Discover Jise (Gyise) Monastery in Mangkang County, a sacred Nyingma Buddhist site founded in 1538, home to a rare Tang Dynasty Shakyamuni Buddha, Ganden Chorten Stupas, and priceless Tibetan religious relics at 4,000 meters altitude.Read More
Hidden in the northeastern part of Mangkang County, within Zongxi Township, Nyigo Monastery (Hyin-mgo-dgon) rises quietly at an elevation of 4,250 meters. The name Nyigo means “Crown of the Sacred Mountain” in Tibetan, a fitting title for a monastery believed to be infused with deep spiritual power. Founded in the early 17th century, Nyigo Monastery...Read More
Unveiling the Great Sun Tathagata: The Cosmic Buddha of Illumination The Great Sun Tathagata is one of the most profound and revered figures in Vajrayana Buddhism, symbolizing ultimate enlightenment and infinite wisdom. Known in Tibetan as Nambar Nangze (རྣམ་པར་སྣང་མཛད) the Great Sun Tathagata refers to Mahavairocana Buddha, also widely called Vairocana Buddha. The title “Great...Read More
Hidden deep within the dramatic landscapes of Mangkang County, at the bottom of the stunning Zagu Si Gorge, lies the mysterious Langba Nampar Nangdzé Temple, also widely known as the Princess Wencheng Temple. Though modest in size—covering only about 350 square meters—this ancient temple holds immense historical, religious, and cultural value, making it one of...Read More
Located in Loni Village, Loni Township of Mangkang County, Loro Monastery (Blo-ra-dgon) stands as the most prominent Gelugpa (Yellow Sect) monastery in the region. With a history spanning more than four centuries, Loro Monastery is not only a vital religious institution but also a powerful symbol of the resilience and continuity of Tibetan Buddhism in...Read More
Nestled in Zongxi Township of Mangkang County, Sedeng Monastery—formally known as Sedeng Samdrub Chugling—stands as one of the most spiritually significant monasteries in eastern Tibet. Revered for its profound religious heritage, rare sacred relics, and living traditions, the monastery plays a vital role in preserving Tibetan Buddhist culture, rituals, and devotion. For pilgrims and travelers...Read More
A Rare Catholic Presence in Tibet Hidden deep within the dramatic landscapes of Mangkang County in eastern Tibet, the Yanjing Salt Well Catholic Church stands as a rare and remarkable symbol of faith. Officially known as the Church of Our Lady of the Salvation of the Christians, it is the only Catholic church of its...Read More
An Exquisite Land Between Two Great Rivers Mangkang Mountain, known in Tibetan as “smar-khams-sen,” meaning “Mountain of the Exquisite Land,” lies to the north of Mangkang County town in eastern Tibet. The mountain is also known by several other names, including Mangling, Bangla Ridge, and Ningjing Mountain, reflecting its wide geographical and cultural significance. Stretching...Read More
Located just 2 kilometers north of the Qudeng (Chorten) Township government in Mangkang (Markham) County, Balagezong Monastery (Balha Kar’dzong) is a quiet yet deeply meaningful spiritual site in eastern Tibet. Tucked away from busy travel routes, this centuries-old monastery offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience Tibetan Buddhist devotion in an intimate and peaceful setting....Read More
Mangkang County Along the Tea Horse Road: Culture, Nature, and Living Traditions Mangkang County, located in eastern Tibet, is a land where ancient history and dramatic landscapes come together. As an important stop along the legendary Tea Horse Road, Mangkang has long served as a cultural crossroads linking Tibet, Sichuan, and Yunnan. Today, the region...Read More
Overview of Mangkang (Markham) Yunnan Snub-Nosed Monkey National Nature Reserve The Mangkang Yunnan Snub-Nosed Monkey National Nature Reserve is one of Tibet’s most important wildlife conservation areas. Located in the Mangkang Mountain region of Mangkang (Markham) County, along the border between the Tibet Autonomous Region and northwest Yunnan. The reserve plays a vital role in...Read More
The Lancang River Gorge is one of the most breathtaking natural landscapes in eastern Tibet. Located in Druka Village of Rumei Town, in the western part of Mangkang County, this spectacular gorge marks a vital section of the upper reaches of the Lancang River. Surrounded by glaciers, snow-covered peaks, and steep mountain walls, the area...Read More
Hidden in the dramatic landscapes of eastern Tibet, Drakgo (Zhagu Xi) West Gorge is one of Mangkang (Markham) County’s most mysterious and spiritually rich natural sites. Located about 4 kilometers north of the area between Upper and Lower Yanjing, this deep canyon is locally known as “Jurong,” meaning “Twisted Valley” in Tibetan. The name reflects...Read More
Located along National Highway 318 in Mangkang (Markham) County, the Haitong Stone Forest is one of eastern Tibet’s most impressive karst landscapes. Just over 20 kilometers from Mangkang (Markham) county town, this natural wonder lies within a vast, forested region rich in wildlife, clear streams, and dramatic mountain scenery. Towering stone formations rise suddenly from...Read More
Hidden within the rugged landscape of Gato Town, Mangkang (Markham) County, the Tibetan Cliff Relief of Bodhisattvas is a remarkable example of early Tibetan Buddhist stone art. Carved directly into a massive rock face, this large-scale relief stands as both a spiritual monument and an important cultural relic in eastern Tibet. Quietly preserved by the...Read More
Nestled along the Sino-Tibetan Highway in Chozikha Township, Mangkang County, the Chuzikha Hot Springs (Quzika Hot Springs, 曲孜卡温泉) are one of Eastern Tibet’s most enchanting natural wonders. Known for their healing waters, dramatic mountain scenery, and deep-rooted legends, these hot springs offer a unique blend of wellness, culture, and travel experience in Tibet. With 108...Read More
Dingri Customs and Etiquette: Traditions at the Heart of Tibetan Life In the highland region of Dingri, Tibet, daily life is guided by customs that reflect deep respect for spirituality, community, and nature. Here, rituals and etiquette are not formal rules but living traditions passed down through generations. From welcoming guests to honoring the divine,...Read More
Dingri, located on the high plateau of Tibet, is a land where daily life closely follows the rhythms of nature and spiritual belief. Local festivals are not simply celebrations—they are rituals deeply connected to agriculture, protection, and harmony between humans and the land. Among these traditions, the Tibetan New Year and the Seyang Festival stand...Read More
A Living Folk Tradition from the Heart of Dingri Deep in the scenic landscapes of Dingri County, Shigatse, a vibrant folk tradition continues to thrive—Dingri Lho-gzhas (Lhoshey), widely known as the Rural Circle Dance of Tibet. This unique Tibetan folk dance is not just a performance; it is a living expression of history, emotion, and...Read More
The Majestic Landscapes of Mangkang County: A High-Altitude Wonderland in the Three Rivers Basin Mangkang (Markham) County lies deep within the dramatic canyon region of the Three Rivers Basin in eastern Tibet. With an average elevation of 4,317 meters above sea level, this remote county is defined by towering mountains, deep river valleys, and breathtaking...Read More