Shigatse Dzong, Fortress monastery in Samzhubzê District, Tibet
Shigatse Dzong is a fortress complex located in Samzhubzê at 3,860 meters elevation, featuring thick stone walls built in traditional style. The structure includes a central Red Palace and fortified towers that define its overall appearance.
The fortress was built between 1611 and 1621 by Karma Phuntsok Namgyal and served as the residence for governors of Tsang. It was destroyed in 1961 but later reconstructed following historical photographs, with the work completed in 2007.
The dzong served as an administrative hub where appointed officials governed the district and managed local affairs according to Tibetan customs. This role made it a central place for regional authority and community organization.
The site sits at high altitude and visitors should allow time for acclimatization before exploring. It is easily accessible from the nearby town center and offers good approaches that allow you to explore at your own pace.
The fortress stands at the crossroads of major trade routes connecting Lhasa, Nepal, and western Tibet, making it a strategic traffic hub. This central location made it historically important for exchange and communication across vast distances.
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