The only Catholic Church In Tibet

When mentioned Tibetan religion, Lama Religion with dense nationality color and its mysterious atmosphere will appear in mind，giving you the feeling of mystery and dignity. Most Tibetans believe in Buddhism, but there is small village of Yanjing in Naxi Ethnic Group Township of Markam County under Chamdo Prefecture, southwest China’s Tibet Autonomous Region, where 90% villagers of this town are believe in Catholicism .Explore Tibet Team, a professional Tibet travel agency, today introduces the only Catholic Church to you.

The church known as “Yerkalo”, and it is a whitewashed architecture perched on a hill in the valley west of the Jinsha River. It was built by a French missionary in 1865, which covers an area of over 6,000 square meters. The architecture is a combination of Tibetan, Han nationality and western style, with a Tibetan exterior design combined with a Gothic one in the interior. When you enter into the church, you will see a huge cross on the walls and the wall is adorned with Gothic arches and so many exquisite frescos on the ceiling of the church. Besides, the church is adorned with gesang flowers in its court, where white hada adored the frames of the religious artworks.
The Catholicism was first introduction to Tibet in 1865 year, and the church here has now become the praying locale more for than 500 parishioners. The church has one priest and two sisters, and holds masses on Christmas and Easter. Besides, there are many villagers bring their babies to be baptized. The babies will receive religious names with their whole lives. However, the Tibetan Catholics maintain same lifestyle and customs with other Tibetan residents, and some Tibetan families even have both Catholic and Buddhist family members.
The church is not only can enrich the local culture, but also as a model to present western belief coexists with Tibetan monasteries. Discover new, enriching trips with in-depth, authentic Tibetan experiences with Explore Tibet.