Great Kumbum Stupa, Gyantse

Completed around 1427 the stupa is 35 metres in height, octagonal in shape, with a 9 storey terraced exterior, 75 chapels, 108 gates and surpurb wall paintings that simply take your breath away. The Kumbum is one of Tibets most outstanding and sacred places.

The stupa forms a giant mandala, the murals (some of which are 15 century and still in tact) forming a 3D hierarchy covering the entire spiritual path including all the tantras.