Login
Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
Sitting majestically in the lush cliffs of Xiahe, Labrang Monastery is a place that is known for being peaceful. Here, you will get to hear the ancient chants glide softly and mix entirely with the soft breeze. It will feel like a place where time slows down and gives your mind and heart the moment to feel calm. This monastery is one of the most popular and important Tibetan Buddhist Monasteries that sits outside of Tibet. The monastery is filled with teachings that are passed down to generations, colourful celebrations and vibrant ceremonies. This monastery is not just a destination; it’s an experience that brings all visitors closer to Tibetan spirituality and culture.
Quick Details
Labrang Monastery Address: Ren Min Dong Jie, Xiahe County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous
Presiding Deity: Buddha
Labrang Monastery Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
How To Reach: Bus or a private car to reach the monastery
Nearest Airport: Xining Caojiabao International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Xining Railway Station
Best Time To Visit: April to October
About Labrang Monastery
Photo: conghui hou / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Located in Xiahe County, Labrang Monastery is famous for its rich Tibetan traditions and culture. It was built by Ngawang Tsondru, the first Jamyang Shepa in 1709. Since then, the monastery has expanded in size and has been renovated quite a few times.
Besides the religious significance, Labrang Monastery Xiahe is a beautiful place to visit. Standing by the Daxia River, the monastery offers a stunning view of Dragon Mountain. It is a highly sacred place, where pilgrims learn about the teachings of Buddhism. The monastery is also home to thousands of monks who live here and take care of the place.
How To Get To Labrang Monastery
Photo: Immanuel Giel / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Oly
Getting to the Labrang Monastery address will be filled with adventure. Here is a simple way on how you can get to this unique spot:
By Air: The Xining Caojiabao International Airport and the Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport are the closest airports to the monastery. These airports have flights from cities like Xining and Lanzhou. After landing, take a local bus or taxi to Xiahe County.
By Train: The closest railway station to the monastery is Lanzhou Railway Station. After reaching the station, just take a private vehicle or a local bus to get to the monastery.
By Road: Reaching Labrang via road will be an incredible journey. You will find buses that run daily from Lanzhou to Xiahe. Otherwise, you can join a tour group or hire a taxi to reach the site.
Things To Do At Labrang Monastery
When visiting Labrang Monastery China, make sure to have enough time in your hand. It will take at least 3-4 hours to explore the entire place, excluding the other activities that you can do at the monastery.
1. Enjoy The View Of Labrang From Gongtang Pagoda
Photo: Immanuel Giel / Wikimedia Commons
Moving to the southwest part of the monastery, you will come across Gongtang Pagoda. For those who don’t know, it is the highest point of the monastery. From here, you can overlook Labrang and enjoy stunning views. This place is perfect for photographers as it allows them to capture beautiful shots. Besides that, you will find several Buddha Statues at the pagoda.
2. Explore The Daily Life Of Monks
Photo: Immanuel Giel / Wikimedia Commons
As the largest Tibetan Buddhist School in China, Labrang Monastery is home to 40,000 monks. These registered Buddhists and monks live and study here for about 15-30 years. They are required to clear 13 levels of examination before completing their studies. Unlike others, monks have a very disciplined life. They wake up at 4:00 AM and spend several hours studying the scripture. During your visit to the monastery, you can take a closer look at their life and how they go about their day.
3. Explore The Massive Complex
Photo: Shizhao / Wikimedia Commons
As mentioned before, Labrang Monastery is a vast place that consists of numerous halls, temples, prayer rooms, and more. For anybody who wants to explore the entire place needs at least 3-4 hours. You can walk around the massive building complex, exploring every corner of the monastery. Some of the most beautiful things to see here include the pagodas, archways, murals, and statues. Built in Tibetan style, the monastery is nothing less than a work of art.
4. Walk The Longest Prayer Wheel Circuit
Photo: Mario Biondi writer / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Your visit to Labrang Monastery is incomplete without participating in the prayer wheel circuit. As the longest prayer wheel circuit in the world, it includes 2,000 prayer wheels. Once you start, it will take you at least an hour to turn all the wheels in the circuit. If you take a closer look at the wheels, you will notice Buddhist scriptures engraved on them. You will need to rotate the entire wheel to read the scripture. Partaking in this religious activity offers a unique experience that is hard to find anywhere else in the world.
5. Check Out The Culture Relics
Photo: Shizhao / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
When at Labrang Monastery, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to check out the cultural relics. There are several exquisite decorations, and art all around the building complex. You can start with a large collection of books, including natural science books, social science books, and Buddhist scriptures. You will also find books related to Tibetan linguistics, history, culture, and more. In addition to books, you will find several statues, wall hangings, and paintings in the monastery.
Places To Visit Around Labrang Monastery
If you search Labrang Monastery’s address online, you will realise there are plenty of other places to explore near the monastery.
1. Sangke Grassland
Photo: Lukas Lussi / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Located 20 km away from Labrang Monastery, Sangke Grassland is an open plain, where you can enjoy the beauty of Tibetan landscapes. This area is home to Tibetan nomadic communities, which gives you the chance to experience their traditional life and culture. Here you can enjoy horse rides, and eat local Tibetan food. For a more thrilling experience, you can spend a night in a tent close to nature.
Distance From Labrang Monastery: 20 km
Timings: 12 AM – 11:59 PM
2. Langmu Temple
Photo: Catherine Huang / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
This historic temple is located along the border of Gansu and Sichuan provinces. Once you are at the temple, you can explore the beautiful architecture and participate in the religious ceremonies. Some people also take a hike to the surrounding mountains and discover the fairy caves.
Distance From Labrang Monastery: 90 km
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
3. Gahai Lake
Photo: undine / Wikimedia Commons
A drive from Labrang Monastery will take you to Gahai Lake which is located 165 km away from the monastery. This place is famous for its mirror-like waters and peaceful environment. While you are at the lake, you can enjoy bird-watching and even spot some rare species. Others can enjoy gentle hikes through the surrounding area or simply relax at the lake.
Distance From Labrang Monastery: 165 km
Timings: 8:30 AM – 9 PM
Where To Stay
Photo: Max Vakhtbovycn / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Finding accommodation near Labrang Monastery is easy because there are plenty of options to choose from. From budget-friendly options to expensive hotels, you will find all sorts of accommodations in Xiahe. Some of the best hotels to stay at include the Overseas Tibetan Hotel, Labrang Civil Aviation Hotel, Kung Sa Lee Homestay, and The Hill Castle. Just make sure to book your stay in advance to avoid any last-minute issues.
Where To Eat
Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Near Labrang Monastery, you can enjoy a mix of Tibetan, Chinese, and Hui cuisine. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes, where you can find both veg and non-veg options. One of the must-try places is Nomad Restaurant, which is popular for its Tibetan-inspired menu. For a more local experience, you can go to the Himalaya Café and taste their Western dishes. Other places where you can find delicious food include Yun Jian Coffee, Wuze Linka Restaurant, and Geng Sang Qu ZhenZang CanBa.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Junchen Zhou / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Average Cost Of The Trip
The average cost of a trip to Labrang Monastery in China depends on travel preferences and duration. A budget-friendly 5-7 day trip may cost between ₹70,000 to ₹90,000 per person, including international flights, accommodation, meals, local transportation, and entry fees. Mid-range trips can go up to ₹1,20,000, while luxury experiences exceed ₹1,50,000 with premium stays and guided tours. The best time to visit is between May and October. Planning helps manage expenses for this spiritual and scenic journey.
Tips For Travellers
- When visiting the monastery, make sure to dress modestly as short clothes are not allowed.
- You should avoid touching anything inside the monastery.
- Before planning your trip, don’t forget to check Labrang Monastery’s timings. Also, you will need at least 3-4 hours to explore the entire place.
- You should not talk loudly or take pictures inside the monastery.
Visiting Labrang Monastery in China offers a unique experience. It takes you to the heart of Tibetan culture, history, and spirituality. This sacred site is not only famous for its intricate architecture and murals but also for its religious significance. So, if you are planning to take a trip to China, make sure to include Labrang Monastery in your itinerary.
Cover Photo: Yumeto / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
