Zuthulphuk Monastery is a significant spiritual stop on the Kailash Kora journey. With Milarepa’s hand and footprints in its sacred cave, it offers pilgrims a unique blend of history, myth, and breathtaking views of Mount Kailash.
Zuthulphuk, located 5.3 nautical miles east of Mount Kailash, is a key stop on the sacred Kailash circuit route. On the second day of their journey around Mount Kailash, pilgrims pause here to rest after covering roughly 22 km. Zuthulphuk is the only place on the route with accommodations for pilgrims on this day. In the past, lodging was limited to the Zuthulphuk Monastery itself. Now, however, guesthouses and hotels are available for a more comfortable stay.
Of the four main monasteries located around Mount Kailash, Zuthulphuk Monastery is the last one pilgrims encounter along their journey. Also called the "Zutulphuk" or "Zutrulphuk" Monastery, it is known for its deep spiritual significance and captivating history.
The story behind Zuthulphuk Monastery is rooted in a historic clash of beliefs between Bon and Buddhism. In the 11th century, tension between these two religious traditions often led to conflict, even among spiritual leaders. During this time, a well-known event took place involving Milarepa, a revered Tibetan yogi, and Naro Bongchung, a Bon practitioner.
Milarepa arrived in the Kailash region to meditate, but Naro Bongchung, who followed Bon traditions, insisted that Kailash belonged to Yamdrung Bon and demanded Milarepa leave. Refusing to back down, Milarepa remained focused, undeterred by Naro Bongchung's attempts to intimidate him. They debated the correct direction for circumnavigating Kailash, with Naro Bongchung favoring a counterclockwise route and Milarepa supporting a clockwise path. The dispute escalated until Naro Bongchung threw a large rock at Milarepa. Remarkably, Milarepa caught the rock with his hand, leaving a permanent handprint as proof of his strength.
A monastery seemingly appeared near this rock, symbolizing the power of Milarepa's spirituality. In time, it became known as the "magical cave monastery"—a fitting name derived from the Tibetan words "Zutul" for magic and "Phuk" for cave.
Despite its simplicity, Zuthulphuk holds a strong spiritual importance. Here’s what visitors can look forward to when visiting:
For more insights into Zuthulphuk and its spiritual history, visit our blog at The Trekker’s Society for related articles and updates.
The best time to visit Zuthulphuk is between spring and fall, when the weather is warmer and access is easier. During summer, daytime temperatures range from 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F), though it can get cold at night. Winter is less ideal due to heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures, which make travel nearly impossible.
If you're ready to embark on this sacred journey, explore our Kailash tour packages and bookings to start planning your visit to Zuthulphuk Monastery and beyond.
