Ganden just 60km northeast of Lhasa, was the first Gelugpa Monastery and had been the main seat of this major Buddhist order ever since. With its stupendous views of the surrounding Kyi-Chu valley and fascinating kora, Ganden is an experience unlike the other major Gelugpa monasteries in Lhasa area. The monastery was founded in 1409 by Tsongkhapa, the founder of Gelugpa. Ganden means 'joyous' in Tibetan and is the name of the Western Paradise' that is home to Jampa, the Future Buddha.

Ganden Kora is a simply stunning walk and should not be missed. There are superb views over strands of the braided Kyi-Chu Valley along the way and there are usually large numbers of pilgrims and monks offering prayers, rubbing holy rocks and prostrating themselves along the path.

To visit Ganden Monastery costs 45RMB per person. Early morning around 6:30am, there is one pilgrim bus to Ganden, it takes about 2 hours. Or you can rent a minivan.