Jyekundo Dondrubling Monastery Qinghai

First built in 1398, the Jyekundo Dondrubling Monastery suffered heavy damage from the 2010 earthquake (the main prayer hall was completely destroyed and a number of resident monks were killed). The monastery has since been rebuilt and it’s dramatically located on a ridge perched above town. It's a very active place: you may see young monks playing football. Hike up north into the hills above the temple to follow the clockwise kora through a huge encampment of prayer flags. It takes about 25 minutes to walk the 1.5km uphill road (follow Jiegusi Lu on and up from Qionglong Lu), or a taxi costs ¥20. When walking up the hill, stick to the road as the pathway is home to some aggressive wild dogs.