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Visiting the Gesar Relics offers a fascinating glimpse into the culture and history of the Tibetan people. Recommended activities include exploring the ancient Tibetan cultural sites, learning about the legendary King Gesar through local stories and artifacts, and visiting nearby monasteries that are steeped in history. The site is also great for photography, offering stunning views of the Tibetan plateau.
The Gesar ruins are located in Dana Temple in Maiqu Village, Jinisai Township, Nangqian County. "Gesar" is an ancient and mysterious cultural phenomenon. After more than a thousand years of refinement, it has formed the unparalleled "Gesar" epic with its unique divine form.
The people of Zhiduo County claim to be the hometown of Zhumu, the heroine of "Gesar" and the peerless beauty. Relics and stories about Gesar are scattered throughout the mountains and rivers of Zhiduo, such as the "Gesar grindstone", "Gesar horse hoof prints", "Zhumu horse pen", "legendary natural stone bridge", "sheep hoof prints, dog paw prints and human footprints on the stone bridge rocks", as if telling the world the stories that once happened here.
Every year, many believers visit Dana Temple to pay homage. Besides their devout religious beliefs, reverence for the hero is another reason they brave the hardships of the journey. Many of the scenes described in "Gesar" can be verified in reality. Important sites, such as Gesar's birthplace and the place where he won his title at the horse race, have specific locations in real life. These relics allow people to clearly depict the trajectory of Gesar's life.
Continental plateau climate;
Suitable for all seasons
It is recommended to visit for 1 to 2 hours
free
All day
The Gesar Relics are linked to King Gesar, one of the most revered figures in Tibetan mythology. According to legend, Gesar was a warrior king who led his people to victory in a series of epic battles. The relics found in this area are believed to hold important cultural, historical, and spiritual significance, shedding light on the ancient Tibetan kingdoms and their customs.
The Gesar Relics are located in the remote region of Qinghai, near the town of Jiegu in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. The best way to reach the site is by taxi or private vehicle from Yushu or from the nearest airport, Yushu Batang Airport. There are no metro systems in the area, and public buses can be limited.
The Gesar Relics site is open year-round. However, the best times to visit are from May to October, when the weather is milder, and the landscape is more accessible. The winter months can be harsh, with heavy snowfall and cold temperatures.
The entrance fee for the Gesar Relics site is typically modest, though prices may vary depending on the tour operator or specific attractions within the site. Tickets are usually available for purchase on-site, and in some cases, online booking is available through local tour operators or websites.
Booking tickets in advance is not usually required for general visits, but it is recommended during peak tourist seasons or if you plan to join a guided tour. Booking a few days in advance is advisable for a more seamless experience.
To fully explore the Gesar Relics, visitors typically spend 2-3 hours, depending on their interest in the local history and the surrounding area. If you're interested in trekking or exploring nearby monasteries, consider spending a half-day or more.
The must-see highlights include the Gesar rock carvings, ancient ruins, and artifacts linked to the legendary king. The surrounding natural landscape, including the Tibetan plateau, offers stunning views and is worth exploring as well.
Guided tours are available at the Gesar Relics site, with guides speaking Mandarin and possibly some English. Audio guides in English may be available in certain areas, but this varies depending on the season and demand.
The best viewpoints are at the top of the hill overlooking the relics, where you can capture both the relics and the surrounding Tibetan landscape. The ruins and rock carvings themselves also provide excellent photography opportunities, especially at sunrise or sunset.
It is recommended to start at the main entrance, explore the relics and rock carvings, and then take a short walk around the surrounding area for panoramic views. If you have extra time, visiting nearby monasteries or engaging with local Tibetan communities will deepen your experience.
Night visits and light shows are not typically available at the Gesar Relics site, as it is a peaceful and remote location. However, special tours may be available during Tibetan festivals, offering a unique cultural experience.
The site is not usually crowded due to its remote location. The least crowded times to visit are during weekdays and outside of the peak travel season, which is typically during the summer months (July and August) and Tibetan New Year (winter).
Basic facilities such as toilets and rest areas are available at the site. There are limited food options, mostly offering local snacks and drinks. Shops selling traditional Tibetan crafts and souvenirs can also be found near the site.
The terrain around the Gesar Relics site can be uneven, and the area may not be suitable for visitors with mobility challenges. Elderly or disabled visitors may require assistance to navigate certain parts of the site, though the town of Jiegu is relatively accessible.
Cash is the preferred method of payment, though mobile payments (such as WeChat Pay or Alipay) may be accepted in some areas. Credit cards are generally not accepted in the area, so it is advisable to carry cash.
Nearby restaurants offer traditional Tibetan cuisine, including dishes like momo (dumplings), yak meat, and barley-based dishes. There are a few simple cafes where visitors can relax and enjoy local food.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in some local restaurants, as Tibetan cuisine includes a variety of vegetable-based dishes. Halal food options may be available, especially in areas frequented by Muslim visitors.
There are several guesthouses and small hotels in Jiegu Town, which is about a short drive away from the Gesar Relics. For a more immersive experience, visitors can also stay in local Tibetan-style homestays.
Nearby attractions include the Lhagang Monastery, which is a significant religious site, and the Yushu Tibetan Cultural Museum. Both can be easily visited in a day trip from the Gesar Relics site.
Souvenir shops near the Gesar Relics sell traditional Tibetan crafts such as thangka paintings, prayer wheels, jewelry, and woolen textiles. These make for unique gifts and mementos of your visit.
After visiting the Gesar Relics, you can continue your journey by taxi or private vehicle. For those traveling further into Qinghai or Tibet, buses are available, though schedules may be limited in remote areas.
