Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Dromochen Lhakhang
BUDDHIST, CHAPEL
A small chapel commemorates the birthplace of Nubchen Sangye Yeshe, a 9th-century
Tantric master who was one of the 25 disciples of Guru Rinpoche.
Tsogyel La-tso
BUDDHIST, TEMPLE
This small pond marks the birthplace and spirit lake of Guru Rinpoche's consort Yeshe
Tsogyal. The golden-roofed chapel at the north end of the lake has a statue of Tsogyel, as
well as her stone foot- and hand-prints and a breast-shaped piece of sandalwood said to
have travelled from the subterranean world of the
naga
(snake spirits). Look for the photo
of her previous reincarnation, who lived in Amdo.
Ngadrak Monastery
BUDDHIST, MONASTERY
Ngadrak is the main Karma Kagyu monastery in the valley. Look for the stone footprint of
Yeshe Tsogyal beside one of the assembly hall pillars. Pilgrims are blessed with the tiny
shoe worn by Powa Rinpoche when he was four years old.
Chusi (Tsetsep) Nunnery
BUDDHIST, NUNNERY
This 17th-century nunnery was largely left in ruins after the Cultural Revolution but has
since been rebuilt and is now home to about 14 nuns.
Drak Yangdzong Caves
CAVES
(Zhāyāngzōng; guide ¥5)
From Chusi Nunnery it's a tough 1½-hour climb up to the Drak Yangdzong caves. Access
to the upper caves is via a 10m ladder secured with strips of yak hide. Note that the caves
are very narrow and slippery in places and are absolutely no place for those with claustro-
phobia, vertigo or a tendency to eat too many doughnuts. The spiritual and physical heart
of the complex is a tiny Guru Rinpoche cave. It's great fun - or terrifying, depending on
how you feel about caving.
The large cave below the main entrance has a chapel with an interesting side mural of
Mindroling Monastery and a couple of resident nuns, who will act as your guide through
the caves.
