Zhaga Mountain
扎嘎神山
A Tibetan sacred mountain about 18 kilometres south of Lithang county town, half bare rock and half pine forest, with legends of the six-syllable mantra appearing on its cliffs, and a popular hiking spot near town.
Zhaga Sacred Mountain lies about 18 kilometres south of Lithang county town. Its main peak is about 4,135 metres above sea level. It is one of the five sacred mountains most revered by local Tibetans and is now a county-level nature reserve. One side of the mountain is a grey-brown limestone peak forest, bare and jagged, while the other side is covered with alpine pine forest and shrubs, creating a striking contrast. Legend says that the six-syllable mantra appears on the cliffs, and there are natural caves inside the mountain. Pilgrims and hikers often walk the pilgrimage paths around the foot of the mountain. It takes about 30 minutes by chartered car or self-drive from the county town, making it suitable for a half-day hike, and it can be paired with the Wuliang River Valley and Maoya Grassland. Admission and opening conditions depend on the site.
Tips: the altitude is above 4,000 metres, so walk slowly and bring sun protection, warm clothing and water. Respect local sacred mountain customs by circling clockwise, and do not climb or carve on the rocks.
Opening hours
All day (visit during daytime)
Nearby sights
- Wuliang River Valley
- Tsangyang Gyatso Museum
- Lithang Old Town & Thousand-Household Tibetan Village
- Litang Monastery (Lithang Gompa)
- Litang
- Maoya Grassland
- Tu'er Mountain
- Kazila Mountain Pass