Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
For a detailed commentary on the murals check out Ian Baker and Thomas Laird's
coffee-table book
The Dalai Lama's Secret Temple: Tantric Wall Paintings from Tibet
.
Kunde Ling
BUDDHIST, MONASTERY
At the foot of Parma Ri, close to Beijing Zhonglu, is one of Lhasa's four former royal
temples. The
ling
(royal) temples were appointed by the fifth Dalai Lama, and it was from
one of them that regents of Tibet were generally appointed. There are only a couple of re-
stored chapels open, but it's a friendly place with around 60 monks and worth a visit. Look
for the upstairs mural of the original Kunde Ling, 80% of which has been destroyed.
There's normally debating here between 2pm and 4pm.
Gesar Ling
BUDDHIST, TEMPLE
On the north side of Parma Ri is the Gesar Ling, a Chinese construction dating back to
1793 that was recently renovated. It is the only Chinese-style temple in Lhasa. The main
red-walled temple has a Chinese-style statue of Guandi, the Chinese God of War, while a
separate yellow chapel holds the Tibetan equivalent, the mythical warrior Gesar, along
with statues of Jampelyang, Chana Dorje (Vajrapani) and Chenresig.
Chagpo Ri Rock Carvings
HISTORIC SITE
This hidden corner of Lhasa features over 5000 painted rock carvings that were created on
the back side of Chagpo Ri over the course of a millennium. Throughout the day pilgrims
perform full body prostrations in front of the images, while stonecarvers at the far end of
the courtyard contribute to a large chörten built entirely of the carvers' mani stones. The
best way to visit the area is as part of the Lingkhor pilgrim route (
Click here
)
.
Ramoche Temple & Around
The sister temple to the Jokhang, the Ramoche was constructed around the same time as
its more famous sibling. It was originally built to house the Jowo Sakyamuni image
brought to Tibet by Princess Wencheng. Sometime in the 8th century the Sakyamuni im-
