Palcho Monastery

Welcome to Palcho Monastery, also known as the Baiju Temple, a site of immense spiritual and architectural significance in Gyantse, Tibet. Built in the 15th century, Palcho is unique in the Tibetan world for its ecumenical…

The Main Assembly Hall is the communal heart of Palcho Monastery, where the monks gather daily for collective prayer and ritual. As you enter, you may find yourself in the midst of a session; interestingly, during certain prayer…

Behind the assembly hall lies the Main Chapel, housing the three most significant statues of the monastery: the Buddhas of the Past, Present, and Future. To your left is the statue of the Past Buddha, known as Kashyapa. …

The Kumbum Stupa is the crown jewel of Palcho Monastery and a landmark of world architecture. Standing nine stories tall, it is a 'Chorten' that serves as a three-dimensional mandala. …

Directly behind and overlooking the monastery is the Gyantse Dzong, or Fort, which played a tragic and heroic role in Palcho's history. In 1904, this fort was the site of a desperate defense against the British Younghusband…

Throughout the monastery grounds, you will find several historic steles and smaller stupas that mark important events and burials. Some of these are 'Holy Stars,' such as the Lotus Star or the Miraculous Star, each with its own…

While Palcho once housed over 1,500 monks, today the population is much smaller, with around 65 residents continuing the ancient traditions. Despite this decrease in numbers, the daily life of the monastery remains vibrant. …

As you leave the Palcho Monastery and step back into the streets of Gyantse, take a moment to reflect on the extraordinary synthesis you have witnessed. You have walked through a site that harmonizes three competing schools of…