Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Gyantse
0892 / pop 15,000 / elev 3980m
Lying on a historic trade route between India and Tibet, Gyantse (Jiāngzī) has long been a
crucial link for traders and pilgrims journeying across the Himalayan plateau. It was once
considered Tibet's third city, behind Lhasa and Shigatse, but in recent decades has been ec-
lipsed in size and importance by fast-growing Chinese-dominated towns like Bāyī and
Tsetang. Perhaps that's a good thing, as Gyantse has managed to hang onto its small-town
charm and laid-back atmosphere.
Gyantse's greatest sight is the Gyantse Kumbum, the largest chörten in Tibet and one of
its architectural wonders. The white chörten contains a seemingly endless series of mural-
filled chapels and offers outstanding views from its upper levels.
Those with more time can take some pleasant day trips to little-visited monasteries in
the vicinity. But no matter what your schedule is, try to find a little time to wander the
back streets of town: the mix of pilgrims, children, pop music, cows, motorcycles and mud
is as true a picture of contemporary Tibetan life as you'll find.
If you happen to be in Tibet 20-23 June, you can catch Gyantse's three-day Dhama
Festival, featuring 19 local villages trying to outdo each other in horse races, yak races,
wrestling and traditional dances. Accommodation is tight in Gyantse during the festival
but you could easily commute from Shigatse, 90 minutes away.
History
Between the 14th and 15th centuries, Gyantse emerged as the centre of a fiefdom with
powerful connections to the Sakyapa order. By 1440 Gyantse's most impressive architec-
tural achievements - the
kumbum
and the
dzong
- had been completed. The Pelkor Chöde
Monastery also dates from this period.
Gyantse's historical importance declined from the end of the 15th century, although the
town continued to be a major centre for the trade of wood and wool between India and
Tibet. Gyantse carpets, considered the finest in Tibet, were exported by yak cart to Gang-
tok, Kalimpong and beyond. In 1904 it became the site of a major battle during Younghus-
band's advance on Lhasa.
