Menri Monastery, Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Tobgyai, China.
Menri Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist complex at 3800 meters elevation composed of four colleges with temples, meditation halls, and residential buildings housing about 400 monks. The structures spread across the mountainside to form a self-contained community where learning and spiritual practice intertwine.
It was founded in 1405 following a major flood that destroyed the original Yeru Ensaka Monastery established 333 years earlier. The relocation to this elevated site helped establish it as a vital center of Bon Buddhism, where it has flourished for over 600 years.
The monastery preserves Bon Buddhist practices through daily rituals visible in its prayer halls and courtyards. Monks chant and perform ceremonies that shape life here, making it a place where ancient beliefs remain actively practiced.
The complex sits on a steep mountainside requiring sure footing when exploring different areas and navigating stairs between colleges. The 3800-meter elevation should be considered during a visit, as physical acclimatization is helpful for comfortable movement.
Behind the monastery complex stands a natural rock formation that resembles a white silk curtain against the sky. This unusual geological feature frames the site and creates a distinctive visual element that adds to the location's character.
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