Riwoqe Monastery in Chamdo

Riwoqe Monastery, also known as Riwoqe Tsuklakhang, is a Taklung Kagyu monastery located in Riwoqe County, Chamdo Prefecture, in northeastern Tibet. Let’s explore this remarkable monastery:

  1. History and Culture:
    • Founded in 1276 CE by Sangye On, a student of Sangye Yarjon, the third lineage-holder of the Taklung branch of the Kagyu School of Tibetan Buddhism.
    • Riwoqe Monastery is one of the oldest and largest monasteries in eastern Tibet.
    • It is renowned for its philosophers and logicians.
    • The monastery’s distinctive feature is its red, black, and white painted tree-trunk columns.
    • The Taklung lineage, to which Riwoqe belongs, was historically divided into “upper” and “lower” branches, with Riwoqe forming the “lower” branch.
  2. Location and Scenic Setting:
    • Riwoqe Monastery is situated approximately 29 km north of the small town of Ratsaka (also known as Riwoqe Town).
    • It lies 134 km west of Chamdo in Kham.
    • The monastery is nestled in a fertile valley along the Dzi River, a tributary of the Mekong River.
    • The altitude is about 3,400 meters (11,152 ft) above sea level.
  3. Architectural Features:
    • The main temple, currently undergoing restoration since 1985, is three-storied.
    • It is supported by massive tree trunks and adorned with vertical stripes in black, red, and white, characteristic of the Taklung lineage.
    • Notably, a 14th-century cloth painting called Jnanatapa was unearthed at Riwoqe Monastery, depicting the spiritual lineage of the monastery.
  1. Visiting Tips:
    • When visiting Riwoqe Monastery, be respectful of the monks’ meditation areas.
    • Nearby attractions include the Galden Jampaling Monastery and the Kamaduo Stupas.
  2. How to Get There:
    • By Air: Fly to Qamdo Bamda Airport from LhasaChengdu, or Chongqing. Arrange transportation to Riwoqe County from there.
    • Overland Journey: Consider taking the Sichuan Tibet Highway (G318 & G317) or the Yunnan Tibet Highway (G214) for an adventurous road trip to Riwoqe Monastery.

Riwoqe Monastery stands as a testament to Tibet’s spiritual heritage and offers a serene escape in its picturesque surroundings.