Shalu Monastery
Shalu Monastery is a hidden gem of Tibet, built in 1040 by the great Tibetan scholar Jetsun Sherab Jungnay.
Overview
Shalu Monastery lies about 68km from Gyangtse—just a 5km detour from the main road, a quiet ancient temple tucked between mountains and village farmlands. Built in 1040 by the great Tibetan scholar Jetsun Sherab Jungnay, its name means "new bud" in Tibetan, from a lovely old tale: his master told him to shoot an arrow and build a monastery where it landed. The arrow hit a fresh new bud, and Shalu was born.
History & Restoration
The monastery has weathered hard times over the centuries. A terrible earthquake in 1329 destroyed most of it, but four years later, the Mongol Emperor ordered its restoration, sending Han artisans to work with Tibetan craftsmen. That’s why Shalu is the only monastery in Tibet where Tibetan and Han art blend so beautifully—this fusion is its most special charm. In 1330, the 11th abbot Buton Rinchen Drup, a famous compiler of Sanskrit Buddhist texts, restored it again with the help of local Tibetan nobles. He even turned it into a place where monks learn Thumo, an internal heat practice to stay warm in Tibet’s cold weather, and founded the Buton suborder here.
Monastery Life & Treasures
It’s also an important sacred site for the Sakyapa order of Tibetan Buddhism. Walking through the monastery gate, the grand assembly hall greets you straight ahead, home to the holiest Sakyamuni Buddha statue with his disciples where monks gather for daily prayers and rituals. Beside it is Kangyur Lhakhang, the scripture hall holding precious Buddhist classics, and Mudu Lhakhang, Buton Rinchen Drup’s funeral stupa. The upper floors have distinct Chinese-style blue-tiled buildings, and the monastery walls are covered in stunning murals, some 400 to 700 years old, their colors still bright with time.
Experience
Shalu also guards four priceless treasures: a 700-year-old sutra board, a brass urn of holy water, the stone basin Jetsun Sherab Jungnay used himself, and a stone tablet carved with the six-letter Buddhist mantra. Today, Shalu Monastery is a National Cultural Protection Unit (listed in 1988), with a paved road leading right to its door. Surrounded by big mountains and fertile farmlands owned by nearby villagers, it’s a peaceful spot for travelers to explore. If you love trekking, from Shalu Monastery to Narthang Monastery is a perfect way to experience Tibet’s raw countryside beauty and it is an unmissable adventure for slow travel lovers.
Plan Your Visit
For detailed information about Shalu Monastery and Tibet tours, feel free to contact us at info@tibetroofofworld.com . Our expert team will help create a memorable Tibet travel experience based on your interests and preferences.
