Ganzi (Kandze) at 3,580m is a large provincial town set on a high grass plateau, alongside Yalong river. This traditionally small town has boomed in the recent years but has maintained its character, much due to the Khampa nomads who come here for all their shopping needs. The valley heading into town from the NW is quite stunning for its scenery and plethora of gompas.
In the 17 century, the Mongol forces of Gushri Khan swarmed into the valley, converting the residents by force into Gelukpa order. Mongols intermarried with the local populace, from which time on the inhabitants have been known as the Trehor Khampas.
The monasteries in and around town have belonged to the Gelukpa school ever since Mongol troops forcibly converted them. Kandzê Gompa dominating the north end of town, built by the Mongols in 1642 on the hilltop overlooking their castles of Mazur and Khangsar (both of which now lie in ruins) is the largest and most important. The monastery offers a good skyline view of Ganzi.
Behind Kandzê Gompa is a new nunnery established recently. In the southeast of town, Den Gompa is an important protector temple that survived much of events during the cultural revolution, as it was used as granary.
Dargye Gompa, north of town, was once the most important of the '13 Hor monasteries, that has been recently done up with some fine interior painting.