GONGKAR CHÖDE

Gongkar is the name of the administrative region of Lhasa Airport. Coming from Tsetang, just before the bridge, we see at the Summit the Chuwori castle in ruins of Gongkar dzong, a former study centre where the last Dalai Lama spent the night during his flight in 1959. The monastery is 100 metres away on the left side of the road. It was founded in 1464 by Dorjedenpa, scholar of the Sakya order. Of the 160 monks it once housed, there are still 30 today.

This monastery, along its circuit circuit (kora) and on the upper floor, has superb frescoes belonging to the Kyenri school, founded by Jamyang Kyentse in the th century. The monks are very welcoming. Don't miss to visit the kitchens.