Pilgrim in Samye Monastery, southern Tibet

Two Tibetan pilgrims in traditional Tibetan costumes pose for photo in the Samye Monastery in Lhoka Prefecture, southern Tibet. The monastery was built in A.D.779, during the Khri-srong-lde-brtsan's reign, covering 9 hectares in all. The architecture epitomizes the ancient Han, Tibetan and Indian styles, with the ground floor built in Han style, the central floor in Tibetan style, and the top floor in Indian style.

Samye Monastery is the first monastery for the monks in Tibet. The magnificient and unique Central Hall is three story high. The first floor is of the Tibetan architectural style, the second the Han style and the third the Indian style. The halls in the monastery house many statues and murals. The monastery has bronze bells, carved marble lions and tablets marking the development of Buddhism. All these are valuable cultural relics.

Tibet- 11 Days Trekking Tour of Ganden Monastery to Samye Monastery is recommend from Chinayak.