Dola Gompa Monastery Eastern Tibet

Today the Nyingmapa school Dola Gompa Monastery is home to 32 monks and nuns. The older lower chapel dates to the 9th century, but was undergoing a complete renovation when we visited. The area is surrounded by chörtens and ancient yak-hide prayer wheels, and is a great place to meet local pilgrims. A popular kora (pilgrim circuit) leads up the mountainside to a plateau and then descends west to Pasho town, with fine views of the arid valley. The leisurely half-day kora is chock-a-block with jovial pilgrims during the Saga Dawa festival. The monastery is located about 4km east of Pasho, directly beside the main highway.