Sok Tsanden Monastery

Fast Fact:

Elevation: 4100m

Constructed: In the 17th century

Constructed: By the 5th Dalai Lama

Attractions: Tsanden Monastery, Wildlife, Vast Grassland

Tsanden Monastery is situated on the summit of Yaladuo Hill in Sok Yaklha Town, Nagqu area of northern Tibet. Standing at  approximately 4,100 meters above sea level, it is one of the eleven “zhongs” in Nagqu Prefecture. The fifth Dalai Lama constructed it in the 17th century. It is among the three monasteries established in the Sok region, along with Rabthen Monastery and Chokor Monastery. All of these monasteries are affiliated with the Gelugpa School of Tibetan Buddhism.

Tsanden Monastery serves as the principal monastery in the Sok region. It was founded and directly managed by the former Tibetan government in the 17th century. As you drive into the town, you’ll notice the statue of the Mongolian chieftain, Gushi Qan Tendzin Chogyel, who ruled this area during the 17th century. Before the civil war between Lhasa and Shigatse, the Sok area was a stronghold of the Bon religion, with over 600 clerics residing there.

The façade of Tsanden Monastery is truly impressive, bearing a resemblance to the magnificent Potala Palace. Inside the walls of the White Temple, there is a Red Temple. The ground floor of the Lhakhang Marpo houses a temple dedicated to the students and the 16 Elders, along with 1,000 small images of Tsongkhapa. On the second floor, there is the Gonkhang dedicated to Vajrabhairava and Shridevi, as well as the Rinchen Jowo Shakyamuni and Amitabha. There is also the Kangyur Lhakhang, which houses the incumbent lama, Kangyur Rinpoche.

In the 56-columned Lhakhang Karpo, there is an image of Padmasambhava. The current sandalwood image is a replica of the damaged original statue. On the second level, there is a Mani Wheel chamber. Since 2001, foreigners have been able to access this monastery provided they have permits that clearly indicate Sok Tsanden Gompa.