The twin Palm Trees of Gasey Shali Pangkha

Shali Pangkha Monastery

Close look of palm trees

With Shali Lam Thinley

Built in the 14th century, for the folks of Gaselo, Shali Pangkha monastery which houses the local deity, Gasey Bumrip, is the one locally worshipped for protection, success and bountiful harvest. This monastery was built by Khenchen Sonam Rinchen, the disciple of Khenchen Chokyi Gyeltshen and Drubchog Dhoedhoel Dorji, the two main disciples of the 18th Je Khenpo, Jamyang Gyeltshen (1797 – 1803). 

While I’ve some information in stock to elaborate on its history - what amazes me the most is, these twin palm trees which you can see in the picture above. These trees were there for a very long time and no one knows if the trees were as old as the old monastery itself (one in the picture is the new monastery). Who could have planted the trees at that height in pair and how was it possible to transport the saplings, undead, till that height in those days? Lhakhang is located at some 8500 ft above the sea level and during winter, it frequently receives snowfall. Blue pines are abundant in the area to understand the surrounding vegetation. Yet, these otherwise lowland coastal trees have survived the altitude in an amazing pair.