Densatil Monastery, Buddhist monastery in Sangri County, China
Densatil Monastery sits on Mount Drakri Karpo with meditation caves carved into cliff faces and buildings arranged across the mountain slopes. The structures follow the natural contours of the landscape, creating an integrated religious complex.
The monastery was founded in 1158 by Phagmo Trupa Dorje Gyelpo and became a major center of religious authority. From the 1300s to the 1400s, the Phagmo Trupa family ruled Tibet from this location.
The main temple displays murals and religious artworks that show how Tibetan Buddhism expresses itself through visual art and decoration. You can observe how local people use these spaces for their daily prayers and meditative practices.
The monastery is reachable from Tsetang via road S302 to Jiang village, after which you can hike steeply upward or take a jeep. It helps to start early and watch the weather, as the mountain elevation can be physically demanding.
The assembly hall was built directly into the cliff face by nearly one thousand monks, with natural rock formations incorporated into the design. This unusual construction method makes the complex architecturally distinctive.
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