Sights in Gyantse
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Rabse Nunnery
Hidden behind the hill that runs between the monastery and the dzong is Rabse Nunnery, a delightful place decorated with prayer flags, chörtens and mani lhakhangs. The 'correct' way to visit is along the clockwise pilgrim trail that goes around the back of the Pelkor Chöde Monastery. To start, follow the road up beside the monastery and then swing right onto the dirt kora path.
Bring a compass as the way back takes you through a maze of streets in the old town (but what views of the fort in the distance!) Bring water and lunch too as once you get out to this splendid open area you're going to want to continue to Riche Ganden Retreat. A round trip from central Gyantse to…
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A
Pelkor Chöde Monastery
The sprawling compound in the far north of town houses Pelkor Chöde Monastery and the monumental Gyantse Kumbum, a chörten filled with fine paintings and statues. Both are deservedly top of the list on most travellers' must-sees. The assembly hall is straight ahead as you walk into the compound, and most people begin their explorations here. The entrance is decorated with statues of the Four Guardian Kings, instead of the usual paintings, and a large Wheel of Life mural.
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B
Gyantse Kumbum
Commissioned by a Gyantse prince in 1427, the Gyantse Kumbum is the town's foremost attraction. The 35m-high chörten, with its white layers trimmed with decorative stripes and its crown-like golden dome, is awe-inspiring. But the inside is no less impressive, and in what seems an endless series of tiny chapels you'll find painting after exquisite painting (kumbum means '100,000 images').
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C
Gyantse Dzong
Like most Tibetan towns, Gyantse radiates old-world charm when its whitewashed buildings are viewed from on high. So the stiff 20-minute climb to the top of the Gyantse Dzong is worth the effort for the great lookouts. In addition to Gyantse, clear views are afforded of the entire fertile Nyang-chu Valley, and down into the compound of the Pelkor Chöde Monastery.
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D
Ganden Lhakhang
A new and easily overlooked Ganden Lhakhang chapel to the left of the Pelkor kumbum is worth a quick look for the largest Tsongkhapa statue in Tibet.
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Dorjeling Lhakhang
To the left of the main Pelkor chapel is the Dorjeling Lhakhang, with a four-headed Nampa Namse (Vairocana) and the other four Dhyani (or Wisdom) Buddhas.
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