An eight-hour drive from Lhasa, Gyantse is one of the most authentic towns in Tibet, and little-touched by Chinese influences. In the twentieth century, Gyantse, due to its location, was the site of a series of bloody battles between invading British forces and the Tibetan defenders; later, the town suffered serious devastation during the Cultural Revolution, when monks were persecuted and the prominent Pelkhor Chode Monastery was damaged.
Despite the turmoil it has faced, however, Gyantse today has retained much of its Tibetan heritage, and has recently gained attention from curious travelers seeking to experience Tibet at its most authentic. Highlights include the landmark Yamdrok Tso, a scenic lake that is among the four holy lakes of Tibet; Gyantse Dzong, a large fort overlooking the town; and the Pelkhor Chode Monastery.