Neche Goshog Monastery


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 juniper tree that is sacred to Bönpos (the name Neche Goshog translates roughly to 'Gate of the Juniper Tree'). The modern temple, dating to 1981, is built on the site of a 500-year-old chapel that was destroyed in a fire. It's about 17km east of Bayi, on your right just before you reach Nyingtri.

The temple's manicured courtyard includes a small side shrine dedicated to the Bön founder Tonpa Shenrab.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Cypress Park

5.23 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…

2. Buchu Temple

5.39 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;…

3. Bönri

7.51 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,…

4. Lamaling Temple

9.05 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…

5. Chucho Monastery

9.1 MILES

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…

6. Demo Monastery

10.77 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…

7. Kading Valley Scenic Area

22.1 MILES

This small forested park contains a 200m-high waterfall. It's a beautiful, fresh area for an hour-long break. Note that, while the Chinese have built…