Bonri at Nyingchi County is one of the holiest places for followers of the Bon religion of Tibet. This is only the sacred mountain in Tibet that Buddhists and Bonpo (Bon follower) circumambulate anti-clockwise or the Bon way. Bonri is located in the southeast of Nyingchi County, seated on the bank of the Yarlung River. The Bonri rises to over 4,480m above sea level. In general, it is heavily forested. It takes three to seven days to circumambulate the mountain.
Â
It’s believed that Buddha Tonpa Shenrab, the founder of the Bon tradition, first came to Tibet in Kongpo Bonri. There are many sacred places and monasteries all over the Bonri. These include self-risen images, mantras, and stones that are carved with the life story of Lord Tonpa Shenrab. It is believed that circumambulating the mountain can purify the sins and get a long life.
Â
There are four monasteries of Bon tradition around the Bonri, which are well-protected and can be visited on your trek to Bonri.
