Zizhu Temple: Tibet's Sky-High Bon Sanctuary

Nestled atop Zizhu Mountain in Dingqing County, Qamdo Prefecture, Zizhu Temple is regarded as a spiritual landmark suspended 4,800 meters above sea level, earning it the nickname "the city of the sky." Furthermore, it's the holiest monastery of Bon, Tibet's oldest and most primitive spiritual tradition, and a place where history, faith, and natural beauty converge in unforgettable ways. Whether you're drawn to ancient rituals, dramatic mountain scenery, or off-the-beaten-path adventures, Zizhu Temple promises a journey that feels both otherworldly and deeply human.

Zizhu Temple's location alone is worth the trip, as it perches on a mountain with six distinct peaks (the name "Zizhu" translates to "six peaks" in Tibetan). The mountain itself is hollowed out in three consecutive arches, a geological quirk that makes it stand out even in Tibet's rugged terrain. According to Bon teachings, these six peaks symbolize Guanyin Bodhisattva's compassion and wisdom, guiding beings across the six realms of existence toward liberation. As you wind up the mountain road, you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of rolling grasslands, distant snow-capped peaks, and the monastery's whitewashed buildings clinging to the cliffs—each turn offering a photo opportunity that feels like a painting come to life. The drive from Dingqing County seat takes about 1.5 hours, and along the way, you'll pass small Tibetan villages where locals wave from doorsteps and yaks graze peacefully in the fields, a gentle reminder of life's slower pace in the plateau.

A 3,000-Year Legacy Spiritual Significance

Zizhu Temple's roots stretch back three millennia, making it one of Tibet's oldest continuously practicing spiritual sites. Founded during the reign of Mutri Tsenpo, the second Tibetan king, it has been passed down through many generations of abbots. Though through famines, wars, and turmoil, it has preserved countless Bon scriptures, rituals, and traditions that might have otherwise been lost. It's also one of Bon's four sacred mountains, alongside Gangdisi Mountain, Bonri Mountain, and Meiri Snow Mountain—places believed to have been blessed by Shenrab Mivo, the founder of Bon. Legend says Shenrab Mivo taught the Dharma here, and Padmasambhava (the 8th-century master who helped spread Buddhism in Tibet) also practiced in Zizhu's caves, leaving behind handprints and footprints on the rock walls. Today, these caves are dotted with naturally forming Buddha statues, mandalas, and mantras, adding to the site's sacred aura.

For foreign travelers curious about Tibet's spiritual diversity, Zizhu Temple is the perfect window into Bon, a tradition that predates Buddhism in Tibet and blends animism, shamanism, and philosophical teachings. Unlike more widely known Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, Zizhu offers a rare glimpse into practices that have shaped Tibetan culture for millennia. A fascinating legend links Zizhu to the ancient Zhangzhung Kingdom, which divided its territory into three concentric circles: Mount Kailash as the inner ring, Tangra Yumco Lake as the middle ring, and Zizhu Temple as the outer ring. This connection highlights Zizhu's role as a spiritual anchor for Tibet's western regions. While Bon shares some similarities with Tibetan Buddhism (like prayer flags, meditation, and respect for living beings), it has unique rituals—including colorful Cham dances and fire ceremonies—that reflect its ancient roots.

Conclusion

As you search for information, you'll find more and more holy sites in Tibet appearing on various websites. While it's impossible to visit them all, you can find an efficient way to connect the monasteries that attract you most into a perfect trip loop. Why not let our travel agency help?