Live Your Best Lives
Located in Gacha County, Tibet, China, Dabu Xiazhuling Monastery ("Xazhuling") means a place for teaching and practicing. In 1300, it was named Karma Xiazhuling Monastery. In 1669, it was officially renamed Dabu Xiazhuling Monastery. This made it famous as the ancestral temple of the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The temple venerates the deity "Nengren Wang" (Nengren Wang), and enshrines the guardian deities Jechen Karma Trilie and Jigme Tianmu.
Suitable for all seasons;
The plateau has a semi-arid monsoon climate, with a short, cool warm season and a long, cold cold season. The four seasons are distinct, with little precipitation. There is more night rain in the summer half of the year, and the rainfall is unevenly distributed.
It is recommended to play for 1-3 hours;
Nearby attractions: Ramna Co Sacred Lake, Jieluola Snow Mountain, and Nayu River Valley.
free
Open all day
Dabusha Drolling Monastery, located in Tibet's Shannan Prefecture, is a revered Tibetan Buddhist monastery. It holds significant spiritual importance and has been a center for religious study and practice for centuries. The monastery is known for its serene setting, ancient architecture, and its role in preserving Tibetan Buddhist traditions.
Dabusha Drolling Monastery is located in Shannan Prefecture, Tibet. To reach the monastery, you can travel to the nearest city, Lhasa, and then take a bus or hire a taxi to the monastery. The journey involves traveling through rural areas, so be prepared for long travel times and remote roads. Walking from the nearby towns is also possible, but it's a lengthy hike.
The monastery is open to visitors year-round. The best times to visit are during spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October), when the weather is mild. Avoid visiting in winter due to heavy snow and cold temperatures.
There is no formal entrance fee for visiting Dabusha Drolling Monastery. However, donations to support the monastery are appreciated. Special guided tours or access to certain areas may have fees, and these can be arranged on-site or through local tour operators.
Booking tickets in advance is generally not required for the monastery itself. However, if you plan to join a guided tour or visit during peak seasons, it’s advisable to book at least a few days in advance to ensure availability.
To explore Dabusha Drolling Monastery thoroughly, including its spiritual and cultural significance, allocate around 2 to 3 hours. If you're interested in hiking the surrounding areas, plan for a full day trip.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin and Tibetan. Some English-speaking guides may be available, especially for foreign tourists, but it's recommended to arrange them in advance through a local tour operator.
Begin with the main temple, where you can observe the Buddhist rituals. Then, explore the courtyards and prayer halls. Conclude with a walk around the monastery to enjoy the views and serenity of the surrounding nature.
Night visits are not available at Dabusha Drolling Monastery, and no light shows are held. However, special prayer ceremonies may be observed during religious festivals or important dates in the Tibetan Buddhist calendar.
The monastery is generally not crowded, especially compared to other tourist sites in Tibet. The least crowded times are during weekdays and outside of major religious festivals. Visiting during the winter months can also offer a quieter experience.
Basic facilities are available at the monastery, including toilets and a small rest area. There are no major shops or food facilities on-site, so it's recommended to bring your own water and snacks. There are some local vendors selling Tibetan handicrafts nearby.
The terrain around Dabusha Drolling Monastery is rugged, and the monastery itself is situated on higher ground, making it difficult for elderly or disabled visitors. However, children and those in good health will enjoy the visit, especially with some preparation for the walk.
Cash is the preferred payment method at the monastery, and mobile payments or credit cards are not commonly accepted in this remote area. It's advisable to carry Tibetan Yuan in cash.
There are no restaurants or cafes inside the monastery, but there are simple Tibetan eateries in the surrounding area where you can enjoy local dishes such as momo (dumplings), thukpa (noodle soup), and yak meat specialties.
Vegetarian and vegan food options are available in nearby eateries, especially dishes based on barley, vegetables, and tofu. Halal food options may be limited, but vegetarian dishes are commonly served in local restaurants.
There are no hotels directly at the monastery. However, nearby towns such as Tsedang offer various accommodations, ranging from budget guesthouses to mid-range hotels. These towns serve as a good base for day trips to the monastery.
Souvenir shops in nearby towns offer Tibetan crafts, such as prayer beads, yak wool clothing, Tibetan jewelry, and religious items like prayer wheels and thangkas (traditional Tibetan paintings).
