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Kajiu Monastery is located in the forested peaks behind Lakang Town, Lhozha County, Shannan Prefecture, at an altitude of about 3,996 meters. The full name of the temple is Kajiu Jixiang Hermitage, which is one of the important hermitages of the Nyingma school in Tibet and has a history of more than 1,200 years.
Kajiu Temple is one of the five holy places for Guru Padmasambhava to practice Buddhism. The main Buddha is Langkai Nyingpo. It belongs to the Nyingma school and is the ancestral temple where successive Nu family Langkai Nyingpo Living Buddhas studied Buddhist scriptures, researched Tibetan Buddhist Tantric doctrines, and devoted themselves to practice.
Kajiu Temple is surrounded by snow-capped mountains on all sides. The hillsides next to the temple are in full bloom with mountain flowers and rhododendron forests. The streams flowing down from the Tianchi and Shenhu Lake on the mountain at an altitude of 4,400 meters pass through the primeval forest below the valley. Clouds and fog rise in the morning and evening, covering the entire Kajiu Temple, making it appear and disappear, like a fairyland on earth.
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All day
Kaju Temple is an important Tibetan Buddhist temple in Shannan Prefecture, historically significant for its religious practices, traditional architecture, and role in local spiritual life. It serves as a center for meditation, rituals, and preservation of Tibetan cultural heritage.
Located in Shannan Prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region. Accessible via private car or taxi from nearby towns. Public buses may be limited, and walking is suitable only for exploring the temple grounds themselves.
Entrance is often free or involves a small local donation. Tickets are purchased offline at the temple or arranged through local tour operators.
Advance booking is generally not required; guided tours can be scheduled a few days ahead if preferred.
2–3 hours are usually sufficient to explore the temple, its surrounding courtyards, and nearby meditation areas.
Guided tours may be available through local operators, usually in Tibetan, Mandarin, and sometimes English. Audio guides are rare.
Night visits are generally not permitted. Special tours may be arranged for festivals or religious events, depending on local monastery schedules.
Crowds are usually minimal, except during religious festivals. Weekdays and early mornings are the quietest times.
Basic facilities such as toilets and small refreshment stalls may be available. Shops selling prayer flags, candles, and souvenirs can be found nearby.
Temple grounds are generally walkable but may have steps and uneven terrain, which could limit accessibility for elderly or disabled visitors.
Cash in Chinese Yuan or local currency is recommended. Cards and mobile payments are rarely accepted inside the temple.
Small local eateries and tea houses near the temple offer traditional Tibetan food and beverages.
Vegetarian and vegan options are widely available; halal options may be limited and should be confirmed locally.
Guesthouses, small hotels, and monastery lodgings are available in nearby towns within Shannan Prefecture.
Typical souvenirs include prayer flags, small Buddha statues, thangka paintings, and local handicrafts.
