The Sky City of the Bon Religion: A Pilgrimage to the Six Peaks of Zizhu Mountain

The "Sky City" of Eastern Tibet

Rising abruptly from the rugged terrain of Dengqen County (Dingqing) in Chamdo, Tibet, Zizhu Mountain (Zizhu Shan) presents a silhouette unlike any other. Its name, "Zizhu" in the Tibetan language, translates to "Six Peaks," representing the six paths of transmigration in Bon scripture,. These six jagged peaks thrust into the sky like sharp blades or fingers, creating a dramatic geological spectacle that is both awe-inspiring and intimidating,. Perched precariously upon these cliffs at an altitude of approximately 4,800 meters is Zizhu Monastery, one of the highest and most spectacular temples in Tibet. The monastery buildings are not clustered on flat ground but are scattered across mountain slits, ledges, and caves, appearing to hang suspended in the air. This unique architectural marvel has earned it the nickname "The Sky City",,.

A Stronghold of the Ancient Bon Religion

1.Zizhu Mountain is not a typical: Tibetan Buddhist site; it is one of the four great sacred mountains of the Bon Religion (Benjiao), the indigenous spiritual tradition of Tibet that predates Buddhism,,. With a history spanning over 3,000 years, Zizhu Mountain is considered a vital spiritual center where the ancient Bon lineage, scriptures, and rituals have been preserved intact, a rarity in a region largely dominated by Buddhism,. It is said to be the dojo where the Great Master Zhanba Namkha practiced and achieved enlightenment. For centuries, it was a hidden sanctuary, far removed from secular influence, accessible only to the most determined ascetics and pilgrims. Today, it stands as a living museum of Tibet's original culture and religion,.

The Miracle of the Sky Gate

Among the six peaks, the third peak features a breathtaking natural wonder known as the "Sky Gate" (Tianmen),. This is a massive, naturally formed hole that pierces through the rock face. Looking through this aperture, one sees a framed view of the vast blue sky, creating a visual connection between the earthly realm and the heavens,. In local belief, this gate is considered a passage for deities and a path for the soul's liberation. Pilgrims and visitors often climb to this spot, navigating the rugged terrain to stand beneath the arch, feeling the wind and the profound silence of the plateau. It is a place where the boundary between the physical and spiritual worlds seems to dissolve,.

A Journey of Visual and Spiritual Shock

2.Visiting Zizhu: Mountain is an adventure in the truest sense. The road to the top is a winding 11-kilometer gravel track that zigzags up the mountain face, offering adrenaline-inducing views of the valley below,. As you ascend, the landscape transforms from alpine grasslands to bare, rugged rocks. Upon reaching the top, the panoramic view is stunning: the "Sky City" monastery glows with red walls and gold roofs against the backdrop of the jagged peaks and the deep blue sky. The atmosphere here is one of raw, unadulterated power. Unlike the bustling tourist sites in Lhasa, Zizhu remains a place of quiet practice and deep devotion. Visitors can explore the meditation caves used by past masters, walk the Kora (pilgrimage path) around the peaks, and witness the devout pilgrims performing prostrations,.

The Grand God Dance

Zizhu Mountain is also famous for its grand religious festivals. Every 12 years, during the Year of the Rooster (Hen) in the Tibetan calendar, the monastery hosts the magnificent Zizhu God Dance (Shenwu). This event attracts tens of thousands of believers who come to watch the monks perform sacred masked dances to subdue evil spirits and pray for peace. It is a vibrant display of Bon culture, featuring intricate costumes, ancient instruments, and a spiritual intensity that shakes the valley,. Even outside of this festival, the daily sight of monks debating scriptures or meditating on the cliffs offers a glimpse into a spiritual life that has remained unchanged for millennia.