Yaowang Mountain

Chakpori, known as the Tibetan name for the mountain’s corner, is one of the four sacred mountains of Tibet, with an altitude of 3725 meters.Chakpori is roughly S-shaped, with two peaks, east and west. On the mountain is the Chala Lupu Monastery, the residence of early Tibetan medical lamas. In the late 17th century, Desi Sangye Gyatso built the Menba Zhacang (medical college) here, making it an important center for the development of Tibetan medicine. Legend has it that this is where Princess Wencheng prayed eastward when she missed her hometown, adding to its sacred atmosphere. The Thousand Buddha Cliff on the west side is one of the oldest cliff carvings in Tibet, with over 5000 Buddha statues of various forms carved on nearly two kilometers of cliff face. Chakpori is also one of the best locations for photographing the Potala Palace; the viewing platform halfway up the mountain is the spot featured on the 50 RMB banknote. Every year, numerous pilgrims and photography enthusiasts come to experience its unique religious atmosphere and magnificent scenery.