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Toling Monastery is located on the banks of the Xiangquan River northwest of Zanda County, Ali Prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region, southwest China. It was built in the Northern Song Dynasty and is the first Buddhist temple built in Ali Prefecture by the Guge Kingdom (10th to 17th century AD).
Toling, which means "flying in the sky and never falling" in Tibetan, and Toling Monastery, which means "flying temple," consists of three parts: the main hall, the monks' quarters, and the pagoda forest. Its style is a fusion of Indian, Nepalese, and Tibetan characteristics.
The Toling Pagoda Forest is located on the banks of the Xiangquan River. It boasts over 200 pagodas of varying sizes, with neatly arranged walls on either side, each consisting of 108 smaller pagodas. It is said that each pagoda contains a prayer bead from Rinchen Sangpo.
The stories of famous missions such as Yeshe Wo, Atisha, and Rinchen Sangpo all unfolded against the backdrop of Tholing Monastery. In its original state, the monastery consisted of the Gyasa Hall, the White Hall, the Hall of the Eighteen Arhats, the Hall of the Maitreya Buddha, the Hall of the Protector Atisha, the Hall of the Translator Rinchen Sangpo, numerous monks' quarters, and a forest of pagodas. Today, the remaining broken walls and pagodas reveal little of its original scale and layout.
Suitable for all seasons
Recommended play time: 1-3 hours
The ticket price is 50 yuan per person, but you don’t need to buy a ticket if you don’t enter the main hall.
8:00-19:00
Toling Monastery is a significant Tibetan Buddhist site, historically tied to the Gelug school. It has served as a center for religious study, meditation, and cultural preservation for centuries, representing Tibetan spirituality and traditional architecture.
The monastery is located in the Tibet Autonomous Region. Visitors usually travel from Lhasa by road using private vehicles or tour buses. There is no metro system; walking is used to explore the monastery grounds.
Toling Monastery is generally open daily from early morning to late afternoon (around 8:00–17:00). The best visiting season is from May to October when the weather is milder and roads are accessible.
There is usually a small entrance fee paid offline at the monastery entrance. Tickets are not typically available online.
Advanced booking is generally not required for entry, but arranging transportation or guided tours a few days in advance is recommended due to the remote location.
Approximately 2–3 hours are sufficient to explore the monastery, including time for walking, photography, and observing ceremonies.
Guided tours can be arranged through local operators, usually in Mandarin and sometimes English. Audio guides are not commonly available.
Enter through the main gate, visit the central prayer hall first, explore surrounding courtyards and side halls, then walk to elevated viewpoints outside for scenic photography.
Night visits and light shows are not offered. Special tours may include observing morning prayers or cultural events arranged by local guides.
The monastery is relatively peaceful and rarely crowded. Weekdays and the shoulder season (May–June, September) offer the quietest visits.
Facilities are limited. Basic toilets may be available, but visitors should bring water, snacks, and plan for minimal rest areas. Shops are rare.
Access may be challenging due to stairs and uneven terrain. Children can visit with supervision; elderly and disabled visitors should exercise caution and may need assistance.
Cash is preferred for entrance fees or local services. Card and mobile payments are not commonly accepted.
Restaurants and cafes are minimal. Small eateries in nearby villages may offer basic meals; bringing your own food is recommended.
Options are limited. Travelers with dietary restrictions should plan ahead.
Accommodations are limited to small guesthouses or lodges in nearby towns or villages. Booking in advance is advised.
Nearby monasteries, Tibetan villages, and highland landscapes can be visited in a combined day trip.
Souvenir shops are scarce. Typical items include Tibetan handicrafts, prayer flags, and small religious artifacts from local villages.
Travel back via private vehicle or guided tour transport to Lhasa or other Tibetan towns. Roads are the primary access method.
