After Lhasa and Shigatse, Gyantse is the most popular city in Tibet. According to an ancient tale, Gyantse was formed when the trade routes of Yatung, Chumbi Valley and Sikkim got merged. You need to travel to Nyang Chu Valley in order to visit this third largest place. The trademark of Gyantse is that the town is surrounded by a huge wall. Gyantse is considered as the ‘City of Heroes’ as Tibetans fought the British soldiers while being stationed here to save their homeland from foreign invasion.
Famous Attractions in Gyantse
Owing to its spectacular geographical position and its rich history, there are plenty of wonders to visualize on your trip to Gyantse.
- Palcho Monastery – An architectural, as well as, a religious site, the Palcho Monastery is situated at a height of around four thousand meters above the sea level. It features in the three sects of Kadampa, Sakyapa and Gelugpa. The Kumbum Stupa will give you a peek into the nuances of Tibetan art and various Buddhist scriptures.
- Pala Manor – You can come here anytime from April to October. It is a former residence of quite a reputable family which bears testimony to Tibet’s rich past. Having the architectural style of a noble layout, Pala Manor will give you an idea about the houses of the wealthy people. The manor is decorated with exquisite accessories and many imported goods all around.
- Gyantse Dzong – Gyantse Fort or Gyantse Dzong is a must-visit for every traveler. Situated high up on the central point of Gyantse Ancient Town, the fort has stories of Tibet’s glorious history. Not only the tales, but standing on top of the Dzong will give you a splendid view of Gyantse’s old town and the Palcho Monastery below.
- Karola Glacier – The sight of the pale blue ice can keep you fixed for hours to a spot! This glacier seems to be coming down from the sky and takes a weird shape of a gigantic frozen fall, intertwined with mists and clouds.
With a population of not more than around eight thousand people, this place lies two hundred and forty-five kilometers south-west of Lhasa. Get in touch with for a tour to this place on the fertile banks of the Nyang River.