Shartse Tratsang

Lhasa


Shartse Tratsang is one of several renovated kangtsang (residences) that offer the opportunity to meet the local monks away from the tourist trail. In the early afternoon (1.30pm to 3pm), listen out for debating in the enclosed debating courtyard to the south. Nearby is the interesting Barkhang, or printing press, where you can watch block printing taking place. Also here is a second debating courtyard and the Changtse Tratsang, with its impressive main prayer hall.


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1. Gomde Khang

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One of the monastery's recently renovated minor residences, this building can be missed if you are running short of time.

2. Debating Courtyard

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Southeast of the Gomde Khang residence is this debating courtyard. You should be able to hear the clapping of hands as you pass if there is a debate in…

3. Ngam Chö Khang

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The first chapel you reach from the monastery's parking area is Ngam Chö Khang, one of Ganden's oldest. It is built on the site of Tsongkhapa’s original…

5. Tomb of Tsongkhapa

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The red, fortress-like structure of Tsongkhapa’s mausoleum is probably the most impressive of the reconstructed buildings at Ganden. It’s above a…

6. Barkhang

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This interesting chapel houses the monastery printing press. You can see the printing and assembling of Buddhist texts here.

7. Jampa Lhakhang

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This small chapel, just across from the exit of the Tomb of Tsongkhapa, holds two large images of the Future Buddha, plus the eight bodhisattvas.

8. Assembly Hall

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The recently renovated tsogchen (assembly hall) has statues of the 16 arhats (literally ‘worthy ones’) and two huge statues of Tsongkhapa (only visible…