Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Gangpo Ri (4130m) is of special significance for Tibetans as the legendary birthplace of
the Tibetan people, where Chenresig in the form of a monkey mated with the white demon
Sinmo to produce the beginnings of the Tibetan race. The Monkey Cave, where all this
took place, can be visited near the summit of the mountain. Do it in the spirit of a demand-
ing half-day walk in the hills, as the cave itself is somewhat uninspiring.
The most direct trail leads up from the Sang-ngag Zimche Nunnery, climbing about
550m to the cave. The walk up will take about two hours - bring plenty of water. The walk
up Gangpo Ri is a part of a long pilgrim route, which local Tibetans make each year on the
15th day of the 4th lunar month.
TSETANG'S OLD-TOWN KORA
The best way to visit the small monasteries in the Tibetan quarter is to join the pilgrims
on the clockwise kora circuit.
From Ganden Chökhorling Monastery swing north and then east to Ngamchö Monas-
tery. From here the kora path winds round the base of Gangpo Ri to a holy spring where
pilgrims wash their hair. The trail climbs to a bundle of prayer flags and a throne-shaped
incense burner before descending to Sang-ngag Zimche Nunnery. A side trail ascends
the hill to the Monkey Cave.
Sleeping
Finding good budget accommodation is a problem in Tsetang. The town's cheaper hotels
are prevented from accepting foreigners by a strong PSB presence, and those that will ac-
cept you will notify the PSB within minutes of you checking in.
Dragon Horse Hotel
HOTEL
(, Lóngmǎ Bīnguǎn
MAP
782 3335; 5 Sare Lu; standard/superior d ¥180/260;
)
A good first choice, whose best rooms are in the quiet block in a courtyard off the main
street. Rooms come with modern furnishings and air-con, while superior rooms come with
their own computer.
