A popular pilgrimage site associated with the illustrious Milarepa (1040–1123), the scenic ruins of Rechung-puk Monastery are set high on a dramatic escarpment that divides the two branches of the Yarlung Valley.
Milarepa, founder of the Kagyupa order, is revered by many as Tibet’s greatest songwriter and poet. It was his foremost disciple, Rechungpa (1083–1161), who founded Rechung-puk as a puk (cave) retreat. Later a monastery was established at the site, eventually housing up to 1000 monks. This now lies in ruins. For pilgrims, the draw of the monastery is the atmospheric cave of Black Heruka, draped with hundreds of bracelets; the pilgrims are thumped on the back with Milarepa's walking stick and the stone footprint of Rechungpa.
