Chiu Gompa: The Sparrow Monastery by Lake Mansarovar

About Chiu Gompa Monastery:

Chiu Gompa is an ancient monastery in Tibet visited by many pilgrims who embark on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Package. It sits on top of the steep and reddish Santok Perli Mountain.

Chiu in Tibetan means Sparrow. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche had been guided to this place by a sparrow. There is a cave in the Chiu Gompa Monastery that houses an ancient temple of Guru Rinpoche with his footprints from the 8th century. Hence, the monastery is also known as Sparrow Monastery

The Chiu Gompa Monastery offers an amazing view of Lake Mansarovar, and on a clear day, one can also spot Mount Kailash to the north from here.

Location of Chiu Gompa Monastery:

Chiu Gompa Monastery is one of the most popular monasteries located near the shore of Lake Mansarovar. It is situated at a distance of about 35-40km from Darchen, which is the base for Mount Kailash Parikrama in Tibet.

One has to trek up some stairs to reach the Chiu Gompa Monastery. It is a little tough to climb the stairs. Hence, it is advisable to be very careful with the same. In case you have any doubt, then it is better to bow your head for downstairs only and not climb the stairs.

Significance of Chiu Gompa Monastery:

The Chiu Gompa Monastery is considered holy by the Tibetans. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche spent his last seven days of life here. Guru Rinpoche is believed to be the person who introduced Tantric Buddhism in Tibet and built the first monastery there. Therefore, his meditation cave in Chiu Gompa Monastery is highly respected by Buddhists. Ancient Buddhist scriptures have also been preserved in the monastery.