Charming Tibet, Tibetan Buddhist Monastery - Zhayeba Monastery.

Zhayeba Monastery is a Nyingma (Red Sect) monastery located in Zhayeba Valley, Dazi District, Lhasa. It was first built in the 7th century AD, making it 1500 years old. It was one of the spiritual temples built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo for his beloved consort, Princess Mangsa Chizun. After several expansions, it became the Zhayeba Monastery tightly embedded in the cliff crevices. One of the main features of Zhayeba Monastery is its integration with caves. There are more than ten existing caves, among which the cave where Songtsen Gampo practiced was built earlier, located on a mid-mountain cliff. The original cave had a Buddha niche, ancient murals, and a statue of Songtsen Gampo, but the statue has been destroyed. The monastery was built around the cave, and after multiple repairs and expansions, it became a famous large monastery. Zhayeba Monastery is open daily from 9:00 to 17:30, with the last entry at 17:30. The ticket price is 40 RMB, but this is for reference only; please check the actual disclosure on the day of your visit. You can drive or take a bus to Zhayeba Monastery. Driving from downtown Lhasa takes about an hour, passing by the spectacular Prayer Flag Mountain (Nagin Mountain Pass near Zhayeba Monastery). There is one bus daily from Barkhor Street, departing in the morning (starting at 7:00, it is recommended to arrive early to queue, and the bus leaves when full), and returning to the city at 12:00 in the afternoon. The architectural style of Zhayeba Monastery has the following characteristics: - Integration with caves: The monastery's architecture is mainly grotto-based, built along the mountain, and integrated with the caves. This style reflects the Tibetan temples' natural characteristics and the Tibetan people's reverence and integration with nature. - Layered and distinct: The monastery's buildings are staggered in height, creating a unique landscape that complements the surrounding mountains. This layout is not only aesthetically pleasing but also considers the needs of religious ceremonies and practices. - Bright colors and exquisite decorations: The buildings of Zhayeba Monastery are brightly colored and beautifully decorated. The walls, doors, windows, and roofs are adorned with exquisite murals and patterns, which have artistic value and reflect Tibetan religious beliefs and cultural traditions. - Fusion of multiple architectural styles: The architecture of Zhayeba Monastery integrates Tibetan, Han, and Indian styles, giving it a unique charm. This fusion reflects the openness and inclusiveness of Tibetan culture and the historical significance of Zhayeba Monastery. When visiting Zhayeba Monastery, please note the following: - The monastery is located at a high altitude, so be aware of altitude sickness and take preventive measures in advance. - Respect local religious customs and regulations, and do not touch or damage items in the monastery. - Maintain silence during your visit to avoid disturbing other worshippers.