Western Sichuan Secret Realm | Gado Monastery, a Spiritual Pure Land Journey

✨Recently discovered an incredibly niche yet stunning place—Gado Monastery, a must-recommend to you all! It is located in Baiyu County, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. It is one of the six major ancestral monasteries of the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism, known as the "Mother Monastery of the Nyingma School" and the "World's Second Largest Vajra Seat".

🌟Must-Visit Highlights

• Magnificent Architecture and Religious Atmosphere: The Great Golden Hall is the centerpiece of the entire monastery, a 600㎡ Tibetan-style building with exquisitely painted wood carvings. Inside, numerous Buddha statues and stupas are enshrined, and the murals are very colorful. The Bardo Mandala of the 100 Armed and Armed Deities is an artistic treasure, a six-story building with golden-winged bird statues on the exterior, and the golden relic stupa on the sixth floor shines especially brightly.

• Precious Cultural Relics: The monastery preserves remnants of a Padmasambhava embroidered image bestowed by the Yuan dynasty emperor, a seal given by Phagspa, and arrowheads from the King Gesar period, each carrying profound historical significance.

• Ten-Ming Buddhist Academy: This Buddhist academy offers five more disciplines than the Seda Five Sciences Buddhist Academy, covering astrology, poetry, opera, and more, allowing you to experience a richer spiritual atmosphere.

• Padmasambhava’s Meditation Cave: Padmasambhava once stayed and practiced here. His meditation cave is well preserved. Those with good physical strength can make a pilgrimage to feel the sacredness.

🚗Transportation Guide

• Self-driving: This is the most recommended way. Starting from Baiyu County town, it’s about 50 kilometers of mountain roads, approximately 1.5 hours by car. The road condition is fair but with many bends and steep slopes, so vehicles with higher clearance are advised.

• Car Rental/Carpool: If you lack self-driving experience, you can rent a local off-road vehicle in Baiyu County town, costing about 300-500 RMB per car.

• Public Transport: There are buses from Chengdu, Kangding, and Garze County to Baiyu County. After arriving in Baiyu town, take a rural passenger transport to Gado Monastery. The fare is between 40-50 RMB, but the bus may not run if there are few passengers.

⚠️Travel Tips

• Altitude Sickness: Gado Monastery is at an altitude of about 3980-4000 meters. Be sure to prevent altitude sickness in advance by preparing Rhodiola, glucose, etc. Move slowly and avoid strenuous exercise.

• Religious Customs: When entering the main hall, remove shoes, hats, and sunglasses. Circumambulate and walk around the stupa clockwise. Obtain permission before photographing Buddha statues and monks. Dress appropriately.

• Clothing and Gear: The temperature difference between day and night on the plateau is large. Prepare warm jackets, wear non-slip comfortable shoes, and bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and other sun protection.

• Food and Supplies: The monastery usually does not provide meals. You can dine in Baiyu County town. The convenience stores near the monastery have limited options, so it is recommended to prepare drinking water and food in advance.

The beauty of Gado Monastery lies in its tranquility, solemnity, and profound cultural heritage, as if it can thoroughly cleanse one’s soul. If you are tired of the city’s noise, why not come here to experience this unique charm! 🌈