Khangmar Monastery (also spelled Kongma Monastery) is located in Ganzi County of Garzê County, Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. Along with Beri Monastery and Dajin Monastery, it is one of the "Thirteen Huo’er Monasteries," though it is smaller in scale and less well-known. Its main attractions lie in its profound historical heritage and its prime location as an excellent viewing platform of the big mountains by the south including Kawalori and Gangga Range.
Khangmar Monastery has a history of over 800 years. According to legend, it was originally the largest Karma Kagyu monastery in the Kham region. After being destroyed by Mongol forces and subsequently rebuilt, it was converted to the Gelugpa sect, a tradition it has continued to the present day.
It is situated on a hillside south of Garzê County town, about a 10-plus-minute drive from the county seat, with a road that leads directly to the hilltop. This spot offers an unparalleled panoramic view of Garzê County town, with sweeping vistas of snow-capped peaks such as Kawalori and Zhuodala Mountain and Gangga mountains, as well as the meandering Yalong River below.
The main hall may only be open at certain times, so entry depends on luck, but the exquisite murals on the outer corridors are well worth seeing. From the concrete road beside the monastery, you can drive directly to the hilltop platform, which is an ideal spot for watching sunrise or sunset.
Khangmar Monastery Panoramic View over Ganzi Town
Waiting for Sunrise
Festival at Khangmar Monastery
Khangmar Monastery
Khangmar Monastery and kawalori
Recommended time of visit: 0.5h-2h
Ticket Information: Free of charge
Business Hour: all day
