Shigatse Dzong (Samdruptse)

གཞིས་ཀ་རྩེ་རྫོང་།

A dzong on a hilltop north of Shigatse city, similar in design to the Potala Palace and called the “Little Potala.” It is the best place to overlook Shigatse.

Shigatse Dzong stands on Sun Mountain north of downtown Shigatse. Construction began in the 14th century. It was one of the thirteen great dzongs established by the Phagmodrupa regime and later became the palace fortress of the Tsangpa Khanate. The Fifth Dalai Lama is said to have drawn on its design when building the Potala Palace, which is why it is called the “Little Potala.” The original structures were destroyed in the 1960s, and in the 2000s they were rebuilt to their original appearance with aid from Shanghai. The interior houses a museum displaying the history, folk customs and changes of the Tsang region. The dzong faces Tashilhunpo Monastery across the city. From the terrace in front of the dzong you can look down over the whole of Shigatse and the Nyang River valley. In the evening, golden light on the white walls and red roofs is especially lovely, and the square at the foot of the hill is good for panoramic photos. Admission and opening arrangements are set on site, and viewing from outside is free. Transport: it is in the city, about 10 minutes by taxi from Tashilhunpo Monastery, so both can be visited on the same day. Note: climbing to the dzong involves a steep slope, so take it slowly when you first arrive in Shigatse.

Shigatse Dzong (Samdruptse)

Opening hours

Nearby sights

Places to eat nearby