Wara Monastery in Chamdo

Wara Monastery, situated in Jomda County, Chamdo Prefecture, in the easternmost part of Tibet, is a significant spiritual and historical site. Let’s explore its fascinating features:

1. Historical Significance:
   • Wara Monastery belongs to the Sakya lineage and boasts a long history.
   • It holds the distinction of being the first major Tibetan Buddhist temple encountered by travelers and traders entering Tibet via the Sichuan-Tibet Highway from neighboring Sichuan Province.
   • The monastery was originally associated with the White Bon Religion but later transformed into the Sakya Tradition by Chogyal Phagpa.
   • Chogyal Phagpa bestowed several supreme Buddha statues and guardian figures here.
   • The monastery has witnessed generations of Sakya Trizin and Sakya Khenpos spreading Dharma and benefiting beings.
2. Unique Features:
   • Wara Monastery is renowned for its location where a peacock, considered an auspicious bird in Tibetan Tantra, spreads its tail.
   • The Wara River flows around the monastery, resembling twin golden fish.
   • Over 200 monks currently reside in the monastery.
3. Sakya Wara Buddhism College:
   • Adjacent to Wara Monastery, you’ll find the Sakya Wara Buddhism College.
   • Established by Genzon Chenlin Trokyi Gyaltsen Rinpoche, this large non-sectarian college is currently the largest Buddhism College of Sakya in Tibet.
   • The college encompasses 300 dormitories and spans over 15,000 square meters.
   • Its hall can accommodate more than a thousand people for sutra recitation and practice.
4. Visiting Tips:
   • While exploring Wara Monastery, be respectful of the monks’ meditation rooms and avoid interrupting their practice.
   • Nearby attractions include the Galden Jampaling Monastery and the Kamaduo Stupas¹.

5. Recommended Tour Itineraries:
   • If you’re planning a visit to Chamdo, consider these tour options:
     • 10 Days World-Class Overland Route: Chengdu to Lhasa via G318 National Highway, covering scenic spots like Kangding, Litang, Ranwu, and Nyingchi.
     • 12 Days Chengdu and Tibet Train Tour: Explore Chengdu, Namtso Lake, Shigatse, and Everest Base Camp.
     • 11 Days Tibet Tour from Hongkong by Train: Journey from Hong Kong to Lhasa, passing through Gyantse and Shigatse.
     • 23 Days Cycling Tour from Chengdu via Sichuan Tibet Highway: A cycling adventure through Kangding, Litang, Mangkang, Bayi, and Lhasa.

Wara Monastery stands as a testament to Tibet’s rich spiritual heritage, and its serene surroundings make it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking both history and tranquility.

How to get to Wara Monastery in Chamdo

1. By Air:
   • Fly to Qamdo Bamda Airport: You can take a flight from Lhasa, Chengdu, or Chongqing to Qamdo Bamda Airport.
   • From the airport, you can arrange transportation to Jomda County, where Wara Monastery is situated¹.
2. Overland Journey:
   • Sichuan Tibet Highway (G318 & G317): If you prefer an overland adventure, take the northern route of the Sichuan Tibet Highway. This highway runs straight through Chamdo, following the path of the ancient Tea Horse Road.
   • The journey from Chengdu to Lhasa via this highway will lead you through scenic spots like Kangding, Xinduqiao Bridge, Litang, Markam, Zogang, Ranwu, and Nyingchi.
   • Keep in mind that the road distance is more than a thousand kilometers from Chamdo to Lhasa, even though the direct distance is around 600 kilometers.
3. Yunnan Tibet Highway (G214):
   • Another overland option is the Yunnan Tibet Highway. Travel from Yunnan to Tibet via this route.
   • The highway offers its own set of breathtaking landscapes and cultural experiences.

Remember to check road conditions, permits, and travel regulations before embarking on your journey to Wara Monastery. Enjoy the spiritual ambiance and natural beauty of this historical site!