Gossul Monastery for Travelers: Sacred Site by Manasarovar Lake

When you embark on a spiritual journey to Tibet's Ngari region, Lake Manasarovar and Mount Kailash are definitely the stars of the show. But scattered along the sacred shores of Manasarovar, there are smaller yet equally profound sites that add depth to your pilgrimage. Gossul Monastery, a quiet yet significant Tibetan Buddhist site, is one such gem. Perched on a gentle hillside by the lake's southern shore, this monastery has been a vital stop on the Manasarovar kora for centuries.                                                          

Where Is Gossul Monastery & How to Get There

Let's start with the practical stuff: finding and reaching Gossul Monastery. The monastery sits on the southern shore of Lake Manasarovar, a short distance from the main route that circles the lake. Gossul Monastery is accessible by road now, which makes it easy to add to your Manasarovar or Mount Kailash pilgrimage itinerary. If you're traveling from the nearby town of Darchen, it's about a 40-minute drive along the lake's southern bank. The road winds gently through open grasslands, offering glimpses of the lake and distant snow-capped peaks along the way. Keep in mind that Ngari is a high-altitude region, so take your time during the journey and stay hydrated to avoid altitude sickness.

The History Behind Gossul Monastery

Gossul Monastery's origins are deeply tied to some of Tibet's most revered Buddhist masters. The story begins with Atisha, the great Indian Buddhist scholar who traveled to Tibet in the 11th century to revitalize Buddhism. It's said that Atisha spent seven days meditating at this site when he visited Lake Manasarovar, recognizing its spiritual energy. Later, in the 13th century, the renowned Tibetan yogi Gyalwa Gotsangpa—who is credited with opening up the Mount Kailash kora route—spent three months in meditation here. Inspired by the site's tranquility and sacredness, Gotsangpa founded Gossul Monastery, making it the first branch of the Drukpa Kagyu sect in western Tibet. That's where the name "Start Monastery" comes from: it marked the beginning of Drukpa Kagyu's presence in this remote part of Tibet. In the mid-19th century, the monastery underwent a significant transformation when Gelong Jinpa Norbu, a lama of the Gelug sect, arrived and expanded it extensively. Since then, Gossul Monastery has been a Gelug sect monastery. Like many Tibetan cultural sites, it suffered damage during the Cultural Revolution but was later partially rebuilt, preserving its sacred essence for modern travelers and pilgrims.

What to See at Gossul Monastery

One of the first things you'll notice about Gossul Monastery is its stunning setting. Perched on a small hill, it's surrounded by mountains and overlooks the crystal-clear waters of Lake Manasarovar. From here, you'll have unobstructed views of Naimona'nyi Peak, its snow-capped summit glinting in the sunlight. The combination of blue lake, green grasslands, and distant mountains creates a postcard-perfect scene that's sure to take your breath away. Beyond the scenery, the monastery is home to several sacred treasures that are well worth exploring. Head to the upstairs chapel, and you'll find intricate painted stone sculptures depicting the Bardo—the intermediate state between death and rebirth in Tibetan Buddhism. These artworks are not just visually striking; they also offer a glimpse into Tibetan Buddhist philosophy. The monks at the monastery are warm and welcoming, and they'll be happy to show you Gyalwa Gotsangpa's meditation cave, a small, serene space that still carries the energy of the great yogi's practice. Another highlight is the sacred stone conch shell kept at the monastery, a relic believed to hold spiritual power.

Conclusion

Every year, thousands of pilgrims pass through here as part of their Manasarovar kora, seeking blessings and spiritual renewal. You'll see them walking clockwise around the monastery, spinning prayer wheels and murmuring prayers. Many pilgrims stop to buy small amulets filled with holy Manasarovar sand, as well as incense and salt from the monastery's small shop. These items are considered sacred and are often taken home to protect loved ones or placed at other holy sites. Taking the time to observe and even join in the kora (at a slow, respectful pace) is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in local culture. The monks are happy to answer questions about their daily life and the monastery's traditions, so don't hesitate to strike up a conversation—just remember to be respectful and ask for permission before taking photos of people or sacred objects.