Riwoche Monastery, Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Kham, Tibet
Riwoche Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Kham featuring a distinctive central building with red, white, and black vertical stripes, housing more than 500 Buddhist monks. The complex includes an inner courtyard and numerous religious statues and traditional Buddhist wall paintings throughout.
The monastery was founded in 1276 by Sangye On after he relocated to the Kham region, initially establishing it as a branch of Taklung Monastery in central Tibet. This connection shaped its monastic character and role as a religious institution in the area.
The monastery serves as a pilgrimage site for Buddhist devotees from surrounding areas who visit especially during religious festivals to pay respects at the sacred statues. Monastic daily routines and prayer ceremonies structure the rhythm of life within its walls.
The monastery is accessible from Riwoche town via shared minibuses or taxis that regularly depart from the town center. Visitors should note that opening times depend on monastic activities and some areas may not be open to visitors.
The entrance features 20-meter tall doors opening to an inner courtyard covered with a plastic-glass roof, creating an interplay of light and shadow. Large religious statues emerge from the semi-darkness in this distinctive setting, which adds to their visual impact.
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