Gyandruk

  Guiseppe Tucci

Gyandruk in 1935

    The monastery at Gyandruk (or Gyangdrak) is about two and half hours walk north from Darchen.   Gyandruk is the largest of the monasteries around Kailash.  Monks from the Drigung Kagyu sect completed the most recent renovations on the three buildings that make up the complex.  The primary structure has the dukhang assembly hall within, while the other two structures are the living quarters and the kitchen for the monks.  In the dukhang, the main images are statues of Drigung Kyopön, Apchi the protectress of Drigung Monastery, Palden Lhamo, and Guru Rimpoche.  It is a branch monastery of the Drigungtil Monastery east of Lhasa.  On chortens near the monastery entrance, pilgrims deposit tsa-tsas.  The founder of the Bon tradition, Shenrab Miwoche, reportedly stayed at this site. 

  Bradley Rowe / Stone Routes

Gyandruk in 1987