Qonggogye Monastery, located in Cuijiu Township, was built in 1509 by the Second Dalai Lama, Gendun Gyatso. It gradually became his summer and autumn residence, thus becoming one of the holy sites of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. The original structure was simply a five-story tsuglagkhang (monastic hall) with 58 pillars and a golden roof. During the time of the Fifth Dalai Lama, Desi Sangye Gyatso expanded the monastery, creating a complex covering nearly 4,000 square meters. Outside the monastery stands a stele inscribed with the "Chronicle of Qonggogye Monastery," and a stone bearing the footprint of the Third Dalai Lama. In the grass outside the monastery's back gate lies a buried stone slab, highly revered by pilgrims; it is said that gazing upon this stone will reveal images that grant one's wishes. Qonggogye Monastery is situated on the main road to the sacred lake and offers lodging.
