Ganden Monastery
The founding monastery of the Gelug order, its white and gold buildings spread along a high ridge about 40 kilometres northeast of Lhasa. The hillside kora circuit offers sweeping valley views; expect steep paths at 4,300 metres.
Overview
Quick facts about Ganden Monastery
The founding monastery of the Gelug order, its white and gold buildings spread along a high ridge about 40 kilometres northeast of Lhasa. The hillside kora circuit offers sweeping valley views; expect steep paths at 4,300 metres.
| Type | Monastery |
|---|---|
| Altitude | 4,300 m (14,108 ft) |
| Visit length | About 2.5 hours |
| Opening hours | 09:00-16:00 |
| Good to know | The founding monastery of the Gelug order, spread along a high ridge 40 kilometres northeast of Lhasa, with a famous sky-burial kora circuit and sweeping valley views |
How to visit
Practical advice from our Lhasa team.
- Walk slowly. Steep stairs at altitude are harder — come on your second or third day, not the day you arrive.
- Taxi drop-off: Monastery car park below the kora circuit
- Bus: Minibuses and day tours from Lhasa, about 2 hours each way
Hotels near Ganden Monastery
Sorted by walking or driving distance when we have it; otherwise hotels we use in the same city.
Best time to visit
Average daily high and low in °C, and monthly rain in mm. Winter is cold and dry, with fewer visitors and lower hotel prices.
Nearby
Questions
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