Banchan Valley

Banchan Valley

Located right next to National Highway 217 at an altitude of 2,280 meters, Gongnaisi Valley—known in Mongolian as Gongnaisi Golog, meaning "Green Valley"—features crisscrossing ravines and rivers, brimming with vibrant life.

On July 16, 1984, Panchen Erdini Qoigyijabu, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, visited the area and was struck by its picturesque scenery and exceptional beauty. In particular, he noticed four large pine trees growing from a single base, their branches lush and unusually grand, and chose to rest beneath them. As the Panchen Lama admired the surroundings—lush forests, birdsong, floral fragrances, murmuring streams, and slopes dotted with cattle and sheep—he felt deeply moved by the serene and pleasing landscape. Filled with spiritual joy, he stayed to chant scriptures and offer blessings for the local people late into the night.

To commemorate the Panchen Lama permanently, local Mongolian herders renamed the valley Banchan Valley. The cluster of large pine trees was also renamed from the original "Haralsala" to "Bogda Haralsala," meaning "the great pine tree where the Living Buddha rested." Today, these pine trees are revered as "sacred trees" by the local Mongolian herding community. After the Panchen Lama’s passing, the herders erected a memorial monument here and began holding worship ceremonies. As a result, Banchan Valley has become a sacred land forever blessed by the presence of the Buddha, and one of the most spiritually aspiration-filled tourist destinations for travelers.