Pelkhor Choede / Palkhor Monastery is a monastery having the characteristics of Han, Tibetan and Nepali architecture. It is located about 230 kilometers (143 miles) south of Lhasa and 100 kilometers (62 miles) east of Shigatse.

 

 

Pelkhor Choede enjoys a high status in Tibetan Buddhism history because it houses three sects - Sakyapa, Kadampa and Gelugpa together. Those three sects get along well with each other though they once quarreled and fought. The Bodhi Dagoba, the Main Assembly Hall, murals and Zhacang (hall for the monks) in the monastery are the most renowned.

 

 

According to Tibetan calendar, April 15th is the most important day of the year. Saka Dawa Festival will be held on that day to commemorate Sakyamuni, the founder of Buddhism. It is said that Sakyamuni was born and passed away on April 15th. During the festival, about five hundred Lamas chant sutras and the loyal pilgrims gather in the monastery to commemorate Sakyamuni together.