Discover 3 Must-See Nyingma Monasteries in Shannan, Tibet
Known as the "cradle of Tibetan civilization," this region is home to the Nyingma School—the oldest branch of Tibetan Buddhism, often called the "Red Hat School" not for the color of monks' robes but for its Nyingma roots dating back to the 8th century. Unlike other Tibetan Buddhist schools, Nyingma honors the teachings of Padmasambhava, the Indian master who brought Buddhism to Tibet, and preserves unique practices like "terton"—the discovery of hidden sacred texts and relics.
Dorje Drak Monastery: The Treasury besides the Lhasa Gonggar Airport
Perched on the north bank of the Yarlung Zangbo River, at the foot of Zongyong Mountain in Gonggar County, Dorje Drak Monastery is a sight you won't forget. It's about 80 kilometers from Shannan's main town Tsedang and sits at 3,520 meters above sea level. Founded by the 1st Rigdzin Godemchen Ngodrub Gyaltsen, it's one of the sect's six major monasteries and the heart of the "Northern Treasury" tradition of hidden teachings. What strikes you first is its dramatic setting: whitewashed buildings cascade down the cliffside, connected by stone paths and wooden staircases, contrasting beautifully with the red rock and bright blue sky.
Mindroling Monastery: The Cultural Hub of Shannan
A short drive south of the Yarlung Zangbo lies Mindroling Monastery, Dorje Drak's "twin" and the soul of the Nyingma "Southern Treasury" tradition. Located in Zhanang County, 40 kilometers from Tsedang at 3,600 meters, it sprawls across flat farmland with the Himalayas towering in the distance. Founded in 1676 by Rigdzin Terdak Lingpa, Mindroling Monastery is a center of Tibetan scholarship and culture. Unlike many monasteries, it values secular knowledge alongside spiritual teachings, earning fame for centuries in Tibetan medicine, astronomy, astrology, and art. Its 17th-century medical college still trains monks in traditional healing—they gather herbs from nearby mountains and prepare remedies in a pharmacy lined with wooden cabinets of dried plants. You can watch them grind ingredients with stone mortars, a practice unchanged for centuries. The monastery's architecture is equally impressive: the main temple's golden roof and intricate lotus and vajra carvings shine in the sun, while inside, murals painted with natural pigments (still vivid after 300 years) depict the lives of the Buddha and Padmasambhava.
Samye Monastery: Tibet's First True Buddhist Monastery
It's Tibet's very first monastery to house the "three jewels" of Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. Located in Zharang County, this 8th-century masterpiece was built by King Trisong Detsen, with Padmasambhava choosing the site and the Indian master Santideva designing it. this monastery is a architectural masterpiece, designed to reflect the Buddhist cosmos. Its central temple, the Utse, symbolizes Mount Meru, while surrounding structures represent continents, oceans, and celestial bodies. The blend of Tibetan, Han Chinese, and Indian architectural styles makes Samye a living testament to cultural exchange.Samye's courtyards and admiring its murals will give you a deep sense of Tibet's religious roots.
Conclusion
Rich in sacred relics and unique cultural treasures, Tibet is an absolutely unmissable place to visit.
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35 Comment ON "Discover 3 Must-See Nyingma Monasteries in Shannan, 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