Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
parts on the left to between the two towers. Across the highway and behind a hill are more
monastic ruins.
Gönlong Retok Ganden Retreat
MONASTERY
( , Rètūo Gāndān Sì )
Hidden in the fold of a valley north of town, this ruined and little-visited monastery is a
7km drive from Gyantse from a turn-off near the Rabse Nunnery. There are ruins all
around the site, including what was once the main Drölma Lhakhang; compare it with the
black-and-white photos taken of the monastery before it was destroyed. Today there are
six Gelugpa monks here.
The central Tsongkhapa statue has a glass plate in his chest, which enshrines an even
older image of Tsongkhapa. Look for the old stone carving of Jampa.
Gyantse to Shigatse
Travelling by 4WD from Gyantse to Shigatse will lead you through the fertile Nyang-chu
Valley, a wide agricultural plain where colourfully decorated yaks and horses are used by
Tibetan farmers to till the land. The red tassels are placed on the horns of yaks as a sort of
lucky talisman before the serious spring ploughing begins. Besides the yaks and yak
tenders there are a few sights of note along the way.
Drongtse Monastery
BUDDHIST, MONASTERY
(, Zhòngzī Sì )
On a
tse
(peak) said to resemble a
drong
(wild yak), this monastery was founded in 1442
and later adopted as a branch of Tashilhunpo. In the
gönkhang
look for the creepy mummi-
fied human skull, as well as an old embroidery of Namtose. The main statute is of the sixth
Drongtse Rinpoche whose tomb is on the top floor; to the right is the founder and first
Rinpoche Lhajun Rinchen Gyatso. The monastery is 19km northwest of Gyantse.
Lhori Nunnery
BUDDHIST, NUNNERY
