Palcho Monastery - The Only Tibet Monastery with Three Sects in One Temple
Often referred to as the Pelkor Chode Monastery, Palcho Monastery is the only monastery in Tibet that encompasses three of the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism under one roof.
Built as an attempt to continue the Yarlung Dynasty of Tibetan Kings, following the assassination of King Langdarma, the monastery was originally a Sakya monastery, with parts of the main monastery being built by various local nobles. Several buildings were constructed as religious colleges of Sakya, Kagyu, and Gelugpa sects.
The famous Gyantse Fortress, which sits on the hill nearby, was built in the 13th century, and was an important addition to the area. The monastery is also home to the stunning Gyantse Kumbum, a nine-tiered stupa that is the only one of its kind in Tibet.
If you are planning a trip to Gyantse, then you should really take a full day to explore and enjoy the monastery and its surroundings, and it can be visited at any time of year. Travel from Lhasa is best done as part of a longer tour, such as the stunning 15-day Mount Kailash Tour, which passes through the town and monastery on its way west.
