Ralung Monastery
རྭ་ལུང་དགོན།
The mother monastery of the Drukpa Kagyu school, set in a valley near the Karola Glacier with snow peaks behind it and few visitors.
Ralung Monastery was founded in the late 12th century by Tsangpa Gyare and is the birthplace of the Drukpa Kagyu school. The Drukpa lineage of Bhutan also traces its roots to this monastery. The monastery was badly damaged during the Cultural Revolution, and what stands today are the restored main hall and the ruins of its stupas. Behind it rise snow-capped peaks over 6,000 metres high, and the atmosphere is serene. The monastery lies in a side valley about 7 kilometres off the national highway on the route from Gyantse to the Karola Glacier, so it can be visited on the way to the glacier. The altitude is about 4,500 metres, so watch for altitude sickness. Entry prices are announced on site. Circle clockwise when entering the hall, and do not take photographs inside.
Opening hours
Open during the day (per the temple)
Nearby sights
- Karola Glacier
- Simi La Pass
- Manla Reservoir
- Puma Yumco
- Nenying Monastery
- Gyantse Dzong
- Gyantse Old Street (Jiarijiao)
- Pelkor Chode Monastery (Gyantse)