Changlei Holy Mountain is located in Yingbolo of Barkam. The surrounding terrain forms a bowl-shaped highland valley. The 83-hectare monastic complex is situated near the center of this area.
According to traditional accounts, more than 1,300 years ago the master Vairotsana and the yogi Yudra Nyingpo resided in this region and transmitted Dharma teachings.[1]
Approximately 800 years ago, the reincarnation of Yudra Nyingpo — Shire Jangtsen — built a retreat hut on Mount Yingbolo, which later developed into a small monastery. This is regarded as the origin of Changlei Monastery.[2]
Between 1966 and 1976, Changlei Monastery was destroyed during the Cultural Revolution, leaving only partial ruins.[3]
After 1980, under the leadership of Tulku Yanban Shire Jangtsen (Karma Rinpoche), rebuilding efforts began, leading to the establishment of the present monastery complex.[4][5]
The Small Scripture Hall of Changlei Monastery was designated as a provincial-level cultural relic protection unit (the eighth batch) in Sichuan in 2012.[6]
The monastery is under the jurisdiction of Barkam City.[7][8] It is one of several Nyingma monasteries in the region.[9]
2. Physical Geography
Located at an elevation of about 3,500 meters on the slopes of Changlei Mountain, overlooking Barkam City and the Suomo River Gorge.
Situated on the eastern edge of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, characterized by alpine terrain, a cold and humid climate, and seasonal vegetation changes.
3. Transportation
Approximately 480 km from Chengdu via expressway through Wenchuan.
Around 16 km (roughly 30 minutes by car) from downtown Barkam.
Barkam serves as a local transportation hub with routes to nearby counties.
Architecture
Changlei Monastery’s layout follows the mountain slope, with structures arranged across multiple terraces. The complex includes temples, a Buddhist institute, a retreat area, and a museum.[10][11]
Main facilities include:
Old Monastery
Avalokiteśvara Hall
Śākyamuni Hall
Buddhist Institute
Retreat Center
Changlei Museum
Grand Hall Library
Teachers and Lamas
Changlei Monastery hosts over 500 resident monks. Principal teachers include:
The monastery regularly offers Dharma lectures, retreats, and annual prayer ceremonies. Teachings are published on its official website and related platforms. Topics include:
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