Yerpa, Buddhist monastery in Dagzê District, China.
Yerpa is a monastery featuring multiple chapels and meditation caves carved into sheer cliff faces at an elevation of 4,000 meters. The complex spans different levels, with natural caves connected to worked chambers, creating an intricate network of structures built directly into the mountainside.
According to Buddhist tradition, the monastery was established in the 7th century during Tibet's transition to Buddhism with royal support. This represented part of a broader movement that created sacred sites throughout the mountain landscape.
The monastery serves as a center for Buddhist practice where monks engage in daily meditation and ceremonial activities within its cliff dwellings. The spaces here are shaped by centuries of spiritual pursuit, creating an environment where religious practice remains deeply embedded in the physical layout.
The location is remote and requires careful planning, as visits typically happen through organized tours from Lhasa. The thin air at this elevation can be notable, so it is wise to acclimate yourself beforehand to the conditions.
The caves served as destinations for monks dedicated to extended periods of solitude and deep meditation practice. Today visitors can observe these isolated chambers and understand how intensive spiritual focus was implemented through the physical design.
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