Pabonka Monastery | Tibet Travel | Tibet Tour

Pabonka Monastery

 Pabonka Monastery

Pabonka Monastery, also known as Pabongka Hermitage, is a significant historical and spiritual site located approximately 8 kilometers northwest of central Lhasa, Tibet, nestled in the Nyang Bran Valley on the slopes of Mount Parasol. Established in the 7th century by King Songtsen Gampo, it is considered one of the oldest Buddhist sites in the Lhasa region

Originally constructed as a nine-story fortress, Pabonka was later converted into a monastery, possibly during the reign of King Trisong Detsen in the 8th century. The site holds historical significance as a meditation retreat for prominent figures such as Guru Padmasambhava and the first seven monks of the Tibetan Empire.  Over the centuries, Pabonka suffered destruction, notably during King Langdharma's campaign against monastic Buddhism in 841 AD, but was rebuilt in the 11th century as a two-story structure housing 200 monks.

Pabonka Monastery is renowned for its unique architecture, including the Rigsum Gonpo Temple, which houses statues of the "Rigsum Gompo Trinity": Avalokiteśvara (Chenresig), Manjushri (Jampelyang), and Vajrapani (Chana Dorje).  The site also features the Palden Lhamo Cave, believed to have been a meditation chamber for King Songtsen Gampo, containing statues of the king, his two wives, and a rock carving of the protectress deity Palden Lhamo.

Today, Pabonka Monastery is part of the Sera Monastery complex and serves as the starting point for the “Sixth-Month Fourth-Day” (Drug pa tshe bzhi) pilgrimage, a significant event in the Tibetan Buddhist calendar.  The monastery continues to be a place of worship and pilgrimage, attracting visitors interested in its rich history and spiritual heritage.