YERPA VILLAGE

The village of Yerpa Da, on the left, next to a small, rudimentary bridge, marks the end of the runway. If you want camping, it's the ideal place. The foot of the caves (2 hours walk) can be reached on the ground. No local buses serve Yerpa. Yerpa was once the main hermitage in Lhasa. The greatest sages have pondered this, especially Songtsen Gampo, Guru Rinpoche, Atisha. Lhalung Pelgyi Dorje came to find refuge after killing Langdarma. Yerpa is considered one of Tibet's most important sacred sites. Maitreya Temple was ransacked during the Cultural Revolution, but the caves did not change and the site kept all its natural serenity. It has a magnificent view over the valley below and the mountain chain in the background.

The site visit takes place following the ritual course of kora, i. e. by turning on the left. It takes at least three hours if you make the big tour that passes through the "nonnerie". The path fills the juniper that one can burn in offering in the ovens provided for this use. The most famous caves are closed and kept by monks who live next door. Search for the person who has the key (le). No money will be asked, but it is recommended to leave offerings in each cave. The small "nonnerie" is particularly pleasant.