Chakpori Hill

Overview

Chakpori Hill is a sacred rocky outcrop directly across from the Potala Palace, traditionally regarded as the soul mountain of Lhasa. Once home to Tibet's renowned medical college (Mentsikhang), it now features hundreds of ancient rock carvings of Buddhist deities and offers one of the best viewpoints in the city.

Highlights

• Rock Carvings: Thousands of brightly painted Buddhist images are carved directly into the exposed rock faces, some dating back centuries.
• Panoramic Views: The hilltop delivers one of the most dramatic perspectives of the Potala Palace, framed against the Lhasa Valley.
• Pilgrim Path: A gentle trail winds up through prayer flags to the summit, passing carved mani stones and small shrines.

History

Chakpori has been considered sacred since at least the 7th century. The 5th Dalai Lama established the famous Tibetan Medical College (Mentsikhang) atop the hill in 1696, which was destroyed in 1959 and later rebuilt at a different location in the city.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: Best visited early morning for soft light on the rock carvings and the Potala Palace behind.
• Tip 2: The climb is short but at altitude — take it slowly.
• Duration: 45 minutes–1 hour.