Katok Monastery, Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Baiyu County, China
Katok Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery located on a mountainside in a remote valley of Sichuan Province. The complex contains both restored and newly built temple structures arranged across different levels and interconnected by pathways.
The monastery was established in the mid-12th century by an accomplished Buddhist master and underwent major renovation during the 1600s. These restoration efforts helped it regain prominence as one of Tibet's most important religious centers.
This monastery served as a major center for one of Tibet's oldest Buddhist schools and attracted practitioners from across the Himalayan region. Pilgrims and devotees came to study teachings and participate in religious ceremonies within its walls.
The site is reached by a dirt road with multiple turns, so proper planning is important for the visit. The location sits at a high elevation in a cold climate, so visitors should come prepared for these challenging mountain conditions.
A naturally formed Tibetan letter appears in the rock formation above the monastery site, and this gave the place its distinctive name. This accidental marking was considered an auspicious sign and shaped how people understood the site's spiritual importance.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
