Drepung Monastery in Lhasa, Tibet

Sitting on Mount Gambo Utse at the western suburb of Lhasa, Drepung Monastery, built in 1416 by Jamyang Choge Tashi Palden, one of Tsongkhapa’s main disciples, is the largest Tibetan monastery as well as one of the Great Three Monasteries of Lhasa, along with Sera Monastery and Ganden Monastery.

The highlights for visiting Drepung Monastery include unique architectures and magnificent buildings, like Ganden Palace, Coqen Hall, Four Great Dratsangs (Loseling, Gomang, Deyang, Ngagpa), and the Tibet biggest kitchen for over 10,000 monks during the heyday; one-day Drepung Kora to see the stunning vista of Lhasa Valley and Lalu Wetland, even Tibet landmark - Potala Palace; Drepung Buddhist debate to watch monks debating sutras and scriptures with exaggerated gestures and logic arguments; Drepung Shoton Festival to enjoy the grandest Buddha Thangka painting unfolding ceremony in Lhasa summer; 10 minutes’ walk to Nechung Monastery to explore the seat of State Oracle and the most striking murals and spectacular paintings, etc. If time allows, you can combine your Drepung day trip with Sera Monastery to observe sand mandala making and monks debates in just one go.

To be blunt, Drepung Monastery gives you a great chance to trek the enchanting kora with sincere pilgrims and experience the authentic culture and exotic customs in Shoton Festival. Please follow our in-depth guide below and make the most of Drepung Monastery tour.

To make sure you can enjoy the best Drepung Monastery travel experience available, we kindly prepare the latest and most easy-to-use Drepung Monastery travel and tour guides below for you. From fantastic Drepung kora and vibrant monk debates to hilarious Shoton Buddha exhibition and classic Lhasa monastery tour to Drepung and Sera, etc., you can follow the insider’s tip and won’t miss the single moment when visiting the largest Tibetan monastery in Lhasa.