The Chode Gonpa, (Dragkar -Thegchen Ling)

Chode Gonpa was established during the period of the first King of Lo, King Ama Pal and the spritual scholar Ngorchen Kunga Sangpo in the late 15th century. It is the main Sakya Gonpa of Lo-Manthang and is the residence of our present monks and high Lamas. It is also an important center of religious activities. After a severe earthquake in the 16th century caused huge damage to Chode Gonpa, all the precious objects (including the masks from the Tenji festival) were moved to Choprang monastery.

During the 17th century Choprang monastery suffered from a great fire, which destroyed many of the artifacts. Those which were salvaged were returned to Chode Ghonpa, which had been rebuilt inside the walled city. 

Jampa Monastery

The Jampa Monastery is the oldest Sakya Monastery inside the walled city of Lo-manthang. It was built in early 15th century  during the reign of the famous king Angon Sangpo (the second son of Ama Pal). The three storied Jampa Gonpa exemplifies Lo Manthang's rich architectural traditions and sacred art. 

The walls of Jampa Gonpa are 5'4 thick and are made from mud. However, the uniquenees of Jampa Ganpa is demonstrated in the 108 ancient mandalas of various sizes painted in gold and silver and encrusted with turquoise, coral and gemstones. On the ground floor, thhe depictions are of stories from the life of Buddha Shakyamuni and off lesser gods. On the first floor, the mandalas are of Bodhisattvas and themes from the Mahayana tradition. The second floor which is closed to the public, contains mandalas of the most secret Vajrayana tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. The large image of the future Buddha Maitraya (Jampa Chenpo) stretchs over the ground and first floor, as he sits in meditation posture.

Thupchen Gonpa

Thupchen Gonpa was built during the period of the third king of Lo, Tashi Gon in Late 15th century. In its heyday, Thupchen Gonpa was the major center of all religious activities in Lo-manthang. The entrance room (Sgo-Mchog) displays four larger that life images of the protector kings of the four directions (Gyal-Chen Shi), all enshrined upon raised platforms.

Its main hall, called "Dhukhang" conatins wooded pillars and a celling rafter which is engraved with sacred mantras. The walls and ceiling of the Dhunkhang are painted with ornate images of the buddhas and bodhisattvas are seated with their hands in various gestures (mudras). The hall also houses three earthen images of Avlokitesvara (Chenrezig), Manjushir (Jampayang) and Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche). The image of the great Buddha (Thupchen) is made of copper and polished in gold, and he is in seated posture.