Tsanggar Monastery (石藏寺) is also called Shi Zang monastery OR Sertsang monastery. It is located 12 kilometers east of Hei-bei county in Amdo. It is one Gelug Pa tradition monastery, being built in the 30th year of Qian-long Empire (1765) of Qing Dynasty. It was founded by the 1st Zhida Repoche of Denpa Gyatso, who was thought to be the reincarnation of Zangge, the high rank lama of Sera monastery according to the legend.
Brief
In the 44th year of Qian long Empire (1765), the 6th Panchan Lama accepted Tsanggar as one sub-branch of Tashilhunpo monastery and became the Honorary Monastery Host. Due to the strong influence of Panchan lama, the number of the monks that Tsanggar housed was rapidly increased over thousands. its size was also rapidly enlarged twice larger.
In 1941, Tsanggar was damaged. The monks once exiled in the south of Gansu province. After 8 years, Tsanggar was recovered. The monastery occupies 44 acres till 1958. In 1962, it was permitted to be reopen, but the main building was not approved to be rebuilt; In 1981, Tsanggar was permitted to be fully open, and the monastery management starts to rebuild this monastery. Now there is one attached Tibetan Clinic, one attached primary school, and one assembly hall, 4 other smaller hall, in total more than 1100 rooms. It now houses about more than 260 monks.
Address
Ge Shi ke village, Tongde County| 同德县河北乡格什克村
12 kilometers east from He-bei village
Altitude
3,260 meters
Entrance fee
Free of charge
Opening hour
Usually from 08:00 am to 18:00 pm
How to get Tsanggar Monastery
There is no bus to reach this remote monastery. The only way to access is to take bus to reach Heibei township, which is 12 kilometers east from Tsanggar Monastery, then to rent one local vehicle to reach this monastery, Rental cost is usually 100 – 150 RMB one way;
Accommodation
One monastery attached guesthouse, including 6 rooms, 4 – 8 beds each room, public toilet; it is recommended to stay in Heibei county, which is slightly better than this guesthouse
There are about 4 hostel and guesthouse in Heibei village, which is recommended for overnight
