Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sights
Gongkar Chöde Monastery BUDDHIST, MONASTERY
(, Gònggā Qūdé Sì admission ¥20, photos ¥15)
Surprisingly large, the Sakyapa-school Gongkar Chöde Monastery, founded in 1464, is
famous for its 16th-century Kyenri-style murals. It lies 400m south of the highway, around
10km from the airport, along the road to Gyantse. The monastery has been renovated with
the help of the Shalu Foundation ( www.asianart.com/shalu ).
The assembly hall has statues of Sakya Pandita, Drölma, Guru Rinpoche and the mon-
astery founder, Dorje Denpa (1432-96). To the left of the hall is the gönkhang, whose out-
er rooms have black murals depicting a sky burial. The inner hall has a statue of the
Sakyapa protector Gonpo Gur (Mahakala Panjaranatha) and some elaborate spirit traps (in
a case to the right). The inner sanctum has fine murals of the Sakyapa founders by the en-
trance, and an inner kora (nangkhor) . Art specialists say the Khyenri-style murals show a
marked Chinese influence, most noticeable in the cloud and landscape motifs. Bring a
powerful torch (flashlight). The chapel to the right of the assembly hall has particularly
fine images of the Past, Present and Future Buddhas.
The upper floor has more lovely old murals, including some showing the original mon-
astery layout. On either side of the roof is the Kyedhor Lhakhang, which has fine protector
murals in yabyum (Tantric sexual union) pose, and the Kangyur Lhakhang.
As you walk clockwise around the main monastery building, look for the shedra on the
northern side. The monks practice debating here around 6pm.
Shedruling Monastery BUDDHIST, MONASTERY
Around 13km west of Gongkar airport, 3km west of Gongkar Chöde Monastery, the im-
pressive Shedruling Monastery rises from the main road like a miniature Potala. The re-
cently renovated monastery is less impressive close up but the views over the valley are
fine in afternoon light. A road leads right up to the monastery gates. Just below the monas-
tery are the ruins of Gongkar Dzong, which was bombed by the Chinese military in 1959.
Chairman Mao Statue STATUE
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