This Isn't Potala Palace - And It Might Be Better Than Lhasa! ✨

────── 📅 June 16th, 2:00 PM - Left Gyantse after lunch 🛣️ Route: National Highway G349 ⚠️ Road Tips: Mostly smooth driving, but strict 30-40km/h speed limits through villages (fines are doubled!). For us, Shigatse fits our travel style better than Lhasa – fewer crowds, less commercialized (though Lhasa's Tibetan character still shines through). Most visitors just stop here briefly en route to Everest... but they're missing out! 🏯 Tashilhunpo Monastery: ¥100 entry, but circumambulation is FREE (start left of main gate, follow the crowd clockwise 🔁) Leisurely 2-hour walk with great photo ops – even our kid loved it! Bought a Manjushri scripture plaque for ¥30 📿 🍜 Must-Try Monastery Eatery: ¥25-30 per person for a filling meal Chaotic but delicious! We: Charades-ordered rice boxes (when in doubt, point at what others are eating!) Fought Tibetan grandmas for steamed buns (like dumplings) – pro tip: stake out the steamer early! Loved the spicy sauce and sweet milk tea (tastes like Assam) ☕ 🚶 Explore Nearby: The market streets around the monastery are perfect for wandering Amber Restaurant (near parking): Lamb stir-fry + skewers for ¥118 – decent value! #RoadTripTibet #FamilyTravel #HiddenGems #Tashilhunpo #ShigatseEats