Palkhor Monastery was originally built in 1418. It is a famous monastery in Tibet for the reason that Palkhor Monastery is the base location of three sects of Tibetan Buddhism: the Sakyapa Sect (Stripe sect), the Kadampa Sect and the Gelugpa Sect (Yellow Sect).
Therefore, the design and layout of Palhor Monastery is a synthesis of the three sects. In addition, each sect has their own Zhacang (room for monks) in this monastery. Statues finished in different stages of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) in Zhacang are treasures.
Another reason for the monastery's fame is that a resounding Ten-Thousand Buddha Tower (Palkhor Tower) is located here. It is the calling card of Palkhor Monastery, the most important building in this monastery. It is true that this tower adds an extraordinary charm to Palkhor Monastery. Ten-Thousand Buddha Tower consists of nearly one hundred family halls for worshipping Buddha, one overlapping another. People call it 'towers within towers', which makes for a very vivid feature in this spectacular building. The reason for its name, Ten-Thousand Buddha Tower, is that there are altogether 10,000 figures of Buddha in the Buddhist shrine, murals, and family halls for worshipping Buddha.
The main statue in Palkhor Monastery is that of Sakyamuni with a height of about eight meters (about 26 feet). According to historical records, 14,000 kilograms of copper were needed to build it. On both sides of the main statue, hundreds of arhat statues stand shoulder to shoulder. They are extremely vivid artworks with kind, mighty or enraged facial expression.
Inside Palkhor Monastery you can have a chance to enjoy a unique view of a 'monastery with towers' and 'towers within a monastery'. Whenever it is that you come to visit Palkhor Monastery, it won't disappoint you.
Getting there:
Palkhor Monastery is in Gyangtse County, so you can walk there.
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Admission fee:
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CNY40
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Ticket selling time:
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09:30 - 17:30
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