you want to enjoy and capture the most beautiful sunset at Tashilhunpo Monastery during your Tibet trip, you must head to Mount Nyima behind the monastery.
Tashilhunpo Monastery, founded in 1447 and completed after 12 years, serves as the residence for successive Panchen Lamas. It is the largest monastery in the Shigatse region. With a total construction area of 300,000 square meters, the monastery accommodated over 4,000 monks at its peak. Enduring over 570 years of wind and rain, Tashilhunpo Monastery is referred to as the “Auspicious Mount Meru,” and its mythical significance has made it a sacred place in the hearts of all Tibetan Buddhist followers.
Like almost all Tibetan temples, Tashilhunpo Monastery starts its day with chanting and worship in the morning. Located to the west of Shigatse City, the monastery is easily accessible on foot from the city center. If traveling from Lhasa, the transportation is also convenient, with numerous daily buses between Lhasa and Shigatse.
For photography enthusiasts, it’s best to capture Tashilhunpo Monastery on days with festivals or Buddhist activities. Days such as the 8th, 15th, and 30th of each month in the Tibetan calendar are when routine religious activities take place. These are joyous occasions for both monks and the public, as they come together to pray for the flourishing of Buddhist teachings. Such auspicious days are also the favorites for photographers to capture stunning images.