A Taste of Tibet: Ganden Sumtseling Gompa Monastery, Yunnan Province, China

I haven’t been to Tibet yet – it’s on my long list of places to go, but recently I hiked near the Tibet to China border while staying in the high altitude Province of Yunnan. I based myself in the magical city of Shangri-La (also known as Zhongdian). It was time to make the mandatory visit out to Ganden Sumtseling Gompa, a 300 year old Tibetan Monastery in this remote part of China. This was some adventure. I didn’t go to Tibet, but I got a taste for it, inspired by this awesome visit!

What is Ganden Sumtseling Gompa?

OK, so Ganden Sumtseling Gompa (also known as Songzanlin Monastery on occasion) is a 300 year old Tibetan monastery ‘complex’ – yes it’s a load of buildings bunched together on a hill in glorious landscapes and overlooking a large lake. It is most definitely worth the trip – one of the most famous monasteries in China.

How do you get to Ganden Sumtseling Gompa?

OK, let’s start in the city centre of the marvellous city of Shangri-La. Head to the entrance to the “Old Town”, a square faces this by the way, it shouldn’t be that difficult to find. Use only one option to get to Ganden Sumtseling Gompa please – take my advice here, as it costs about 10 US cents to take the local bus. It’s easy, fuss free, fast and it drops you off at the entrance. The cost in local currency is 1 RMB (1 Chinese Yuan). You can ask around the town for this bus but it’s a number 3 bus (written in English). Make sure you’re heading the right way when you get on board though!

How much does it cost to visit Ganden Sumtseling Gompa?

Unfortunately the entrance fee is steep – but if you love travel and new experiences, you should pay it. It costs 115 RMB (115 Chinese Yuan). If it’s any consolation, this includes a free bus ride from the entrance to the site right up to the monastery (mind you though – the walk is scenic and doesn’t take long). On the back of the ticket is also a free postcard. Whoopee do! These are once in a lifetime opportunities, don’t pass it down!

What is there to see and do at Ganden Sumtseling Gompa?

It’s a monastery – you can walk around and watch monks go about their daily business. You can walk around the monk’s quarters. You cannot take photos inside the actual temples. It’s all Tibetan Buddhist by the way and part of the Yellow Hat sect. The main monastery structure at Ganden Sumtseling Gompa is similar to the Potala Monastery in Lhasa, Tibet. It has copper rooves. To be honest it’s a work of art – I’m not even that bothered about the history of it, I just love travel and seeing new places and things. This was a sight I didn’t expect to enjoy, so I took some time to sample it by walking around.

You can also walk around the lake and enjoy the amazing views of the countryside, which are breathtaking to be honest. China also blows me away every time I visit. If this post is overloaded with photos, then that’s the reason why!

Where is the Ganden Sumtseling Gompa?

It’s 5 kilometres from Shangri La in Yunnan Province in China and sits at a lofty elevation of over 3,000 metres above sea level. It’s proximity to the Tibetan border is less than 100 miles, as the crows flies, although the exact border is debated.

What Visas do you need to visit Ganden Sumtseling Gompa?

No Tibetan Visa needed despite it being a Tibetan Monastery. In fact this could be the best way to see a Tibetan Monastery without actually going to Tibet! But it’s cheating of course! So you will just need a Chinese Visa. I wrote a detailed post on the best way to get a China Visa here by the way: Getting a China Visa. I currently own a multi-entry Visa for the People’s Republic of China.

Anything else?

Yes, take some water and food with you. But you knew that already as travellers, this is one of our money saving tips!!

My Videos:

Ganden Sumtseling Gompa Part 1:

Ganden Sumtseling Gompa Part 2:

Ganden Sumtseling Gompa Part 3:

At the ticket office for Ganden Sumtseling Gompa:

Local bus back to Shangri La after the visit to Ganden Sumtseling Gompa:

A View of the Ganden Sumtseling Gompa:

Bus inside the grounds of the Ganden Sumtseling Gompa:

My next plan is to actually visit Tibet sometime! Don’t Stop Living – it’s a lifestyle of travel for me!