Ganden Temple(Gandan Langjlin)

📍Lhasa|Ganden Monastery Ganden Monastery is located on Wangbori Mountain on the south bank of the Lhasa River, at an altitude of 3,800 meters. Together with Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery, it is known as one of the "Three Great Monasteries" of Lhasa. Ganden Monastery is not a single temple but a group of temples built along the mountain, with overlapping buildings, making it very spectacular. So besides the Potala Palace, choosing the less touristy Ganden Monastery as the main shooting location is also great. 🚗 You can drive directly near the top of the mountain, and the parking spot is right opposite Ganden Monastery, allowing you to capture the entire temple complex. (P1, P7-P9) 💰Prices vary depending on the clothing style. We chose a set for 277 yuan, which must be returned before 8 PM. Additionally, we had a Tibetan hairstyle done (80 yuan per person). Tibetan costume rentals are mainly located on Barkhor Street, so you can take some photos there before returning the outfit. (P13-P16) 👗It is recommended to avoid bright red and green colors for the clothes and choose relatively plain colors to avoid looking too touristy. 📌It takes about 50 minutes to drive from downtown Lhasa to Ganden Monastery. The roads are well maintained, but after going up the mountain, the road becomes very winding. New drivers are not advised to try it. 🔖Because it is on the plateau, walking a few steps can easily cause shortness of breath, not to mention that taking photos itself is physically demanding, so it is not recommended to come here right after arriving in Tibet.

Finally arrived at the long-awaited Lhasa! This city of sunlight not only has the Potala Palace, but Ganden Monastery hidden in Dazi District also lets me deeply feel the rich Tibetan local culture🏔️ Standing on Wangbo Ri Mountain overlooking Ganden Monastery, the layers of golden roofs sparkle under the sunlight, simply breathtaking! As the head of the six major Gelugpa monasteries, the complex is staggered along the mountain slope, and each building features classic Tibetan style. The yellow exterior walls stand out brilliantly against the blue sky and white clouds📸 【Travel Tips】 1️⃣ The best photo spot is the viewing platform at the temple entrance, where you can capture the entire monastery panorama. Remember to bring a telephoto lens! 2️⃣ Always turn the prayer wheels clockwise, as per Tibetan Buddhist custom. 3️⃣ At an altitude of 3800 meters, walk slowly. I was a bit short of breath on my first day going up the mountain😂 【Transportation Guide】 🚙 Self-driving: About 1 hour from downtown Lhasa, the mountain road is quite steep 🚌 Bus: Direct shuttle buses available from Lhasa East Suburb Passenger Station It’s recommended to depart before 9 AM to avoid peak hours and catch the beautiful morning light shining on the monastery 【Food Recommendations】 🍵 Don’t miss the sweet tea at the Tibetan teahouse beside the monastery, 5 yuan a cup, warming for both stomach and heart 🥟 On the way back, there’s a "Dazi Tibetan Noodle House" whose yak meat buns are amazing! Remember to bring sunscreen and sunglasses, the UV rays here are no joke🌞 In the evening, the sunset dyes the entire monastery golden, and every shot looks like a masterpiece!

✨Ganden Monastery — The Foremost of the Six Great Gelug Monasteries in Tibet✨ This sacred ancient monastery, personally founded by Master Tsongkhapa in 1409, is perched on Wangbori Mountain at an altitude of 4,300 meters. The red and white buildings look like a celestial palace floating among the clouds! Although it has been rebuilt over time, its awe-inspiring grandeur and solemnity remain undiminished~ 📸 Five Must-Visit Holy Sites: 1⃣️ Tsokchen Assembly Hall A world-class scripture hall supported by 108 giant pillars🏯 It once accommodated 3,300 monks chanting simultaneously, and the deep, melodious chanting is soul-stirring! 2⃣️ Tsongkhapa’s Reliquary Hall A sacred stupa made of gold✨ and inlaid with precious gems Inside rests the relics of Master Tsongkhapa, shining brilliantly as a testament to eternal faith! 3⃣️ The Flying Stone Legend A mysterious giant stone said to have flown from India🪨 Alongside the protector deity shrine with tantric statues, the mystical atmosphere is at its peak! Perfect for photos with great vibes~ 4⃣️ Giant Thangka Display Platform Exclusive to the Shoton Festival! A 30-meter-high statue of Shakyamuni Buddha🙏 (Only visible on the 30th day of the 6th month in the Tibetan calendar) 5⃣️ Wangbori Viewing Platform The best spot to overlook the Lhasa Valley🏞️ When shrouded in mist, the entire monastery looks like a floating "Sky City," and every shot is a masterpiece! 💡 Tibetan Insight: Master Tsongkhapa’s site selection was brilliant! Practicing here is like walking on thin ice, reminding monks to diligently uphold their vows. This wisdom still flows through every corner of Ganden Monastery~ ⚠️ Travel Tips: 🔺 Altitude Sickness: Over 4000 meters, take it slow! Bring oxygen! 🍜 Tibetan Cuisine: Don’t miss the Tibetan noodles and sweet tea at the monastery restaurant! ☀️ Sun Protection: Strong UV rays on the plateau, sunglasses + sunscreen essential 🙏 Etiquette: Circumambulate clockwise, speak softly 📍 Practical Information: 🎫 Tickets: 50 RMB/person ⏰ Opening Hours: Peak Season (May–October) 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM Off Season (November–April) 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM 🌟 Best Season: June–August for lush green grasslands October 25th for the spectacular Lighting Festival! 🚗 Transportation Guide: ➡️ Pilgrimage Bus: Board next to the Glazed Bridge on Yutuo Road, Lhasa, round trip 50 RMB ➡️ Private Car: From downtown about 300–500 RMB ➡️ Self-Drive: Good road conditions, about 1 hour drive

If you ask me, "Where is worth visiting on your first trip to Lhasa?" I would still say: Go to Ganden Monastery. Not because it is the most famous, but because it best lets you feel the "true Tibet." It is quiet, uncompetitive, and uncrowded, yet in just a few hours, it allows you to find a very special kind of peace. Flying from Chengdu to Lhasa, the air feels a bit cold the moment you land, but your heart surprisingly relaxes. If it’s your first time in Tibet and you don’t know where to start, Ganden Monastery is really suitable—I have been several times, and every time I feel it’s worth it. This time I stayed at the Thangka Hotel, which is conveniently located and quiet. The next morning, I went straight to Ganden Monastery at just the right time, avoiding the crowds. If it’s your first visit, you can arrange it this way too. What makes Ganden Monastery special is not its size, but how it naturally slows you down. The temple walls are a bit faded from the sunlight, which makes them feel more authentic; the wind blows through the prayer flags quietly, making you feel that time flows gently here. For first-time visitors, Ganden Monastery is actually very friendly. The altitude isn’t too high, and the route isn’t stressful—you can just walk and enjoy the views. The most worthwhile experience is the kora (circumambulation) around the monastery. The kora at Ganden Monastery isn’t long, making it perfect as your "first highland walk." The path isn’t too difficult, but the views are very expansive: on one side is the monastery clinging to the ridge, and on the other side are snowy mountains and distant valleys. The air is so clean you want to take deep breaths, and when the wind blows, you can clearly feel your heart slowly calming down. Most of the friends I’ve brought here have been most impressed by this walk. It doesn’t have an exaggerated "shock factor," but it makes you feel calm and comfortable, and it will make you think—this is the Tibet you imagined. When you reach the top of the mountain, don’t rush to go down. Just sit for a while, watch the snow-capped mountains, the clouds, and the wind fluttering the prayer flags. That kind of peace can only be understood on site. If it’s your first time, here are a few simple tips: · Sports shoes are enough; no need for mountaineering gear · Bring a little water; don’t carry too much weight · Be sure to wear sunscreen on sunny days · No need to walk fast; keep a steady pace · Don’t rush on the first day at high altitude Some say Tibet’s sacredness lies in the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, but for me, Ganden Monastery represents another kind of "peace of mind." You don’t need to understand too much or be especially devout; just walking around, looking, or even sitting in the sun can let you feel its warmth. When you leave, you’ll realize it’s not a place you "see and forget," but one that leaves a quiet corner in your heart.

1. Basic Information · Name: Ganden Monastery, also transliterated as Gadan Monastery. · Status: The ancestral and principal monastery of the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) sect of Tibetan Buddhism, known alongside Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery as the "Three Great Monasteries of Lhasa." · Founder and Date: Founded and consecrated in person by Je Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelugpa sect, in the 7th year of the Yongle reign of the Ming Dynasty (1409). · Full Name Meaning: "Tso Ganden Nampar Gyelwa Ling," translated as "Joyful and Victorious Land," or "Good Monastery," "Pure Land Monastery," symbolizing the pure land of Maitreya Buddha. · Official Name Granted: In the 11th year of the Yongzheng reign of the Qing Dynasty (1733), Emperor Yongzheng bestowed the name "Yongtai Monastery." 2. Location and Environment · Location: Situated within Dazi District (formerly Dazi County), Lhasa City, Tibet Autonomous Region. · Specific Location: About 40 kilometers east of Lhasa, nestled in the Wangbo'er Mountain (also called Wanggu'er Mountain) valley on the south bank of the Lhasa River. · Altitude: Approximately 3,800 meters, renowned as the "Cloud Temple." 3. Architectural Layout and Structure · Building Area: Approximately 77,500 square meters. · Core Buildings:     ○ Tsokchen Hall: The main hall of the monastery, originally consecrated by Je Tsongkhapa.     ○ Je Tsongkhapa’s Living Quarters: The place where Je Tsongkhapa lived and practiced.     ○ Yangbachen College: An important place for Buddhist scripture study.     ○ Je Tsongkhapa’s Stupa Hall: Originally housed Je Tsongkhapa’s stupa (later destroyed). · Educational Organization System: The monastery centers around two colleges (Tsa-tsangs):     1. Shazi College: Built under the leadership of Tsongkhapa’s disciple Debu Renbuqie, supported by 88 large pillars, covering nearly 1,000 square meters.     2. Jiangzi College: Built under the leadership of Solang Baisang, supported by 84 large pillars, covering about 930 square meters.          ○ Each college has monastic communities called Kang villages, some of which have secret villages beneath them. Both colleges can accommodate about 1,500 monks chanting simultaneously. 4. Historical Relics ● Precious Relics: Historically housed numerous valuable relics, the most famous being armor bestowed by Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty and embroidered brocade panels (24 precious thangkas) granted by Emperor Yongle of the Ming Dynasty. These thangkas are exhibited annually for three weeks, forming the traditional "Ganden Embroidered Thangka Festival." Admission Fee: 40 RMB Transportation Options Option 1: Public Transport 1. From Lhasa East Suburb Bus Station (commonly called "Lhasa City Bus Station" or "East Suburb Bus Station"), take a fixed-route bus to Dazi District, costing about 10 RMB per person. 2. The bus usually only reaches the county town of Dazi or the mountain road entrance to Ganden Monastery, not directly to the monastery gate. For the remaining 5-8 kilometers uphill, you need to:     ○ Take a local minivan/taxi: Vehicles usually wait at the mountain road entrance; you can share a ride or charter a car, with fees negotiated on-site.     ○ Hike: Suitable for travelers with good physical condition and ample time; hiking uphill takes about 1.5-2 hours. Option 2: Charter/Taxi Suitable for groups of 2-4 people traveling together. 1. How to arrange: Contact through hotels in Lhasa city, book via travel platforms, or negotiate directly with taxi drivers. 2. Trip arrangements:     ○ One-way transfer: Charter a car to the monastery and return by the same vehicle after the visit. Drivers usually wait for 2-3 hours.     ○ Half-day/full-day charter: Often combined with visits to Sangye Monastery on the north bank of the Lhasa River. 3. Approximate cost: Chartering a regular sedan or SUV for round trip costs 300-500 RMB. Be sure to clarify the price, included waiting time, and trip scope before boarding. Option 3: Self-Driving 1. Route:     ○ Depart from Lhasa city, drive east along National Highway 318 (toward Nyingchi).     ○ After about 30-40 kilometers, reach Dazi District; follow road signs to turn right off the highway onto the mountain road leading to Ganden Monastery. 2. Road conditions and time: The highway section is in good condition; the mountain road is winding and steep, requiring cautious driving. The entire trip takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. 3. Notes:     ○ Vehicle: A vehicle with higher ground clearance is recommended.     ○ Parking: There is a parking lot at the monastery entrance with a parking fee.     ○ Documents: Bring your driver’s license and vehicle registration, and check rental company policies for travel to this area in advance. Option 4: Join a Tour Group Many local travel agencies in Lhasa offer one-day or half-day tours including Ganden Monastery, often combined with Drepung and Sera Monasteries as the "Three Great Monasteries of Lhasa" route. There are almost no formal restaurants near the monastery; it is recommended to bring your own snacks and have main meals back in Lhasa city. Around Barkhor Street (Octagonal Street) and Beijing Middle Road, there are many well-reviewed Tibetan and Nepalese restaurants.

Pilgrimage Bus Tour — First Stop: Ganden Monastery | The Closest Sky City to Lhasa! Ganden Monastery (also known as Gadan Monastery), officially named Ganden Lhading Ling (Xizu Zunshengzhou), was named Yongtai Temple by Emperor Yongzheng of the Qing Dynasty. It is located on Wangbori Mountain in Dazi District, Lhasa, Tibet. It is the ancestral seat of the Gelugpa school of Tibetan Buddhism and, together with Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery, is known as one of the "Three Great Monasteries of Lhasa," ranking first among them. Founded by Tsongkhapa himself, this thousand-year-old monastery features red and white buildings layered along the mountain, resembling a celestial palace descending to earth in the morning mist. This is a lesser-known temple in Lhasa, mostly visited by pilgrims, with very few tourists. Next to the mountain gate is a small path where locals hike up to burn incense and hang prayer flags. From the summit, you can overlook the entire Ganden Monastery. The chanting along the circumambulation path and the murals and thangkas beneath the golden roof are filled with deep faith and solemnity. 📍 Location: Wangbori Mountain, Dazi District, Lhasa City, Tibet Autonomous Region 🚗 Transportation: Self-driving from Lhasa city center, navigate to "Ganden Monastery," about 1.5 hours; or take the dedicated pilgrimage bus from [Liuliqiao]. The mountain road has many curves, so please observe speed limits. 🍀 The pilgrimage bus departs around 7:00 AM. We arrived at [Liuliqiao] at 6:45 AM, where a line of buses was parked. You can ask the drivers which bus goes to [Ganden Monastery], and they will tell you the license plate number. Our bus was full by about 6:50 AM, and some people had to wait for the next bus. If you want to visit all three monasteries (Ganden Monastery - Sangya Monastery - Zhayeba Monastery), be sure to tell the driver in advance, as some buses only go to [Ganden Monastery]. The round-trip fare is 70 RMB, and someone will collect the money after boarding. ⌛ Recommended visit time: 0.5 day (suggest early departure to see the morning mist and golden roof) 🎫 Tickets: 50 RMB per person in peak season, free in off-season Opening hours: Peak season 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Off-season 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM ⚠️ Notes: ① Altitude is over 3800 meters; prepare for altitude sickness in advance, bring enough warm water, and avoid strenuous running. Supplies are limited on the mountain, so bring your own snacks and water. There are Tibetan restaurants at the foot of the mountain where you can enjoy sweet tea and Tibetan noodles. ② Strictly follow Tibetan Buddhist etiquette: circumambulate clockwise around the prayer wheels and halls; no loud noises or photography inside the halls (except where signs permit); do not touch ritual objects, step on thresholds, or wear hats inside the halls. ③ The ultraviolet rays on the plateau are very strong; be sure to bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a sun hat. Temperatures vary greatly between morning and evening, so wear windproof and warm outerwear.

【Stunning History】 ✨Ganden Monastery was founded in 1409 by Je Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism! It was once one of the largest monasteries in the Tibetan region. Although it has been destroyed and rebuilt over time, its grandeur remains undiminished~ 【Top 5 Must-Visit Spots】 1️⃣ Tsokchen Assembly Hall The prayer hall supported by 108 giant pillars is truly breathtaking! Witnessing 3,300 monks chanting simultaneously is an unforgettable experience in a lifetime🙏 2️⃣ Je Tsongkhapa’s Stupa The golden stupa is inlaid with countless treasures✨ Legend says that circumambulating it while spinning prayer wheels brings supreme blessings~ Remember to go clockwise! 3️⃣ Flying Stone and Yangbajain Monastic College Super mysterious! It is said that the giant stone flew here from India🪨, combined with legendary tantric statues, the mystique is off the charts! 4️⃣ Giant Thangka on the Buddha Display Platform (Limited Time!) A 30-meter tall image of Shakyamuni Buddha only visible during the Shoton Festival🖼️ Make sure to pick the right time! It’s recommended to check the Tibetan calendar in advance~ 5️⃣ Wangbori Mountain Viewing Platform Standing here, you can take in the entire Lhasa Valley🏔️ When the clouds and mist swirl around, it truly feels like floating in a sky city☁️ 【Practical Tips】 ⚠️ Altitude 4000+ meters! Recommended: · Walk slowly · Bring an oxygen bottle · Sunscreen + warm jacket are essential 🍜 Recommended Tibetan Restaurant Inside the Monastery: Tibetan noodles and sweet tea are very authentic! Prices are affordable~ 【Visitor Info】 📍Address: Wangbori Mountain, Dazi District, Lhasa City ⏰Opening Hours: Peak Season (May–October) 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM Off Season (November–April) 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM 🎫Ticket: 50 RMB/person 🚗 Transportation Guide: 1. Pilgrimage Bus: Take the bus from Yutuo Road, Lhasa, round trip 50 RMB 2. Car Rental: About 300–500 RMB/car 3. Self-Drive: About 1 hour drive

When traveling in Lhasa, there are two locations that are relatively difficult to reach on your own. One is Ganden Monastery, known as the "Sky City," located about 65 kilometers from the city center. The other is South Mountain Park, situated across the Lhasa River, offering a distant view of the Potala Palace. Ultimately, I decided to rent a car for a day in Lhasa and visit both attractions on the same day. The road conditions along the way are excellent, so there's no need to worry. Drive along the southern bank of the Lhasa River and connect to the Ya-Ye Expressway. Traffic is light along the route, and it takes about 75 minutes to reach Ganden Monastery. On the way back, you can conveniently visit South Mountain Park. Tips: 1. When you arrive at the foot of Ganden Monastery, you need to stop at the ticket booth to purchase tickets, which cost 40 RMB per person. 2. In border areas like Tibet and Xinjiang, you must present a domestic license plate or identification before refueling at gas stations. 3. Tibet is located at a high altitude, so it is not recommended to drive immediately after landing. It is advisable to spend two to three days acclimating in Lhasa city before setting out.

Ganden Monastery, the ancestral seat of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism🏯 ✨Built in 1409, personally founded by Master Tsongkhapa 📍Location: On the summit of Wangbori Mountain, Dazi District, Lhasa, at an altitude of 4300 meters 🎯Status: The foremost of the six great Gelug monasteries, "Ganden" means "Tushita Heaven," symbolizing the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss Though rebuilt over time, the grand red and white architectural complex still stands majestically atop the mountain, as spectacular and awe-inspiring as ever!😍 📸Must-visit highlights: 1⃣️ Tsokchen Assembly Hall 👉A grand scripture hall supported by 108 massive pillars ✨An awe-inspiring scene of 3,300 monks chanting simultaneously! 2⃣️ Tsongkhapa Reliquary Hall ⭐A golden-covered sacred stupa shining brightly✨ 💎Inlaid with countless treasures, radiating the light of faith 3⃣️ Mysterious Legend Area 🪨 Flying Stone: The legendary giant stone air-dropped from India 🙏 Yangbajain Scripture Institute: The mysterious protector deity hall of Vajrayana Buddhism 4⃣️ Giant Thangka Display Platform 🌈 Exclusive to the Shoton Festival! 📅 Only visible on the 30th day of the 6th Tibetan lunar month, featuring a 30-meter tall Shakyamuni statue 5⃣️ Wangbori Mountain Viewing Platform 🏔️ Overlooking the breathtaking Lhasa Valley scenery ☁️ When shrouded in mist, it looks like a city in the sky! 🏞️Site Selection Mystery: Master Tsongkhapa built the monastery atop a cliff, symbolizing that spiritual practice is like walking on thin ice—only by strictly observing discipline can one attain enlightenment. This may be the wisdom behind the Gelug school's enduring prosperity!✨ 🙏Visitor Tips: ⚠️Altitude Sickness Warning: Over 4000 meters! ✅Recommended: Oxygen tank, glucose 🍜Tibetan Cuisine: Authentic Tibetan noodles and butter tea available at the monastery restaurant ☀️Sun Protection Essential: Sunglasses + sunscreen + thick jacket 🙅Taboos: Circumambulate clockwise, speak softly 🕒Opening Hours: Peak Season (May–October) 7:00 AM–5:00 PM Off Season (November–April) 9:00 AM–4:00 PM 🎫Admission: 50 RMB/person 🌟Best Time to Visit: Summer (June–August) lush green grass Winter pure snowy scenery Tibetan Lantern Festival on 10.25 (Tibetan calendar) is spectacular! 🚗Transportation Guide: 🚌Pilgrimage Bus: Board next to Liuli Bridge on Yutuo Road, round trip 50 RMB 🚙Charter Car: About 300–500 RMB from downtown 🚘Self-drive: 1 hour direct, good road conditions

🏔️ Located 40 kilometers east of Lhasa on the summit of Wangbur Mountain, there lies a breathtaking red and white architectural complex. This is the foremost of the six great monasteries of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism— Ganden Monastery✨ 🌟 Founded by Master Tsongkhapa in the early 15th century, though it has been rebuilt through the ages, its grandeur remains undiminished. Standing atop the mountain and looking down, it feels like a floating "Sky City"☁️ 📸【Top 5 Must-See Scenic Spots】👇 1️⃣ Tsokchen Assembly Hall A magnificent scripture hall supported by 108 giant pillars. Imagine 3,300 monks chanting in unison— it’s so awe-inspiring it gives you goosebumps!🤩 2️⃣ Tsongkhapa’s Golden Stupa A splendid stupa made of pure gold✨ Inlaid with countless treasures, shining with eternal faith. One of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Tibetan Buddhists. 3️⃣ Mysterious Flying Stone & Yangbajain Monastic College A legendary giant stone said to have flown from India🧐 Along with the protector deity shrine of tantric statues. Mystery level off the charts❗️ 4️⃣ Giant Thangka Display Platform A 30-meter tall Shakyamuni Buddha image displayed only during the Shoton Festival (ps. Only visible on the 30th day of the 6th Tibetan lunar month) 5️⃣ Panoramic View of Wangbur Mountain An excellent viewing platform at over 4000 meters altitude. When shrouded in mist, it’s breathtakingly beautiful😍 Every snapshot looks like a masterpiece. 🌄 Travel Tips: ✔️ Altitude Sickness Warning⚠️ Walk slowly and rest often. Bring Rhodiola and oxygen canisters💊 ✔️ Don’t Miss Tibetan Cuisine The monastery’s restaurant serves authentic Tibetan noodles and sweet tea, warming both stomach and heart☕️ ✔️ Sunscreen and Warm Clothes Are Both Essential The UV rays on the plateau are very strong, and temperature differences between morning and night are huge. Don’t forget your hat, sunglasses, and thick jacket🧥 【Practical Information】📌 🎫 Ticket: 50 RMB/person ⏰ Opening Hours: Peak Season (May–October) 7:00 AM–5:00 PM Off Season (November–April) 9:00 AM–4:00 PM 🚌 Transportation Guide: ① Pilgrimage Bus: Departs from Yutuo Road, one-way 25 RMB ② Car Rental Tour: 300–500 RMB/car ③ Self-Drive: About 1 hour, road conditions good Best Time to Visit: June–August for lush green grass❤️ Winter for pure snowy scenery❄️ Most spectacular during the Lighting Festival✨ 📸 Photo Tips: Wearing red clothes makes your photos stand out. Early morning and late afternoon light is best for shooting. Prayer wheels and prayer flags are very photogenic. This place is not only a religious sanctuary but also a journey of visual and spiritual cleansing. Don’t miss this secret spot when you come to Lhasa!🙏

The area surrounding Lhasa has some of the most spectacular natural scenery in the world. Moreover, nestled among the Himalayan peaks are numerous phenomenally interesting monasteries. Unlike so many temples and religious sites around the word, these monasteries clearly primarily serve the needs of monks, nuns and religious pilgrims rather than tourists. This gives them an authentic edge that is missing from other religious traveler destinations.#tibet #lhasa #monastery #gandan #historicallandmarks