Tibet, with its panorama of
beautiful snow-covered peaks and magnificent valleys, has been a point of
attraction for many over the years. But what engages the attention of the tourists
and keeps it there are the monasteries that are spread across the country,
sometimes tucked safely in corners, and sometimes standing tall and proud on
the peaks.
The monastery tour or rather
the
cultural tour of Tibet organized by the travel agents is aimed
at giving a wholesome experience of these monasteries for the tourists. Here
are some of the most popular monasteries of Tibet, and what you can expect from
them.
Sera
Monastery
Located 1.25 miles from
Lhasa in the North, the Sera monastery stands tall and beautiful, with a
backdrop of the hill best known for its wild roses. The name ‘Sera' translates
to ‘wild roses' in Tibet, and the name stuck because it is said that when the
monastery was being built, the wild roses were in full bloom on the hill
behind.
Sera monastery is one of the
oldest temples in Tibet and dates back to 1400s. It was built in the year 1419.
Steeped well in history, the magnificent confines of this monastery holds
precious relics, artifacts and many memories of millions of lives are lived and
prayed here for centuries. This is one
of the must-visit monasteries on the list of every visitors who come on a trip
to Tibet.
Drepung
Monastery
Located about 3 miles from
the city of Lhasa, the Drepung monastery presents a splendid view with a
backdrop of Mount Gephel. The monastery is situated in its foothills. Drepung
translates to ‘rice heap' in Tibet. This monastery is considered to be the
tallest one in the world and can house more than 7000 monks at a time.
Amongst one of the three
great monasteries of Tibet, Drepung also was built in 1416. This was the
residence of the great Dalai Lamas till the Patola Palace was built. Acclaimed
as a great learning place or the ‘Nalanda’ of Tibet, this monastery gives the
visitors what they seek – peace, mystery and a great deal of historical
significance.
Ganden
Monastery
Another magnificent crown on
the beauty of Tibet is the Ganden monastery. Many tourists go on a Ganden-Samye
trek to just experience the panoramic view of the enchanting countryside. The
monastery of Ganden was founded in the year 1409, and therefore is the oldest
among the three.
It is located about 25 miles
from Lhasa and is snugly preserved in within the confines of valleys and
mountain peaks. It is situated on the top of the Wangbur mountain and gives its
tourist a splendid view of life and beauty, both beneath and beyond.
Samye
Monastery
Samye monastery, located
about 24 miles from the Tsedang County in Tibet. This monastery has the title
of being the ‘oldest’ of monasteries built in the country. The structure is
believed to be constructed in 775-779. The site is believed to have a lot of
religious significance. People come from all over the world to visit and enjoy
the view from this monastery.
Although the monastery
itself presents an awe-inspiring reaction on many guests, which makes it even
more interesting is its location. Samye, in Tibet, translates to ‘unexpected and
full of surprise', and it truly stands to its name. The ferry ride to the
monastery to the splendid view from the Mount Hero Ri and everything else
between can very well match up with the enthusiasm of the travelers.
Apart from these four, there
are several other monasteries, temples, and hermitages, which are designed as
places of worship. Even if you are not inclined to visit them as a part of the
pilgrimage, their sheer courage in standing tall through the test of times and
hardships makes the visit much more interesting.
So, if you are in Tibet this
holiday season, visit these monasteries to experience in firsthand what it
takes to brave the force of nature to remain serene and calm, all through the
year!
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