Discover Galden Jampaling Monastery in Tibet
Founded in 1444 by a devoted follower of Tsongkhapa (founder of Tibet's Gelugpa, or Yellow Hat, sect), Galden Jampaling is the most prominent Gelugpa monastery in eastern Tibet. Its name honors Maitreya Buddha, the future Buddha whose towering statue sits at the center of the main hall, watching over worshippers with a gentle smile.
Step through the monastery's wooden gates, and you'll be greeted by the warm scent of burning juniper incense and the soft murmur of monks chanting sutras. The complex climbs up a hillside, with red-brick buildings topped with glistening gold roofs that shine like fire under the Tibetan sun. Locals visit daily to spin prayer wheels along the outer path.
Art That Takes Your Breath Away: Murals, Thangkas, and Butter Sculptures
Galden Jampaling is a museum of Tibetan art at its finest, crafted by generations of Chamdo's most skilled artisans. The main assembly hall's walls are covered in thousands of square meters of murals, painted with mineral dyes that have stayed vivid for centuries—depicting scenes from the Buddha's life, celestial realms, and Khampa legends. Scattered throughout the halls are exquisite thangka, stitched with gold thread and gemstones, each telling a story of faith.
Butter sculptures are the monastery's most dazzling art form. Made from pure yak butter, these intricate creations range from delicate flowers and mythical creatures to lifelike Buddhas and lamas. Every year on the 15th day of the first Tibetan lunar month, the monastery hosts the Butter Lamp Festival, where these sculptures are arranged into grand scenes—some spanning entire walls—illuminated by hundreds of butter lamps. The tradition dates back to King Songtsen Gampo's era, when Princess Wencheng replaced fresh flowers with butter sculptures to honor the Buddha. Legend says Tsongkhapa himself was inspired by a dream of celestial gardens to start the festival, making it one of Tibet's most sacred celebrations. During the Butter Lamp Festival, you'll also witness Galden Jampaling's famous "Cham Dance"—a mesmerizing ritual that's wowed Tibetans for centuries. Dancers dress in vibrant silk robes embroidered with symbols of good fortune, their faces hidden behind elaborate wooden masks carved to represent guardian deities, demons, and mythical beings. Some masks are fierce with bared fangs, others serene and wise—each telling a role in the dance's story of good triumphing over evil.
Beyond the Monastery: Explore Chamdo's Ancient Secrets
Galden Jampaling is just the start of your Chamdo adventure. A short 12-kilometer drive away lies the Karuo Ruins, a Neolithic site dating back 4,000 to 5,000 years—one of Tibet's most important archaeological finds. Wander the ruins of 31 semi-subterranean houses, built from stone and earth, where ancient people once lived, farmed millet, and hunted wild animals. The on-site museum displays over 10,000 artifacts: polished stone axes, bone needles, and shards of pottery etched with simple patterns.
Conclusion
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35 Comment ON "Discover Galden Jampaling Monastery in Tibet"
Asked by Liliana Me** from Macau
plan a 7-8days trip for me and my boyfriend in April
Hi! I would like to plan a 7-8days trip for me and my boyfriend in April (3rd to 10th ideally) to Nepal, Tibet, and, if possible, Bhutan. Do you think it would be doable? Based on what I read, there are some places/things to do to consider: Nepal: Everest Base Camp trek and the Annapurna Circuit, ancient temples, sacred sites like Lumbini, Kathmandu, Tibet: The Potala Palace in Lhasa and the Jokhang Temple. eventually the holy Mount Kailash or the high-altitude plains. Bhutan: Thimphu, Paro, and the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery. To take part in cultural traditions, yoga, meditation... Of course I am open to any recommendations you could make. For your reference, we are both based in Asia: him, in Bangkok and myself in Macau. Thank you so much for the information you could provide and, if possible, an estimated budget for your offer.
Asked by Ke** from Singapore
Cycling Tour to Mt Kailash
Hi , we are planning a Cycling Trip once Tibet opens for Tourism. The plan is we shall arrive to Kathmandu , travel to the border and enter via Kerung. Can you pls send a day to day Itinerary starting from Kerung - Lake Manasarovar - Darchen - Asthapath. We shall go around Kailash on foot and resume Cycling back to Kerung. We are a Group of 6-8 persons. Thanks Pls send ur reply to Kevin
Asked by Debo** from USA
Please can you tell me the prices and dates for the Tibet Luxury Tour.
Also, could you please provide a detailed itinerary - I want to see how many hours are spent on buses/vehicles. Thank you! Deborah
Asked by S** from HongKong
Tibet Tour from HK
May I know if holding Mainland Travel Permit for HK Residents. is it also need to get the visa permit to Tibet and what is the procedure if need to apply? Thank you
Asked by Na** from USA
Is Kailash Mansarovar Trip open for Indian Passport Holder?
Is it open for Indian Passport Holder?
Asked by A** from Singapore
Enquiry on private tour
We are planning a trip from Hong Kong to Tibet during the 12th to 21st of April. We want a private tour that covers all the scenic places as well as the EBC. Please advise an itinerary along with the cost breakdown. Thanks.
Asked by Na** from Canada
We would like to take the train from Xining to Lhasa
Asked by Gr** from Canada
The "Tibet Entry Permit" should be apply
Asked by Tam** from Singapore
Sightseeing Potala Palace
Asked by Ka** from Singapore
plan to travel to Mount Kailash