Serwu Mountain, a renowned sacred mountain in Southern Tibet, is located in Rabupu Township within Namling County of Shigatse (gzhis-ka-rtse), at an elevation of 4,500 meters. The Serwu Valley resembles the reproductive organs of Kongtrul Gyamtso Sangpo, surrounded by towering peaks and home to the Nyingma sect monastery, Serwu Monastery.
According to Tibetan historical records, Serwu Monastery was founded over 1,000 years ago by the master Chosnyer Lhandan (chos-snyr-lhan-dam). The monastery comprises a main scripture hall and nine Buddha halls, housing statues of the Lotus-born Guru and his disciples. It also includes the meditation cave of Kongtrul Gyamtso Sangpo. Annually, from the 22nd to the 23rd of the twelfth Tibetan month, the monastery conducts ritualistic dances and exorcism ceremonies.
Serwu Mountain features a “Dipilong” hot spring with water temperature at 79°C. Guru Padmasambhava practiced here for 13 years, and it is reputed to be one of Tibet’s 13 concealed valleys of esoteric treasures (yin face) and 8 concealed valleys of exoteric treasures (yang face). Hence, it holds deep significance as a sacred site in the hearts of Buddhists. Legend has it that merely hearing the name “Serwu Mountain” brings joy, and touching its soil, rocks, or trees wards off disasters and evil spirits.
Travel Tips:
- From Namling County town, travel 36 kilometers to Redang, accessible by car.
- From Redang, proceed over 30 kilometers to Serwu Mountain via village roads, accessible by horseback or hiking.
Serwu Mountain not only offers spiritual solace and cultural richness but also embodies the profound Buddhist heritage and natural beauty of the Tibetan plateau.
