Tashilhunpo Monastery: Shigatse

Situated in the city of Shigatse, Tashilhunpo Monastery is one of the six big monasteries of Gelugpa Sect in Tibet. It was build in the year 1447 by Gedun Drub who later became the first Dalai Lama. Tashilhunpo Monastery covers an area of 300,000 sq m which makes it among the largest monastery in Tibet. It is considered to be the seat of Panchen Lama who is the second most important religious leader of Tibet. The main attraction of the monastery is the tallest statue of sitting Maitreya Buddha which is around 86 ft tall. It is completely crafted by hand and is decorated with gold, diamond, pearls and many other precious stones. The statue of tenth Panchen Lama too is a major attraction. It is covered with around 614 kg of gold.