Konka Monastery (Gònggá Sì, 贡嘎寺) is one of most beautiful monasteries in Ganzi Prefecture, due completely to its location on the far side of the Tsemi Pass (Zǐméishānyà Kǒu, 子梅山垭口) in the Minya Konka Mountain Range (Mùyǎ Gònggá Shān, 木雅贡嘎山).

The hike up to the monastery is at least half of the attraction. Throughout the day long hike off of the highway that connects Jiulong Town with Kangding, the peaks of the Minya Konka range beckon from afar—you should be able to see them clearly at several points along the hike, though fog and clouds will obscure full views as well.

The hike requires you to take a bus or van from Kangding (or Jiulong) to the 99 kilometer mark of the highway. From there you can continue on to Shangmuju Village (Shàngmù Jū, 上木居) via motorcycle, van or tour bus and that is where the hike begins.

The walk up to Tsemi Pass takes about half a day if taken at a slow pace and when you reach the pass you will have a great view of the Minya Konka range. In the valley on the far side of the pass is Konka Monastery. You can stay in ready-made tents below the pass, in the village around the monastery or at the monastery itself. Fees range from RMB 10 to RMB 25 per bed. It is also possible to stay in local homes.

Admission to the monastery rises and falls with the high tourist season, but expect to pay at least RMB 20 to get in.

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