Tsurphu Monastery, Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Doilungdêqên District, China.
Tsurphu Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist facility in Doilungdêqên District situated at roughly 4,300 meters (14,100 feet) elevation with heavy stone construction and traditional architectural features throughout. The complex comprises several interconnected buildings arranged around courtyards that create an enclosed space for the monastic community.
The monastery was founded in 1189 by Düsum Khyenpa, the First Karmapa Lama, and became the primary seat of the Karma Kagyu lineage. It remained a major spiritual and administrative center for this tradition across the following centuries.
The monastery houses a community of monks engaged in daily spiritual practice rooted in the Karma Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. Visitors can observe how this living religious practice shapes the rhythms and spaces of the complex.
Early morning visits work well for better lighting and to witness the monastery's activities when most active. Sturdy footwear is important since reaching the site and exploring the grounds involves walking on uneven, high-altitude terrain.
A roughly 4-kilometer pilgrimage path winds upward from the monastery to meditation caves, sacred springs, and religious monuments in the surrounding mountains. This trail is often overlooked by visitors compared to the main complex but offers expansive views and spiritual sites.
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