Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Rinpoche vanquished the demons of Tibet. King Trisong Detsen later established a palace
here. Pilgrims honour it as one of the four sacred hills of Tibet (the others being Gangpo
Ri at Tsetang, Chagpo Ri in Lhasa and Chuwo Ri at Chushul). Even for the non-religious,
it's worth coming up here for the views of Samye. Paths wind up the side of the hill from
the road leading from Samye's east gate. A 30-minute climb up the side ridge takes you
to an incense burner, festooned with prayer flags and with great views of Samye below.
Head south along the ridge and descend along the paved path. Early morning is the best
time for photography.
Sleeping
Outside the monastery's eastern gates are a line of almost identical restaurant-guesthouses.
None offer showers.
Snowland Yungdruk Restaurant
GUESTHOUSE
(, Xuěyù Yùlóng Fànguăn, Kangchen Yungdruk Sarkhang
MAP
133 9803 5171; dm
¥40-60)
This Tibetan restaurant has a couple of dorm rooms in the back, behind a small courtyard
garden. You can take tea in the sunny atrium if it's not full of locals playing dice. The staff
are friendly and the bedding appears to be washed regularly. It was formerly known as the
Dawa Guesthouse.
Friendship Snowland Hotel
GUESTHOUSE
(, Xuěyù Tóngbāo Lǚguǎn, Gangjong Pönda Sarkhang
MAP
136 1893 2819; dm
¥50)
Proper mattresses (not just foam) are on offer, in concrete triples out back or above the
cosy restaurant of the same name.
Tashi Guesthouse
GUESTHOUSE
(, Zhāxī Lǚguǎn
MAP
189 8993 7883; dm/r ¥50)
