Qude Monastery in Lhatse County, Shigatse

Qude Monastery in Lhatse County, Shigatse
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Chinese Name: 拉孜曲德寺
English Name: Qude Monastery in Lhatse County, Shigatse
Location: Located in Lhatse County, Shigatse Prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region
Admission Fee: Free
Opening Hours: All Day

About Qude Monastery

Qude Monastery（曲德寺）is located in Lhatse Village（拉孜村）, Lhatse Town（拉孜镇）, Lhatse County, Shigatse Prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region, which was built in the 17th century by the host of the fifth Dalai Lama. It is the fourth monastery among the 13 monasteries that the 5th Dalai Lama created personally with the history of more than 350 years. Qude Monastery, the Gelug sect monastery is a civil stone structure, including the main shrine, the guardian hall, the rear court, the medicine king hall, and the Buddhist monastery and three towers.

The Architecture Feature of Qude Monastery

The overall architectural style and complex layout of Qude Monastery is very similar to that of Tashilhunpo Monastery, which is very magnificent and spectacular with the overlapping halls and splendid statues. There were one hall, 18 temples and two houses, with all about four hundred and seventy monks. But it was destroyed during the Cultural Revolution, and the existing scale was restored in 1985.

The Festival of Qude Monastery

On January 15th of Tibetan Calendar, Qude Buddha’s Monastery will hold some religious activities and ceremonies to worship the Buddha of future（弥勒佛）.

Attraction Transportation

There is only one train running through Lhatse which passes over 253 kilometers for the ticket fee of 40 RMB.  It takes about 3 hours by car.

Attraction Travel Tips

  1. Traveling Hours: 2 to 3 hours
  2. Traveling Seasons: June to October
  3. High Altitude Sickness Avoiding: Bring enough water or drinks, fruits and snacks with high caloric content.
  4. Pay attention to prepare some necessities for the cold weather like the hat, gloves, scarf and thick winter coat and so on.
  5. Please try you best to respect the local folk customs, especially their religious belief and taboos when you traveling in Tibet.