As the two resident monks explain, this Nyingmapa (Red Hat) sect monastery was founded in the 14th century when local monk Chu visited Lhasa's Jokhang Temple with no offering in hand. Proffering his shoes – the only item he could spare – Shakyamuni appeared in a vision and instructed Chu to return to the Kongpo and build a monastery honouring the deity. It's worth a stop on the way to the trailhead of the Bönri kora, around 5km before the turn-off at Miru village.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
11.66 MILES
The centerpiece of a large walled complex, the colourful Lamaling Temple is a rare example of the Zangtok Pelri style of building. This style, which…
4.21 MILES
Bönri is the Bön religion’s most sacred mountain, a sprawling massif where Bön founder Tonpa Shenrab fought and defeated his arch rival Khyabpa Lagring,…
3.46 MILES
This small Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) sect monastery with a stunning hilltop location was founded in the 17th century as a branch of Drepung Monastery. It was…
9.1 MILES
This small, golden-roofed Bön monastery was rebuilt in 2008 after being gutted in a fire. It’s home to eight monks and is famous for a 2000-year-old…
9.79 MILES
This small Gelugpa monastery dates from the 7th century, when it was built at the command of King Songtsen Gampo as one of the demoness-subduing temples;…
14.33 MILES
Two kilometres southeast of Bayi a stand of ancient cypress trees dot a steep but inviting hillside. The most venerable cypress is a reported 2500 years…
Nearby Eastern Tibet attractions
3.46 MILES
This small Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) sect monastery with a stunning hilltop location was founded in the 17th century as a branch of Drepung Monastery. It was…
4.21 MILES
Bönri is the Bön religion’s most sacred mountain, a sprawling massif where Bön founder Tonpa Shenrab fought and defeated his arch rival Khyabpa Lagring,…
9.1 MILES
This small, golden-roofed Bön monastery was rebuilt in 2008 after being gutted in a fire. It’s home to eight monks and is famous for a 2000-year-old…
9.79 MILES
This small Gelugpa monastery dates from the 7th century, when it was built at the command of King Songtsen Gampo as one of the demoness-subduing temples;…
11.66 MILES
The centerpiece of a large walled complex, the colourful Lamaling Temple is a rare example of the Zangtok Pelri style of building. This style, which…
14.33 MILES
Two kilometres southeast of Bayi a stand of ancient cypress trees dot a steep but inviting hillside. The most venerable cypress is a reported 2500 years…