Religious site · GANSU
Labrang Monastery
拉卜楞寺 · Lābǔlèng Sì
About
Major Tibetan Buddhist Gelugpa monastery in Xiahe, southern Gansu. Outside the Tibet Autonomous Region — accessible without TAR permits.
Labrang Monastery (Bla-brang bKra-shis-'khyil) was founded in 1709 and became one of the six major Gelugpa monasteries of the wider Tibetan world. Located in Xiahe, southern Gansu, on the edge of the Amdo Tibetan cultural region. Critically, Labrang lies outside the Tibet Autonomous Region — visitors do not need the TAR Travel Permit. ~1,500 monks; the 3 km kora (pilgrim circuit) around the monastery is one of the longest covered prayer-wheel walkways in the Tibetan world.
How to get there
Bus from Lanzhou (~5 hours) or Xining (~6 hours).
When to visit
Spring or autumn. The Monlam (Great Prayer) Festival in late January / February is the major annual event.
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