Return to China -- Part 31, Songzan Temple

Our first destination in Shangri La was the Ganden Sumtseling Lamasery perched on a hill just outside the old town. The lamasery dates from the seventeenth century when it was built in accordance with a revelation by the fifth Dalai Lama. It was almost completely destroyed in the Cultural Revolution, but has been completely rebuilt in recent decades. The presence of construction cranes shows that restoration still continues.

Housing on the hill below the lamasery.

The lamasery, perched on the hilltop dominating the region. 

The entrance to the compound.

Inside the entrance -- more stairs, lots of them, and we are at 11,000 feet elevation.

Climbing the stairs.

The view from the top. For the heart of paradise this seems pretty bleak and barren.

The city of Shangri-la at the foot of the hill.

Rooftops. One of the members of our group was a building contractor. He saw these and laughed.

The entrance to the main building of the lamasery. They didn't allow pictures inside so this was the best I could do.

A prayer wheel. 

Wall paintings.

Architectural details

Locals.

Then it was back on the bus and back to town.