Chagpori Hill Guide
Chagpori Hill: Lhasa's Sacred Iron Mountain Guide
Chagpori Hill, also known as Iron Mountain, is a prominent landmark in Lhasa, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city, the Potala Palace, and the surrounding mountains. It's a sacred site for Tibetan Buddhists, historically renowned for its medical college and the iconic rock carvings that adorn its slopes. A visit to Chagpori Hill provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Tibetan culture and witness the devotion of pilgrims. Historically, Chagpori Hill was home to the Chagpori Medical College, founded in the 17th century by the Fifth Dalai Lama. This college was a vital center for Tibetan medicine, training doctors and producing traditional remedies. Sadly, the college was destroyed during the Cultural Revolution, but its legacy lives on in the numerous rock carvings depicting deities, mantras, and medicinal plants that can still be seen today. These carvings are considered sacred and are constantly being repainted and maintained by pilgrims. Tourists can enjoy a variety of activities on Chagpori Hill. The most popular is circumambulating the hill, following the well-worn path that winds around its base. This kora (pilgrimage route) is lined with prayer wheels, allowing visitors to accumulate merit with each spin. You can also climb to the summit for stunning views, explore the rock carvings, and observe the daily rituals of the pilgrims. Remember to walk clockwise around the hill, as is customary in Tibetan Buddhism. While there are no specific culinary traditions directly associated with Chagpori Hill, you can find numerous restaurants in Lhasa offering authentic Tibetan cuisine, such as momos (dumplings), thukpa (noodle soup), and tsampa (roasted barley flour).
Transportation
Bus routes 6, 12, 17, 19, 24, and 25 all have stops near Chagpori Hill. From the bus stop, it's a short walk to the base of the hill. Taxis are also readily available in Lhasa and can take you directly to the entrance.