Galong Monastery

Located at the foot of the Galongla Snow Mountain in Dege County, Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Galong Monastery sits near a small village. Though it is a local, relatively minor temple—naturally not as bustling as famous larger ones—it possesses a unique charm in its modesty.In the border area between Bomi and Medog in Nyingchi, the average elevation exceeds 4,800 meters, where a majestic snow mountain rises into the sky. Known as the Galongla Snow Mountain, its ridged zones are home to the mysterious Xiangliedagu Glacier—one to the east and one to the west, both shrouded in great mystery. The towering snow mountain blocks the warm, moist air currents from the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon in the south, while also preventing the cold air from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau from moving downward.

This unique geographical area creates a special climate environment, where it’s either snowy or rainy, and clear days are rare. As a result, the mountain passes here are regarded as otherworldly and mystical.

Above the tree line on the slopes lie snow mountains and glaciers, while the valley basin at the mountain’s base features wetlands, meadows, and fields of flowers. Herds of yaks graze leisurely here, and the solemn Galong Monastery watches over this pristine land.