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Yaowang Mountain, known as "Jiabo Ri" in Tibetan, means "corner mountain." Located to the right of the Potala Palace, it stands at an elevation of 3,725 meters. Its proximity to the Potala Palace makes it an ideal spot for photographing the palace, especially from the mid-mountain. In the early morning hours, photographers can often be seen gathering on Yaowang Mountain, waiting for the first rays of sunlight to illuminate the Potala Palace.
On the eastern side of Yaowang Mountain lies a small, uniquely shaped cave temple called Chalalupu, nestled on the steep slopes at the eastern foot of Yaowang Mountain. Having weathered more than a thousand years of ups and downs, this rare cave temple in Lhasa remains remarkably well-preserved. Sixty-nine stone statues adorn the rock face, flanked by 66 stone deities. On the north wall, statues of Songtsen Gampo, Princesses Wencheng and Bhrikutsu, and important ministers Thonmi Sambhota and Ludongzan are depicted.
plateau climate;
Summer and autumn are the best seasons for visiting, with clear skies and suitable temperatures.
Quietly observe the White Pagoda on Yaowang Mountain
Yaowang Mountain and Red Mountain, home to the Potala Palace, were originally one, connected by a massive white pagoda. The doorway at the bottom of the pagoda served as the gateway to Lhasa. In the minds of many believers, the White Pagoda is more than just a tower; it serves as a vast spatial coordinate system, allowing each believer to accurately identify their chosen place of worship.
Charalup Cave Temple
The Chalalupu Grotto Temple, nestled on the steep slope east of Yaowang Mountain, is a small, peculiarly shaped cave temple. The entire cave is an irregular rectangle, covering only about 27 square meters. A central stone pillar stands at the entrance, and between it and the cave wall lies a narrow prayer corridor. Sixty-nine stone statues adorn the rock face of the corridor, including those of King Songtsen Gampo, Princess Wencheng, and Princess Chizun. Legend has it that a silhouette of Princess Wencheng, facing east in worship while longing for her home, was left on the cave ceiling.
Yaowangshan Stone Carvings
The Yaowang Mountain cliff carvings have a long history in Lhasa, dating back to the time of Songtsen Gampo. Over the years, the entire Yaowang Mountain cliff carvings have grown to nearly a kilometer long. The vertical cliffs are covered in colorful Buddha statues, creating a breathtaking spectacle.
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Yaowang Mountain, located near Lhasa, is a sacred site for Tibetan Buddhists. The mountain is home to Yaowang Temple, dedicated to the Medicine Buddha, and has been a pilgrimage site for centuries. The mountain is not only a religious hub but also offers stunning views of the Lhasa valley and the surrounding Tibetan plateau. It holds cultural and historical significance for Tibetans as a symbol of healing and spiritual devotion.
Yaowang Mountain is located around 10 kilometers east of Lhasa city center. It can be accessed by taxi or private car. There are no metro lines in Lhasa, so taxi or bus is the best option for visitors. The mountain is also accessible by a short hike from nearby roads if you prefer walking.
The mountain and its temple are open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best time to visit is during the early morning hours for a peaceful experience and to avoid the crowds. Visiting in spring and autumn offers the most pleasant weather for hiking and sightseeing.
Entrance to the Yaowang Mountain area is generally free. However, there may be a small fee for accessing the Yaowang Temple or certain areas within the mountain. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online through local tourism websites.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary for regular visits, but for special events or guided tours, it is advisable to book at least a day or two in advance.
You can explore the mountain and temple in 2 to 3 hours, depending on the pace of your hike and time spent at the temple. If you plan to spend time meditating or attending ceremonies, you may want to allocate more time.
Guided tours are available for visitors, and they typically provide insights into the history of the mountain and its spiritual significance. Guides usually speak Mandarin, English, and sometimes Tibetan. Audio guides may also be available in multiple languages.
The best viewpoints are at the summit of the mountain, where you can capture the entire Lhasa valley, the Potala Palace, and the surrounding peaks. The temple area also offers serene backdrops for photography, with the unique architecture and prayer flags adding to the atmosphere.
Night visits and light shows are not available at Yaowang Mountain. However, special tours or religious ceremonies may take place during certain times of the year, so it’s worth checking in advance if you’re interested in those experiences.
Yaowang Mountain can be moderately crowded, especially on weekends and during peak tourist seasons (summer and holidays). The least crowded times to visit are weekdays, particularly early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
Basic facilities like toilets are available at the base and summit of the mountain. However, there are no major restaurants or shops on the mountain itself. It’s recommended to bring water and snacks with you, especially if you plan to hike to the summit.
The mountain’s terrain may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors due to steep and uneven paths. However, the temple area is accessible, and visitors can enjoy the spiritual atmosphere without the need to hike.
Cash is generally accepted, especially for small purchases. However, mobile payment options such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are becoming more common in Tibet, so it’s a good idea to have a mobile payment method available.
Vegetarian and vegan food options are available in Lhasa, especially in the city center. However, halal food options may be more limited in the vicinity of the mountain.
There are no major souvenir shops on the mountain itself, but local shops in Lhasa offer a wide range of Tibetan souvenirs such as prayer beads, Thangka paintings, Tibetan handicrafts, and yak wool products.
After visiting, taxis or private cars are the best way to continue your journey. Alternatively, you can take a bus back to Lhasa city if you're on a budget. Lhasa's public transportation system can also help you reach nearby attractions.
