Karma Gon Monastery
ཀརྨ་དགོན་
The seat of the Karma Kagyu school, founded in 1185 by the first Karmapa. The main hall combines Tibetan, Han Chinese and Naxi architectural styles.
Karma Gon Monastery was founded around 1185 by Düsum Khyenpa, the first Karmapa. It is the mother monastery of the Karma Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism and lies in a valley in Gama Township, Karuo District. The main hall was built jointly by Tibetan, Han and Naxi craftsmen, and the eaves and bracket arms each show distinct features. Inside are a tall Maitreya statue, fine thangkas and metal sculptures. The monastery is a national key cultural relic protection site. It is about 120 km north of the city along the Zachu River, a mountain drive of about 3 hours. It is best to hire a car and make a day return trip.
Opening hours
Open daytime
Nearby sights
- Riwoche Monastery (Chagyelma Hall)
- Former Office of Chamdo People's Liberation Committee
- Jampaling Monastery
- Chamdo Museum
- Chamdo Tea Horse Square
- Lancang River Confluence (Dza Chu & Ngom Chu)
- Karuo Neolithic Site
- Zizhu Monastery