[2025 Lhasa Attraction] Travel Guide for Pabangka Temple (Updated Apr)

What is there to do in Lhasa this season? Viewing peach blossoms is a great choice. Want to know where the best places are to view flowers in Lhasa? Just follow me! 📍 Transportation: We recommend driving yourself. 🌟 Trip highlights: ✅ Pabonka Monastery: A top flower-viewing destination in the northern suburbs of Lhasa. The ancient peach trees in the monastery are hundreds of years old and blend in with the red and white Tibetan-style courtyard walls, making it a great place for photos. ✅ Chubsang Temple: Only a few steps away from Pabonka Monastery, most of the visitors here are devout locals. There are not many peach trees here, and they are mainly distributed in front of the houses, which is very down-to-earth. ✅ Cijiao Lin: Located in the suburbs of Lhasa, it is also the "wildest" existence in Lhasa. Along the way are local villages, full of life. You can see the Potala Palace in the distance, which is so beautiful. ✅ Sera Monastery: One of the most famous monasteries in Lhasa, located in the city center. It is also known as the local paradise of wisdom. If you want to admire the peach blossoms, you can go up the mountain behind Sera Monastery, where you can photograph peach trees and sheep. ✅ Gunba Sha: A small temple located on the North Ring Road of Lhasa, with almost no tourists visiting. There are not many peach trees here, but they are in excellent condition. In addition to the Potala Palace, you can also see the Lalu Wetlands in the distance. 🌈 Travel tips: ✅ The peak blooming period for peach blossoms in Lhasa is from the end of March to mid-April, and it is still the peak blooming period now. It is recommended to wear plain clothes or Tibetan clothes and avoid wearing brightly colored clothes. ✅ Pabonka Monastery does not charge admission fees and is far from the bus station. There are more tourists on weekends, so it is recommended to go on a working day morning. The ancient peach trees with Tibetan architecture as the background will be more photogenic. ✅ At Zhuoji Resort near Cijiao Lin, you can also take photos of the Potala Palace and peach blossoms in the same frame. Along the resort, you can also visit Puba Village and the S-bend peach blossoms. ✅ Sera Monastery is one of the three major monasteries in Lhasa, and its debate is more famous than its peach blossoms. Every day at 3 pm, you can see the monks using intense body language to debate, which is very shocking. ✅ When shooting peach blossoms, it is recommended to use a telephoto lens and use architectural lines to shoot. It is easier to get good photos from 08:00-10:00 in the morning or 16:00-18:00 in the afternoon, and you can shoot peach blossoms in the shadows of the temple.

Worried about crowds on May Day, collect this guide to avoid crowds, stress-free plateau reaction, and experience Tibetan culture in depth! ⏯️ About altitude sickness Don't blindly take altitude sickness medicine before going to Tibet, keep a normal mind, buy medicine immediately if you feel uncomfortable when you go there, bring some chocolate and cola with you, take a little when you feel uncomfortable. It is best to stay in a hotel with diffuse oxygen supply, I have stayed in a Tibetan manor hotel in front of the Potala Palace, the rooms have medical grade diffuse oxygen supply, highly recommended. 🖇️ Essential items 1⃣ Document: ID card 2⃣ Bring a small amount of change 3⃣ Temperature difference is large, bring a thicker jacket 4⃣ UV strong, pay attention to sunscreen, sunglasses parasol 5⃣ Some places require border defense certificates, need to be processed in advance 6⃣ colds 💊, prevent altitude sickness, motion sickness patch, oxygen bottle 8⃣ Chocolate, cola, biscuits and other snacks 9⃣ Charger, selfie stick, headphones, charger ✈️Transportation The railway station is in Lhasa city, you can take a taxi; to reach Gonggar Airport, you need to take a civil aviation bureau bus to the city civil aviation bureau station. The Tibetan-style hotel I stayed in before also includes a shuttle station service. There will be a shuttle bus after I arrive, which is very courteous. ⏩️Itinerary Day1 The hotel is particularly close to the Potala Palace. Day2 The next day we booked the hotel's business shuttle bus to take us to Dashoji Temple. Although the distance is very close, we experienced the shuttle bus service. When I went to the Jokhang Temple, I was very moved to see many people worshiping. Next to the Dashoji Temple is Barkhor Street, which is the core area, where you eat, enjoy, and have a good stroll. Day3 Trekking to Drepung Monastery and the back mountain of Drepung Monastery, overlooking the whole of Lhasa from the monastery at the top of the mountain, it was very spectacular. Although the hotel is opposite the Nanshan Park, the place where the dry land onion was shot, but due to time reasons, I chose the back hill of Drepung Temple, which is very worth it. Day4 Today's itinerary can be arranged more relaxed, to Pabang Kong to see the peach blossoms in full bloom, very beautiful, can wear lighter clothes more beautiful. By car you can reach the parking lot under the temple, which allows you to walk a lot less. On the fifth day of the May Day holiday, we can sleep in the hotel until we wake up naturally, and then return. The hotel's Mercedes-Benz business car will also take us to the train station and civil aviation bureau free of charge, the courteous service is unforgettable. 🥝 Diet recommendation 🥨Tibetan Yak Soup Pot: The hotel cafe is very good, no need to run back and forth, you can dine in the hotel; 🥨Stone Pot Chicken: The stone pot chicken at Sijin Latso Restaurant next to the hotel is very good, and there is a Tibetan performance in the evening; 🥨Sweet tea: Lhasa has a lot of sweet teahouses, some similar to mainland cafes, you can sit and talk with friends in the sweet teahouse, and you can meet many locals, very comfortable.

An Underrated Flower Spot! The Peach Blossoms at Pabonka Monastery are Stunning🌸 In Lhasa, there's a treasure trove of flowers that most tourists overlook: Pabonka Monastery. When the ancient monastery meets the vibrant peach blossoms, history and romance collide. Check out this peach blossom viewing guide! 📅 Flower Viewing Time The best time to see the peach blossoms at Pabonka Monastery is from late March to mid-April. At this time, the temperature in Lhasa gradually warms up, and the peach blossoms around Pabonka Monastery bloom freely and brilliantly under the warm sunshine of the plateau, complementing the ancient temple and creating a breathtaking view. 📍 Flower Viewing Location Pabonka Monastery is located in Niangre Township, Chengguan District, Lhasa City, about a 30-minute drive from the city center. After entering the temple, walk along the stone road, and you will see layers of peach trees surrounding the temple buildings. The mountainside has an excellent view. Here, you can not only admire the beauty of the peach blossoms up close, but also overlook the magnificent scenery of the Lhasa River Valley. 📸 Photography Tips 1. Use foreground composition: Use the blooming peach blossoms as the foreground and aim the lens at the simple and elegant temple. The softness of the peach blossoms and the solemnity of the temple complement each other, making it easy to take artistic masterpieces. 2. Low-angle upward shot: Squat down and shoot the peach blossoms and the blue sky from a low angle, and then include the golden roof of the temple in the picture. The blue sky, pink peach blossoms, and magnificent golden roof form a stunning picture. 3. Capture dynamic moments: When the breeze blows and the peach blossoms fall, capturing the moment when people interact with the falling flowers can add a sense of agility to the photos. 👗 Outfit Recommendations 1. Tibetan traditional costumes: Put on a brightly colored Tibetan robe, matched with exquisite Tibetan jewelry, walking between the peach forest and the ancient temple, as if walking out of a painting, full of ethnic customs. 2. Literary and artistic style: Choose a light-colored dress or shirt, with a knitted cardigan, which complements the romantic atmosphere created by the peach blossoms, showing a literary temperament. 🍜 Food and Route Planning 1. Tour route: In the morning, go to Pabonka Monastery to enjoy the peach blossoms and take pictures to appreciate the charm of the ancient temple. In the afternoon, after going down the mountain, go to Niangre Folk Custom Park to experience Tibetan folk culture and admire the scenery of the Lhasa River Valley. 2. Food recommendation: During the trip, you may wish to try Tibetan snacks. The sweet tea house near Pabonka Monastery is a good place to rest. Order a pot of hot sweet tea, paired with Tibetan bread, to dispel the fatigue of the trip. In the evening, you can also go back to the city for an authentic Tibetan meal. Tibetan yak hot pot is recommended, which is warm and delicious. Take advantage of the beautiful spring weather, come to Pabonka Monastery to check in, and have an unforgettable spring flower viewing trip! ✨

Every spring, I yearn for a romantic flower-viewing trip! When it comes to spring blossoms, Nyingchi's peach blossoms are renowned, but today I must recommend a hidden gem—Pabongka Monastery. The peach blossoms here are beyond imagination, guaranteed to redefine your perception of spring's beauty! At this monastery, steeped in history and faith, red walls and golden tiles are embraced by blossoming peach trees, where serene chants intertwine with falling petals. Time seems to stand still as you immerse yourself in the tranquility and admire the breathtaking scenery. Every glance is a visual feast, every second a unique blend of faith and romance. 🙏 Exploring Pabongka "Pabongka," meaning "Palace on a Boulder," evokes a sense of mystery. Over a thousand years ago, Songtsen Gampo and Princess Wencheng graced this place, the birthplace of Tibetan script, with their presence. Inside the temple, the first Tibetan inscription of the six-syllable mantra stands as a silent testament to the passage of time. 🌸 Practical Information 🎫 Tickets: Free! ⏱️ Duration: Approximately 1 hour for an in-depth experience. 🌸 Bloom Time: Peak bloom for ancient peach trees is from late March to early April. Don't miss this limited-time romance. 📍 Key Spots: Steps from the parking area, you'll encounter the largest peach tree in the monastery—a photographer's dream. Further up, peach trees surround the main hall and debating courtyard. A stunning ancient peach tree graces the debating courtyard. Debates usually begin around 3pm (not daily), and the monastery closes at 6pm. Qusang Rizhui Monastery, located along the way up the mountain, also boasts magnificent ancient peach trees. If time permits, it's worth a visit. ⭕ Helpful Tips ⏰ Time Management: Monks debate around 3pm, and the monastery closes at 6pm. Plan accordingly. 👗 Dress Code: Women in skirts can only visit the monastery's exterior. Appropriate attire is required to enter the main hall. 🙅‍♀️ Respectful Conduct: Maintain silence and avoid disturbing the monks and worshippers in this sacred place. 🌳 Protect Nature: Refrain from pulling, stepping on, or picking the blossoms of these precious wild ancient trees. 🐾 Be Kind to Animals: The monastery's friendly animals are a delight. Treat them with kindness. 📷 Photography Tips 📸 Lens Usage: A wide-aperture lens, combined with close-ups of the monastery, creates atmospheric shots. 📸 Locations: The debating courtyard gate offers excellent photo opportunities. The ancient peach tree is in the small courtyard to the right of the entrance. Yellow and red walls complement the peach blossoms perfectly for close-ups. Capture layered images with peach blossoms in the foreground and snow-capped mountains in the distance. 🙏 Seek Permission: Obtain consent from the monks before photographing them during debates. 👚 Outfit Suggestions: Light-colored clothing complements the peach blossoms beautifully. Don't just focus on Nyingchi. Come to Pabongka Monastery and experience this unique spring romance!

Have you ever seen Buddhist scriptures in full bloom? - In March, the plateau is still covered with a light layer of snow, but the thousand-year-old stone steps of Pabongka Monastery are already steeped in peach blossoms. - When the ochre-red monastery walls meet the pink and white clouds of blossoms, it's as if the spring breeze has untied the knots of time on Tibet's oldest palace. - The petals that fall on the prayer wheels are like hairpins dropped by Princess Wencheng, cinnabar shaken off by Songtsen Gampo's brush, and pink love letters written by Buddha to the mortal world. Each petal whispers the secret of "completeness." - Forgotten by time, Pabongka's peach blossoms in March amaze time itself. - 🎈Pabongka Monastery Travel Guide🎈 ✅Lion face relief on the lintel of the main hall: The tassels hanging from the fangs hold the secrets of Tubo craftsmen. ✅"Self-manifested Tara image" on the west wall of the debating courtyard: A compassionate face outlined by natural rock patterns. ✅Mani stone carvings under the ancient peach trees: A totem of reincarnation where petals and mantras grow together. - 📸Moments of Light and Shadow ✅Before and after sunrise (7:30-8:30am): The peach blossom monastery in the morning mist looks like a mirage. ✅Noon (12:00-1:00pm): The gilded rock walls and flower shadows form a mandala. ✅Before sunset (6:00-7:00pm): The sunset turns the entire valley into peach blossom wine. ⚠PS: The above times are for reference only. The specific times depend on the season. - 🚙Transportation Information ✅Taxi: Take a taxi from Lhasa city to Pabongka (approx. CNY 40-50). The fare depends on your location. ✅Didi: Ride-hailing services from near the Potala Palace cost around CNY 30. ✅Bus: Take bus No. 24 to the terminal station. You'll need to walk about 2 km. This is not recommended for those who are not physically fit, as it involves climbing a hill. - 💰Ticket Information ✅Free - 🏠Accommodation Recommendations ✅There are many options during the off-season. We recommend the Oxygen-Enriched Guesthouse (the owner is very nice). - ⚠Travel Suggestions and Precautions ✅‌Best time for photos‌: We recommend visiting in the afternoon, when there are debating activities, the light is soft, and the photo effects are better. The alley at the entrance, under the peach trees, and the monastery walls are all good shooting locations.‌ ✅Clothing suggestions‌: Wear light-colored clothes when taking portraits. Do not wear skirts, hats, or sunglasses when entering the temple.‌ ✅Precautions‌: Pabongka Monastery is a place for meditation and pilgrimage. Do not disturb the young monks and believers. The peach trees are wild and ancient, so avoid pulling, trampling, or picking them.

People who often go to Tibet all know that 'Jokhang Temple was there before Lhasa city was built.' However, the construction of Pabongka predates even the Jokhang and Ramoche Temples, earning it the title of 'Lhasa's First Palace' Pabongka was initially built under the supervision of Songtsen Gampo, and Princess Wencheng lived there after she entered Tibet. Her living quarters are still preserved to this day (see images 4 and 5). Contrary to what one might imagine, the real living environment of the princess who married for political alliance is complicated to describe... Thonmi Sambhota, the father of Tibetan script, created the Tibetan alphabet here and left behind the Six Syllable Mantra personally inscribed by him. Therefore, the first stone carving of 'Om Mani Padme Hum' in Lhasa is located here. The meaning of Pabongka is 'Giant Stone Palace,' which reflects its characteristic of being built upon a giant rock. It is said that the original palace had 9 floors, but now only 2 floors remain. Pabongka occupies the strategic high ground to the north of Lhasa city. From here, one can look down upon the Potala Palace, hence there's a rumor that Pabongka was built with significant strategic importance. If the weather is good, one can see the distant Potala Palace from Pabongka and overlook the city of Lhasa. Transportation: There is no direct public transportation; one can take a taxi, but many drivers do not know this place. It's also not very convenient to call a taxi after visiting. If you haven't rented a car, it is recommended to go early and return early. Another way is to take a bus to the foot of the mountain and then take a local tricycle up. Ticket: Free Precautions: Inside, there is still a chanting hall used by the lamas for daily rituals. They lock it when not in use. We didn't notice when we entered for a visit and got locked inside. Later, we had to call for help through a window to get out. Many lamas inside do not understand Chinese, but they are very friendly; a nod and a smile when meeting them is sufficient. Next to Pabongka, there is a sky burial site, which is no longer open for visitors. Do not attempt to climb over the wall to get in; respect the local customs.

Pabangka, meaning 'Palace of the Giant Stones', is said to have been the residence of Princess Wencheng and Songtsen Gampo before the construction of the Potala Palace. The peach blossoms at Pabangka🌸 allow for photos with blue skies, white clouds, snow-capped mountains, monks, and the red, white, and yellow walls of temples, and also offer a bird's-eye view of Lhasa city and the Potala Palace, making it a place where it's easy to get good shots! ❗️❗️❗️The peach blossoms at Pabangka are now in full bloom, and many peach trees have already sprouted green buds. It's estimated that the blossoms will fall off in a few days, so if you want to visit, now is the time. 🎫Ticket: Free 🚗Transportation: 1️⃣ Didi: Pabangka is about nine kilometers from the city center, and a taxi costs less than 30 yuan 2️⃣ Bus: Take the bus to the Military Region General Hospital, sometimes there are minibuses at the entrance of the Military Region, 5 yuan per person can take you to Pabangka, or you can take a taxi from the Military Region for about 15 yuan, of course, you can also walk from the Military Region, which takes about 40 minutes 3️⃣ Self-driving: Just navigate to Pabangka 📌Tips: 1️⃣ Since the weather in Lhasa has been cloudy in the afternoon recently, if you want to capture blue skies and white clouds, remember to arrive at Pabangka around 10 am, when there are fewer people, the light is better, and the chances of getting good photos are higher 2️⃣ Under the peach trees, it's very suitable for Tibetan dress, Hanfu, and horse-face skirts 3️⃣ Try to avoid wearing white clothes, as they can easily blend in with the peach blossoms and white walls 📸Recommended photo spots: 1️⃣ At the steps just entering the temple, there is a particularly large peach tree, which is especially suitable for photographing the peach tree and the play of light and shadow 2️⃣ At the three white pagodas, you can capture the Potala Palace and peach blossoms in the same frame 3️⃣ Inside the main hall, there is a peach tree in the debate courtyard, where you can photograph monks debating under the peach tree, as well as the peach tree and white pagodas in the same frame 4️⃣ At the entrance of the main hall, there is a peach tree, where you can capture the peach tree and the temple gate in the same frame 5️⃣ Just inside the main hall, there is a peach tree that allows for photos of peach blossoms under the red wall 6️⃣ Behind the main hall, there is a previously abandoned house, which is actually also a great spot for photos Ps: These are just for reference, in fact, many beautiful photo spots are found by slowly walking and seeing beautiful scenes, so it's recommended to slow down, take your time to appreciate the peach blossoms of the mountain temple, and you will definitely discover many incredibly beautiful places🫡 Because the blooming period of peach blossoms is not very long, if you want to photograph the mountain temple's peach blossoms, you can hurry up in the next few days🫰🏻 ❗️❗️❗️Lastly, if you also like Tibet or are thinking of coming to Tibet recently, you can follow me, and I'll show you a different side of Tibet🤣

Baima was reborn in Pabangka. Pabangka is located in the northern part of downtown Lhasa, on the back hill of the Sera Monastery. When I came to Lhasa, in addition to the famous Potala Palace, the size of the Temple, and other places, Pabangka is a place that must be reached. Why do you say this? Before the construction of the Potala Palace, it was the center of politics and Buddhism in the Tubo period. What is more important is that the Tibetan language was born here. I thought that Songtsan Gambo would practice here and receive foreign envoys here. Talking about state affairs and so on. Bai Mawangm is a Tibetan designer and a model. We have cooperated with the Jinyi Tibet series. Later, for various reasons, there was no cooperation again. By chance, we once again collaborated on this set of photos in Lhasa. The costumes were designed by Baima and inspired by Tibetan robes. The location was in Pabangka, and Baima was physically hugged at the time, but the photos were completely invisible. I said Bai Ma, after the photo was taken, I was born again.