Zizhu Monastery
孜珠寺
An ancient Yungdrung Bon monastery at about 4,800 m above sea level on Zizhu Mountain in Dengqen County, known as the “City in the Sky.”
Zizhu Monastery stands on Zizhu Mountain in Shagong Township, Dengqen County, at about 4,800 m. It is one of the highest monasteries in Tibet and one of the oldest and most important Yungdrung Bon monasteries. Its halls are built along the cliff tops of six rock peaks, and when clouds and mist roll in they seem to float in midair, which is why it is called the “City in the Sky.” It lies about 37 km from Dengqen County town. From the foot of the mountain to the top is roughly 11 km of winding gravel road, which becomes treacherously slippery in rain, so an off-road vehicle is recommended. The drive from Chamdo city to Dengqen takes about 5–6 hours, usually via the northern section of G317, and most people spend a night in Dengqen before climbing. Watch for altitude sickness, and do not take photos inside the halls.
Opening hours
Open daytime (subject to monastery schedule)
Nearby sights
- Riwoche Monastery (Chagyelma Hall)
- Karma Gon Monastery
- Former Office of Chamdo People's Liberation Committee
- Chamdo Museum
- Jampaling Monastery
- Lancang River Confluence (Dza Chu & Ngom Chu)
- Chamdo Tea Horse Square
- Karuo Neolithic Site