Ritrol Lhakhang monastery is Tibetan name. It is also called “Zi Zu Monastery” or “Zidrol Monastery” in chinese. Located on a hillside approximately 37 km from National Road No.317, and 30-35 kilometers east of Tengchen county, with altitude of 4850 meters above sea level.
The main building of Ritrol Lhakhang was built in 10th century and found by the 2nd Tibet King Muci Zampo according to Tibetan Buddhism legend; The name of “Ritrol (Zi Zu)” means six peaks which symbolize Bodhisattva save all the sentient beings with compassion and wisdom. It is one of the highest monasteries in Tibet, and it is also one of the most important Bon Tradition monastery, and one of the the oldest monasteries of Tibet.
Bon tradition has 4 major Holy mountains, of which are Kailash in Ali, Bonri in Nyingzhi, Zi Zhu mountain in Chamdo, and Kawagarbo in Meli.
Address
On a Zi Zu mountain, Ju En village, 17 km from National Road No.317
Tengchen County | 丁青县觉恩乡孜珠山
Opening hour
08:00 am – 19:00 pm
Entrance fee
RMB 30 per person
Altitude
4,800 meters
How to get there
It is located in Tengchen County of Tibet, some 37 kilometers east from the township, there is no bus to this site. For the moment, the only option is to rent local vehicle to get to this place, which usually costs RMB 100.00-150.00 one way for a 7 seats minivan from Tengchen County to here
Tips for visiting this monastery
- This monastery is one of the oldest monasteries of the Bon religion, which is the local and the oldest religion of Tibet.
- The best time to visit this monastery is from the end of June to the August;
- In the end of each June, there will be one annual Puja being held in this monastery
- Starting from the Year of Rooster, there will be one large Puja about “Cause and Effect” every 13 years, and also the Religious dance about peace in name of “The Heaven and the Hell”, which can only be played in this monastery in the entire Tibetan plateau
