Ganden Monastery

As one of three great monasteries in Lhasa, Ganden Monastery is honored as the "holy monastery" of Buddha. It is significant as a religious, artistic, political and cultural relic, which led to it being preserved by the National Key Cultural Relic Preservation scheme in 1961.

In the early 15th century, Tsong Khapa founded the monasteries. The Dalai Lama is the most famous member of this sect. The word "Ganden" means "Joy" in Tibetan language and is also the name of the "western heavens" where the Maitreya Buddha ( the Future Buddha ) resides.

Highlights of Ganden Monastery

The monastery is comprised of over 50 structures. The main halls are the Main Assembly Hall ( or Coqen Hall ), 2 Zhacangs ( or Tantric colleges ): Xaze and Jamze, 23 Khangtsens, 20 Myicuns and 9 debating courtyards.

Besides the 95 Holy Stupas, this monastery also houses rare and well-preserved cultural relics, such as the armor of Qing Dynasty, exquisite tapestries, gold sutra and a set of thangka painted with 16 arhats and 4 heavenly Kings. All are amazing art works.

How to get there ?

Ganden Monastery lies 50km northeast of Lhasa. It takes about two and a half hours by bus available from Barkhor Square. The bus begins to run at 6:30am to 7:30am and return at 1:00pmto 2:00pm. Tickets for the bus can be purchased at the western corner of the Barkhor Circuit, and the fee is #65509;20.

A private car can be hired for the trip and should cost around #65509;400.

Travel Tips

1. The opening time is from 09:00am to 16:00pm. It needs to spend at least 2 hours to visit the whole monastery. If take bus there and back, it needs 1 days.
2. After entering the monastery, all tourists must walk clockwise from left to right.
3. No photograph without permission.
4. Don't carry any water, fluid, lotion, etc, just like going onto the plane.
5. Don't step on the doorsill and smoke in the halls.
6. Don't wear a hat or sunglasses inside the palace.