Although Shalu Monastery is one of the most difficult sights in this region to visit, it is worth the effort if you have a few days to spend in the area. Shalu is situated about 19km southeast from Shigatse off the main Shigatse-Gyantse road.

A monastery here was first built in the 11th Century although Shalu rose to prominence in the 14th Century when the resident abbot here was the world’s foremost interpreter of Sanskrit Buddhist texts. The building here is a mixture of Tibetan and Han style architecture. The Tibetan style part of the building dates back to the 10th Century although very little of this has actually survived today. The Chinese influence is evident in the inner section of the monastery, the Serkhang, which was built in the 15th Century and has undergone major renovations in recent years. 14th Century Chinese and Nepalese murals adorn the walls.

How to get there: Take a Gyantse bound minibus from Shigatse and get off at Tsundu. The turning for Shalu is about 100m past a hill dotted with prayer flags. From here it is a one hour walk to Shalu village and monastery.Alternately, hire a jeep and driver and visit the monastery this way.