[2025 Sa'gya Attraction] Travel Guide for Sa'gya Temple (Updated Mar)

When I walked into the Odon Lhakang Hall, I heard a "dong dong dong" sound from the ceiling. There was only a young lama in the hall wiping and tidying up the objects on the altar. He didn't turn his head or pay attention to the people coming in (see Figure 2). In this hall, I saw a super large clam. Ken had also seen a large clam in the Xisha Sea, and he said it was not as big as this one (see Figure 3). After leaving the Odon Lhakang Hall and returning to the entrance of the Mahavira Hall, the well that was originally sealed was unlocked by the young lama, and he fetched water directly here. It was very interesting that the well was facing the Mahavira Hall. After leaving the courtyard of the main hall, I turned right and saw a door half-open with a construction sign hanging at the entrance, so I didn't pay attention to it. When I walked to the side, I saw a sign that read "Ladder of Liberation" (see Figure 4). At this moment, two women with tools climbed up the ladder, and Ken followed them, and I followed closely behind (see Figure 5). It turned out that this led to the roof of the main hall, and the workers at the entrance were using electric drills, blowing sand and dust all over their faces. Singing came from the right corner, but the front was blocked, so I walked around to get closer to them (see Figure 6). So I took a video of "Da Aga," but at the time, I had no idea what Da Aga was, I just thought it was fun and lamented that the work efficiency was not high (see Figure 7). In fact, the place where they were doing Da Aga should be under the Odon Lhakang Hall. The Sakya South Monastery is actually not that big, with monks' quarters at the back and a Phagpa Palace on the left, but there was nothing interesting to see. So we were ready to say goodbye to Sakya Monastery and head to Shigatse.

Must-see attractions: 1. Tashilhunpo Monastery 🏰 As a symbol of Shigatse, Tashilhunpo Monastery is magnificent, with its golden roof shining in the sun. The murals and Buddha statues in the temple are breathtaking. 2. Mount Everest Base Camp 🏔️ Although it is a bit far from Shigatse city, it is definitely worth the long journey to see the world's highest peak, Mount Everest. Standing at the base camp and looking up at the towering peak, you will feel the awe-inspiring power of nature. 3. Sakya Monastery 🕍 The colorful prayer flags of Sakya Monastery flutter in the wind, and the temple's rich collection of books and deep historical heritage make it a great place to learn about Tibetan Buddhism. 4. Palcho Monastery 🛕 With its unique cross-shaped hall and exquisite murals, Palcho Monastery is another highlight of Shigatse. 5. Gyantse Ancient City 🏛️ The ancient city preserves many old buildings and temples. Walking on the stone-paved streets, you will feel as if you have traveled back in time to a distant era. Food recommendations: • Barley wine: A unique Tibetan drink with a rich flavor, it is an essential part of experiencing Tibetan culture. • Tsampa: A Tibetan staple made from barley flour, it tastes great when paired with butter tea and beef or mutton. • Tibetan hot pot: Unlike ordinary hot pot, Tibetan hot pot has a base and ingredients full of Tibetan characteristics, and is worth a try. Transportation: Transportation in Shigatse is relatively convenient, with buses and taxis available. If you want to go to more remote places, such as Mount Everest Base Camp, you can choose to rent a car or join a local tour group. Accommodation: • In the city: Convenient for shopping and dining, but may be far from some attractions. • Near attractions: Accommodation near attractions such as Tashilhunpo Monastery and Mount Everest Base Camp is more expensive, but convenient for sightseeing. Tips: • The altitude in Shigatse is relatively high, and you may experience altitude sickness when you first arrive. It is recommended to prepare in advance. • The local Tibetan culture is rich, so please respect local customs when visiting. • The temperature difference between day and night in Shigatse is large, so it is recommended to bring enough warm clothing.

🚉Transportation guide: Depart from Lhasa: Lhasa Railway Station → Shigatse Railway Station → Shigatse Bus Station → Sakya County Depart from Shigatse: Shigatse Bus Station → Sakya County. Tickets cost CNY 60. The bus departs at 8:30 AM and arrives at around 11:00 AM. It is recommended to buy return tickets upon arrival in Sakya County. Minibuses may be sold out if you buy tickets too late. Return tickets also cost CNY 60. There are 2 larger hotels in the county. The main hall of Sakya South Monastery is closed from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM. It is recommended to rest during this time and visit in the afternoon.

The time to go to Sakya County is about four hours, and the scenery along the way is also very good. So when I arrived at Sakya Temple, it was near noon, and the light and shadow effect was not very good. I still need to wait and time to make a good photo. Sakya Temple is the ancestral temple of the Sakya faction of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism. It is famous for its long history, large scale, huge image and rich treasure. On the south side of the mountain, the temple is a complex of imitations of the ancient city of the Han Dynasty. The inner and outer walls are tall and sturdy, and have good defensive performance. In the Sakya period of unity of politics and religion, it is not only a temple, but also the seat of the core administrative body. From the ruins and ruins of the Sakya North Temple, which stretches for several kilometers, to the solemn and solemn Sakana Temple, you can think of the grandeur and glory of the year. The main body of the building symbolizes the red of Manjushri, the combination of the white of the Goddess of Mercy and the symbol of the Vajrapani bodhisattva. They represent the great sorrow, the great wisdom, and the greatness, so the Sakya faction has become a "flower teaching."