Trips and Tours to Gyantse
About Gyantse
Gyantse is historically a large and prominent town in Tibet located in the fertile plain of the Nyang River Valley. It was once an important centre for trade between India and Tibet and today lies along the Friendship Highway that connects Kathmandu in Nepal with Lhasa in Tibet. The town was originally surrounded by a 3km long wall and the Gyantse Dzong (Gyantse Fortress) guarded the southern approaches to the Tsangpo Valley and Lhasa.
Read MoreThe fortress was constructed in 1390 and has had featured in a number of different events throughout the course of history. Most recently it was taken by the British during their expedition of Tibet in the early 1900s. Today, a 20-minute hike will take you to its upper limits, where visitors will be able to feast their eyes on some amazing views of Gyantse and the surrounding Nyang-chu Valley. Some of the Dzong’s buildings can even be explored.
The main attraction in Gyantse is the Pelkor Chode Monastery. Founded in 1418, the monastery was originally a compound containing 15 monasteries from three of Tibet’s four main Buddhist sects. Gyantse is also notable for the magnificent tiered Kumbum of the Palcho Monastery, the largest chorten in Tibet. It was built in 1427 and shows a strong Nepali influence in its 10,000 murals. The chorten is packed with exquisite Tibetan sculptures and paintings and rises 35m over four main symmetrical floors surmounted by a gold dome, offering outstanding views of Gyantse.
Gyantse Tours
Here are some popular itineraries that include a visit to Gyantse. Alternatively, if you would like to include a visit to Gyantse on a bespoke touring itinerary to Tibet, take a look at our tailor-made holiday planning section.
