Views of the Kumbum Stupa

The Kumbum stupa, in Gyantse, southwest of Lhasa, is one of the most extraordinary temples in the world. A living, architectural mandala, its nine levels in classic stupa or pagoda style rise in the manner of a step pyramid. Built into each level are dozens of chapels which the pilgrim visits while climbing up each level of the temple in a clockwise (circumambulation) fashion.