Chiu Monastery


Located 33km south of Darchen, Chiu (Sparrow) Monastery enjoys a fabulous location atop a craggy hill overlooking Lake Manasarovar. The monastery name comes from the story that Guru Rinpoche was guided here by a sparrow before staying for seven days. The main chapel contains the meditation cave and stone footprint of Guru Rinpoche, but most people focus on the lake views and the winding stone staircases of this fairy tale–like structure. On a clear day Mt Kailash looms dramatically to the north.

A short kora (pilgrim circuit) leads to a second chapel with a fine block print in the corner.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Chiu Hot Springs

0.19 MILES

If you fancy a relaxing post-Kailash soak or just need to get clean after a kora, the small hot springs beside Chiu village are piped into clean, private…

2. Gossul Monastery

6.84 MILES

South of Chiu Monastery on the shore of Manasarovar, this charming 16th-century monastery has long been part of the Manasarovar kora but can now be…

3. Trugo Monastery

14.77 MILES

Trugo has a great location on the southern shore of Manasarovar, at a spot where many Indian pilgrims make their ritual immersion in the lake. The main…

4. Seralung Monastery

15.14 MILES

Seralung was built in 1728 to atone for a war against Ladakh. The most revered image is the central Jowo Katasapani; to the right is a statue of Kunchog…

5. Mt Kailash

20.99 MILES

Sacred Mt Kailash dominates the landscape of western Tibet through both its unique geographical allure and its sacred, metaphysical role as the religious…