Gyantse Palcho Monastery is in the Red walled compound in far north of the Gyantse town in Tibet. Gyantse Palcho Monastery was found in 1418 by the local king Rabten Kunsang under the spiritual guidance of Khedrup Je (Tsongkhapa’s Main Disciple). Many wall paintings and statues in the monastery date back to the time of building the monastery, and these are very well preserved.
The Kumbum Stupa and the main assembly hall are the most significant interest, besides there are several other chapels to visit. Currently, there are about 80 Monks; you will also see lots of locals and pilgrims prostrating, circumambulating, and praying in the monastery.
The Gyantse Palcho Monastery compound once housed 15 monasteries which brought together three different sects of Tibetan Buddhism; Gelugpa, Skayapa, Kagyu and Büton ( a Suborder with the head monastery is Shalu Monastery Near Shigatse). Making is it a rare instance of multi-denominational tolerance. Nine monasteries were Gelugpa; Three were Sakaypa, and three belonged to Büton.
Straight ahead as you walk in the compound is the Main assemble hall of the Gyantse Palcho Monastery; it is where all visitors first to begun their exploration. At the entrance to the hall, you will find the statues of the Four Guardian Kings, and there is a large wheel of life inside on the right.
The main hall is quite darks. Beautifully carved wooden statues and faded murals date back to the founding of the monastery.
On the left on the entrance is the Dorjeling Lhakhang; this chapel contains a four head Nampa Namse (Vairocana) and four wisdom Buddha in the dark. There is a big thangka wrapped in a yak leather bag. This Thangka is displayed once each year during the Holy Saga Dawa Festival on the 18th day of the fourth month of the Tibetan Lunar calendar. You will also see pilgrims putting their heads in holes Underneath a set of scriptures. These scriptures are the gold inscribed manuscript of Kanggur; these are even older than the monastery itself.
On the right, there is a chapel featuring the Rigsum Gonpo, three religious kings of Tibet. There is also a small stupa built by Prince Rabten Kunzang Phok for his mother. You can also find a large tent which is used during the cham dance festivals of the monastery.
The majestic main chapel is located in the centre of the hall. The central image is of the Buddha Sakyamuni, flanked by the Past and the future buddhas. To the right of the main chapel is the exquisite Jampa ( Metrieya) Statue. There is an interior circumambulation route.
The upper floor has five chapels; Lamdre chapel, Maitreya Chapel, Tsongkhapa Chapel, Neten Chapel, and Second Neten Chapel. Out of which, the most impressive is Lamdre Chapel. Lamdre is the primary teaching of the Sakya sect of Tibetan Buddhism. In the chapel, there is a three-dimensional mandala of deity Cakrasamvara, surrounded by the statues of the Lineage holder of Sakayapa, including Vajradhara, Nairatmya, Virupa and so on. The wall paintings are about the activities of 84 mahasiddhas.
The photography cost for each chapel is 10 to 20 Yuan. Pay the monks directly.
There are a few other buildings on the campus of the Gyantse Palcho Monastery; you can visit them as you stroll around. But remember, you will have a limited time in the monastery if your plan for the day is to reach the Shigatse town for the Night. It is our recommendation to stay a night in the city to properly enjoy the most beautiful, authentic traditional city in Tibet.
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