The Celestial Stairway: Witnessing Life and Impermanence at Drigung Til Monastery

A Monastery Clinging to the Sky

Located approximately 150 kilometers east of Lhasa in Maizhokunggar County, Drigung Til Monastery (Zhigongti Si) is a sight of breathtaking grandeur and spiritual profundity. Unlike the Potala Palace which dominates a city, or Sera Monastery which sits on the outskirts, Drigung Til is a sanctuary completely merged with the wild nature of the plateau. It is situated in the Xuerong River valley, built directly onto a steep cliff face at an altitude of approximately 4,400 meters,. From a distance, the monastery complex appears to grow out of the mountain itself, with its golden roofs and red walls standing in stark contrast to the rugged, vertical cliffs. Looking down from the monastery, one can see the deep valley floor and the winding river, giving visitors the sensation of standing on a "celestial ladder" connecting the earth to the heavens,.

The Head of the Drigung Kagyu

1.Drigung Til: Monastery holds an esteemed position in Tibetan history as the founding and main monastery of the Drigung Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. It was established in 1179 by Jigten Sumgon (Drigungpa), a disciple of Phagmo Drupa,. In its early history, the Drigung Kagyu sect was politically powerful, even competing with the Sakya sect for dominance in Tibet. Despite being destroyed and rebuilt over the centuries, the monastery has maintained its status as a crucial spiritual center. It serves as a vital hub for the lineage, preserving the teachings and traditions of the sect, and remains a place of deep devotion for pilgrims who travel from across the Tibetan plateau,.

The Legendary Sky Burial Platform

For many travelers and pilgrims, the name Drigung Til is synonymous with its famous Sky Burial Platform (Drigung Dur-khrod). It is considered one of the three most sacred sky burial sites in the world, spiritually connected to the Sitavana cremation ground in India,. In Tibetan custom, sky burial (feeding the deceased to vultures) is regarded as the highest form of generosity and the final act of returning the body to nature. The platform at Drigung Til, located higher up on the mountain ridge behind the main buildings, is surrounded by thousands of prayer flags and mani stones, creating an atmosphere that is both solemn and awe-inspiring,. It is said that a body interred here will not fall into the "three lower realms" of existence, making it the most desired final resting place for Tibetans,.

Architecture and Treasures

2.The heart of the monastery is the Tsokchen: Hall (Grand Assembly Hall), which serves as the religious center for the monks. The hall is grand and spacious, housing revered statues including those of Jigten Sumgon, Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), and Shakyamuni Buddha,. The interior is adorned with ancient thangkas and murals that depict the lineage and deities of the Kagyu tradition. Surrounding the main hall are various chapels and the Serkhang (Golden Hall), which offer a glimpse into the rich artistic and spiritual heritage of the monastery. The layout of the buildings, climbing up the steep slope, reflects a unique architectural harmony with the severe terrain,.

Festivals and Nearby Wonders

Drigung Til is a vibrant center for religious festivals. The Drigung Phowa (Great Phowa Chenmo), held around the 15th day of the 4th Tibetan month, and the Danlu Festival (Summer Dharma Assembly) in the 6th Tibetan month, are spectacular events featuring giant Thangka unveilings, cham dances, and gatherings of thousands of faithful,. Just 7 kilometers away lies the Tidrum Nunnery (Dezhong) and its famous medicinal hot springs. This nearby site offers a softer, greener contrast to the stark cliffs of Drigung Til, allowing visitors to experience the healing waters and the quiet life of the nuns in a lush valley setting,.