Gyantse 江孜镇 Travel Guide

Tibet’s fourth largest city sitting at 3,977m, Gyantse has traditionally guarded the southern approaches to the Tsangpo Valley and Lhasa. Extensively ransacked by the British in 1904 and the Chinese in 1954 and 1959, life is back to relative normality these days and being on the Friendship Highway from Lhasa to Kathmandu, the city attracts many travellers who come to see the Gyantse Kumbum, the largest Chorten in Tibet.

The Pelkor Chode Monastery is a big draw but we like the climb up to the top of the fort for the amazing views that can be had rather than the fort itself.

The Gyantse Dzong, or fortress, is the highest point in the city and well worth the climb for the view although there isn’t so much to see of the fortress once up there. The 500 soldiers of the fort held the British force of Younghusband out for 4 days in 1904 and since then Gyantse has often been referred to as “Hero City.” The 35 meter high Gyantse Kumbum is the largest in Tibet and was built in 1427. Inside are countless small chapels with stunning murals. The Pelkor Chode Monastery is a sprawling complex containing many paintings and statues as well as being a fascinating place to wander around.

Gyantse is a worthy stop whether as part of a couple of days side trip from Lhasa or as a stop on the Friendship Highway route to Everest and Nepal.

There is only one option we use in Gyantse and that is aptly named Gyantse Hotel, the best available in town.

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By Phil Stanley & Headseast – TCTC Destination Expert.