Pabonka Hermitage, Buddhist monastery in Nyang bran Valley, China
Pabonka Hermitage sits atop a massive rock outcrop about 8 kilometers northwest of Lhasa, featuring a three-story main building alongside meditation caves. Hiking paths connect it to other monasteries in the surrounding area.
The site was founded in the 7th century when Songtsan Gampo established it as one of the earliest Buddhist centers in Tibet. This predates the later construction of Potala Palace by several centuries.
This hermitage marks an important stop on the Sera Mountain pilgrimage route and draws visitors seeking to understand local spiritual life. The structures reflect how monks and pilgrims continue to use the site for prayer and contemplation today.
The best time to visit is in the morning when the site is quieter and you can explore the meditation caves comfortably. You will need suitable footwear and basic fitness to navigate the rocky terrain.
The site holds the distinction of being traditionally recognized as where the Tibetan alphabet was created. This connection to written language remains important in local understanding of regional history.
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