Travel with us on the Tibetan Plateau
Travel with us on the Tibetan Plateau
Travel with us on the Tibetan Plateau
Basic Information Local Tibetan name: འབིས་རྣམ་པར་སྣང་མཛད། Location: Bainagou Valley, 22–25 km southeast of Jiegu Town (downtown Yushu), Qinghai Elevation: 3,700 m Status: National Key Cultural Relic Protection Site, core site of Lebagou 3A scenic zone, iconic heritage on the ancient […]
Basic Profile Gyanak Mani (嘉那玛尼) sits in Xinzhai Village, 3 km east of downtown Yushu City, Qinghai, elevation around 3,600 m. It is certified by Guinness World Records as the world’s largest Mani stone mound, also a Major Historical and […]
Amnye Machen (also spelled Anyi Machen, Amne Machin) is a legendary sacred mountain range in Golog Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province, lying on the eastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Revered as one of the Four Great Sacred Mountains of Tibetan Buddhism and a paramount protector deity in Amdo Tibetan culture, it combines towering snow peaks, vast alpine grasslands, profound religious traditions and pristine wilderness.
Horpo Valley, in Pelyül County, Sichuan, is a hidden gem of eastern Kham. Home to Katok Monastery (1159), one of Nyingma Buddhism’s most sacred sites, it’s a global center for Dzogchen practice. The valley is famed for hand-forged Tibetan knives and metal crafts, set amid dramatic alpine scenery—forests, glacial streams, and snow peaks. Remote and unspoiled, it pairs perfectly with Dzongsar and Dopu Valley for an authentic Tibetan cultural and trekking journey.
Dzongsar Monastery and Dopu Valley sit in the remote Kham region of Sichuan. The ancient monastery thrives as a major Buddhist learning centre, while the nearby Dopu Valley features stunning unspoiled landscapes, clear streams and towering snow mountains. Easy hiking trails wind through the valley. With elevations between 3500m and 4500m, the area draws visitors for its serene scenery, rich religious heritage and peaceful off-the-beaten-path atmosphere.
Dalong Monastery (Taglung/Taklung Gompa), Jigdril (Jigdil) Location: Jigdril County (Golog Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province, China), on the southern outskirts of Jigdril Town, at an altitude of about 3,600 meters.Affiliation: Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism; a major branch monastery of […]
Ngawa Gomang Monastery, also known as Gemo Si, is a prominent Gelugpa site 13 km northwest of Ngawa County. Founded in 1790 as a branch of Labrang Monastery, it now houses around 600 monks. Its famed Faxi Courtyard holds Guinness records, featuring China’s tallest indoor Maitreya Buddha. The 35-metre Bodhi Stupa preserves precious relics. As a key spiritual and academic hub, it hosts traditional festivals and inherits profound Tibetan Buddhist culture.
Ngawa Kirti Monastery (Kirti Gompa) is the largest Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) monastery in Ngawa County, Sichuan, at 3,300 m altitude. Founded in 1472 by Tsongkhapa’s disciple Rongpa Chenakpa, it was rebuilt in 1870. The 18,000 m² complex houses 2,000–2,500 monks and 14 living Buddhas. Its iconic 30 m white Dudul Chorten stupa and grand assembly hall define the skyline. A key spiritual and learning hub, it oversees 30–40 branch monasteries and hosts major festivals like Monlam.
Tso Monastery, officially Geden Choeling, is a historic Gelug site in Hezuo. Founded in 1673, it features traditional Tibetan architecture and a serene prayer hall. Its greatest highlight is the nine‑storey Milarepa Pagoda, a rare shrine dedicated to the revered ascetic master Milarepa. Built in 1777 and later reconstructed, the 40‑metre pagoda houses over 1,700 statues and fine murals. Please keep quiet, walk clockwise and refrain from taking photos inside the pagoda out of respect for local faith.
Basic Profile Official Tibetan full name：Gaden Dhondupling（Dondupling = phonetic spelling）；Chinese：噶丹东竹林寺 Location: Shusong Village, Benzilan Town, Deqin County, Diqing Prefecture, Northwest Yunnan, beside China National Highway G214; altitude 2,850–3,000 m, nested between Baima Snow Mountain & Jinsha River valley Sect: Gelug […]