Kumbum Stupa

白居寺

A remarkable 15th-century chorten featuring 108 chapels arranged in multiple levels, with golden spires visible from miles away across the Tibetan plateau. The intricate architecture and artistic details make it one of Tibet's most impressive religious structures.

Things to do

• Explore the 108 Chapels — Climb through the interconnected chapels stacked in concentric circles, each housing Buddhist statues, murals, and religious artifacts dating to the 15th century.
• Circumambulate the Main Stupa — Walk clockwise around the base of the golden-spired chorten while spinning prayer wheels, a meditative practice integral to Tibetan Buddhism.
• Ascend to the Rooftop Viewpoint — Reach the upper terraces for panoramic views of the Tibetan plateau and surrounding valleys, with the golden spires gleaming in the sunlight.
• Visit the Mural Gallery — Study the detailed thangka-style paintings and Buddhist iconography adorning interior chapel walls, representing centuries of Tibetan artistic tradition.
• Attend Evening Prayer Ceremonies — Join monks during sunset prayers in the main assembly hall to experience the chanting, incense, and spiritual atmosphere of active worship.
• Photography from the Hillside — Position yourself on the slopes surrounding Kumbum to capture the white and gold architecture against the vast Tibetan landscape.

Food to try

• Tsampa (Barley Flour) — Roasted barley flour mixed with butter tea, a staple Tibetan food that provides sustenance and warmth on the high plateau.
• Momos — Steamed dumplings filled with yak meat or vegetables, commonly served at monastery guesthouses near Kumbum.
• Butter Tea (Po Cha) — Strong black tea blended with yak butter and salt, an essential beverage offered throughout the region to visitors.
• Yak Yogurt — Thick, creamy yogurt made from yak milk, often served plain or with honey at local markets and monastery restaurants.
• Thukpa (Tibetan Noodle Soup) — Hearty hand-pulled noodle soup with yak meat and local vegetables, warming and filling at high altitude.

Local customs & good to know

• Clockwise Circumambulation — Always walk around the stupa, prayer wheels, and religious structures in a clockwise direction, as this is essential to Tibetan Buddhist practice.
• Remove Shoes in Chapels — Take off your shoes before entering the small chapels and shrines as a sign of respect for sacred spaces.
• Photography Restrictions — Ask permission before photographing interior murals and chapels, as some areas may prohibit cameras during prayers or for religious reasons.
• Modest Dress Code — Wear respectful clothing covering shoulders and knees, particularly important when visiting active prayer halls and meeting with monks.