Mount Gadejiu

Mount Gadejiu

Mount Gadejiu

The Four Sacred Mountains of Tibetan Buddhism include Mount Gang Rinpoche in Ngari, Tibet; Mount Kawagarbo (now commonly known as Meili Snow Mountain) in Deqen, Yunnan; Mount Anyemaqen in Guoluo, Qinghai; and Mount Gadejiu (pronounced "Ga" third tone) in Yushu, Qinghai.

Among these four sacred mountains, Meili Snow Mountain in Diqing Prefecture, Yunnan, receives the most attention, while Mount Gang Rinpoche in Tibet’s Ngari region is a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts. The other two sacred mountains—Mount Gadejiu in Yushu Prefecture, Qinghai, and Mount Anyemaqen in Guoluo Prefecture, Qinghai—are less frequented. Yushu Prefecture’s tourism promotion centers on the theme of the “Three-River-Source” area, and with the globally renowned Hoh Xil also located there, official promotion of Mount Gadejiu is minimal. In fact, Mount Gadejiu is an excellent destination for trekking and circumambulation. It is situated in Zaduo Town (also translated as Zaduo or Zaduo), Chenduo County, Yushu Prefecture, Qinghai, and consists of a main peak surrounded by dozens of other peaks. The main peak stands at an elevation of 5,395 meters (some sources say 5,470 meters). In Tibetan, Mount Gadejiu is also called “Gyêju Xia Gya,” meaning “White Holy Guest.” Legend has it that it represents a wise and brave general, with the 28 surrounding peaks symbolizing his seven generals, seven doctors, seven swordsmiths, seven tailors, as well as his grandmother and children. There are three routes for circumambulating Mount Gadejiu: the outer circuit takes about 8–10 days, but reportedly only the last two days offer views of the main peak; the middle circuit takes about 2–4 days, covering around 55 km on foot, with some longer sections accessible by vehicle and approximately 25 km requiring full hiking; the inner circuit can be completed in just one day, but the route is quite dangerous and has seen multiple accidents.

Although Mount Gadejiu has an elevation of only 5,470 meters—which is not particularly outstanding among the high-altitude peaks of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau—its steep and towering form is enough to intimidate and inspire awe in anyone who approaches. It is the eternal sacred mountain that watches over the Tibetan people of Yushu.

The journey from Jiegu Town in Yushu Prefecture to Saikang Monastery at the foot of the sacred mountain spans nearly 200 kilometers. From Jiegu Town, head east along National Highway 214 to Qingshuihe Township, then take a fork north toward Qumarleb County for about 50 kilometers. From there, you can glimpse the mountain’s main peak rising dramatically from the earth. The road only goes as far as Saikang Monastery; to see the sacred mountain up close, you must rent a horse from the monastery. This is a monastery with strict religious rules—women are not allowed to stay overnight. The small river in front of the monastery serves as a boundary; women are only permitted to live on the opposite side, and even then, they are prohibited from approaching the monastery grounds after 5:00 PM.

There are three routes for circumambulating Mount Gadejiu: large, medium, and small. Most people choose the medium circuit. Starting from Zaduo Town, the first 12 km are flat, followed by a gentle slope of about 6 km that leads to the vehicle-accessible endpoint where Tibetan residences are located. This section takes about 4–5 hours. Next is a climb of roughly 5 km to the pass (at an altitude of around 5,000 m), which is fairly steep and takes about 2–3 hours. Descending from the pass, the next 8 km involve traversing a rocky trail unsuitable for camping and without any nomad shelters; this part takes about 2 hours. At the three-way junction, you’ll find a Tibetan family home where hospitality is warm and welcoming. From the junction to the valley entrance is about 6 km and takes 1–2 hours; the valley entrance has nomad residents, but no more are found beyond the bend. The climb from the valley entrance to the pass (around 4,700 m altitude) is about 8 km and takes 2–3 hours. The first pass to the second pass is just over 1 km (flat but hazardous). From the second pass, the descent to Saikang Monastery covers about 10 km, with nomad villages near the monastery; this takes 2–3 hours. Finally, from Saikang Monastery to the three-way junction back to Zaduo Town is about 3 km. The total trek is around 55 km. A typical hiking plan spans 3 days, though it can be done in 2—though the first day would be strenuous, covering roughly 30+ km. Starting from Saikang Monastery shortens the route slightly, with an estimated total of about 40 km.

Every region in Tibetan areas has its own living Buddha, and the one at the foot of Mount Gadejiu is called Living Buddha Reza, whose real name is Reza Rinpoche. Reza Rinpoche is the abbot of Bakhan Monastery in Qumarleb County, Yushu Prefecture, and although young at only 37 years old, he is also a well-known local Tibetan doctor. His compassion, kindness, and exceptional medical skills have earned him great influence in the region. In Tibetan society, a Rinpoche is akin to a local leader—or, in more modern terms, a public servant. Reza Rinpoche is no exception, especially given his background in medicine.

Surrounding Mount Gadejiu are also historical sites such as the Tang-Tibet Ancient Road and the throne platform where King Gesar was enthroned. Coupled with the fact that Yushu itself is the homeland of King Gesar, these elements further enhance the sacredness and grandeur of Mount Gadejiu.