Dranang Monastery
About 48km east of Gongkar airport is the turn –off to the 11th-century Dranang Monastery. This small Sakyapa monastery of only 18 monks is of interest mainly to art specialists for its rare murals, which combines Indian and inner Asian styles. Bring a torch to see the murals. The assembly hall has central statues of Dorje Chang and the monastery’s founder, Drapa Ngonshe. Look for the interesting oracle costume and mirror wall.
A side protector chapel is accessed by steps outside and to the left of the main entrance. The chapel (whose central image is that of a yak’s head) has a passage at the back that leads to a rooftop chapel and kora.
To get to the monastery, walk 2km south from the highway, through the modern town of Dranang into the old town, until the road curves to the right. If you need ot spend the night, try the Zhuzhou hotel, a clean modern place at the junction with the main highway. The dorms are in spacious triples.
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