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Gyantse Horse Race Festival falls on the 10th of July in 2018. Originated from the 15th century, the festival takes place when the pasture turns green and lush. Hundreds of horsemen dress up themselves and their horses to take part in thrilling horse racing.
The annual horse racing festival is held on the fourth lunar month of the Tibetan calendar. Legend says that this festival was initiated by the Gyantse Prince Gungsang Rabten in living memory of his father. At the beginning it was mainly a religious ceremony with few entertainments. Later on it was added horse racing, archery, wrestling and shooting. Currently, there are also Tibetan Opera, music and dancing, track and field, and ball games. Along with this, there is a swap meet and an open market to buy authentic Tibetan crafts and a picnic where you can enjoy Tibetan food with hospitable local Tibetans.
Gyantse is situated in a valley between high mountains, about 245 kilometers southwest of Lhasa. Compared to the rest of Tibet, it preserves a more of traditional way of life as Gyantse has managed to hang onto its small-town charm and laid-back atmosphere. There’s plenty of attractions to see in and near Gyantse, like Yamdrok Lake, Gyantse Dzong and Palkhor Monastery on the northern side of Gyantse.
Yamdrok Lake
Yamdrok Lake is located by the road from Lhasa to Gyantse. It is one of the three holy lakes in Tibet and is a sacred place for Tibetans. Some Tibetan Buddhists circle the lake on horses once a year. They believe that it is an alternative to the pilgrimage to Lhasa. According to Tibetan mythology, Yamdok Lake is the transformation of a goddess.
Gyantse Dzong
Gyantse Dzong (fortress) is one of the best preserved dzongs in Tibet, lies high above the town of Gyantse. Gyantse is often called the “Hero City” by local people, because of the determined resistance of the Tibetans against the British invasion to Tibet of 1903 and 1904. The fort is still largely in ruins but a new exhibition center has been built that houses an Anti-British Imperialists museum. It is a steep climb to the top of the fort but the views are well worth it.
Palkhor Monastery
The Palkhor Monastery is the main monastery in Gyantse. It is a fusion of Han, Tibetan and Nepali architecture so it’s very different from other monasteries with its unique structure. Pelkhor Monastery boasts one of Tibet's two intact examples of a Kumbum Stupa. As you ascend the levels of the structure you may enter many small rooms or chapels in which wonderful statues and paintings are stored.
Gyantse is an enchanting town in Tibet if you favor exploring little-visited nearby monasteries or wandering the town's charming back streets.
Tibet Tour:
7 Days Lhasa-Mount Everest-Kathmandu Group Tour