Sakya Monastery

(Local Name: Sajia Si) Sakya Monastery stands 150km/93mi southwest of Xigaze. The Tibetan word ''sakya'' means ''grayish earth'', referring to the color of the soil in this region. The monastery was the center of the Sakyapa sect. Its abbots were both the religious and secular heads of Sakya and owners of large estates. The last incumbent was obliged to seek asylum in India in 1959.

The whole monastery complex consists of two sections 500m/1500ft apart - the North Monastery dating from 1073 and the South Monastery built in 1268. The huge Assembly Hall or Tsuglagkhang in the South Monastery - it is 10m/33ft high and covers an area of 5500sq.m/59,000sq.ft - can accommodate 10,000 people. The roof is