Ganden Sumtseling Monastery

The monastery complex spreads across multiple levels with gilded roofs and incorporates both Tibetan and Chinese architectural elements at 3,380 meters elevation.

Founded in 1679 by the Fifth Dalai Lama during the Qing Dynasty, the monastery underwent restoration in 1983 following damage during the Cultural Revolution.

The monastery houses 700 monks who conduct daily rituals, study sessions, and perform traditional mask dances during the annual Gedong Festival in November.

Visitors can reach the monastery through a 5-kilometer drive from Shangri-La City, with guided tours available to explore the main assembly hall and surrounding structures.

The main hall contains an 8-meter statue of Shakyamuni Buddha and accommodates over 1,500 monks during scripture recitation sessions.

Location: Shangri-La City

Inception: 1683

Founders: Ngawang Lobzang Gyatso, Chonggyepa Ngawang Namgyel

Elevation above the sea: 3,380 m

GPS coordinates: 27.86355,99.70434

Latest update: May 26, 2025 21:30