[2025 Baiyu Attraction] Travel Guide for Gatuo Temple (Updated Apr)

#discoverchina ✨ Hidden Buddhist Kingdom in the Mountains ✨ Nestled in the deep mountains of Sichuan, far from the tourist crowds, lies the White Jade Gathoe Monastery (嘎陀寺), one of the six great monasteries of the Nyingma sect (Red Sect) in Tibetan Buddhism. Known as the "Hidden Buddhist Kingdom," this awe-inspiring monastery was founded in 1159 during the Southern Song Dynasty and is the birthplace of Tibetan Buddhist teachings, where Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) performed 13 consecrations. A place of deep spiritual significance, Gathoe Monastery is renowned for its history and architectural grandeur. Perched at an elevation of 4800 meters, it’s surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks and breathtaking landscapes. The monastery is modeled after a lion looking back, with 108 white stupas surrounding its grounds. The main hall can accommodate up to 2,000 people and houses invaluable relics, including a precious statue gifted by the Yuan Dynasty. 🔹 Getting There: The journey to Gathoe Monastery involves winding mountain roads, best suited for 4x4 vehicles. The drive from Baiyu County takes about an hour, but be prepared for narrow roads and sudden weather changes—snow is common in spring! Make sure to check the weather before heading out, and don’t forget your tire chains! 🔹 What to Bring: Warm clothes are essential—think down jackets and thick socks (you’ll be taking off your shoes for the pilgrimage!) A hat (just remember to remove it before entering the monastery) High spirits for a spiritual journey unlike any other! For those seeking a more immersive experience, there are modest accommodations in Baiyu County, but we recommend staying in Dege for a slightly more comfortable option at a lower elevation. 🌄 Gathoe Monastery: A hidden gem of Tibetan Buddhism, where ancient traditions meet spectacular mountain vistas. Ready for a once-in-a-lifetime experience? #eastogotravel#privatetour #chinatravel #chinadestinations #chinaphoto #explorechina #chinatrip #tourchina #chinaprivatetour #chinaluxury #china #chinatravel #sichuan #westernsichuan #tibet #tibettravel #tibettour #sichuantravel #sichuantour #stayandwander #beyondthelands #hiddengems #gatuotemple #chengdu

📿【A Hidden Gem! This Cloudside Monastery in Western Sichuan Healed My Mental Exhaustion!】 I just returned from an impromptu trip to Western Sichuan and stumbled upon the soul-stirring Katok Monastery deep in the mountains of Baiyu County. Perched at an altitude of 4,800 meters above the clouds, its golden roof and red walls peek through the snowy mountains and mist, like stepping into an isolated Buddhist paradise. ✨【First Glimpse of Katok Monastery】 After navigating the winding mountain roads, the view suddenly opened up. 108 white stupas stood in a welcoming formation. The sound of copper bells from the prayer wheel corridor pierced through the mist. Butter lamps flickered warmly in the prayer hall. Young monks in crimson robes hurried past with scriptures in hand. The air was filled with the scent of incense mingled with barley. In that moment, I finally understood what "the fragrance of faith" truly means. 🕯【Devotion by the Prayer Wheels】 I joined a Tibetan elder as she prostrated and circled the prayer wheels. My fingers brushed over the scripture-engraved wheels. She smiled and handed me a piece of tsampa, speaking in broken Mandarin: "Turn clockwise, and blessings will follow you." After three rounds, the mountain wind swept away all my anxieties, leaving only the fluttering sound of prayer flags in my ears. 📜【A Conversation with a Monk】 I met a young monk named Tenzin who spoke English. He showed me the thousand-year-old Thangka paintings in the main hall that had never faded. "Look at this mandala painting—its splendor is no more than a handful of colored sand," he said softly, pointing to a dissolving sand mandala. His words struck me deeply. What modern people desperately cling to is, in this place, merely an illusion. 🌄【An Unexpected Ceremony】 At dusk, the sound of a long horn suddenly echoed. Hundreds of monks, like a crimson cloud, flowed into the prayer hall. The deep chanting reverberated, causing the butter lamp flames to flicker. Even though I couldn’t understand the scriptures, tears streamed down my face uncontrollably. Perhaps this is the power that touches the soul directly. 💡Tips: ❶ Self-driving is recommended. Navigate to "Katok Monastery" via Ganbai Road. Watch out for falling rocks during the rainy season. ❷ Due to the high altitude, bring oxygen tanks. The monastery offers free Rhodiola tea. ❸ Photography is prohibited inside the main hall, but the white stupa cluster outside is incredibly photogenic! Wear solid-colored clothing for better photos. ❹ If you encounter a ceremony, don’t panic. Quietly observing is the best way to show respect. On my way back, Tenzin gave me a six-syllable mantra bracelet: "Om Mani Padme Hum." He said it’s a GPS for lost souls. I think I’ve found my own frequency.

#discoverchina In the rugged mountains at an altitude of 4800 meters, a mystical and solemn Buddhist world unfolds—this is Gatö Monastery, a 900-year-old gem nestled in the mountains! The grandeur of this ancient structure, built in such a remote area, is truly awe-inspiring! We traveled along the G215 National Road from Batang to Baiyu County and spent the night in Baiyu before spontaneously deciding to visit. Gatö Monastery stands as an architectural marvel, comparable to the Potala Palace, yet with far fewer tourists—most of the visitors are locals coming to pay their respects. It’s a true hidden gem! Key Details: Spot: Gatö Monastery Location: He Po District, Baiyu County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan, on the mountainside of Dongni Mountain, Bai Long Gou Transportation: Self-drive from Baiyu County, about an hour’s drive Tip: The road is generally in good condition, but there are sharp bends leading up to the monastery, so drive carefully! A peaceful and sacred retreat, far removed from the crowds, where history and spirituality blend in the quiet of the highlands. #thingstodo #travel

The western region of Sichuan Province is a significant area for Tibetan Buddhist culture, home to numerous sacred sites that blend natural beauty with religious heritage. Below are the major Buddhist sites in Sichuan's western region and their unique features: 1. Larung Gar Buddhist Academy (Larung Five Sciences Buddhist Academy) Location: Seda County, Ganzi Prefecture. Sect: Nyingma (Red Sect). Features: One of the largest Tibetan Buddhist academies in the world, with thousands of red wooden houses built on the hillside, creating a stunning visual spectacle. Renowned for debates and religious ceremonies, it is a spiritual haven for practitioners. Note: Entry requires reservations due to recent renovations, drone photography is prohibited, and some areas are restricted. 2. Yarchen Gar Monastery Location: Baiyu County, Ganzi Prefecture. Sect: Nyingma. Features: Famous alongside Larung Gar, with "Nun Island" as its core, where female practitioners (nuns) reside. The annual "Vajra Dance Festival" attracts many devotees, and the winter retreat scene is unique. Current Status: Some areas are temporarily closed; check policies in advance. 3. Tagong Monastery Location: Tagong Town, Kangding City, Ganzi Prefecture. Sect: Sakya (Flower Sect). Features: Known as the "Little Jokhang Temple," it houses a life-sized statue of Shakyamuni. The Tagong Grassland and Yala Snow Mountain complement each other, with prayer corridors and Mani stone piles adding to its charm. 4. Dege Printing House Location: Dege County, Ganzi Prefecture. Sect: Sakya. Features: The foremost of the three major Tibetan printing houses, preserving over 300,000 printing blocks. Its manual scripture printing technique is listed as intangible cultural heritage. The ancient architecture exudes the fragrance of ink and a sense of history. 5. Baiyu Monastery Location: Baiyu County, Ganzi Prefecture. Sect: Nyingma. Features: A majestic golden-roofed temple built on a mountain, overlooking the Jinsha River Gorge. The annual "Buddha Unveiling" event during the Tibetan calendar's Miracle Day is grand. 6. Songge Mani Stone Scripture City Location: Shiqu County, Ganzi Prefecture. Features: A thousand-year-old stone scripture wonder on the grassland, composed of countless Mani stones engraved with scriptures. Legend has it that the structure resembles a maze, creating a mysterious religious atmosphere. 7. Kathok Monastery Location: Baiyu County, Ganzi Prefecture. Sect: One of the ancestral monasteries of the Nyingma Sect. Features: Situated at an altitude of 4,800 meters, with a history of over 800 years, it is known as the "Diamond Throne." The monastery's architecture is resplendent, and it has produced many eminent monks, making it a key pilgrimage site for the Nyingma Sect worldwide. 8. Litang Monastery (Changqingchunke'er Monastery) Location: Litang County, Ganzi Prefecture. Sect: Gelug (Yellow Sect). Features: The largest Gelug monastery in southern Kham, blending Han and Tibetan architectural styles. Its murals and Buddhist statues are exquisite, offering a panoramic view of Litang. 9. Langyi Monastery (Bon Monastery) Location: Aba County, Aba Prefecture. Sect: Bon (Tibetan indigenous religion). Features: The largest Bon monastery, with unique architectural styles and counterclockwise prayer rituals. Its ceremonies differ significantly from Tibetan Buddhism, showcasing cultural diversity. Travel Tips: Best Season: June to October (avoid harsh winter conditions). Transportation: Self-driving or chartered vehicles are recommended; some roads are rugged and require off-road vehicles. Altitude Sickness: Elevation ranges from 3,000 to 4,500 meters; carry altitude sickness medication and avoid strenuous activities. Etiquette: Walk clockwise around prayer wheels, avoid touching Buddha statues or prayer flags, and seek permission before photographing monks. Accommodation: Simple guesthouses are available in Seda and Dege; book in advance during peak seasons. Environmental Protection: Do not litter and protect religious relics like Mani stones. The Buddhist sites in Sichuan's western region are not only centers of faith but also windows into Tibetan culture, where nature and humanity intertwine. Before visiting, check local policies, respect customs, and immerse yourself in their sacred and tranquil atmosphere.

When you walk into the depths of this mountain and see the magnificent building located halfway up the mountain, you will be instantly shocked by the scene before your eyes. It is hard to imagine that in this sparsely populated plateau mountain, there is a complex of buildings of such a scale. It shocks us and makes us stand in awe. This is Kato Monastery, the ancestral temple of the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism. Gaden Monastery is located deep in the mountains, surrounded by mountains and shrouded in clouds and mist, like a fairyland. Gaden Monastery is one of the six major monasteries of the Nyingma School (Red Sect) of Tibetan Buddhism in China. The temple has tall halls and buildings, housing the "Kadam" gilded bronze pagoda with treasures bestowed by the court. There are more than 140 temples in total, including those in Tibet, Qinghai, Yunnan, Mongolia, India, and Bhutan. Gaden Monastery, also translated as Gato Monastery, is fully known as "Gaden Dorje Dan". "Dorje Dan" means "Vajra Seat", which reflects its religious status and sacred majesty. Gaden Monastery was first built in 1159 AD, the third Earth Rabbit Year in the Tibetan calendar, by the eminent monk Ka Dangba Dexi of the Nyingma school. Kathok Monastery has a history of more than 860 years and has witnessed the succession of 84 generations of abbots. All over the world. Gaden Monastery is located in the Jinsha River Basin of the western Sichuan Plateau, in the Duonian Valley of Bailonggou in Hepo District, Baiyu County.

On the vast land of Western Sichuan, countless treasures are hidden, and Gatuo Temple is like a pearl hidden in the snow-capped mountains and sea of clouds, quietly exuding its unique light. When the car drives along the winding National Highway 215 from Batang to Baiyu County, the scenery outside the window gradually changes from open meadows to towering snow-capped mountains and deep and quiet canyons. This unknown journey is destined to be extraordinary. Originally, I was going to stay in Baiyu County for one night, but I decided to go to Gatuo Temple temporarily. As the altitude rises to 4,800 meters, the thin air is filled with a sacred atmosphere, and a magnificent and shocking pure land of Buddhism suddenly appears in front of you - this is Gatuo Temple, which has been baptized by wind and rain for 900 years! In this remote mountain, the construction of such a large-scale temple is beyond imagination. The halls made of stones and the golden roofs and red walls shine in the sunlight, and the solemn feeling hits the soul directly. Compared with the famous Potala Palace, Gatuo Temple has fewer tourists and more tranquility. Most of the people I met were locals who came to offer incense with prayer wheels and chanting scriptures. Their pious faces and firm steps were full of simple beliefs in the incense. Here, the restless heart unconsciously calms down, as if time has slowed down. 📌Practical information: 📍Detailed address: Doni Mountain, Bailonggou, Hepo District, Baiyu County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province 🚗Transportation: Self-driving is the most convenient. It takes about an hour to drive from Baiyu County. The road conditions are generally stable, but the mountain road near the temple has many curves, so be sure to drive carefully and put safety first.

🌟Are you tired of the hustle and bustle of the city and longing for a spiritual baptism? Hidden among the mountains in western Sichuan, there is a little-known Buddhist holy place - Baiyu Gaden Monastery. This place is not only a home for faith, but also a paradise for photography enthusiasts. Follow my footsteps to uncover the mystery of this red Buddhist country and experience a unique journey. 🚗Heading west, encountering the red miracle🚗Starting from Chengdu, along the winding mountain road, our goal is the red miracle located on the top of the mountain - the White Jade Gaden Monastery. The scenery along the way is like a flowing painting, which makes people feel relaxed and happy. As the altitude increases, the air becomes fresher and the soul seems to be purified. 🏰The ocean of red houses, the power of faith 🏰When you stand in front of Gaden Monastery, you will be shocked by the large complex of dazzling red buildings in front of you. These red houses are not only the residences of monks, but also a symbol of faith. In this red ocean, you can feel the power of faith and your soul will find unprecedented peace. 📚Shiming Buddhist College, the Hall of Wisdom📚In addition to the temple, there is also the famous Shiming Buddhist College here. Here, you can learn about the rich disciplines from the "Five Sciences" to the "Ten Sciences", from Buddhism, medicine to technology, each of which is an exploration of wisdom. If you are interested in Buddhist culture, this is undoubtedly a treasure trove of knowledge for you. 🍲Food and accommodation are indispensable. In Baiyu County, you can taste authentic Tibetan delicacies such as butter tea, highland barley wine and yak jerky, each bite of which is an ultimate temptation to the taste buds. As for accommodation, choosing a cost-effective inn will allow you to experience the local customs and enjoy a comfortable resting environment. 🧳Travel tips to make your journey more perfect🧳 • Due to the high altitude, please remember to bring warm clothes to prevent altitude sickness. • Before taking photos inside a temple, it is best to obtain the monks’ permission as a sign of respect. • If you are a photography enthusiast, remember to bring your camera, the sunrise and sunset here are definitely worth recording. • Finally, don’t forget to bring an adventurous heart, because every place here is full of surprises. 🌄If you have enough time, you might as well choose to take a trip around western Sichuan during a holiday. Starting from Chengdu, passing through Bipenggou, Ma'erkang, and then to Kasa Lake and Ganzi, each stop has different scenery waiting for you to discover. Finally, don’t miss Derge Sutra Printing House and Kathok Monastery, which will be the perfect end to your trip. 🌈Conclusion🌈Baiyu Gaden Monastery, a red miracle hidden in the mountains of western Sichuan, is waiting for you to explore. Here, you can feel the power of faith, experience the inheritance of wisdom, and enjoy the temptation of delicious food. This is not only a journey, but also a baptism of the soul. So pack your bags and get ready to go! 🏔️🌄🍃

|||This National Day, in order to avoid congestion, I drove on National Highway 317. After passing Wengda Town, most of them. Not only Seda, there is also a Shiming Buddhist College in Western Sichuan❗|||This National Day, in order to avoid congestion, I drove on National Highway 317, After passing Wengda Town, most of the vehicles turned to Seda! Only we went west all the way to explore the hidden Shiming Buddhist College in Western Sichuan! Yes, you read it right, Seda is Wuming Buddhist College, And the one we went to is Shiming Buddhist College! Master Padmasambhava has blessed it thirteen times, If you don't see it with your own eyes, you can hardly believe its grandeur and magnificence, Countless magnificent buildings, rare designs, constitute this, Vicissitudes, heavy, exquisite, miraculous snowy Buddhist world! 🟠Temple: Gado Temple 📍Location: Doni Mountain, Bailonggou, Baiyu County, Ganzi, Sichuan 🏔️Altitude: 4800 meters 🚘Self-driving: The road conditions are very good, and cars can reach 🎫Tickets: Free🆓 🅿️Parking: Free🆓 ✅✅✅Related knowledge: 1️⃣Gado Temple is located in the deep mountains of the mountainside of Duonien Mountain, Bailonggou, Hebo District, Baiyu County, in the Jinsha River Basin in the western part of Sichuan Province, with an altitude of 4800 meters, separated from Tibet by a mountain. The scale is very large and shocking! 2️⃣ Gado Temple, there is a unique building in the temple-Gado Vajra Seat Zhongyin Wenwu Hundred Zun Altar City (see liberation), it is one of the five golden platforms of the world's second Vajra Seat Gado Temple, and it is considered to be the incarnation of Vajra Hand Bodhisattva. So far, it has been reincarnated 19 times. This world is honored as the "Father of Gado". 3️⃣ Seda is Wuming Buddhist College, and here is Shiming Buddhist College. As for why Gado Temple is called Shiming Buddhist College, you will know when you come. 4️⃣The autumn scenery along the mountain road of Gado Temple is exceptionally beautiful. Although the altitude is high, the colorful forest and shrubs, meadows, colorful and dazzling, don't miss it!

On that lofty and mysterious land stands a sacred and solemn temple - Ganden Monastery. Like a dazzling pearl, it is embedded on the vast plateau, radiating endless light and charm. Ganden Monastery is located between majestic mountains and rivers, surrounded by rolling snow-capped mountains and vast grasslands. When the sun shines on the golden roof of the temple, it shines with dazzling light, as if it is a sacred light given by heaven. The magnificent building, with its unique style and exquisite craftsmanship, shows the profound heritage and solemnity of Tibetan Buddhism. Stepping into Ganden Monastery, a solemn and solemn breath comes to your face. In the temple, the smoke is curling, the scriptures are fluttering, and the crisp bell sounds echo in the wind. Exquisite murals, gorgeous thangkas, and solemn and solemn Buddha statues all tell the long history and profound religious culture. Here, every detail contains the power of faith, which deeply shocks and baptizes people's souls. The monks are dressed in red robes and are busy in the temple. Their chanting sounds like the sound of nature, echoing in the air, making people feel a kind of tranquility and peace beyond the world. They inherit the wisdom of Buddhism with a devout heart and bring endless blessings and hope to this land. Ganden Monastery is not only a religious holy place, but also a living history book. It has witnessed the vicissitudes of the years and carries the faith and dreams of countless people. Here, history and reality are intertwined, faith and hope coexist, and people feel an eternal power. Whether it is a person with a deep faith in religion or a tourist who is curious about history and culture, Ganden Monastery is a sacred place not to be missed. With its unique charm, it attracts people to come to worship and explore, allowing people to find inner peace and strength on this sacred land.

||| There are many temples in Western Sichuan. The 6️⃣ most worthwhile temples to visit in Western Sichuan! ||| There are many temples in Western Sichuan, each with its own unique architecture and location. This article lists the temples that I think are the most worthwhile to visit. Whether it is the human history of the temple itself, the exquisite and detailed architecture, or the beautiful surrounding environment, they are all very interesting. . 1️⃣ Gemo Temple A temple with two Guinness records (China's largest connected Buddha hall building, China's tallest Maitreya Buddha statue), the entire temple is indescribable in its brilliance and magnificence. No photos are allowed inside, but those who have been there know how jaw-dropping it is. There is even a museum in the temple, with an elevator. 📍 Tangmai Village, Gemu Township, Aba County, Aba Prefecture 💰 No tickets required . 2️⃣ Dege Sutra-Printing House (Gengqing Temple) The Tibetan woodblock printing technique of the Dege Sutra-Printing House is the only traditional technique in the entire Tibetan area that is well preserved and still in use today, and it has been lost in other areas. Each character here carries and continues the heavy past in Chinese historical culture. It can be said that it is not only a treasure of Tibetan culture and art, but also a treasure of Chinese and even world culture. When you see tens of thousands of sutra-printing blocks with your own eyes, you will know how spectacular it is! 📍 Bagong Street, Gengqing Town, Dege County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture 💰 50/person ⚠️ Cameras are not allowed inside, you can store them at the door (the picture is officially taken) . 3️⃣ Gato Temple (Shiming Buddhist College) The temple is nestled in the valley, separated from Tibet by only one mountain. It is huge, magnificent, and spectacular. The altitude of around 4800 makes it like another world, coupled with the exquisite and detailed design, it is unrealistically beautiful. 📍 Doni Mountain, Bailonggou, Baiyu County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture 💰 No tickets required . 4️⃣ Seda Wuming Buddhist College A huge Buddhist college composed of small red houses stands at an altitude of nearly 4,000 meters, providing a place for monks to retreat and practice. Whether it is overlooking from the viewing platform or walking in it, every inch of eye-catching red is shocking. 📍 Luoruo Town, Seda County, 20 kilometers away from the county seat 💰 To enter the Buddhist College, you need to make an appointment with your ID card at the Jinma Grassland Distribution Center one day in advance, 48/person. Or book the official one-day tour itinerary, starting from 168. . 5️⃣ Langyi Temple Langyi Temple is built on the mountain, and the undulating mountains are at the foot. When the summer grassland is full of green and vibrant, it is even more unique. There are plank roads and viewing platforms here, and you don't need equipment such as drones and SLRs. The naked eye can capture the most beautiful angle. The sunrise is particularly beautiful, and if you have time, you must arrange it on the itinerary. 📍 Guoerwa Mountain Top, Aba County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture 💰 No tickets required . 6️⃣ Muya Temple Located in Tagong Grassland, under Yala Snow Mountain, whether in Tubo history or in the "Gesar Epic", it occupies a very important position. For friends who want to take pictures of snow-capped mountains and temples in the same frame, this place is very suitable for playing. You can also visit the nearby Jiagulong Village by the way. If you live in the village, you can get up early to watch the sunrise the next day. 📍 Tagong Town, Kangding City, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture 💰 No tickets required

Gatuo Monastery is located in Baiyu County on the Sichuan Western Line. Baiyu is a treasure trove, with temples such as Baiyu Monastery, Yaqing Monastery, and Gatuo Monastery, as well as local customs like tree burials and the 'primitive patriarchal tribe of mountain rocks.' I visited Yaqing many years ago, so I didn't go this time. Instead, I mainly visited Gatuo Monastery. Gatuo Monastery is one of the six major monasteries of the Nyingma school (Red Sect) of Tibetan Buddhism. It is one of the Ten Wisdom Buddhist Academies (Seda is one of the Five Wisdom Buddhist Academies). Located deep in the mountains, it takes about an hour and a half to drive from Baiyu County, with winding mountain roads all the way. Upon reaching the top, a vast expanse of red houses suddenly unfolds before your eyes—magnificent! Standing in front of it, you can feel the solemn and majestic atmosphere rushing towards you. The monastery's architecture is grand and magnificent, with exquisite murals and carvings, all showcasing a profound religious and cultural heritage🎨. Sunlight shines on the golden roof, radiating dazzling light, as if telling a thousand-year-old story🌟. The sound of chanting and bells echoing in the valley, mixed with the morning birdsong, is quite healing. 🎫: Free

In this mysterious land, there are some roads that cannot be walked in high heels 🚶‍♀👠, and some people are people you will never meet in an office building 💼👫. Snow-capped mountains, grasslands, forests, canyons, rivers, lakes, temples 🏔🌳🌊🏞, sea of ​​flowers, nomadism, cooking smoke, pot village, bonfire... 🌺🐎🔥 This is Shengde Baiyu, a hidden world located in the north of the Dahengduan Mountains 🗻🌌. White jade is the transliteration of Tibetan, representing "auspicious virtue" and "region or place" 🙏✨. It belongs to Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, and is located in the northern section of the Hengduan Mountains in the transition zone from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau to the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau 🏞🌄. Here, the Ouqu River flows through, facing Gonggar County and Jiangda County in Tibet across the river 🌊🏔. In ancient times, this place was the territory of the White Wolf Kingdom, and was under the jurisdiction of Tubo during the Tang Dynasty 🏰🏞. After the 12th year of Chongzhen in the Ming Dynasty (1639), it was gradually governed by the Derge Tusi. After the founding of New China, it was incorporated into Sichuan Province in October 1955 🇨🇳. Baiyu Gaden Monastery is a national key cultural relic protection unit, located on the hillside of Bailonggou in Hepo area of ​​Baiyu County, 4,800 meters above sea level, and is separated from Tibet by only one mountain ⛰🏯. It has a long history of nearly nine hundred years. Among the three-stream and six-great Vajra temples of the Nyingma tradition, Kathok Monastery is the most famous one 📜🏰. Ganbai Road is known as the most beautiful self-driving road in western Sichuan. It is about 220 kilometers long. Starting from Ganzi County, after about 4 hours of self-driving, the altitude is mostly above 4,000 meters 🚗🏞. Most of the roads are deserted and mobile phone signals often disappear 📵. The scenery along the way is varied, from grassland lakes to canyon rivers, from bare Danxia landforms to lush primeval forests 🌲🌳.

When Seda became famous and attracted many tourists, the Gaden Monastery located on the hillside by the Jinsha River in Baiyu County, Ganzi, existed like a hidden paradise. This place is only separated from Tibet by a mountain. It was once recorded in historical books that "100,000 Buddhas were transformed into rainbow bodies". In 2007, the largest Buddhist ceremony in more than 2,000 years was held here, with a total of 180,000 monks gathering here at the same time. It was already evening when we arrived at the entrance of Gaden Monastery on G317, and it was rainy. We were a little hesitant about whether to go up the mountain. But considering its reputation as the "Mother Temple of the Nyingma Sect", we still decided to go up the mountain for pilgrimage. This may be the steepest and most winding mountain road we have encountered since we drove in western Sichuan. After 40 minutes of difficult climbing, we finally arrived at our destination. At this time, the weather changed from cloudy to sunny. We were lucky to see the altar under the rainbow and the towering Shiming Buddhist College. It was really shocking! Fortunately, we did not miss this trip. It was worth it! I recommend that friends who take the G317 Ganbai Line must come once~ There are restaurants and accommodations further up the mandala (you can ask local monks), but the conditions are rather simple. Meals include freshly cooked rice noodles, pasta or dumplings (Figure 12 | Tastes pretty good); accommodation is a dormitory room, 50 yuan per person, with 15-20 beds in a room... We took a look and found it hard to accept, so we decided to go down the mountain before dark and stay in Baiyu County, which is about an hour's drive from Gaden Monastery. There are many accommodation options in the county. I recommend the Zhaxi Youjia B&B Hotel, which opened in 2023. The Tibetan-style decoration is very tasteful, the service is very good, and the breakfast is also good~ There are only three Vajra Seats in the world: one is the Vajra Seat in Bodh Gaya, India, the holy place where Buddha attained enlightenment; the second is the Vajra Seat in Kathok, the holy place of Padmasambhava and 100,000 rainbow bodies; and the third is Mount Wutai, the holy place of Manjushri. Gaden Monastery, whose full name is "Gaden Dorjedan", means "Vajra Seat built on a huge stone with the word "Ga" engraved on it". It was first built during the Shaoxing period of the Southern Song Dynasty 860 years ago, with an altitude of 4,800 meters. The foundation stone of Gaden Shiming Buddhist College was laid in 2005 and construction started in 2008. It has now been completed and opened for study. The first phase can accommodate more than 2,000 teachers and students for study and living. "Ten Mings" refers to the big and small five Mings. The "five major sciences" are craftsmanship, medicine, grammar, logic, and inner knowledge; the "five minor sciences" include rhetoric, rhetoric, rhythm, drama, and astrology.

Also known as Gatuo Temple, full name 'Gatuo Doji Dan', Gatuo is also translated as Gatu, (Gatuo, Gado), the Tibetan meaning is 'above the Ga character', 'Doji Dan' means 'Vajra Seat'. The temple is named after a huge smooth white stone on the temple site, which naturally forms a Tibetan letter, pronounced 'Ga'. Gatuo Temple can be called the mother temple of the Nyingma Sect. Guru Rinpoche personally consecrated Gatuo thirteen times and recorded in the 'Autobiography' and many hidden scriptures 'the best holy land in the snow area, the source of the promotion of the secret method of Kongxing Yixi Cuo Jie', its blessing power is the same as the Indian Vajra Seat, so it is also called 'the second Vajra Seat'. Gatuo Temple was founded by the Nyingma Sect high monk Gadang Badexie (1122-1192) in the third Shengsheng Tu Rabbit Year of the Tibetan calendar (1159), which has been 840 years ago, and is now the seventh batch of national key cultural relics protection units. The temple preserves the remnants of the Lotus Birth thorn products bestowed by the Yuan Dynasty, the seal given to the temple by Basiba, the Manjusri Buddha statue of the Ming Dynasty, the 'Keben Complete Collection' scripture bestowed by the Qing Dynasty emperor, porcelain bowls and the arrow clusters, single-eared bronze pots, beast shapes and other precious cultural relics from the Gesar period. On October 5th, on the way from Baiyu to Dege on the Sichuan-Tibet line, I made a special detour to visit. The temple is located on the hillside of Duonianshan in Bailonggou Town, Baiyu County, Ganzi Prefecture, Western Sichuan, only one mountain away from Tibet. Leaving the 458 provincial road, after the forest fire inspection station, all the way up are mountain roads, the road is narrow and very steep, and there are many large loops! Vehicles on the plateau inevitably lack power, which is a test of driving skills. When you get to the gate of the mountain, the buildings of Gatuo Temple are densely packed on the slopes of the three sides, which is very spectacular! Even with a super wide-angle lens and a drone (the altitude is too high and it can't fly too high), it's impossible to take it all in one shot. The entire temple has few foreign tourists and is very quiet. Because it is far away from the county town and the main traffic road, it is not easy to come here, it is really a niche among the niches. In addition to a few main halls, the small houses of practitioners are basically built on steep cliffs, and the original taste of the temple is relatively preserved. Special note, many introductions including Baidu Encyclopedia, claim that the altitude of the temple is 4800 meters, according to the actual measurement of many people on this trip, it is around 4000, as long as you do not do strenuous exercise, slow down all activities will not have any adverse reactions.

During this year's National Day, we drove on National Highway 317 to avoid traffic jams. After passing Wengda Town, most of the vehicles turned to Seda! Only we went west to explore the Shiming Buddhist College hidden in western Sichuan! Yes, you read it right, Seda is the Wuming Buddhist College, and the one we went to is the Shiming Buddhist College! Guru Padmasambhava has blessed it thirteen times. If you don't see it with your own eyes, it's hard to believe its grandeur and magnificence. Countless magnificent buildings and rare designs make up this vicissitudes, heavy, exquisite and miraculous world of the snowy Buddhist kingdom! 🏯Temple: Gaden Monastery📍Location: Bailonggou Doni Mountain, Baiyu County, Ganzi, Sichuan Altitude: 4800 meters🚗Self-driving: The road condition is very good and can be reached by car Tickets: Free FREE🅿️Parking: Free 🆓 ✅✅✅Related knowledge: 1⃣️Gaten Monastery is located in the deep mountains on the hillside of Doonian Mountain in Bailonggou, Hepo area, Baiyu County, in the Jinsha River Basin in western Sichuan Province, with an altitude of 4,800 meters, and is only separated from Tibet by a mountain. The scale is very huge and shocking! 2⃣️Gathok Monastery, which has a unique building in the world - the Gathok Vajrasana Bardo Mandala of a Hundred Deities (liberation upon seeing it), is one of the five golden platforms of the Gathok Monastery, the second Vajrasana in the world, and is considered to be the incarnation of Vajrapani Bodhisattva. He has been reincarnated 19 times so far. In this life, he is honored as the "Father of Kathok". 3⃣️Seda is the Five Sciences Buddhist College, and this is the Ten Sciences Buddhist College. As for why Gaden Monastery is called Shiming Buddhist College, you will know when you come here. 4⃣️The autumn scenery along the mountain road to Gaden Monastery is extremely beautiful. Although the altitude is high, the colorful forests, shrubs, and meadows are colorful and dazzling. Don't miss it! Some content comes from the Internet.