Drongtse Monastery

Drongtse Monastery stands on a rocky elevation roughly 91 meters above the surrounding village and features traditional Tibetan Buddhist architecture with multiple prayer halls. The structure combines residential spaces with religious areas and uses the natural topography of the site.

The monastery was founded in 1442 by Rinchen Gyatso and became one of the most significant Gelug institutions in Tibet's Tsang region. Its establishment occurred during a period of religious reorganization under the rising Gelug school.

The assembly hall holds ancient gilt statues, including a reproduction of Jowo Shakyamuni made by an Indian artist and historical images of the 5th Dalai Lama. These works reflect artistic connections between Tibet and other Buddhist regions.

The monastery is located roughly 19 kilometers northwest of Gyantse and accessible via the Southern Friendship Highway leading toward Shigatse. Visitors should prepare for uneven paths on the grounds and consider the high altitude.

A small chapel behind the monastery displays rock-carved images of Buddhist deities Padmasambhava, Tara, and Amitayus in the mountain face. These stone carvings are carefully integrated into the natural landscape and often overlooked by visitors.