The Pilgrimage to the Sky City: Bon Mysticism and Cliffside Wonders on the Zizhu Mountain Kora

The Sky City of Eastern Tibet

Hidden deep within the Hengduan Mountains of Eastern Tibet, there lies a road that is not merely a path for travel, but a spiritual ascent. This is the Zizhu Mountain Circumambulation Path. Located in Dingqing County, Chamdo, Zizhu Mountain (Zizhu Shan) is revered as the "Sky City" due to its imposing altitude of 4,800 meters and its dramatic, other-worldly topography. Unlike the more accessible tourist spots, Zizhu remains a pristine and mysterious sanctuary. It is one of the oldest and most significant monasteries of the Bon religion (the indigenous religion of Tibet), standing as a testament to a civilization that dates back over 3,000 years. The mountain itself consists of six distinctive peaks that pierce the sky like sharp swords, creating a landscape that feels suspended between heaven and earth.

A Spiritual Fortress of the Bon Religion

Zizhu Mountain is not just a geological wonder; it is a spiritual fortress. In Tibetan, "Zizhu" translates to "Six Peaks," corresponding to the six perfections in Buddhist philosophy (though it is a Bon site). Historically, it was a major stronghold for the Bon religion, especially during times when Bon was marginalized in other parts of Tibet. The Zizhu Temple, perched precariously on the cliffs, is one of the highest and most influential Bon monasteries in existence. Following the ancient traditions, pilgrims perform the "Kora" (circumambulation) around the mountain. Uniquely, because this is a Bon site, the Kora is performed counter-clockwise, contrary to the clockwise direction of Tibetan Buddhism. Walking this path is considered a journey of purifying the soul and accumulating merit, allowing visitors to touch the primitive roots of Tibetan culture.

The Natural Wonder of the Sky Gate

One of the most breathtaking features along the path is the "Sky Gate" (Tianmen). This is a massive natural hole that penetrates the main peak of the mountain range. From certain angles, you can see the blue sky or drifting clouds through this rock window, creating a surreal "eye" looking into the heavens. Legend has it that this gate is a passage between the celestial and human worlds, opened by the great master Shenrab Miwo (the founder of Bon) with his finger/arrow to allow the spread of teachings. Standing beneath this colossal arch, visitors are struck by the sheer scale of nature and the mystical atmosphere that permeates the thin air. It is a favorite spot for photographers seeking to capture the interplay of light, rock, and sky.

A Journey of Physical and Mental Challenge

1.Traversing the Zizhu: Mountain path is an adventure. The road leading up to the temple is a steep, winding dirt road that climbs rapidly in elevation, offering thrilling views of the valleys below and the jagged peaks above. The environment is harsh yet magnificent, with high-altitude plains, vultures circling overhead, and the constant flutter of prayer flags in the wind. Along the circumambulation route, one encounters hanging cultivation caves where monks have meditated for years, ancient rock paintings, and the solemn Sky Burial Platform, reminding travelers of the impermanence of life. The journey is physically demanding due to the high altitude, but the sense of achievement upon reaching the summit and witnessing the "Sky City" shrouded in clouds is unparalleled.

The Grand God Dance

If you are fortunate enough to visit during a special year (specifically the Year of the Chicken in the Tibetan calendar), you might witness the grand Zizhu God Dance. This religious festival is held every 12 years and attracts tens of thousands of believers. The monks perform ancient, intricate dances wearing masks representing various deities, aiming to drive away evil spirits and pray for peace. Even outside of this festival, the daily atmosphere of the mountain, with the sound of chanting echoing against the cliffs and the sight of devout pilgrims prostrating themselves, offers a profound insight into the spiritual life of the Tibetan people.