Rongwo Gön Chömpel Ling (Dolma Square),
The original buildings were constructed in 1301.
The monastery occupies 400 Mu (a traditional unit of area, currently called Shimu, equaling 0.0667 hectare or 1/6 acre. There are a total of 31 temples, 43 Labrangs (residence of a Lama) and 303 Trashak (monks’ residential compounds). In 2006 there were approximately 2300 monks in residence at Rongpo Gonchen. It sits on a man made plateau above the older section of Rongpo Gyakar on the west side of the valley and river with a grand view of the valley extending north. As with all monasteries (noted by the assembly hall) the local Tibetan Buddhist frequents the many temples on the grounds. The area of the town to the north has been built since 1950 and has a mixture of communist drab buildings and the newer more brightly colored apartments and businesses. The monastery is undergoing a massive reconstruction, some of which is a restoration, using traditional techniques, while the eastern section is being constructed to present a tourist friendly wall with shops,
A grand golden statue of 3 Buddhas in a large parking lot: this construction of the gold statues has brought many gold seekers picking up the gold filings on the ground below the statue. Just below the stone retaining wall of the plateau adjacent to the paved walkway leading to the older section of town is the remnants of a watch tower. The watch tower is constructed of the compacted earth; it features crenellations at the top and beveled openings for shooting arrows from all 4 sides.
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