Bonri Mountain

Bonri Mountain – Brief Introduction

Bonri Mountain is the most famous holy mountain of Bon. It is located on the northern bank of Yarlung Zangbo River in Nyingchi County with an altitude of about 4500 meters. The towering Bonri Mountain is covered with dense forests and blossoming wild flowers. Various natural landscapes are available in different seasons.

Bon is the primordial religion of Tibet. It was widely spread before Buddhism was spread into Tibet. Bon was very popular in Gongbo Area early in Tubo Kingdom Period according to historical record. Gongbo Area was the one of the cradles of Bon.

Bonri Mountain – Legend

Bonri Mountain is highly respected by the followers of Bon. It is said that Aqong Jayvo (a famous follower of Bon) was the first one who was opposed to Buddhism. Once, he had a competition with Padmasambhava (a famous Buddhism master). Master Padmasambhava tried to push Bonri Mountain into Nyang River with his supernatural power so as to wipe out Bon completely. But Aqong Jayvo stopped him. Hence, Bon was preserved in Gongbo Area.

Bonri Mountain – Status in History of Bon

Since Bonri Mountain enjoys important status in the history of Bon, a large quantity of Bon followers from Qinghai Province and Sichuan Province would come here to circle the mountain every year. They would turn the prayer wheel anticlockwise while walking around the mountain anticlockwise.

Bonri Mountain – Tourism Tips

Tourists could travel to Bonri Mountain at any season of the year since there are various natural landscapes in different seasons.

Tourists could lodge in the monasteries on Bonri Mountain or camp out.

The horse and yak renting services are available in the county seat of Nyingchi. Tourists could only climb up Bonri Mountain from the eastern slope.

It would take 3-7 days to circle Bonri Mountain; tourists could visit monasteries on the way.

Remember to circle Bonri Mountain anticlockwise.