Litang Gonchen crowns the high hills of 4,000m Litang, the paramount Gelug sanctuary of southern Kham built in 1580 by the Third Dalai Lama. Nicknamed the middle pillar of Tibetan monasticism between Lhasa and Amdo, its gilded roofs and deep red ramparts overlook vast Maoya Grassland and the highland “Sky City” below. Pilgrims circle its outer kora, watch monks’ lively afternoon scripture debates, and venerate preserved Dalai Lama footprints and antique sacred art inside the main hall, making it Litang’s beating spiritual heart.
