Palcho Monastery in Gyantse โ Worth Every Penny! ๐
โโโโโโ Palcho Monastery (Tibetan: "Palkhor Chรถde", meaning "Monastery of the Auspicious Dharma Wheel") is a unique multi-sect Tibetan Buddhist temple shared by Sakya, Gelug, and Shalu traditions. ๐๏ธ Built in 1427 (Ming Dynasty), this 10-year masterpiece combines temple and stupa into one harmonious structureโa pinnacle of 15th-century Tibetan architecture. โจ The Crown Jewel: The "Kumbum Stupa" (a.k.a. "100,000 Buddha Pagoda") is Tibetโs best-preserved and most ornate stupa. 108 doors, 76 chapels ๐ช 100,000+ Buddha statues & nearly 1,000 murals ๐จ Exquisite carvings of elephants, lions, and dragons ๐๐ฆ๐ ๐ซ Ticket: ยฅ60/person (stupa access FREE). Parking available nearby. โ Food: Tibetan teahouses at the entrance; Sichuan restaurants in town. ๐ Pro Tip: Perfect acclimatization stop (3,900m) if heading to Shigatse! P.S. "Xiao Mama" had severe altitude sickness yesterday on Highway 349 (YamdrokโKarola Glacier) but recovered fully by morning. Later, her family tackled Ngariโzero altitude issues! ๐ช #TempleVibes ๐ฏ #RoadTripEssentials ๐ #TibetDiaries ๐ #HiddenGems ๐ #Gyantse #PalchoMonastery #OffbeatTibet #SacredSites ๐