History of Ganden Monastery
Ganden Monastery is the principal monastery for the Gelukpa the Yellow sect of Tibetan Buddhism. This monastery was built by Tsongkhapa himself (The founder of the Sect) in 15 century. Ganden Monastery at Maximum has its capacity of about 5000 monks residing in it during the most glorious time in its history. The monastery is set in a natural, hilly amphitheater. Ganden monastery is located on Wangpo-Ri Hill and beside the monastery, the hill is very well known for its incense herbs. If take sometimes to go around the monastery you will have the good scent of Ganden Campa.
Tourist Guide to Ganden Monastery
The main attraction is the Ngam Choe Khang, this is the original assembly hall during the life of Tsongkhapa. Which is later moved to another new build due to over side of the population in the monastery. Stupa Tomb of Tsongkhapa is another must to see. It is a pagoda containing the remains of the great master Tsongkhapa. Assembly Hall, in the assembly hall there is a hat that belongs to Tsongkhapa and the Dalai Lama. You can ask the monk to Tap the hat and shoe on your head and back if you are a believer. We believe tap the item belongs to the enlightened soul would wrath away ignorance and help us have a clearer mind for the accumulating knowledge which is the steps to enlightenment.
Going for Kora (circumambulation) of the Ganden monastery is a must for explorers. if you do the circumambulation you will have the view of the monastery from its back. there are lots of old walls on the hill behind the monastery. You can also climb up the hill on the right side. this also gives you a very beautiful view of the entire monastery.
The Ganden Monastery is a starting point of Ganden-Samye trekking. this is a very popular trek in Tibet for those who can’t trek in the very high altitude of over 5500 Meters. the average high of the trek is 5000 meters above sea level. If you can’t do the entire trekking for four days, you can do four hours trekking to the valley Drupshi. there is a very beautiful village of Drupshi and you can also have a look a the nomads from the distance.
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