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Qamdo Jampa Ling Monastery, located at the confluence of the Angqu and Zaqu rivers in Qamdo Town, majestically rests beneath the Hengduan Mountains, towering over red soil carved by ancient glaciers. The temple's principal deity is Jampa (Great Compassion), hence its name.
The temple's main buildings are well-preserved, boasting exquisite Buddha statues, murals, and thangka paintings. Emperor Kangxi personally inscribed the plaque "Ganden Jampa Ling Monastery" and bestowed it upon the monastery. With 135 affiliated monasteries spread across Qamdo, Nyingchi, and Nagqu, it has become a major Gelugpa monastery in eastern Tibet. The monastery boasts five great living Buddha lineages and five major datsangs: Lindui, Linmai, Nulin, Kuchu, and Jiarekaba. Successive generations of Pabalas, starting with Pabala III, have presided over the monastery.
Suitable for all seasons
The most noteworthy thing about Qamdo's Jampa Ling Monastery is its divine dance, performed annually during the Butter Sculpture Festival (which falls around the Tibetan New Year, about a month after the Gregorian New Year). The performance primarily consists of the "Guqing" divine dance, with its grand movements and spectacular spectacle, performed by dancers wearing ferocious, lifelike masks, and the "Yu" dance, with its ornate costumes and simple, ancient movements. This divine dance is renowned throughout the Tibetan Plateau!
Thousands of people debate the scriptures every day, and the scene is very lively. The debate time is around 11 am every day.
free
Open all day, some halls close after 4 pm
Jampa Ling Monastery is an important Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Chamdo, Tibet. It serves as a spiritual center for monks and locals, preserving religious practices, Tibetan art, and cultural heritage. The monastery is historically significant for its role in education, meditation, and regional religious events.
Located near Chamdo town in eastern Tibet. Visitors usually reach it by private car or guided tour from Chamdo. Local roads are mountainous; public buses are limited. Walking is required within the monastery complex.
Entrance is usually free, though donations to the monastery are appreciated. Guided tours may have fees booked offline through local travel agencies.
Advance booking is not necessary for casual visits, but for guided tours, booking 1–2 weeks in advance is recommended.
2–4 hours to explore the main buildings, participate in ceremonies, and enjoy the surroundings.
Guided tours are available, typically in Chinese and Tibetan, occasionally in English via specialized agencies.
Night visits are generally not permitted. Special ceremonies may occur during Tibetan festivals but are usually during the day.
It is usually quiet except during major Tibetan festivals. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends.
Cash is preferred for donations and purchases; cards/mobile payments may not be widely accepted.
Small local eateries near the monastery entrance offering Tibetan cuisine; limited options inside the complex.
Vegetarian options are common in monastery meals; vegan options available. Halal food is limited.
Guesthouses and small hotels are available in Chamdo town, 15–30 minutes’ drive from the monastery.
Yes, near the monastery entrance; typical souvenirs include prayer flags, Tibetan handicrafts, statues, and traditional artwork.
