Gomar Gompa

Qinghai


Across the Gu-chu river valley from Wútún Sì is the mysterious 400-year-old Gomar Gompa, a charming monastery that resembles a medieval walled village. There are around 30 monks living in whitewashed mud-walled courtyards with a few temples you can visit. The huge chörten (Tibetan stupa) outside the monastery entrance was built in the 1980s and is the biggest in Amdo. You can climb it, but remember to always walk clockwise.

To get here, turn left down a side road as you pass the westernmost of the eight chörten outside Wútún Sì’s Lower Monastery. Follow the road 1km across the river and turn right at the end on a main road. Then head up the track towards the giant chörten. Further up the valley is Gasar Gompa, marked by its own distinctive eight chörten. Note that women may not be allowed into the Gomar Gompa or Gasar Gompa.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Qinghai attractions

1. Wútún Sì

0.94 MILES

This two-monastery complex is the place to head if you’re interested in Tibetan art. The Upper (Yango) Monastery (吾屯上寺, Wútún Shàngsì) is closest to…

2. Regong Square

3.33 MILES

The huge Regong Art Museum (热贡艺术博物馆, Règòng Yìshù Bówùguǎn) stands at the eastern end of this lively square at the heart of town. Come at twilight and…

3. Lóngwù Dàsì

4.44 MILES

Tongren’s main monastery is a huge and fascinating maze of renovated chapels and monks’ residences, dating from 1301. It’s a superb place to wander and…

4. Trakkar Gompa

29.1 MILES

A monastery of 90 monks set against a stunning backdrop of vertical rock formations. The name literally means 'White Stone Cliff Monastery'.

5. Ganjia Grasslands

29.64 MILES

The Ganjia Grasslands, 34km from Xiahe, aren’t as pretty as those at nearby Sangke, but there is more to explore. From Xiahe a bumpy road crosses the…