Top 10 China tours 2023/2024 for first visits and returns: embark on a lifetime experience. Learn more
Pabonka Hermitage

Pabonka Hermitage

Written by Kelly PangUpdated Aug. 23, 2021

Pabonka Hermitage is one of the most ancient Buddhist sites in Tibet. Pabonka Hermitage is an ancient retreat founded in the 7th century by Songtsan Gampo who is reputed to be the founder of the Tibetan Empire.

Pabonka means "on top of a giant rock" in the Tibetan language and, given its situation on Mount Parasol, is quite fitting.

History

Pabonka Hermitage is the starting point for the "Sixth-Month Fourth-Day" (Drug pa tshe bzhi) of the Sera Mountain Circumambulation Circuit (Se ra'i ri 'khor) pilgrimage.

It is said that Pabonka was built even earlier than the Potala Palace and Jokhang Monastery. Several famous Tibetan kings and monks meditated here and Pabonka is said to be the birthplace of the Tibetan Alphabet.

 Pabonka Hermitage Pabonka Hermitage

Over the many years of its history, Pabonka has undergone many attacks. When the Dalai Lama took asylum in India, many of the remaining monks moved to Mysore, India, establishing a parallel Sera Monastery with more than 3,000 monks.

The former glory of the high-rise palace no longer exists and Pabonka has become a temple of mid-level importance as there only remains a few buildings plus a three-story structure standing on the rock.

Location

  • 29°43'11.0"N 91°07'06.0"E

Part of Sera Monastery, Pabonka Hermitage is located 8 kilometers (5 miles) north of central Lhasa in the Nyang Bran Valley on the side of Mount Parasol. There's a good road up to it with ample parking.

 Pabonka

You can tailor-make your own unique tour by telling us your interests and requirements. We will help you design a perfect trip. We provide a high-quality local guide and private transport to get you to, and to get the most out of, places like Pabonka Hermitage.

Hiking

Pabonka Hermitage also serves as a base for travelers seeking a further adventure as it is only a one and a half hour hike from Pabonka Hermitage to the Sera Monastery.

This walk has often been referred to as "a sun-filled, energizing hike leading to the lively monk debates outside of the city". Additional hikes can also be taken to the Tashi Choling Hermitage (about 30 minutes) and the Chupsang Nunnery (about one hour).

Contact us

Tour Pabonka Hermitage with China Highlights

Hiking from Pabongka Monastery to Sera Monastery is a hidden route, which is seldom seenby travelers.The magnificent bird's-eye view of Lhasa city is another highlight during this hike.

Check our 7-Day Tibet Tour including Pabongka Monastery to Sera Monastery Hike

Not interested in the above tour? You can tailor-make your own unique tour by telling us your interests and requirements. We will help you design a perfect trip.

We are here to help you...
start planning your tailor-made tour with 1-1 help from our travel advisors. Create Your Trip

The China Highlights Experience

1-to-1 Expert Planning

1-to-1 Expert Planning

Your tour will be tailor-made by your personal travel advisor — a destination expert. Every reply will be within 24 hours.

Personal Journeys

Personal Journeys

Enjoy your personal local guide and ride. Explore destinations at your own pace. Have unparalleled flexibility, which is impossible on a group tour.

Authentic Experiences

Authentic Experiences

Discover the hidden gems. Experience local culture by practicing it. Try new and exciting activities, and unveil the stories behind the sights and people.

Well-Selected Local Guides

Well-Selected Local Guides

Knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and attentive — your personal local guides will share interesting stories, insider information, and even create unexpected highlights!

China Highlights tailor-makes China tours to help travelers discover China their way. We're a passionate team of one hundred avid travelers who love to share our knowledge of China with those looking for a more authentic travel experience, more ...
China Highlights International Travel Service Co., LTD
Corporate Number: 914503003486045699
Featured on