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Visit Garila Temple to explore its peaceful environment and religious significance. You can also enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding mountains, meditate in the temple's courtyard, and experience the local culture and spirituality. A hike around the temple area offers a serene escape from the city.
Garila Temple is located 111 kilometers northwest of Qiabuqia Town, 2 kilometers south of Shinaihai Township, on the southwest shore of Qinghai Lake in the Qieji winter pasture of Garila. The temple was originally located in Quzou, now Nihoumai, 9 kilometers west of Shinaihai Township.
Gonghe County has extremely rich solar energy resources due to its high altitude, thin air, dryness, few clouds, clean air, bright sunshine and abundant sunshine.
1-3 hours
free
08:30-17:30
Garila Temple is an ancient Tibetan Buddhist temple known for its spiritual importance in the region. It holds a rich history as a place of worship and meditation, attracting both pilgrims and tourists alike for its serene atmosphere and scenic location in Qinghai.
Garila Temple is located in Qinghai, China. The temple can be accessed by taxi from the nearest city center. Public transport options are limited, so taking a taxi or private vehicle is recommended. There are also scenic walking paths leading up to the temple.
Garila Temple is open daily, typically from early morning to late afternoon. The best times to visit are in the morning or late afternoon, when the weather is cooler and the temple is less crowded. Spring and autumn are ideal for visiting due to pleasant weather.
The entrance fee is usually around 20-30 CNY per person. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the temple entrance. It’s not necessary to buy tickets online, as the temple is a popular local attraction.
It is not necessary to book tickets in advance for Garila Temple. However, during peak tourist seasons or local festivals, it may be advisable to check availability in advance, especially if traveling in a group.
You will need approximately 1-2 hours to explore the temple, depending on how long you wish to spend meditating or walking around the grounds. If you plan to hike nearby areas or visit other temples in the vicinity, you might want to allocate a half-day for your visit.
The main highlight is the temple itself, including its prayer halls and Buddha statues. The surrounding natural beauty, including the view of the mountains and the peaceful courtyard, also offers a calming experience for visitors.
Guided tours may be available, especially for groups, and are usually offered in Mandarin. English-speaking guides might be available with prior arrangements, though they are not commonly on-site. Audio guides are not typically offered.
The best photography spots include the main temple building, the surrounding mountainous landscape, and the temple’s inner courtyard. The view from the temple steps offers a stunning panoramic view of the area.
Start by visiting the main prayer hall, then stroll through the temple grounds to explore the Buddha statues and nearby spiritual areas. If time permits, hike the nearby mountain paths to enjoy additional scenic views.
Night visits and light shows are not available at Garila Temple. However, you may find some special religious ceremonies or festivals that take place during specific times of the year.
Garila Temple can get crowded during weekends and public holidays. For a quieter experience, visit early in the morning or on weekdays, especially outside peak travel seasons like summer and national holidays.
Basic facilities like toilets and water stations are available. There are no full-scale restaurants, but small food stalls offering simple snacks are located nearby. Rest areas are available for visitors to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Garila Temple may present some challenges for elderly or disabled visitors due to its mountainous location and uneven paths. The temple itself is accessible, but visitors with mobility issues may find it difficult to explore the full area.
Cash is still accepted, but mobile payment methods such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are commonly used. Credit card acceptance may be limited, especially in small shops and food stalls.
There are no major restaurants inside the temple grounds. However, small local eateries serving Tibetan and Chinese cuisine can be found nearby. Simple meals like noodle soups and dumplings are common.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in the local eateries, especially Tibetan-style vegetarian dishes. Halal food may be limited but could be found in certain parts of Qinghai, especially in the city centers.
There are several budget and mid-range hotels in the nearby town. Most accommodations are simple, but there are also a few guesthouses offering traditional Tibetan-style rooms.
Nearby attractions include the Qinghai Lake, a famous natural landmark, and the Ta’er Monastery. These can be visited together with Garila Temple in a full-day trip.
There are small souvenir shops near the temple selling Tibetan handicrafts such as prayer beads, small Buddha statues, and traditional textiles like scarves and rugs.
After visiting Garila Temple, you can continue your journey by taking a taxi to nearby attractions like Qinghai Lake or Ta’er Monastery. Buses and private vehicles are also available for traveling to these places.
